What is the largest ski area in the Alps? In France, we're fortunate to be home to some of the world's largest and most beautiful ski resorts. The Southern and Northern Alps are the cradle of winter sports. Renowned resorts such as Les Menuires, La Plagne, Val Thorens and Val d'Isère are perfect examples. In this article, find out more about the largest ski area in the Alps: Les 3 Vallées!
Les 3 Vallées: the largest ski area in the Alps
Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Courchevel and Méribel are well-known names to ski enthusiasts, as they are must-see destinations in the Alps. These resorts, along with Orelle and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, make up the vast 3 Valleys ski area, a veritable Eden for winter sports enthusiasts.
Stretching from an altitude of 1,100 meters to 3,230 meters at the summit of Cime Caron, it is the largest ski area in the Alps. It offers a variety of villages, from the most traditional to the most modern, equally suited to lovers of tranquillity and luxury, as in Méribel or Courchevel. The 3 Valleys also offer an impressive network of 600 km of interconnected slopes! Facilities (slopes and lifts) are state-of-the-art.
Considered the world's largest alpine ski area, it boasts 600 km of pistes spread over 7 high-altitude resorts. Its state-of-the-art facilities, spacious, easy-to-navigate slopes and exceptional panoramic views make it a destination of choice. Emblematic peaks include Pointe de la Masse, Cime Caron, Saulire, Mont Vallon and Mont de la Chambre.
Les Alpes ski area: the other two areas on the podium
Portes du Soleil
Spread between Haute-Savoie and Switzerland, the 12 village resorts of the Portes du Soleil offer access to 600 km of pistes, most of which are connected by shuttle bus. Although different from the 3 Valleys in terms of layout, this ski area stands out for its blend of authenticity and unlimited skiing possibilities. The region's mid-mountain landscape offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi. Resorts such as Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel and Avoriaz offer a wide range of accommodation, from fine hotels to comfortable residences.
Paradiski
Since 2003, the slopes of the Les Arcs and Peisey Vallandry ski areas have been linked to those of La Plagne, forming a vast 425 km ski area thanks to a long-distance cable car. With 70% of its slopes above 2,000 meters, this Alpine ski area enjoys excellent snow conditions. The 264 runs stretch from 1,200 to 3,250 meters above sea level, offering a wide range of difficulty levels. La Plagne and Les Arcs, two modern resorts, offer direct access to the slopes. Peisey Vallandry, on the other hand, offers a more authentic village atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a more traditional ski experience.
Focus on the largest ski area in the Alps, 3 Vallées
Founded in 1971, Les 3 Vallées is recognized as the world's largest ski area. The area offers a complete skiing experience with around 200 lifts, 1,200 snow cannons and 7 ski resorts. Thanks to its location mostly above 2,000 meters,natural snow cover is exceptional, so the ski season can be extended all year round.
In the largest ski area in the Alps, skiers can choose from a range of packages to suit their abilities and preferences:
- Val Thorens - Orelle (150 km of runs) ;
- Vallée des Belleville (300 km of trails) ;
- Les 3 Vallées (600 km of pistes).
Although the Portes du Soleil ski area offers more kilometers of runs, you'll need to use shuttles to travel between its different sites. Les 3 Vallées offers 330 varied pistes, with an even split between easy and difficult runs, including demanding black runs such as Glacier de Péclet, reds such as Campagnol, Combe du Vallon and Christine, and the quieter blue of Tête Ronde.
Freeride enthusiasts can explore some 400 km² of off-piste terrain (equivalent to 4 times the size of Paris!), while freestylers of all levels can enjoy a top-quality snowpark. The abundance of lifts in Les 3 Vallées reduces waiting times, making skiing more fluid and enjoyable.
The peaks of the Alps offer breathtaking panoramas, easily accessible by cable car. Particularly impressive are the 360° views of the Alpine peaks and surrounding glaciers from the Cime de Caron, at 3,200 meters above sea level, accessible via the Cime Caron cable car. The view of Mont Blanc and the peaks of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, as well as the Péclet glacier, is considered to be one of the most spectacular in the Alps, having even been described as " the most beautiful view in the Alps " by the Michelin Green Guide.
The 7 ski resorts in the 3 Vallées area
Val Thorens
Val Thorens, Europe's highest village at 2,300 meters, is a haven of peace for skiers. It is surrounded by 6 glaciers. The resort, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, offers direct access to the slopes from any accommodation. Connected to the 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the Alps, it offers itineraries for all levels, fun areas such as a snowpark, a themed toboggan run and a spectacular zip line. Val Thorens is also semi-pedestrian.
Méribel
Méribel, in the heart of the 3 Valleys, is distinguished by its harmonious architecture of stone and wood chalets. The resort is divided into 4 main districts:
- Les Allues, an authentic Savoyard village;
- Méribel Village, a traditional hamlet with renovated chalets and barns;
- Méribel Centre, the largest village with elegant private chalets and chalet-residences ;
- Méribel Mottaret, with direct access to the 600 km of pistes in the 3 Valleys.
Courchevel
Courchevel, a multi-faceted ski resort, is spread over 5 distinct levels, each offering a unique mountain experience. Saint Bon, at 1,100 meters, is the historic birthplace, linked to the ski area by shuttles and a red run. Courchevel 1,300, Le Praz, retains its traditional mountain charm and is famous for its ski jumps. Courchevel 1,550 attracts families with its excellent value for money and quick access to Courchevel 1,850. Courchevel 1,650, sunny and family-friendly, offers mainly green and blue runs. Courchevel 1 850 is the epicenter of luxury in the resort.
Les Menuires
Perched at over 1,850 meters, Les Menuires is a friendly ski resort in the heart of the 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the Alps. Connected to 6 other resorts, it offers a variety of accommodation, most of it ski-in/ski-out. Les Menuires vacations include fun activities, gourmet breaks in mountain restaurants and après-ski entertainment. Ideal for families, the resort also offers a wide range of off-ski activities, from snowmobile rides to spa relaxation.
Orelle
Just an hour from Chambéry, Orelle is an authentic mountain village in the Maurienne valley, with a population of around 500. It retains its traditional rural charm, with stone houses and lauze roofs. In winter, a 15-minute cable car links Orelle to the Val Thorens and 3 Vallées ski area, the highest in Europe, offering 82 runs over 150 kilometers and 32 lifts. In summer, Orelle becomes a hiking paradise, with breathtaking Alpine scenery.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, a charming village in the heart of the 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the Alps, offers an authentic experience far from the massive tourist influx. Combining tradition and discreet luxury, the village is a haven of tranquillity and well-being. Here you'll find chalets, hotels and apartments with a unique mountain chic and decorated with care. Local cuisine is another highlight!
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains, a charming Savoyard village located in the Tarentaise Valley at an altitude of 600 meters, is the ideal starting point for exploring the 3 Valleys. The village offers an exceptional skiing experience, with easy access to the world's largest ski area via the Olympus gondola. It stands out for its quality accommodation at prices far more affordable than those found in high-altitude resorts. Quickly accessible from the freeway or train station, Brides-les-Bains is also renowned for its thermal spa, lively après-ski, delicious local cuisine and casino.
