LES MENUIRES
Transfer Time
4 hr 15 min
Best For
Beginners & Intermediates and Advanced.
Skiing
600km / 183 Lifts
Ideal For
Families & Couples
LES MENUIRES AT A GLANCE
Les Menuires is a ski resort located in the French Alps, within the Savoie department of the Auvergne- Rhône-Alpes region. It’s part of the famous 3 Vallées (Three Valleys) ski area, which is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world, connecting Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, and others.
Key Features of Les Menuires:
🏔️ Skiing and Terrain
- Altitude: The resort sits at 1,850 meters, with skiing up to around 2,850 meters.
- Pistes: Over 160 km of pistes locally, with access to 600 km within the 3 Vallées network.
- Variety: Offers slopes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with excellent intermediate terrain and plenty of off-piste options nearby.
- Snow reliability: High altitude and snowmaking facilities ensure good snow coverage throughout the season.
🏘️ Resort Style and Atmosphere
- Originally built in the 1960s, Les Menuires has a mix of modern and traditional Savoyard architecture.
- Known for being more affordable and family-friendly compared to nearby resorts like Courchevel.
- The resort has been significantly renovated in recent years, adding charm to the once utilitarian 60s-era buildings.
❄️ Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
- Snowshoeing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing.
- Wellness centers with spas, swimming pools, and fitness facilities.
- Family-focused activities and clubs for children.
🌞 Summer in Les Menuires
- Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and alpine climbing.
- Offers lift access for bikers and walkers to higher trails and scenic points.
🚡 Accessibility
- Closest airports: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble.
- Train access via Moûtiers, then a bus or taxi to the resort.
- Well-integrated lift systems make it easy to connect to the rest of the 3 Vallées.
les menuires SKI HOLIDAYS
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WHY WE LOVE LA PLAGNE
- Excellent off piste
- Most slopes are above 2000m
- It’s a great family-friendly destination
Beginners
Les Menuires, part of the vast 3 Vallées ski area in the French Alps, is a very beginner-friendly resort, making it a great choice for first-time skiers and families. Here's what beginners can expect:
Beginner Skiing in Les Menuires:
1. Dedicated Beginner Zones:
- La Croisette & Les Bruyères sectors: These are the two main base areas in Les Menuires, and both feature gentle "green" runs and free beginner lifts (magic carpets and drag lifts), ideal for getting comfortable on skis without pressure.
- The "Piou Piou" areas (run by ESF – École du Ski Français) are especially designed for children and complete novices.
2. Wide and Gentle Slopes:
- Les Menuires has several long, wide green and blue runs where beginners can build confidence. Notable examples include:
- Montagnette (green) – Very easy and scenic.
- Boulevard Cumin (green) – A long and gentle slope leading back to the village.
- La Violette (blue) – A bit more challenging but often used by progressing beginners.
3. Ski Schools and Instruction:
- Several ski schools operate in Les Menuires, including:
- ESF (École du Ski Français)
- Prosneige
- Ski Cool
- These offer group and private lessons in English and French, tailored for both children and adults.
4. Beginner Passes:
- You don't need a full 3 Vallées pass when you're just starting out. Les Menuires offers:
- Beginner lift passes that cover only the lower lifts and beginner areas at a reduced rate.
5. Easy Progression:
- Once you're comfortable on the greens, there are several blue runs that allow for progression without being too intimidating.
- You can even take a gentle lift like the Roc 1 gondola, which brings you to accessible blues like Bd de la Masse.
Extra Perks for Beginners:
- Excellent signage and well-groomed pistes.
- Beginner-friendly accommodation often ski-in/ski-out, reducing the hassle of carrying equipment.
- Lots of sunny weather and great visibility help with confidence.
- Family-friendly activities like tobogganing, snowshoeing, and indoor swimming at the sports center.
Summary:
Les Menuires is ideal for beginners thanks to its:
- Gentle learning zones,
- Affordable beginner passes,
- Good ski schools,
- And an easy slope progression path.
It's a relaxed, practical resort with everything beginners need to get started and enjoy their first ski holiday.
Let me know if you'd like a suggested itinerary or help picking accommodations close to the beginner slopes.
Intermediates
Les Menuires is a fantastic destination for intermediate skiers, offering a diverse range of slopes and access to the expansive Les 3 Vallées ski area.
Terrain and Pistes
The resort itself boasts 160 km of pistes, with a significant portion dedicated to intermediate skiers:
- 24 red runs (approximately 50 km)
- 38 blue runs (approximately 88 km)
This variety ensures that intermediate skiers have ample terrain to explore and challenge themselves.
Notable Areas for Intermediates
- Mont de la Chambre: At 2,850 meters, this area offers a mix of blue and red runs that sweep down the mountainside, providing both scenic views and enjoyable descents.
- La Masse Sector: While known for its advanced terrain, La Masse also features several red runs suitable for confident intermediates seeking to push their skills further.
- Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: Connected to Les Menuires, this area offers quieter slopes with a mix of blue and red runs, ideal for intermediates looking for less crowded pistes.
Access to Les 3 Vallées
Les Menuires is part of Les 3 Vallées, the world's largest connected ski area, offering over 600 km of pistes. Intermediate skiers can easily venture into neighbouring resorts like Méribel and Courchevel, both of which provide a wealth of intermediate-friendly terrain.
Additional Features
- BK Park: Located on the Becca slope, this snow park is ideal for intermediate riders looking to try freestyle skiing or snowboarding in a controlled environment.
- Ski Touring Routes: For those interested in ski touring, Les Menuires offers intermediate-level routes that combine adventure with the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Les Menuires provides intermediate skiers with a rich and varied skiing experience, combining well-groomed pistes, scenic routes, and access to one of the most extensive ski areas in the world.
Advanced
For the advanced skiers this resort is brilliant when the snow is good. The best and hardest runs are all located above the bellcote treeline. However, the long runs down are fantastic when the conditions are right. The Biolley sector is fantastic, un-groomed area marked on the piste map as ‘natur’ but they are not prepared so watch out for the bumps! The skiing over in Champagny appears quite rough and ready in comparison to the other side of the mountain but it is fabulous. With big vertical drops – from Roche de Mio down to Champagney the vertical drop is 1500m and boasts some awesome views over the Vanoise National Park.
Apres Ski
Les Menuires offers a vibrant après-ski scene with a variety of bars and pubs to suit different tastes. Here are some notable spots you might enjoy.
Les Bruyères, Les Menuires
A popular nightclub known for its electro-pop music and lively DJ sets, making it a go-to spot for dancing enthusiasts.
La Croisette, Les Menuires
A cozy pub offering a wide selection of draft beers, live sports broadcasts, and a warm atmosphere perfect for unwinding after skiing.
La Croisette, Les Menuires
A friendly pub featuring live music, happy hour deals, and a welcoming environment ideal for groups.
Les Bruyères, Les Menuires
A late-night bar offering a relaxed setting for those looking to enjoy drinks without venturing far.
Preyerand, Les Menuires
A Dutch-run bar known for its fun ambiance and being one of the most entertaining spots in town.
While Les Menuires may not have the most extensive nightlife compared to some other resorts, it offers a range of venues to enjoy after a day on the slopes. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or relax with a drink, there's something to suit your mood.
Ski Schools
Les Menuires, part of the renowned Les 3 Vallées ski area in the French Alps, offers a variety of ski schools catering to all levels—from beginners and children to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
🏫 Main Ski Schools in Les Menuires
1. ESF Les Menuires (École du Ski Français)
- Reputation: The largest and most established ski school in France.
- Services:
- Group and private lessons for skiing and snowboarding.
- Specialized children’s programs starting from 3 years old.
- Off-piste and competition training.
- Adaptive skiing and lessons in English, French, and other languages.
- Meeting Points: Several around the resort (La Croisette, Les Bruyères, Reberty, etc.).
2. Prosneige Ski & Snowboard School
- Known For: Smaller group sizes and a personalized approach.
- Services:
- Group lessons capped at 8 students.
- Multilingual instructors.
- Kids’ ski garden and beginner-friendly courses.
- Also offers equipment rental and boot fitting.
3. Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School
- Strengths: Friendly instructors and modern teaching techniques.
- Services:
- Small group lessons (max 6 per group).
- Private lessons, off-piste guiding, and ski touring.
- English-speaking instructors widely available.
- Beginner-to-expert instruction for both skiing and snowboarding.
👧 Kids’ Ski Programs
- Piou Piou Clubs (ESF): A safe and fun area for toddlers and small children to learn skiing through games.
- Childcare Options: Many ski schools work with local nurseries for combined ski + daycare packages.
🏂 Snowboard Lessons
All major ski schools in Les Menuires offer snowboard instruction with tailored group and private lessons, often starting from age 8.
🧭 Extras
- Meeting points are conveniently located across different parts of the resort.
- Lesson languages typically include French, English, and sometimes Spanish, Italian, or Dutch.
- Schools often offer multi-day packages, which are more economical.
Non-Skiers
Whilst La Plagne is a fantastic ski resort we know that sometimes people want to do the other activities. Here are a few options for you to think about. Why not buy a pedestrian pass and jump on a lift? Sit at the top of the slopes at one of the beautiful restaurants! Ride a skidoo, horse drawn sleigh or husky rides. Book a tandem paragliding experience! Fly through the skies on a clear day and get a bird’s eye view of the resort, there is no better way to see it all! If you want to relax head down
to the spa and relax and enjoy the wellness centres!
Ski Hire
Les Menuires, nestled in the heart of France's renowned Three Valleys ski area, offers a diverse and convenient ski hire experience. With over 30 rental shops spread across various districts—including La Croisette, Les Bruyères, Reberty 2000, Le Bettaix, and Preyerand—you'll find options catering to every skill level and budget.
🏔️ Ski Hire Options in Les Menuires
1. Skiset
A prominent chain with multiple outlets in Les Menuires, Skiset offers a wide range of equipment for all abilities. Booking online can yield discounts between 10% and 50%. They also provide family offers, such as additional discounts when booking multiple packs.
2. Intersport
With several locations throughout the resort, Intersport provides top-of-the-line equipment. Online reservations made at least 48 hours in advance can secure discounts ranging from 20% to 50%.
3. Sport 2000
Sport 2000 offers competitive pricing, with adult ski packages starting from €16.80 per day. They also provide options for various age groups and skill levels.
4. Ski Top La Croisette
Located in the central La Croisette area, Ski Top offers convenient access to the slopes. They provide services like equipment storage and flexible cancellation policies.
5. Prosneige
Situated near the La Croisette lift area, Prosneige combines equipment rental with ski school services. They offer a range of gear, from beginner to advanced levels, and provide overnight equipment storage.
🎿 Equipment Categories
Rental shops typically offer equipment in various categories to suit different skill levels:
- Eco: Budget-friendly options, suitable for green and blue runs.
- Evolution: Ideal for beginners, offering easy-to-turn skis and snowboards.
- Performance: High-performance gear for all-mountain skiing.
- Excellence: Top-tier equipment for advanced skiers, including specialized gear for slalom, freeride, and off-piste adventures.
💰 Tips for Saving on Ski Hire
- Book Online: Reserve your equipment in advance to take advantage of online discounts.
- Family Deals: Look for offers where children rent for free with paying adults.
- Early Pickup: Some shops allow you to collect equipment the evening before your rental period starts.
- Extended Rentals: Many stores offer the 7th day free when you rent for six days.
With its extensive network of rental shops and competitive pricing, Les Menuires ensures a seamless ski hire experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the slopes.
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