What is the biggest ski area in the Alps? In France, we are fortunate to host some of the most beautiful and largest ski resorts in the world. The Southern Alps and the Northern Alps are the cradle of winter sports. Renowned resorts such as Les Menuires, La Plagne, Val Thorens or Val d'Isère are perfect examples. In this article, find out more about Largest ski area in the Alps : The 3 Valleys!
The 3 Valleys: the largest ski area in the Alps
Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Courchevel and Méribel are well-known names for ski enthusiasts, as they are essential destinations in the Alps. These stations, joined to Orelle and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, make up the vast area of the 3 Valleys, a real paradise for winter sports lovers.
Extending from 1,100 meters to 3,230 meters above sea level 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, suitable for both lovers of peace and luxury, as in Méribel or Courchevel. The 3 Valleys also offer an impressive network of 600 km of interconnected trails! The installations (tracks and Ski lifts) are at the cutting edge of technology.
This domain, considered to be the largest in the world for downhill skiing, is therefore distinguished by its 600 km of trails spread over 7 altitude stations. Its advanced equipment, its spacious and pleasant tracks, as well as its exceptional panoramas, make it a destination of choice. Among the emblematic peaks, we find the Pointe de la Masse, the Cime Caron, the Saulire, the Mont Vallon and the Mont de la Chambre.
Alpine ski area: the other two areas on the podium
Les Portes du Soleil
Divided between Haute-Savoie and Switzerland, the 12 village stations in the Portes du Soleil offer access to 600 km of slopes, most of which are connected by shuttle buses. Although different from the 3 Valleys in terms of configuration, this ski area is distinguished by its blend of authenticity and unlimited skiing possibilities. The region's mid-mountain landscape offers spectacular views of the Mont-Blanc And the Dents du Midi. Resorts like Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel and Avoriaz offer a wide range of accommodations, from beautiful 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 area of 425 km of slopes thanks to a long-distance cable car. With 70% of the trails located at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, this Alpine ski area enjoys excellent snow conditions. The 264 trails range between 1,200 and 3,250 meters above sea level, offering a wide range of difficulty levels. La Plagne and Les Arcs, two modern resorts, allow direct access to the slopes. Peisey Vallandry, on the other hand, offers a more village and authentic atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a more traditional skiing experience.
Focus on the largest ski area in the Alps, 3 Valleys
The Domaine des 3 Vallées, founded in 1971, is recognized as the Largest ski area in the world. This area offers a complete skiing experience with around 200 ski lifts, 1,200 snow cannons, and 7 ski resorts. Thanks to its location mostly above 2,000 meters, theNatural snow is exceptional, with therefore a ski season extended over the year.
Within the Largest ski area in the Alps, skiers have the choice between several packages adapted to their levels and preferences:
- Val Thorens — Orelle (150 km of slopes);
- the Belleville Valley (300 km of trails);
- The 3 Valleys (600 km of slopes).
Although the Portes du Soleil ski area offers more kilometers of tracks, you have to use shuttles to travel between its various sites. The 3 Valleys offer 330 varied trails, with a fair distribution between easy and difficult trails, including demanding black runs like the Peclet Glacier, red ones such as Campagnol, Combe du Vallon and Christine, as well as the quieter blue one at Tête Ronde.
Freeride enthusiasts can explore approximately 400 km² of off-road (equivalent to 4 times the size of Paris!) , while freestylers of all levels can enjoy a quality snowpark. The abundance of ski lifts in Les 3 Vallées reduces waiting times, making skiing more fluid and enjoyable.
Les Summits of the Alps offer breathtaking panoramas, easily accessible via cable car. The 360° views of the Alpine peaks and surrounding glaciers are particularly impressive from Cime de Caron, at an altitude of 3,200 meters, accessible by the Cime Caron cable car. La Mont-Blanc view and on the peaks of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, as well as on the Peclet glacier, is considered to be one of the most spectacular in the Alps, having even been described as” The most beautiful view of the Alps ” by the Michelin Green Guide.
The 7 ski resorts in the 3 Vallées ski area
Val Thorens
Val Thorens, the Highest village in Europe at an altitude of 2,300 meters, is a haven of peace for skiers. It is surrounded by 6 glaciers. This resort, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, offers direct access to the slopes from any accommodation. Linked to the 3 Valleys, the Largest ski area in the Alps, it offers itineraries for all levels, fun areas such as a snowpark, a themed sledge run and a spectacular zip line. Also note that Val Thorens is semi-pedestrian.
Meribel
Méribel, in the heart of the 3 Valleys, is distinguished by its harmonious architecture made of stone and wooden chalets. The station is divided into 4 main districts:
- Les Allues, an authentic Savoyard village;
- Meribel Village, a traditional hamlet with renovated chalets and barns;
- Meribel Center, the largest village with private chalets and elegant chalet residences;
- Meribel Mottaret, offering direct access to the 600 km of slopes in the 3 Valleys.
Courchevel
Courchevel, a multi-faceted ski resort, is spread over 5 distinct levels, each time with a unique experience of mountain. Saint Bon, 1,100 meters away, is the historic cradle, connected to the ski area by shuttles and a red slope. Courchevel 1,300, Le Praz, maintains its traditional mountain charm and is famous for its ski jumps. Courchevel 1 550 attracts families with its excellent value for money and its quick access to Courchevel 1 850. Courchevel 1 650, sunny and family-friendly, offers mostly green and blue slopes. Courchevel 1 850 is the epicenter of luxury on the resort.
Les Menuires
Perched at more than 1,850 meters, Les Menuires is a Warm ski resort in the 3 Valleys, the largest ski area in the Alps. Connected to 6 other resorts, it offers a variety of accommodations, most of which are accessible on skis. Les Vacations in Les Menuires include fun activities, gourmet breaks in mountain restaurants, and après-ski entertainment. Ideal for families, the resort also offers numerous off-ski activities, from snowmobile rides to relaxing in the spa.
Orelle
One hour from Chambéry, Orelle is a authentic mountain village of the Maurienne Valley, populated by about 500 inhabitants. It maintains its rural and traditional charm with its stone houses and slate roofs. In winter, a 15-minute cable car connects Orelle to the Val Thorens and 3 Valleys ski area, the highest in Europe, offering 82 slopes over 150 kilometers and 32 ski lifts. In summer, Orelle is transformed into hiking paradise, with breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, a charming village in the heart of the largest ski area in the Alps of the 3 Valleys, offers a authentic experience far from the massive tourist influx. Combining tradition and discreet luxury, the village is a haven of tranquility and well-being. There are chalets, hotels and apartments with unique mountain chic and decorated with care. The 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 Explore the 3 Valleys. This village offers an exceptional skiing experience with easy access to the largest ski area in the world thanks to the Olympe Gondola. It is distinguished by its quality accommodation at prices that are much more affordable than in mountain resorts. Quickly accessible from the highway or the train station, Brides-les-Bains is also renowned for its thermal spa, lively après-ski, delicious local cuisine and its casino.
