Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées): the largest ski resort in Europe

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) is not just a ski resort, but a winter capital for active recreation enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of the French Alps, the resort offers unique skiing and snowboarding opportunities on more than 600 kilometers of slopes. Here everyone will find something for themselves, from beginners to professionals, and will also enjoy luxurious infrastructure and picturesque views.

History of the resort’s creation

Ski resort Les Trois Vallées was created with the aim of uniting several large Alpine resorts in one region, giving winter sports enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a variety of slopes and infrastructure. This ambitious project was realized in the 1960s, when several local entrepreneurs and Alpine municipalities united to create the largest network of ski slopes in the world. Since then, the resort has experienced many stages of development and modernization, becoming a recognized world leader in the winter resort industry.

Key dates in the history of the resort:

• 1950s – Construction of the Three Valleys begins. The idea of combining resorts in one region was put forward by a group of entrepreneurs seeking to create a unique winter destination.
• 1963 – Official opening of the first ski resort Val Thorens (Val Thorens), which became part of the future Three Valleys network.
• 1973 – Creation of the first ski lift linking the resorts of Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens, providing quick access between the valleys.
• 1980s – Major expansion of the resort, adding new trails and upgrading the infrastructure. At this time, the Three Valleys began to attract more and more international tourists.
• 2000 – Opening of the new lift linking Val Thorens with the Oxygen resort. This expansion significantly increased the attractiveness of the region.
• 2013 – Three Valleys is recognized as the largest ski resort in the world with 600 km of slopes and more than 170 lifts.

Today, Three Valleys continues to attract thousands of tourists, offering not only stunning ski slopes, but also high-class hotels, restaurants and other amenities. The resort remains a leader in the winter resort industry, constantly improving its infrastructure and services. Three Valleys is a unique place where every tourist can find something for themselves, be it skiing or relaxing in cozy chalets.

Interesting fact:

The Three Valleys is not only a ski paradise, but also a venue for major international events such as the Snowboard and Freestyle World Championships.

Directions and contact information

Ski resort Les Trois Vallées is located in the heart of the French Alps, between the towns of Moutiers, Chambéry and Aix -les -Bains. It is the largest ski area in the world, uniting several famous resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. There are various ways to get here, depending on what transport is most convenient for you. In this section, we will tell you about the easiest way to get to this amazing resort.

How to get to the Three Valleys ski resort.

1. By car:
   • From Geneva: about 2 hours (140 km)
   • From Paris: about 6-7 hours (600 km)
   • From Lyon: about 2.5 hours (170 km)
     Cost: depends on the cost of fuel and parking at the resort.
2. By bus:
   • There are bus routes from the airports of Geneva, Lyon and Chambery to the resort.
   • For example, route No. 741 from Geneva to the resort (about 3.5 hours). Ticket price from 30 euros.
3. On transfer:
   • Direct transfer from Geneva or Lyon airport. Prices start from 100 euros per person one way, depending on the company and number of passengers.

In addition to the ski slopes, the Three Valleys offers many attractions in the surrounding area. In the surrounding villages, you can visit historical buildings, museums and cultural monuments. Also worth paying attention to are the local thermal resorts and spas, which are ideal for relaxing after an active day on the slopes.

Resort contacts:

• Address: Les Trois Vallées, 73550, Moutiers, France
• Official website: www.les3vallees.com
• Phone: +33 (0)4 79 00 29 70
• Email : info@les3vallees.com

For up-to-date information about Tri Dolina, including weather conditions, lift schedules and events, it is recommended to regularly visit the resort’s official website. There you can find detailed information about transport routes, ticket prices and other important data. It is also worth following the news on the site so as not to miss discounts and promotions.

Interesting fact:
Three Valleys is not only the largest resort, but also one of the most environmentally friendly, actively implementing sustainable technologies and protecting natural resources.

Description of infrastructure

Infrastructure of the ski resort Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) includes everything you need for a comfortable holiday and active pastime. Here you can find not only extensive ski slopes, but also modern ski lifts, comfortable hotels, a variety of restaurants and shops. The resort also offers excellent conditions for holidaymakers not involved in mountain sports, including spas, entertainment and cultural events.

List of infrastructure facilities:

1. Lifts
   • More than 180 lifts, including chairlifts and cable cars
   • Price: from 50 to 70 euros per day depending on the season
   • Facilities: comfortable waiting areas, fast and comfortable lifts
2. Hotels and apartments
   • A wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cosy chalets
   • Cost: from 100 euros per night in budget hotels to 500 euros and up in luxury resorts
   • Services: Wi -Fi, SPA treatments, indoor and outdoor pools
3. Restaurants and cafes
   • Numerous restaurants with traditional French cuisine and international dishes
   • Price: lunch or dinner in a restaurant from 20 euros per person
   • Services: terraces with mountain views, chef services
4. Warehouses for storing equipment
   • Convenient storage for skis and snowboards located near the lifts
   • Cost: from 5 to 15 euros per day
   • Services: professional assistance in choosing equipment, rental
5. SPA and health centers
   • A variety of spas and wellness centres with massages and treatments
   • Cost: from 30 to 150 euros per session
   • Services: sauna, hammam, hot baths, yoga
6. Schools for skiers and snowboarders
   • Courses for beginners and experienced skiers
   • Price: from 40 euros for a group lesson to 150 euros for individual lessons
   • Services: experienced instructors, groups for children and adults
7. Entertainment and cultural facilities
   • Theatres, exhibition centres and local cultural events
   • Cost: depending on the event
   • Services: cooking master classes, local excursions

Three Valleys provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable holiday. Well-thought-out infrastructure and a variety of services allow you to create ideal conditions for vacationers of all ages and preferences. For a family holiday, it is worth choosing hotels with children’s clubs and choosing courses for beginners. Much attention should be paid to recreation outside the ski slopes – SPA salons, entertainment and cultural events will also create an atmosphere of comfort.

Tip:
If you are planning a holiday with children, book places in children’s clubs and rentals for little skiers in advance.

Map of descents

Resort Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) is a skier’s paradise, offering a variety of slopes for all skill levels. The resort’s system of slopes includes more than 600 kilometers, covering slopes for beginners, amateurs and professionals. Each slope here is equipped with modern lifts, which allows you to enjoy skiing at the highest level. The resort’s slope map will help you plan your route and choose the slopes that suit your level and interests.

List of descents with detailed descriptions:

1. Spicy (Courchevel)
   • Altitude: 1850 m – 1300 m
   • Length: 2.5 km
   • Difficulty: Medium
     A great slope for skiers with good skills. There are wide and fast runs here, which are suitable for those who are looking for a new challenge, but are not ready for difficult routes.
2. La Combe de la Saulire (Courchevel)
   • Height: 2738 m – 1850 m
   • Length: 3.1 km
   • Difficulty: Difficult
     One of the most popular and longest runs in the resort, ideal for experienced skiers looking to test their skills on steep slopes.
3. Méribel (Méribel Valley)
   • Height: 2952 m – 1500 m
   • Length: 4.3 km
   • Difficulty : For all levels
     A trail that starts at the highest point of the resort and descends into the valley. There are sections for everyone, from beginners to experienced.
4. Jean Blanc (Val Thorens)
   • Altitude: 3200 m – 2300 m
   • Length: 2.8 km
   • Difficulty: Hard
     One of the resort’s longest and most technical runs, suitable for those looking for a challenge. The course includes steep sections and turns, making it ideal for experts.
5. Loze Col (Méribel)
   • Height: 2530 m – 1750 m
   • Length: 5.2 km
   • Difficulty: Medium A
     very picturesque descent with views of the mountain scenery. This is a medium difficulty trail that is suitable for both experienced and amateur skiers.
6. Piste des Eclectus (Menu)
   • Altitude: 2700 m – 1850 m
   • Length: 2.3 km
   • Difficulty: Easy
     A great trail for beginners, with smooth descents and easy turns. Ideal for those who are just starting out in alpine skiing.

The Three Valleys also offer excellent freeriding opportunities, with plenty of untouched slopes for those looking for adrenaline and freedom in skiing. In addition, the resort is ideal for snowboarders, with many special runs and parks for fans of extreme sports. The entire region is equipped with infrastructure that ensures safety and comfort for freerides and snowboarders.

Fun fact:
The Three Valleys resort is home to the world’s largest snow park, which offers a huge variety for snowboarders and freerides.

Lifts and their description

Ski resort Les Trois Vallées is famous for its modern and diverse lifts, which provide quick and convenient access to slopes of varying difficulty levels. Here you will find both traditional chairlifts and cable cars, as well as new technological gondolas and cabins. It is important that most of the lifts connect the resorts, which allows you to easily move around the entire ski area. The resort lifts are not only convenient, but also part of the overall infrastructure, creating a comfortable stay at the resort.

List of lifts with descriptions, locations and features:

1. Teléphérique “lift de la Mass”
   • Location: La Masse Mountain top, Saint Martin de Belleville resort
   • Features: One of the most modern gondola lifts in the resort. The lift has spacious cabins and covers one of the most picturesque runs in the Three Valleys.
2. Chairlift “Funitel de Péclet”
   • Location: In the Val Thorens area
   • Features: A fast chairlift connecting the peaks of Val Thorens and Péclet. It has a high capacity and is convenient for tourists who want to avoid queues.
3. Cable car “Les Menuires ”
   • Location: In the Menuirs area
   • Features: One of the oldest lifts in the resort, but with updated infrastructure and good capacity. It is distinguished by stable operation in any weather.
4. Lift “Cime Caron”
   • Location: In Val Thorens
   • Features: A gondola lift provides easy access to one of the highest points of the resort, Mount Karon, offering breathtaking views of the Alps.
5. Gondola “Roc of March 3rd​”
   • Location: In the Val Lembersch ski area
   • Features: A modern gondola lift that allows tourists to quickly reach high-mountain slopes, avoiding long queues.

The choice of lifts at the Three Valleys resort depends on your preferences and level of skiing. If you want quick access to the slopes and minimize time in queues, you should choose modern chairlifts or gondola lifts. For beginners, it is recommended to use shorter and less crowded lifts located in less popular areas. Plan your time at the resort so that you can use all the lifts as efficiently as possible and enjoy skiing.

Tip:
Did you know that some of the Three Valleys lifts allow you to ski with your ski group or friends while enjoying panoramic views of the Alps?

Prices at the ski resort

Prices at the Three Valleys ski resort depend on the season, services and length of stay. One of the main expenses for tourists is the ski pass, which gives access to all the slopes and lifts. Also important is the rental of ski equipment, including skis, boots and snowboards. When planning a trip, it is important to consider not only these costs, but also additional services, such as schools for beginners, equipment rental and even the services of an instructor.

Service	Minimum cost (EUR)	Maximum price (EUR)
Ski pass for 1 day	55	70
Ski pass for 6 days	300	380
Ski rental (1 day)	20	40
Snowboard rental (1 day)	25	45
Boot rental (1 day)	10	20
Instructor (1 hour)	45	70
Equipment rental (6 days)	120	230
Training for beginners (1 day)	50	100
Car parking (1 day)	15	25
Helmet (rent, 1 day)	5	10

When planning a trip to the Three Valleys, it is important to check the prices of ski passes and equipment rentals in advance, as they can have a significant impact on your overall budget. There are many different ski pass options depending on the length of your stay, allowing you to save money on longer visits. You can also save by booking in advance to get discounts on equipment rentals and training courses.

Tip:
The Three Valleys often offer discounts on ski passes and equipment rentals if you book a few months in advance.

Accommodation and catering

Ski resort (Les Trois Vallées) not only attracts with its slopes, but also offers a wide range of options for accommodation and food. Here you can stay in luxury hotels, cozy chalets or modern apartments, and also enjoy culinary delights in the best restaurants and cafes. It is important that the resort provides a convenient combination of affordable prices and high-quality service. In this section, we will tell you about the most popular places to stay and eat in Three Valleys.

Hotels and restaurants:

• Hotel “Les Airelles”. A luxurious hotel with mountain views, located in the center of the resort. It offers a high level of service, spa treatments and direct access to the ski lifts. Price: from 350€ per night for a standard room.
• Chalet “Chalet Husky”. A cozy chalet in the Alps for lovers of secluded relaxation. It has all the amenities, including a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and spacious bedrooms. Price: from 500€ per night for a chalet for 4 people.
• Apartments “Residence Prestige”. Modern apartments with comfortable kitchens and recreation areas. A great option for couples or a group of friends who want to enjoy independence. Price: from 200€ per night per apartment.
• Restaurant “Le 1947”. This Michelin- starred restaurant offers fine cuisine with local and international dishes. The interior is elegant, creating an atmosphere of luxury. Price: from 150€ per person for dinner.
• Café “La Fruitière “. A cosy café for a quick snack with a variety of local sweets and drinks. The perfect place to warm up after a day on the slopes. Price: from 10€ per serving.
• Restaurant “Le Bouc Blanc”. Not only is it famous for its delicious food, but also for its unique location with mountain views. The menu includes French and Alpine cuisine. Price: from 25€ for a main course.

The Three Valleys ski resort offers a variety of accommodation and dining options to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to cost apartments with complete independence, the resort’s restaurants and cafes offer a variety of culinary offerings, making your holiday even more comfortable and memorable.