Les Menuires offers excellent value for ski enthusiasts, providing the convenience of a purpose-built resort designed with ski-in, ski-out accommodations. While many of the structures feature wood or stone, giving it the charm of a traditional ski town, the resort is a key part of the Three Valleys—the world’s largest ski domain—offering access to a staggering 600 km of interconnected slopes.
As one of the more affordable French ski resorts, Les Menuires has plenty to offer. We've created this guide to make planning your Les Menuires ski holiday a breeze. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, or relax with family and friends after a day on the slopes. At the end, you'll also find downloadable resort maps, along with some handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Les Menuires is located in the department of Savoie, in the Belleville valley between Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast access to the Three Valleys | Slopes can become crowded |
| Good value for money | Not the most picturesque resort |
| Ski-in-ski-out accommodation is the norm | Only 12% of the slopes are for advanced skiers |
| Home to one of the fastest cable cars in France | Limited activities beyond skiing |
(Ref: Ski Resorts Videos)
Les Menuires stands out as a superb starting point for those new to skiing. With five magic carpet lifts conveniently situated around the village, and even better, being free of charge, beginners can easily access and practice on the resort's gentle green and blue slopes. The highly-regarded ski school further enhances the learning experience, ensuring a supportive and fun environment.
This resort is a paradise for intermediate skiers, boasting wide and serene slopes with fewer lift queues than its neighboring counterparts. The Pointe de la Masse peak stands as a notable highlight, offering skiers the exhilaration of skiing over a vertical kilometer from the peak's summit to its base. Additionally, with efficient connections available, intermediates can effortlessly explore the larger 650km expanse of the Three Valleys.
Though Les Menuires is predominantly surrounded by softer greens and blues, thrill-seekers can still find their sanctuary, especially around the Pointe de la Masse peak. Its backside promises powder enthusiasts vast open snowfields to surf through. However, those yearning for more challenging freestyle terrains might need to set their sights on nearby Méribel for more challenging jumps and rails
For skiing enthusiasts eager to venture beyond the traditional slopes, Les Menuires offers an exhilarating off-piste experience. The resort features three distinct 'Liberty Ride' zones, designed specifically for off-piste skiing, allowing skiers to revel in the thrill of untouched powder in a safer environment. These non-groomed terrains, ideal for leaving one's mark in the fresh powder, are strategically located across the ski area:
Les Menuires offers snowboarders a thrilling experience with its meticulously designed parks. At an altitude of 2,500 m, the BK Park, located by the "La Becca" chair lift, is a versatile playground suitable for the entire family, with module offerings tailored for various skill levels. The park's design, influenced by Ho5Park, stands as a testament to quality. It houses both boardercross and freestyle zones with two distinct difficulty levels. Moreover, the newly introduced Pixel Area is a haven for freestylers, obstacle course enthusiasts, and skicross aficionados. It showcases a plethora of rails, kicks, and moguls, allowing boarders to flaunt their best tricks.
The ski season in the Les Menuires for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 23rd and run until April 5th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to the Les Menuires this season, be sure to explore our Les Menuires ski deals for the best ski offers available.
The Les Menuires offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 35 cm and 31 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 25 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in the Les Menuires, with an impressive 49 cm of snow over 3.3 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm of snow over 3 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 35 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 31 cm | 2.9 days |
| February | 25 cm | 3.1 days |
| March | 27 cm | 3.4 days |
| April | 17 cm | 3.0 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Located at the edge of the Biolley slope, the restaurant is open all winter until the slopes close.
At the foot at the slopes, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and offers refined dishes and local specialities, prepared with fresh and natural products.
Located directly on the Saint Martin piste, this restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The menu boasts Savoyard specialities, wood-fired meats, and homemade pasta.
A restaurant with a superb south-facing panoramic terrace, "La Bulle" is unique to Les Ménuires. Open regardless of the weather, it welcomes guests at lunchtime and for après-ski.
The La Marmite restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a menu boasting a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from pizzas and pastas to fresh fish and regional cheeses.
Traditional restaurant in a warm setting where you will find Savoyard specialties
A restaurant specialized in the preparation of dishes based on quality Savoyard products.
A typical mountain restaurant, with authentic home cooking.
For non-skiers, or simply for off-slope fun, Les Menuires offers:
The après-ski and nightlife in Les Menuires are far more affordable than in other Three Valleys resorts. There are many lively places to hang out without breaking the bank, including:
A comfy lounge with red seats. They have live music and great cocktails.
A fun French club with Europop music. Great for those who love to party.
A casual underground bar with a good happy hour deal.
Located in La Croisette, this relaxed bar has pool, darts, music, and poker nights.
Download Les Menuires resort map here
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