Updated November 2025

Oh, French Alps, you have won our hearts. From wildflower hikes in summer to cosy fires after a day on the slopes in winter, there’s magic here year-round.

Les Menuires ski resorts sit in the heart of the Belleville Valley within the 3 Vallées, home to the world’s largest interconnected ski area with over 600km of pistes and amazing snow conditions (some of the best we’ve ever seen!). Whether you’re a first timer or returning for more, the resort is family-friendly and ideal for beginners with ski-in/ski-out accommodation, freestyle fun zones and peaceful off-piste runs at La Masse.

For skiers on a budget, Les Menuires is more affordable than some neighbouring resorts, with plenty of self-catering accommodation alongside hotels and apartments. Campervans and motorhomes are also welcome, with dedicated parking and easy access to the lifts.

Our Les Menuires ski resort review will help you plan your trip and make the most of your stay. We share practical tips on using the Les Menuires piste map, including our experience, checking snow conditions through webcams, and how to get the right ski pass and when to get the best deals. We’ll share our review of snowboarding at Les Menuires ski resort, including the best spots to ski and what other non-skier activities you can do.

If you want a resort with a more traditional alpine style, check out our guide to skiing in Megève. For a more peaceful setting with fantastic winter hikes and wildlife spotting, see our guide to the Jura mountains.

Les menuires pointe de la masse viewpoint mountains

WHere to stay in Les Menuires

Browse the map below for some of the best deals for accommodation in Les Menuires ski resort.

Read our Accommodation Guide to Les Menuires

Where is Les Menuires Located?

Les Menuires is a ski resort located in the French Western Alps in the 3 Valleés ski area, the largest ski area in the world, with over 600km of pistes. Les Menuires is within the Belleville Valley, Savoie region and is situated between neighbouring resorts Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens on the D117.

All three neighbouring ski resorts are linked via ski bus and if you purchase a 3 Valleys ski pass, you are able to ski the whole area. Les Menuires ski resort is close to the Italian border and south of Albertville, and Geneva taking around 3 hours to drive from Geneva airport.

Discover our Guide to the nearby ski resort of Val Thorens

Ski piste sign Les Menuires Pointe de la Masse

What is Les Menuires known for?

The ski resort of Les Menuires was purpose-built in the 1960s as part of the Snow Plan (Plan Neige), as it was seen as a great location for skiing. Les Menuires sits at an elevation of 1850 metres which makes it a high-altitude snow-sure ski resort, you are guaranteed snow throughout most of the ski season.

The unique and practical architecture makes it a more modern resort in comparison to other nearby traditional resorts such as Megève.

How to get to Les Menuires?

By Air

The closest airport to Les Menuires is Chambéry, which is just over 1.5 hours away, although flight options are limited. Geneva Airport is the most popular choice, thanks to its wider range of international flights, and the drive to Les Menuires takes around 3 hours. Lyon is another good alternative with reliable winter connections.

By Private transfer

If you prefer not to tackle mountain roads, snow chains or snow socks, you can book a private transfer directly to your accommodation. Taxis and private minibuses are also available, although they tend to be the most expensive option.

Companies such as Alps2Alps, Ski-Lifts and Mountain Rescue offer door-to-door shuttles that run throughout the ski season. This is one of the easiest ways to reach the resort, especially if you're travelling with children or carrying a lot of gear.

By Bus

Budget travellers can get the Altibus service, which connects Les Menuires with major airports including Geneva, Chambéry and Lyon. Booking in advance is recommended during peak weeks.

By Car/Campervan

Driving to Les Menuires gives you complete flexibility, and when staying in self-catering accommodation, you can do a big food shop in one of the main towns before heading into the valley to save money. We drove in our campervan, taking us up the well-maintained mountain roads to Les Menuires. Make sure to follow the D117 from Moûtiers, as the D96 is narrow and not suitable for winter driving.

If you’re driving from the UK to Calais, the toll route takes a little over nine hours, while the non-toll route takes about thirteen. On our journey, we broke up the drive by stopping in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Jura Mountains.

Les Menuires has an aire for campervans with space for around 80 vehicles, with electricity, water and waste disposal (more details in the campervan section). If you’re arriving by car, there are several free outdoor car parks and covered paid parking options in the main village areas.

How to get around Les Menuires?

Les Menuires resort is easy to navigate, with excellent lift links, pistes and pedestrian routes connecting the entire valley. You can move quickly between areas from one side of the valley to the other, whether you're skiing or travelling on foot, and most of the resort is ski-in/ski-out.

Free shuttle buses run between the main neighbourhoods in the resort, including La Croisette, Reberty 1850, Reberty 2000, Les Airelles, Les Fontanettes and Les Bruyères. Some buses also connect to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens, making it easy to connect to nearby resorts in the valley.

All uncovered car parks are free, so once you’ve arrived and parked, you won’t need your car again. The resort is fully accessible by ski, and the shuttle makes getting around effortless for non-skiers or on bad-weather days.

What to know before visiting Les Menuires?

When driving in France during winter in the Alps you must have one of the following; winter tyres, snow socks or snow chains. This is now a legal requirement when visiting France in snow chain areas which are signposted and is for your own safety and for the safety of others.

The main roads were clear when we visited however, the side roads can get covered in snow and ice especially during heavy snowfall so before you go make sure you know how to fit your snow chains and whether your snow socks fit your tyres.

A useful tool is to check the road conditions for the route to Les Menuires including roadworks, road conditions and whether it recommends snow tyres for a section of road which is very useful to know.

When is the best time to visit Les Menuires?

The weather in Les Menuires ski resort benefits from beautiful snow conditions throughout the ski season, you can’t go wrong when you visit. The benefit of a high-altitude resort such as Les Menuires is that there is guaranteed snow during the season and is considered a snow-sure resort.

However, if you are able to travel outside of the school holidays then the best time to visit is recommended in March and April where you’ll enjoy warmer weather and fewer people on the slopes.

Before planning you’re trip, we’d recommend checking the snow forecast website which is a useful tool for looking at current and forecast predictions for Les Menuires.

Les Menuires Point de la Masse viewpoint

What is it like to ski or Snowboard in Les Menuires ski resort?

Les Menuires is part of the Three Vallées ski area, one of the largest ski areas in the world with over 600 km of interconnected pistes. The Les Menuires ski area has 160 km of slopes, catering to all abilities, including gentle beginner slopes to fun areas designed for everyone to enjoy.

The resort sits at a base of 1,800 metres, ensuring reliable snow throughout the season. One of the best things about Les Menuires is its easy access to both sides of the valley, allowing you to enjoy sun-kissed slopes from morning to afternoon.

During our stay at the campervan Aire, we were just a 5-minute walk from the nearest cable car, which takes you up to the La Croisette area, the heart of Les Menuires. A favourite run of ours was the Boulevard de la Masse in the morning, which leads to the recently opened Pointe de la Masse cable car.

At the top, you can take in panoramic views from the viewing platform before cruising down Bouquetin, a blue run that connects to the Vallons run into the valley (see the piste map above for reference).

Snow conditions in Les Menuires were perfect, some of the best we’ve ever experienced. In the afternoon, we recommend taking the Roc 1 and Roc 2 cable cars to 3 Marches for stunning vistas and making the most of soft snow as the sun moves across the valley.

For après-ski, Roc Seven is a lively spot with daily live music at 2 pm and panoramic valley views. Their Italian menu is delicious, and the pizzas are particularly good after a day on the slopes.

Les Menuires Piste Map

You can check out the Les Menuires piste map below to see the layout of the slopes, lifts, and different areas for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. For the latest version, there is a zoomable and downloadable PDF on the Les Menuires website.

What do you need to know before skiing in Les Menuires?

The ski season in Les Menuires resort opens from the beginning of December to late April, with reliable snowfall and excellent conditions as a combination of high altitude and maintenance.

If you need to hire ski equipment, there are several rental shops throughout the resort. We hired our snowboards from Intersport Preyerand, which worked well for us. Opening hours can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance, especially if you plan to collect or return gear during lunchtime closures, which can last until 3:30 pm.

Before heading out, check the live Les Menuires webcams to see the real-time snow conditions and conditions across the valley. This is especially helpful for deciding where to start your day on the slopes. It’s worth keeping an eye on the local snow forecast, so you can plan for fresh powder days, changing visibility and hopefully a bluebird day!

Les Menuires snowboarding and ski pistes

Is Les Menuires beginner-friendly?

Les Menuires ski resort is beginner-friendly, with many easy slopes and marked Easy Rider routes. If you are a beginner skier, we recommend booking a ski lesson with ESF Les Menuires, who will boost your confidence and skills in no time!

They also offer exclusive ski passes for beginners, which are discounted to include access to beginner slopes for half the price of a normal ski pass.

How Expensive is Les Menuires Resort?

Les Menuires is known as one of the most budget-friendly resorts in the 3 Vallées, making it a great choice if you want access to a world-class ski area without the premium price tag of Courchevel or Méribel. Affordable lift passes, competitive gear rental, and a huge range of self-catering accommodation all help keep costs manageable.

Ski Passes

Lift passes in Les Menuires are generally cheaper than in neighbouring resorts. You can choose between:

Les Menuires & Saint-Martin-de-Belleville Pass |Ideal if you want to stay local and covers both Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

3 Vallées Pass | Gives you full access to over 600km of pistes, best for those looking to cover long distances and wanting to explore the valleys.

Easy Rider Pass | A more affordable option for beginners, covering the gentle learner slopes ideal for first-timers.

You’ll often find discounts for families, groups, multi-day passes, and early online booking. For the most accurate details, check current information and prices on the official Les Menuires website.

Gear Rentals

Les Menuires has multiple rental shops with competitive pricing on skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and accessories. Booking online in advance typically secures the best rates and a wider equipment choice. Many shops also offer loyalty programmes or discounts for longer rentals.

Why Les Menuires is Budget-Friendly

Les Menuires offers excellent value compared with other resorts in the valley. Lift passes cost less, rental prices are competitive, and there are many self-catering apartments that help reduce the overall cost of your trip. You still get all the benefits of the world’s largest ski area, but without the premium price tag of its more famous neighbours.

What non-skier activities are there in Les Menuires?

Le Break Centre Sportif

After a day of adventuring on the slopes, head to Le Break leisure centre for some ultimate relaxation time. Le Break is located in La Croisette, opposite the main bus station in Les Menuires. The main swimming pool has wonderful views of the mountains and as it gets dark you can watch the snow groomers getting the slopes ready for the next day.

Facilities also include a spa area for those aged 16 years and over, with a hammam, saunas, jacuzzis and a relaxing area. The swimming pool is open every day from 11:30 am till 8 pm and the spa is open at the same time but stays open until 8:45 pm.

Les Menuires Le Break Centre Sportif spa

Roc’n’Bob Sledging

A unique experience where you can slide down the mountain in a toboggan over 4 km of slopes where you have to quickly master how to turn around hairpin bends. Bring your own helmet or you will be provided with a helmet before catching the Roc 1 chairlift to the top of the starting line. The Roc’n’Bob experience only allows children over the age of 7 to participate.

Pedestrian lifts in Les Menuires ski resort

Luge Toboggan

If the Roc’n’Bob is a bit outside your comfort zone or you have children under 7 years old, or you just enjoy a bit more control then the luge will be great fun. On the luge, your cart will be fixed on rails and will take you to the top where you’ll glide down the mountain at speed depending on how often you use the breaks. This was one of the best luges we’ve experienced with some great twists and turns.

Ski patrol experiences

Les Menuires ski resort makes safety their top priority and they offer unique ski patrol experiences separately for both children and adults where you can learn everything that the ski patrol staff have to consider. Children have the chance to ride mini snowmobiles and snow groomers and experience helicopter simulators.

For the Adults, it's a hands-on experience where you learn what to do in the case of an avalanche, helping the dog rescue team find the casualty and once they are recovered you will watch a helicopter take them to safety.

Where are the best places to eat in LES MENUIRES?

Roc Seven

Opened in 2019, Roc Seven is perfectly located on the slopes at 2300 metres which makes it the highest Italian restaurant in the 3 Vallées. Roc Seven is a great lunch spot to break up your day on the mountain where they serve delicious Italian cuisine, including lasagne and pizza. Every day at 2 pm there is live music and everyone enjoys a great apres ski atmosphere with some spectacular views across the valley.

Is Les Menuires an eco-friendly resort?

In May 2022, Les Menuires was awarded the Flocon Vert label which shows their commitment to sustainable initiatives and it was one of the first resorts to publish its carbon footprint. This is a great achievement and Les Menuires has been working hard on transport and waste management to receive this recognition.

Some of the ways they are continuing to reduce their impact on the environment include; training snow groomers to reduce energy consumption by driving efficiently, ski lifts powered by hydroelectricity and working to set up green corridors for wildlife.

Where to stay near Les Menuires?

Les Menuires offers budget-friendly options for accommodation, making it more accessible than many other resorts. There are also 4-star hotels, with some recently opened if you are looking for a spot of luxury.

Read our detailed guide with the best places to stay in Les Menuires where we share the best tips on booking accommodation in the ski resort and all you need to know.

Barre des Ecrins Point de la Masse viewpoint Les Menuires

Staying in your Campervan or Motorhome in LES MENUIRES

We stayed in our campervan during our trip to Les Menuires and honestly, it was one of our favourite winter van stops in a ski resort. The Aire in Les Menuires is in a brilliant location, tucked right beside the slopes, and you can walk to the nearest chairlifts in just a few minutes. Waking up, sliding open the door and seeing the mountains turn pink with the first light is an experience we will never forget.

Access is straightforward. You enter your registration number at the barrier, take the ticket with your code and keep it safe for when you leave. Everything is automated, which makes arriving late at night very easy.

The Aire uses Flot Bleu facilities for water and waste. You pay only for what you use, which suited us well since we never know exactly how long we will stay. The water flow lasts long enough to fill a tank without rushing, and the waste point is simple to use.

There are electric terminals throughout the Aire. We did have one moment where our terminal stopped working before our time had run out, which seems to be fairly common. We contacted the service provider, and they sent someone to restart the unit. Even with that small hiccup, it was still a convenient setup.

If you are visiting in winter, make sure your diesel or gas heating works reliably at higher altitudes. We used our onboard heating rather than relying on the electric metres and were grateful for it during the colder nights.

What makes this Aire special is not just the facilities but the feeling of being part of the mountains. You can walk to the lifts, return for lunch in the van, watch the valley lights glow in the evening and fall asleep surrounded by snow. For anyone travelling by campervan or motorhome, Les Menuires is an easy and memorable place to stay.

We hope you enjoyed this guide to Les Menuires and if you’re looking at what other ski resorts are like read our Megève, Jura mountains and Tignes guides for more information.

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