Time is a exceptional factor. Again within the Fifties and Nineteen Sixties when the French constructed mountain resorts in remoted places excessive within the alps they had been one thing like a cross between a moon base, a motorway providers and maybe miniature bits of Dubai or Las Vegas. They had been praised for making snowboarding easier, the whole lot obtainable proper by your residence door, however criticised for his or her lack of character, having no soul.
Quick ahead 60-70 years, a lifetime for many people, and these purpose-built resorts have reworked into actual communities of their very own. They could not have centuries of historical past rooted in agriculture, or mining, however they’ve, with time, developed their very own authenticity and personalities.
Les Menuires was created 60 years in the past with the ambition of being excellent for ‘regular’ (non-rich) households to have an awesome ski vacation and visiting six many years later it’s important to really feel they bought it proper. It’s ever altering, evolving, upgrading after all, however now as you stroll alongside the corridors within the residence complexes and the labyrinth of shopping center on the base of the unique coronary heart of the resort, you may virtually hear the echo of ski boots clomping alongside from generations of households which have ski holidayed right here earlier than you.
Its signature mix is simply conserving it easy, inexpensive and above all pleasant. I really like the place as a result of at its coronary heart it’s purely about snowboarding and never lots else. It all the time has been.
Croisette_CREDIT G Lansard Les Menuires
Sitting at a snowsure 1850m excessive within the Belleville Valley, Les Menuires is after all a part of the legendary 3 Vallées, the most important interconnected ski area on the planet. With 600km of pistes linking seven resorts, together with Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens, it presents seamless entry to an unlimited alpine playground. From light greens to difficult blacks, greater than an unbelievable 330 runs in whole with 83% of its ski space above 1,800m and snow making overlaying 57% of the terrain.
Les Menuires is an built-in resort, purpose-built for ease. Most lodging supply ski-in/ski-out entry. Footpaths and free shuttles join the resort’s varied districts, every with its personal ambiance—from the energetic centre to quieter, extra residential zones.
This format makes it superb for households, teams, and solo travellers alike. No lengthy walks in ski boots, simply step outdoors and glide into your day.
Worth With out Compromise
For six many years, Les Menuires has championed accessible snowboarding. It’s essentially the most inexpensive gateway to the three Vallées, providing a variety of lodging—from luxurious four-star accommodations to budget-friendly residences.
Les Menuires CREDIT Vincent Lottenberg
It’s even achieved its analysis and located 1 in 4 of its visiting holidaymakers earns lower than €3,000 (£2500)/month or £30,000 every year. The common revenue of a British grownup is at the moment £31,600. The common household staying there has a mixed revenue of €5,146 (£4400) a month.
Throughout excessive season, a week-long household keep (4 folks) together with ski passes and lodging begins from €71 per individual per day. In off-season, that drops to €58 for a gaggle of six.
The resort additionally runs standout presents just like the Saturday ski cross for simply €39, and the Household Flex deal, the place everybody skis on the little one fee when reserving as a gaggle. It’s a pricing mannequin that displays the resort’s ethos: snowboarding must be for everybody.
A Resort That Grows With You
Les Menuires is a haven for newcomers, intermediates, and consultants alike. New skiers are properly catered for, with light slopes and devoted studying zones. The Piou-Piou Village introduces youngsters to snowboarding from age three, whereas mini-club classes, packages for teenagers and family-friendly packages make it simple for fogeys to loosen up and luxuriate in their very own runs.
For thrill-seekers, the Liberty Trip zones supply ungroomed terrain for protected off-piste exploration. The Pixel Space snowpark and boardercross add freestyle aptitude, whereas the Pleasant Pure Park blends enjoyable with training—introducing youthful skiers to native wildlife and alpine ecology.
Masse Sommet CREDIT Vincent Lottenberg
La Masse: Untamed and Unmissable
On the western fringe of the ski space lies La Masse, a quieter, wilder sector that’s turn out to be a cult favorite. Its ultra-fast gondola whisks skiers to 2,800m in simply seven minutes, unlocking lengthy descents of as much as 1,000 vertical metres. With fewer lifts and extra open house, La Masse presents serenity, authenticity, and a few of the finest off-piste routes within the 3 Vallées.
It’s additionally house to the Pleasant Pure Park and a delegated tranquillity zone for black grouse, developed in partnership with the Vanoise Nationwide Park. This ecological stewardship is a part of a broader dedication to sustainable tourism, with Les Menuires boasting a carbon footprint 10% decrease than the nationwide common for French ski resorts.
Past the Slopes: Actions for All
Les Menuires is extra than simply snowboarding. The resort presents a wealthy menu of winter actions, from canine sledding and snowmobiling to snowshoeing and alpine farm visits. Indoors, you’ll discover yoga courses, health classes, a cinema, and wellness centres providing therapies from manufacturers like Sothys, Deep Nature and Nuxe.
There’s a full schedule of occasions each by means of every week and thru the season. The Thursday Night time Present is a weekly spotlight—an open-air spectacle of sunshine, music and efficiency that transforms the resort right into a stage.
The Winegrowers’s Week every January (this coming season from fifth to eighth January 2026) is a good attraction for wine lovers when growers from throughout France arrange their stands within the sports activities centre with tastings for all, a very talked-about and merry occasion. And for these looking for one thing actually distinctive, the “Complètement à La Masse” occasion in March delivers a wild slalom course full of moguls, boardercross, biathlon stands and extra.
A Culinary Panorama to Savour
With over 70 eating places, Les Menuires serves up a various culinary expertise. From conventional Savoyard fare to artistic bistro ideas, there’s one thing for each palate. La Marmite, a Maîtres Restaurateurs venue, showcases recent, native components in imaginative settings—together with gondola cabins and igloos.
Là-Haut presents cosy evenings by the fireplace, whereas La Terrasse de l’Ours Blanc pairs gourmand dishes with panoramic views. For après-ski with a twist, Roc 7 delivers Italian delicacies, DJ units and a devoted Maison Veuve Clicquot terrace.
Les Menuires CREDIT Vincent Lottenberg
You’ll Need To Come Again
Les Menuires has one of many highest return charges within the Alps—71% of company come again. That’s no accident. The resort’s pleasant ambiance, honest pricing, and wide-ranging enchantment make it a spot folks really feel at house. Whether or not you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skier, there’s a way of belonging right here that’s onerous to duplicate.
Simple Entry
Situated simply 80 minutes from Chambéry Airport or 4 hours from Paris by practice, Les Menuires is likely one of the most accessible French resorts. London travellers can attain Moûtiers in round 8 hours from St Pancras, making it a viable weekend vacation spot in addition to an extended escape. Its proximity to the valley ground means much less time on winding mountain roads—and extra time on the slopes.
Les Menuires might not shout the loudest, nevertheless it speaks volumes to those that hear. With its unbeatable entry to the three Vallées, considerate infrastructure, and heat, inclusive spirit, it’s a resort that proves snowboarding will be each distinctive and approachable. Whether or not you’re chasing powder, sharing household moments, or just absorbing the alpine way of life, Les Menuires delivers—quietly, confidently, and with a smile.
Extra Data
Inghams have 7 nights on the Residence Le Cour des Loges, Les Menuires. Departing seventh February 2026 from London Gatwick from £749 per individual. Based mostly on 4 folks sharing. All flights and transfers included.
Resort web site: https://lesmenuires.com/en/
Picture prime: Brelin at Les Menuires Credit score Vincent Lottenberg
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