Les Menuires
Les Menuires is the gateway to the 3 Vallées – the most famous and largest ski area in the world – and provides you with access to eight resorts, 600 km of pistes (85 % of which are at over 1,800m), 50,000 metres of drops and some of the most iconic summits in the Alps, such as Cime de Caron (3,200m), Saulire (2,700m) and Mont du Vallon (2,952m).
Les Menuires has an exceptional ski area (at 1,800m altitude at the lowest part of the resort, 52% of the ski area is covered by snow cannons) where snow is guaranteed throughout the season. And its slopes run down two different sides of the mountain, allowing you to enjoy sunshine all day long. And since the brand-new, cutting-edge cable car was built last winter, providing access to the peak in less than eight minutes, La Masse has become the new place to be in the 3 Vallées.
Aside from skiing, why not join one of the safety evenings with the ski patrol team? During this 1.5-hour activity, you’ll experience an avalanche and have to search for someone who is lost and injured. You’ll be helping the rescue dogs search for the victim, then help the team transport the victim and finally witness the helicopter carrying them away! Participants can then chat to the ski patrol team, the dog handlers, snow groomers and representatives of the safety system.
Other activities include sledging, the thrills of driving a snowmobile or, at the other end of the spectrum, calming yoga sessions.
Eat, Sleep, Relax
When it comes to accommodation, Les Menuires is a prime example of original 1960s Modernist architecture interspersed with Savoyard-inspired chalets and luxury residences to create an unusual and acclaimed architectural heritage. The ‘Brelin’ residence, a historic liner-inspired apartment block in La Croisette, was awarded 20th Century Heritage accreditation in 2003. Choose 4-star hotel Higalik, a spectacular ten-storey building which blends into the mountains, for a holiday right at the foot of the slopes.
Feeling hungry? You won’t struggle to find something to satisfy your appetite. Head to the fabulous ski-in/ski-out restaurant, Le Télémark. Bask in the sun, on the vast south-facing terrace and enjoy traditional, regional and elegant cuisine using fresh, seasonal produce from chef Marc Dach. When you’re on the go, the delicatessen next to the Higalik 4-star hotel’s restaurant Le Telemark is run by the highly talented Flora Sades, from Mexico, and is the ideal place if you’re looking for some delicious treats.
Environment
The resort was granted the Flocon Vert label for sustainable tourism in May 2022. Initiatives include greener use of snow groomers and a move towards using vegetable oil as fuel, as well as protecting biodiversity and tracking mountain birds such as golden eagles and rock ptarmigans to better understand their needs. The resort is 100% accessible on skis, so leave your car in one of the many car parks (free outdoors, with a fee if covered) or use the free shuttle buses. It all helps to preserve the mountains.
Events in 2024
Feb 22: The Trophy of Hope – for more than 25 years, Les Menuires’ winter calendar has been marked by this important charity event, which raises money and showcases the pleasures of mountain sports for people with disabilities.
Mar 12-14: Friendly Menuires Festival – stand-up comedy, plays and more.
Mar 23: Madness in La Masse #2 – a celebration of board sports in the La Masse sector, with two races (solo and relay) and lots of entertainment.
Mar 31: 3 Vallées Enduro – more than 1,000 amateur skiers come to discover les 3 vallées, the world’s largest ski area, through specials races, activities and entertainment.
Apr 7-11: Yogiski – a week of yoga, walking, relaxation and meditation.
At a glance
Ski until April 28
160km of slopes at 1,850m
