Les Menuires

France · Savoie · 1,450m - 2,850m · 160 km own pistes · 39 lifts · Les 3 Vallées (600 km)

Summary

Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville share the Belleville valley, the longest in Les 3 Vallées. Together they total 160 km of pistes and 39 lifts, with direct access to Val Thorens above and Méribel via the Tougnète ridge.

They are the stations with the best value for money in the domain: all the skiing of Les 3 Vallées (600 km) but with accommodation and dining significantly cheaper than Courchevel or Méribel. Les Menuires (1,850 m) is functional and ski-in/ski-out; Saint-Martin (1,450 m) is an authentic Savoyard village with a bell tower and cobbled streets.

Technical data

Two villages, two personalities

Les Menuires was built in the 1970s with the integrated resort philosophy — functional architecture, everything at the piste edge. It won’t win beauty contests, but skiing is what matters. Saint-Martin is the hidden gem: a real mountain village with a baroque church, quality restaurants and peace.

Why ski here

1. Best value in Les 3 Vallées Same pistes, same lifts, same lift pass — but accommodation in Les Menuires or Saint-Martin costs half that of Courchevel or Méribel. It’s the smart base for families.

2. 160 km own pistes + full connectivity The Belleville valley is generous: 160 km of own pistes before touching the 3 Vallées pass. And when you want more, Méribel is a lift away via Tougnète and Val Thorens is a bus ride (or skiing) further up the valley.

3. The Jérusalem piste One of the most valued pistes in Les 3 Vallées — long run, spectacular views over the Belleville valley, consistent snow thanks to north-facing orientation. A cult piste.

4. Saint-Martin: Alpine authenticity If you’re after a real mountain village (not a ski resort disguised as one), Saint-Martin is as close as you’ll get to an authentic Alpine experience within Les 3 Vallées.

Featured pistes and zones

Jérusalem

Long red piste with fine carving, descending from the ridge towards Les Menuires. Considered one of the best pistes in Les 3 Vallées for its line and scenery.

La Masse (2,804m)

North-facing slope with demanding blacks and accessible freeride. The best snow conditions in the valley thanks to its orientation.

Tougnète

Ridge connecting to Méribel. Panoramic reds with views over both valleys. Natural transition point for ski touring.

Roc des 3 Marches zone

Wide blues and greens for families. Wind-protected zone, ideal for beginners and children.

Accommodation

Tip: Saint-Martin has boutique hotels with character at prices unthinkable in Courchevel. La Bouitte (3⭐ Michelin) is here — fine dining in a mountain village.

Après-ski

Les Menuires has family-oriented and moderate après-ski — terrasse bars, pizzerias, some lively pubs but without the intensity of Val Thorens.

Saint-Martin is peaceful: quality restaurants, wine by the fire, walks through the snowy village.

• La Bouitte (3⭐ Michelin, Saint-Martin) — The best restaurant in Les 3 Vallées
• La Ruade (Les Menuires) — Popular bar-restaurant
• Le Béryl — Contemporary mountain cuisine

How to get there

Giora’s tip

I haven’t skied here personally. This sheet is based on verified sources.

Les Menuires/Saint-Martin is Giora’s recommendation for families on a tighter budget wanting access to Les 3 Vallées. All 600 km of skiing, accommodation at half the price, and without the hustle of the busier resorts.

For food lovers: La Bouitte in Saint-Martin holds 3 Michelin stars — the best-kept secret in Les 3 Vallées.

For families: Base yourself in Les Menuires (ski-in/ski-out, practical) with excursions to Méribel and Val Thorens.

For couples: Base yourself in Saint-Martin (authentic village, restaurants with character) with unlimited skiing.

Related sheets

• [[les-3-vallees]] — Complete domain (600 km)
• [[val-thorens]] — Valley above, the highest
• [[meribel]] — Neighbouring valley via Tougnète
• [[courchevel]] — The luxury side of Les 3 Vallées