Keep in mind you could spend a month in the Three Valleys and not experience it all!
The warmly welcoming village of Brides-les-Bains, in the Meribel valley, is situated at the base of the French Alps’ famous Three Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens), the world's biggest snow sports area. High speed gondolas bring you directly to Méribel's central hub, the heart of Les Trois Vallées.
The Three Valleys area is very big, ski/ride from village to village! The “Trois Vallées” area is recognized as the biggest and best-linked ski/snowboard area in the world. With 600 km's of pistes (373 miles of runs), 200 of the most modern lifts available (Killington has 32 lifts), and tens of thousands of acres of off-piste terrain, it's sure to wear out even the heartiest, as it offers unlimited skiing an boarding for all levels in snow-sure terrain. There's more skiing and riding in this area than all the resorts of Colorado, Utah, and California combined! Snow Country magazine published that the six largest ski areas in the United States could fit inside Les Trois Vallées. That means that Killington, Vail, Heavenly, Steamboat, Squaw Valley and Park City could all fit inside the space covered by Les Trois Vallées with almost 10,000 acres left over! The expanse is breathtaking, the scenery is spectacular and the overall skiing and snowboarding is unmatched.
Check out the stats: 200 lifts, 260,000 skiers transported hourly, 1,500 snow cannons, 2,500 Hectares of groomed runs, 320 Ski patrollers, 70 groomers and 1,500 Ski instructors. 50% easy runs (green and blue) and 50% advanced runs (red and black), with virtually an unlimited amount of off piste, so something for everyone.
GREAT RUNS INCLUDE:
La Masse, Les Menuires (5 km, Red) - Via La Masse gondola, known for off-piste potential and stunning views.
Cime de Caron, Val Thorens (8 km, Black) - Via Cime Caron cable car, offering high-altitude skiing and breathtaking landscapes.
Mont Vallon, Méribel (6 km, Red) - Via Mont Vallon gondola, features challenging slopes with glacier views.
Saulire, Courchevel (3 km, Red) - Via Saulire Express, a scenic run connecting Courchevel and Méribel.
Jerusalem, Saint Martin de Belleville (4 km, Red) - Via Jerusalem chairlift, a well-loved red run with gentle rollers.
Combe de Vallon, Méribel (5 km, Red) - Via Plattieres gondola, offering a lengthy descent with impressive vistas.
Grand Couloir, Courchevel (1 km, Black) - Via Saulire cable car, one of the steepest and most thrilling couloirs.
La Suisse, Courchevel (2 km, Red) - Via Suisses chairlift, a picturesque and enjoyable run.
Boismint, Val Thorens (3 km, Red) - Via Boismint chairlift, known for good snow and wide slopes.
Roc de Fer, Méribel (4 km, Blue) - Via Legends chairlift, hosted Olympic events, offers a mix of technicality and fun.
GoPro Couloir, Méribel (2 km, Black) - Via Legends chairlift, a steep and narrow chute for expert skiers.
Jean Blanc, Courchevel (3 km, Black) - Via Jean Blanc chairlift, known for its steep pitch and scenic views.
Lac du Lou, Val Thorens (5 km, Blue) - Via Lac du Lou chairlift, a scenic route perfect for families and intermediates.
Biolley, Saint Martin de Belleville (4 km, Blue) - Via Biolley chairlift, offers a gentle slope with beautiful vistas.
Mauduit, Méribel (3 km, Red) - Via Pas du Lac gondola, a wide run with great views of the valley.
Boulevard de la Loze, Courchevel (4 km, Green) - Via Loze chairlift, a gentle and scenic route.
Funitel de Péclet, Val Thorens (3 km, Red) - Via Funitel de Péclet, a high-altitude run with stunning mountain views.
Granges, Méribel (4 km, Blue) - Via Rhodos gondola, a tranquil and picturesque run through forested areas.
Villages, Brides-les-Bains (3 km, Blue) - Via Olympe gondola, meandering through charming alpine villages and serene landscapes.
The World Tour - Three Valley's Challenge - Ski/Ride our (guided) challenge (intermediate & above)
Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens & the summit in a day!
Absolute Summit Guided all day excursion from Brides-les-Bains.
Brides-les-Bains offers us a strategic gateway for skiing and snowboarding in the Three Valleys, boasting faster, more central access to the slopes compared to many higher-altitude resort accommodations, and options to visit areas beyond the Three Valleys. Its rapid gondola link to the Méribel gondola hub places you centrally within the vast ski network, facilitating easy exploration of the entire region including Courchevel, Val Thorens, and more. Known for its thermal spas and wellness centers, Brides-les-Bains is the perfect spot for post-ski relaxation and après-ski. The town exudes a genuine alpine charm and tranquility, enriched by diverse dining and cultural offerings, merging the excitement of the Three Valleys with the serenity of an authentic mountain village.
There is a lot to do in Brides Les Bains, many not only enjoy the snow sports and nature but also as “base camp” to explore and enjoy the entire region. Brides-les-Bains is a hub of activity, providing numerous complimentary activities that blend sporting excitement with community spirit. We'll enjoy festive gatherings with mulled wine or hot chocolate in the thermal park, savor the local delicacy of giant croziflette, and immerse in film screenings under the stars. The vibrant musical scene, featuring concerts and DJ sets from local and Savoyard artists, offers a diverse musical journey, promising unexpected delights and a lively atmosphere.
We're greeted on Sunday with a warm welcome drink in the thermal park, where the festive ambiance and après-ski continues during our week with concerts and DJ performances, showcasing local talent and encouraging dance and celebration. The resort's commitment to outdoor and cultural engagements is further exemplified by its winter-themed film screenings, laser shooting introductions, ice sculpture demonstrations, and wellness sessions, including relaxation, stretching, and Pilates, providing a holistic and enriching holiday experience in the heart of the Three Valleys.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Cross-country skiing:
Cross-country skiing options unfolds through Méribel’s Altiport area and the elevated trails of Courchevel, traversing Europe's exquisite landscapes. The well-linked routes feature varied terrain, ensuring every Nordic skier, from novice to expert, encounters awe-inspiring views and adventure amidst nature’s tranquility. There are many cross-country runs near Brides-les-Bains such as Bozel with with scenic routes along the lake, and Pralognan-la-Vanoise in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. 3V Map
Snowshoe outings:
Discover the hidden gems of the Three Valleys with guided snowshoe tours. Delve into the valley's history and explore breathtaking landscapes, tailored to fit the group's skill level and interests. Whether a novice or seasoned snowshoer, tours promise an unforgettable experience, connecting you with the natural beauty and heritage of this spectacular region.
Dog-sleigh excursions:
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with a dog-sleigh excursions. Glide through snowy landscapes, led by a team of spirited dogs, and experience the joy of this timeless activity. Each ride is a harmonious blend of excitement and serenity, connecting you with the pristine nature of the Three Valleys. These adventures offers a chance to witness the extraordinary bond between mushers and their loyal dogs, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Nordic Ranch:
The Méribel equestrian centre offers a wide range of activities, including lessons, rides and courses for all levels of rider, from beginner to advanced. Pony sledging and ski-joering are fun activities also available.
Paragliding:
Experience the thrill of paragliding in the Three Valleys, where you can soar above the expansive ski areas and enjoy breathtaking aerial views. Méribel offers tandem paragliding experiences, allowing take-offs and landings on skis from La Saulire, with options also availible in Courchevel. These flights offer an unparalleled perspective of the stunning alpine landscape, making for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the French Alps.
Biathlon:
Biathlon is both a sport and a fun activity which combines crosscountry skiing and rifle shooting!
Tobogganing:
Tobogganing in Courchevel 1850 offers a thrilling 2km journey from the Tovets ski run through the forest to Courchevel-Village, with the option to enjoy the descent by day or night on a fully lit track. In Méribel, the "Mission Black Forest" toboggan run in the Albin forest spans 3.4km with 28 bends, presenting an adventurous trail adorned with extraordinary creatures and playful elements, ensuring a captivating experience in a magical setting.
Excursions
Moûtiers - A short bus ride away: Moûtiers
(Tarentaise), is a captivating commune nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Savoie, and conveniently accessible from Brides-les-Bains.
Explore the charming Saint-Pierre Cathedral, visit the fascinating Museum of Popular Traditions to delve into the local heritage, and stroll through the quaint streets of this historical town. For lunch, taste traditional Savoyard cuisine at local bistros, followed by leisurely shopping at the town’s markets. These markets are a treasure trove of regional products and handcrafted items, ranging from fine cheeses and cured meats to hand-carved wooden decor and woven textiles, allowing us to bring a piece of Savoie back home.
Savoie Escapade; Discovering Annecy, Chambéry, and Albertville:
Enjoy a fascinating one-day sightseeing tour through some of the most picturesque and historically rich towns in the Savoie region.
Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps", enchants with its crystal-clear canals and stunning lake surrounded by mountains. The town's old quarters are a delight with their cobbled streets, vibrant markets, and the iconic Palais de l'Isle, a 12th-century prison on a tiny island in the river Thiou.
Chambéry offers a mix of elegance and history, with its charming old town characterized by colorful facades, medieval alleys, and the impressive Château des Ducs de Savoie. The town is also famous for the Elephants Fountain, a homage to its most famous historical resident, General de Boigne.
Albertville, known globally for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics, combines modernity and tradition. Explore the Olympic Museum and part of Albertville. Conflans, a well-preserved medieval town located just above Albertville, captivates with its old stone houses, vibrant painted facades, and artisan shops. The town square provides a serene spot to enjoy the scenic views and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of this historical gem.
La Plagne, Paradiski Excursion:
Embark on a thrilling expedition at La Plagne, nestled in the expansive Paradiski area, the most visited and the world's second-largest resort! La Plagne, less than an hour from Brides-les-Bains, boasts a diverse range of pistes that stretch over 225 kilometers, accommodating all levels of expertise from beginners to advanced. The unique feature of this resort is the Vanoise Express, the world’s largest cable car, which links La Plagne to Les Arcs
in just four minutes, effectively doubling the terrain. This seamless connection opens up a vast array of slopes and ski-ride routes, ensuring that every skier and snowboarder finds their perfect challenge and enjoys spectacular views of the French Alps, including the majestic Mont Blanc. This day trip from Brides-les-Bains to La Plagne offers not just a chance to ski and ride but to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of one of the Alps' premier destinations.
Bobsleigh Adventure at La Plagne:
For those seeking an adrenaline rush beyond the slopes, La Plagne offers a rare and exhilarating experience on its Olympic bobsleigh track. This venue, originally built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to hurtle down the same icy track used by professional athletes. The bobsleigh run is not just about speed; it’s about experiencing a piece of Olympic history and the thrill of navigating one of the few tracks in the world that offer this once-in-a-lifetime kind of ride.
GREAT RUNS INCLUDE:
Mont de la Guerre, Champagny-en-Vanoise (10 km, Red) - Accessible via Rossa chairlift, this long run offers breathtaking views and varied terrain.
Bellecôte Glacier, La Plagne (2 km, Black) - Via Traversée lift, features high-altitude glacier skiing and dramatic landscapes.
Combe, La Plagne (4 km, Black) - Accessed via the Funiplagne Grande Rochette, known for its steepness and stunning mountain backdrop.
Les Étroits, Montchavin (5 km, Red) - Via Les Coches lift, offers a thrilling and challenging descent through narrow paths.
Inversens, La Plagne (3 km, Red) - Accessed by the Inversens chairlift, renowned for its exceptional snow conditions and panoramic views.
Arpette, La Plagne (3 km, Blue) - Via Arpette chairlift, a popular run with a smooth gradient and beautiful evening lighting.
Sources, La Plagne (2 km, Blue) - Via the Colorado chairlift, features gentle slopes.
Levasset, Plagne Bellecôte (5 km, Blue) - Via Belle Plagne chairlift, known for its scenic route that weaves through forested areas.
Friolin, Montalbert (4 km, Red) - Access via Montalbert chairlift, offers a secluded and natural skiing experience.
Mira, La Plagne (3 km, Blue) - Via Les Blanchets chairlift, a scenic and undemanding run ideal for intermediate skiers.
Why Choose Our Three Valleys Trip?
We've had more trips to the Three Valleys, France than any other snow sports destination. It's immensely popular with our members and our most requested destination. With planning every trip, our goal is always to exceed our previous trips with as much value as possible, in terms of total cost, organization, enjoyment, and our awesome trip agendas!
We are staying in Brides-les-Bains, selected as it's the fastest to get on the slopes, while still being able to offer amazing options, like spending a day at other world renowned resorts and/or bobsledding and sightseeing, exploring the local villages and towns. There's a lot going on, including locally organized village Après Ski events. It's one of the most accessible resort/village in the Three Valleys.
Our trip departs Saturday from Boston and returns the following Sunday, so no weekday flights.
PREFECT for education professionals and those limited to February vacation week. The Three Valleys was "built for this", so no crazy queuing in this vast area. Lots of family and group options. February vacation is staggered in France, so unlike our resorts, there's the same volume this week as the rest of February.
Fantastic club agenda in The Three Valleys; Unlimited skiing and snowboarding in the worlds largest, from exclusive Courchevel to Val Thorens and beyond! We have several guided club events during the week including a guided trip to the absolute summit and our Three Valleys challenge!
Brides-les-Bains has a great high speed gondola direct to Méribel, the heart of the Three Valleys and into lift and gondola hub, so get to anywhere on skies quickly with very little walking.
There are lockers, ski/board storage, rentals and tune-ups right in the local gondola station, a short walk from our hotels. Most leave their equipment for the week, so easy, easy easy!
The Three valleys is all about skiing and snowboarding, so highly efficient modern ski lifts = less waiting and more skiing & boarding! Les 3 Vallées has always been at the forefront in terms of ski lifts, many invented in Les 3 Vallées, like the Funitel.
Optional evening club excursion to the Olympic Bobsleigh track run in La Plagne, about 45 minutes by coach.
Option to ski/ride Paradiski, the most visited and the world's second largest resort! Experience the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car, worlds biggest, links La Plagne with Les Arcs in 4 min!
7 nights hotel & meals INCLUDED
Brides-les-Bains offers us a strategic gateway for skiing and snowboarding in the Three Valleys, boasting faster, more central access to the slopes compared to many higher-altitude resort accommodations, and options to visit areas beyond the Three Valleys. Its rapid gondola link to the Méribel gondola hub places you centrally within the vast ski network, facilitating easy exploration of the entire region including Courchevel, Val Thorens, and more. Known for its thermal spas and wellness centers, Brides-les-Bains is the perfect spot for post-ski relaxation and après-ski. The town exudes a genuine alpine charm and tranquility, enriched by diverse dining and cultural offerings, merging the excitement of the Three Valleys with the serenity of an authentic mountain village.
Moûtiers
(Tarentaise), is a captivating commune nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Savoie, and conveniently accessible from Brides-les-Bains.
Explore the charming Saint-Pierre Cathedral, visit the fascinating Museum of Popular Traditions to delve into the local heritage, and stroll through the quaint streets of this historical town. For lunch, taste traditional Savoyard cuisine at local bistros, followed by leisurely shopping at the town’s markets. These markets are a treasure trove of regional products and handcrafted items, ranging from fine cheeses and cured meats to hand-carved wooden decor and woven textiles, allowing us to bring a piece of Savoie back home.
Enjoy a fascinating one-day sightseeing tour through some of the most picturesque and historically rich towns in the Savoie region.
in just four minutes, effectively doubling the terrain. This seamless connection opens up a vast array of slopes and ski-ride routes, ensuring that every skier and snowboarder finds their perfect challenge and enjoys spectacular views of the French Alps, including the majestic Mont Blanc. This day trip from Brides-les-Bains to La Plagne offers not just a chance to ski and ride but to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of one of the Alps' premier destinations.
The World Tour