Les Trois Vallees
The Three Valleys is the largest linked ski area on earth, around 600 km of connected pistes shared by Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens and the Belleville resorts. If you want one ski pass that suits beginners, experts and everyone between in the same week, nothing else comes close. The only real question is which village you sleep in, because the skiing is shared.
One pass, three valleys
Les Trois Vallees joins a string of resorts across three parallel valleys in the French Tarentaise, all under a single lift pass. The scale is the point. You can ski from the gourmet pistes of Courchevel over to the high snowfields of Val Thorens and back, covering ground that would take a week to explore properly.
Because the skiing is shared, your choice of base is really a choice of atmosphere and budget rather than terrain. Courchevel is the glamour, Meribel the central chalet classic, Val Thorens the high and lively, and the Belleville villages the value play. Wherever you stay, the whole network is at your feet.
Where to base yourself
Every resort here accesses the same area, so pick on village character, altitude and price. Here is the honest read on each, with a link to the full review.
| Resort | Altitude | Best for | The verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel | 1850 m | Luxury and beginners | The most gilded village in skiing, brilliant gentle slopes and Michelin dining. |
| Meribel | 1450 m | Families and chalets | The pretty, central chalet heartland, equally easy in every direction. |
| Val Thorens | 2,300 m | Snow and apres | Europe's highest resort, the most snow sure and the liveliest after dark. |
| Les Menuires | 1,850 m | Value and access | Improving fast, well placed and the best value bed in the valley. |
| Saint Martin de Belleville | 1,450 m | Charm and quiet | A genuine old village with quick access to the whole area and far fewer crowds. |
Is the Three Valleys right for you?
This is the ideal region for a mixed ability group that wants to start the day together and split by level. Intermediates get the most from it, with endless blue and red mileage in every direction. Beginners are well served in Courchevel and Meribel, and experts have the steep couloirs above Courchevel and the off piste off Val Thorens.
It is less ideal if you want a small, intimate, storybook village and do not care about a huge area. In that case look at Saint Martin de Belleville here, or read our wider France guide for charmier alternatives like Megeve.
Getting there and getting around
Geneva is the usual gateway, roughly two and a quarter to three and a quarter hours by road depending on the resort, with Courchevel and Meribel the quickest and Val Thorens the longest. A full Three Valleys adult day pass runs around $75, and a six day pass is better value. For a first week, a single valley pass is often enough.
Book the extras and save
Lift passes, airport transfers and lessons are where a trip quietly leaks money. Booking ahead almost always beats the resort window price.
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How big is the Three Valleys ski area?
The Three Valleys, or Les Trois Vallees, links around 600 km of pistes under a single lift pass, which makes it the largest connected ski area on earth. You can ski between Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens and the Belleville valley resorts without taking off your skis for long.
Which Three Valleys resort should I choose?
Choose Courchevel for luxury and gentle beginner terrain, Meribel for a central chalet base and families, Val Thorens for the most reliable snow and the best apres, and Les Menuires or Saint Martin de Belleville for value and quiet. All of them access the same vast network.
Is the Three Valleys good for beginners?
Yes. Courchevel and Meribel both have large, well groomed nursery and green areas, and there is gentle terrain in every valley. Strong intermediates get the most from the area, but a first timer can have a fine week without ever feeling stuck.
How snow sure is the Three Valleys?
Very, by Alpine standards. Val Thorens at around 2,300 m and the high Belleville slopes hold reliable cover from late November into spring, and much of the area sits above 1,800 m. Lower Meribel and Courchevel villages lean on extensive snowmaking in lean years.
What does a Three Valleys lift pass cost?
A full area adult day pass runs around $75, with six day passes offering better value. Many travelers find a valley only pass enough for a first week. We can build the right pass into your trip when we price it.
How do I get to the Three Valleys?
Geneva is the main gateway, roughly two and a quarter to three and a quarter hours by road depending on the resort. Courchevel and Meribel are the quickest, Val Thorens the longest given its altitude. Lyon and Chambery are alternatives.
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If you want a Three Valleys trip priced by specialists, give us the dates and budget below. Send one brief and our partner chalet companies and tour operators return tailored proposals covering flights, transfers, lift passes and lessons. No fee to you, ever.
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