Snowy pine tree in the foreground with majestic mountains behind.

A complete guide to Saint Martin de Belleville

Everything you need for your Saint Martin de Belleville ski holiday.
10th November, 2024
5 min read time

Saint Martin de Belleville presents a delightful fusion of traditional charm and understated luxury. This picturesque village, adorned with classic chalet-style architecture, offers not just a gateway to extensive skiing but also a glimpse into authentic French alpine life.

As one of the most charming French ski resorts, Saint Martin de Belleville combines tradition with modern comforts. Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Saint Martin de Belleville ski holiday. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.

Let's get started!

St Martin de Belleville, France - overview

  1. Where is Saint Martin de Belleville?
  2. Saint Martin de Belleville the resort
  3. Saint Martin de Belleville ski area
  4. Skiing in Saint Martin de Belleville
  5. Saint Martin de Belleville ski season dates
  6. Saint Martin de Belleville snow history
  7. Restaurants in Saint Martin de Belleville
  8. Things to do in Saint Martin de Belleville
  9. Saint Martin de Belleville après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Saint Martin de Belleville resort map
  11. Practical information

Where is Saint Martin de Belleville?

Saint Martin de Belleville is situated in the Tarentaise Valley, within the Savoie department of southeastern France.


Nearest airport

  • Chambéry (104 km)

Transfer time

  • Chambéry (1hr 15 min)

Saint Martin de Belleville the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1450 m
  • Resort permanent residents: 2975
Saint Martin de Belleville is an enchanting village, adorned with an ancient church, a charming square, and picturesque buildings. Celebrated as a 'Top 10 Picture Postcard Resort' by travel journalist Peter Hardy, this village perfectly blends scenic charm with top-tier skiing. The village is divided into two distinct areas. The upper part, brimming with activity, is home to the main gondola, ski pass office, ski school meeting areas, several ski rental outlets, and a supermarket. In contrast, the lower part of the village, centered around the stunning Baroque church, forms the heart of Saint Martin. Here, a vibrant collection of traditional restaurants — four of which have earned Michelin guide recognition — shops, bars, and the local tourist office and museum enrich the village life.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Authentic rustic charm and characterLimited apres ski options
Easy access to Les 3 ValléesLimited non-skiing activities
Many excellent restaurantsLimited piste options for advanced skiers
Modern and efficient lift networkVery quiet nightlife

Here is what it's like at the Saint Martin de Belleville resort

(Ref: Saint Martin de Belleville)

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Saint Martin de Belleville ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3200 m
  • Kilometres of pistes: 160 km (600 km - Les Trois Vallées)
  • Vertical drop: 1750 m
  • Ski lifts: 39
Saint Martin de Belleville is part of the Les Trois Vallées, which also encompasses renowned resorts like Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. Combined, these resorts offer an extensive ski network of over 600 km of runs. Saint Martin de Belleville itself boasts 160 km of this remarkable terrain, featuring 71 pistes (5 greens, 33 blues, 26 reds, and 7 blacks), all serviced by 39 lifts.

Saint Martin de Belleville's ski area is divided into several key sectors:

  1. Saint Martin (village): As the gateway to the resort, this area is perfect for beginners and families, featuring a mix of gentle green and blue runs.
  2. Jerusalem piste area: This sector is popular with intermediate skiers seeking a blend of beauty and challenge.
  3. Mont de la Chambre: Situated at higher elevations, this area offers more challenging terrain, including red and black runs.

Skiing in Saint Martin de Belleville

Beginners

The resort boasts dedicated nursery slopes equipped with two magic carpets adjacent to the main gondola. Once the basics are mastered, beginners can venture onto the gentle blue runs from the top of Tougnete, including the scenic Grand Lac blue run, heralded as one of the best in the Three Valleys.

Intermediates

The slopes above Saint Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires offer a rich mix of blue and red runs, easily accessible thanks to the efficient lift network. This vast playground is perfect for intermediate skiers looking to hone their skills and enjoy lengthy runs across diverse terrains.

Advanced

Expert skiers and snowboarders will relish the challenging moguls, steep black runs, and some of the world's finest off-piste terrain scattered across the Three Valleys. The upper slopes of La Masse, known for their steepness and excellent snow conditions, provide a quieter alternative for those seeking more demanding slopes.

Off-piste

The Liberty Ride areas, including La Masse, Ariondaz, and the Pylons, are ideal for off-piste skiing without the need for a guide. For those holding a 3 Vallees lift pass, venturing into Meribel and ascending the Olympic chair to Roc de Fer reveals heliski-like terrain. This is particularly true on powder days, offering a memorable descent into the Belleville valley.

Saint Martin de Belleville ski season dates

The ski season in Saint Martin de Belleville for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 9th and run until April 20th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Saint Martin de Belleville this season, be sure to explore our Saint Martin de Belleville ski deals for the best ski offers available.

Saint Martin de Belleville snow history

Saint Martin de Belleville boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April, offering skiers distinct advantages each month. In December and January, the resort receives around 35 cm and 31 cm of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 2.8 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 24 cm, it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 2.9 per week. December marks the peak of the season with the second week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 48 cm of snow across 3.2 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterized by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 16 cm of snow falling over 2.8 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December35 cm3.0 days
January31 cm2.8 days
February24 cm2.9 days
March25 cm3.2 days
April16 cm2.8 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Saint Martin de Belleville

Mountain restaurants

René et Maxime Meilleur

This restaurant is a culinary masterpiece in Saint Martin de Belleville. Run by the renowned chefs René and Maxime Meilleur, it offers an exquisite fine-dining experience with innovative dishes that highlight local flavors and ingredients. It's a must-visit for gourmet enthusiasts.

Simple et Meilleur

True to its name, this restaurant offers a simple yet refined dining experience. With a focus on fresh, quality ingredients, guests can enjoy beautifully prepared dishes in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Au Toré

A cozy and charming restaurant, Au Toré is known for its traditional Savoyard cuisine. It's the perfect place to indulge in local specialties like fondue and raclette in a rustic, alpine setting.

Bell'Savoie

Offering a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, Bell'Savoie is a delightful spot to enjoy a meal. The restaurant prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious and hearty meals.

L'Alpage

This restaurant is a hidden gem, offering an authentic mountain dining experience. With a menu that features traditional mountain fare, guests can expect a warm and rustic ambiance.

La Table du M

Elegant and sophisticated, La Table du M offers a fine dining experience with a focus on modern cuisine. The restaurant's chic décor and creative menu make it an excellent choice for a special evening out.

Things to do in Saint Martin de Belleville

For non-skiers, or simply for off-slope fun, Saint Martin de Belleville offers:

  • Heritage walks
  • Outdoor escape game
  • Snowshoeing
  • Dog sledge
  • Yoga
  • Cinema
  • Wellness and Spa
  • Pedestrian access to gondolas and chairlifts
  • Nursery and the Kid's club

Saint Martin de Belleville après-ski and nightlife

P Bar

A lively après-ski bar where guests can unwind after a day on the slopes. P Bar offers a great selection of drinks and often features live music, making it a popular spot among both locals and visitors.

Le Dahlia

Situated at the base of the slopes, Le Dahlia is the perfect place to stop for a drink after skiing. It has a vibrant atmosphere with a beautiful terrace to enjoy the mountain views.

L'Art B

Known for its chic and artsy ambiance, L'Art B is a great place to relax with a cocktail or wine. It's also a hub for cultural events, adding a unique flair to the après-ski scene.

Lodji Hotel

This hotel bar is a favorite for its cozy fireplace and comfortable seating. It's ideal for those looking for a more laid-back après-ski experience, offering a range of drinks and snacks in a stylish setting.

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Saint Martin de Belleville resort map

Saint Martin de Belleville village map

Download Saint Martin de Belleville resort map here

Practical information

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