The Complete Three Valleys Ski Area Guide
The Three Valleys in the French Alps is one of the largest and most renowned ski areas in the world. Spanning over 600 kilometers of pistes across eight interconnected ski resorts, the Three Valleys offers an unparalleled skiing experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From the charming village of Courchevel to the lively resort of Méribel, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Three Valleys ski area, including detailed information on each resort, the best runs, and insider tips to make the most of your ski vacation.
Val Thorens Village Shops
THREE VALLEYS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Three Valleys in the French Alps is a truly massive ski area, with over 600 kilometers of pistes spread across eight interconnected ski resorts. As you step onto the slopes, the sheer scale of the terrain can feel almost overwhelming, with endless runs, lifts, and off-piste opportunities beckoning in every direction. However, this vastness is also the Three Valleys' greatest strength, as it means you can continue to explore for days on end, always discovering new and exciting areas to ski or snowboard. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time visitor, the sense of adventure and the promise of uncovering something new around every corner is palpable, making the Three Valleys a truly captivating and immersive ski destination.
THREE VALLEYS SKI AREA
The Three Valleys ski area is one of the largest and most renowned ski destinations in the world. Encompassing eight individual ski resorts, the Three Valleys offers a staggering 600 kilometers of pistes and 328 ski lifts.
The eight resorts that make up the Three Valleys are Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, La Tania, and Brides-les-Bains. Each resort has its own unique character and terrain, catering to skiers of all abilities.
Courchevel, often considered the crown jewel of the Three Valleys, is renowned for its luxurious accommodations, high-end dining, and challenging terrain. With 150 kilometers of pistes and 58 ski lifts, Courchevel offers a wide range of runs, from gentle beginner slopes to steep, technical runs for expert skiers.
Méribel, the heart of the Three Valleys, is a charming resort with a traditional Savoyard architecture and a lively après-ski scene. With 150 kilometers of pistes and 42 ski lifts, Méribel caters to a wide range of skiers, from families to thrill-seekers.
Les Menuires, located at the heart of the Three Valleys, is a purpose-built resort known for its affordable accommodations and family-friendly atmosphere. With 160 kilometers of pistes and 35 ski lifts, Les Menuires offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
Val Thorens, the highest resort in the Three Valleys at an impressive 2,300 meters, is a snow-sure destination with a modern, futuristic feel. With 150 kilometers of pistes and 31 ski lifts, Val Thorens is a haven for advanced skiers, offering some of the most challenging terrain in the region.
Orelle is often forgotten as its sits in the fourth valley the other side of Val Thorens. For me, Orelle is a gamechanger and can be an affordable base to visit Val Thorens and the extended Three Valleys ski area. Orelle stands up in its own right with some great off-piste and some exciting long pistes that ensure it is worth a visit.
VAL THORENS
Nestled high in the French Alps, Val Thorens is a monster ski resort that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. With an impressive vertical drop of 2,300 meters and over 150 kilometers of pistes, this resort offers a diverse range of terrain to explore.
Val Thorens is particularly well-suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, boasting a vast network of challenging runs and off-piste opportunities. The resort's high altitude, combined with its state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities, ensures a long and reliable ski season, with snow cover typically lasting from November through to May.
Beyond the exceptional skiing, Val Thorens is a down-to-earth base for a Three Valleys ski holiday. The resort's lively atmosphere, with its array of restaurants, bars, and après-ski activities, makes it a popular choice for those seeking an authentic mountain experience. Whether you're looking to carve fresh tracks on the slopes or simply soak up the stunning alpine scenery, Val Thorens is a must-visit destination.
To learn more about the unique charms of Val Thorens and plan your perfect ski getaway, be sure to read the comprehensive resort guide.
MERIBEL
In the heart of the renowned Three Valleys ski area, Meribel is a ski destination that offers unparalleled access to a vast network of slopes and terrain. As the central resort within the 3 Valleys interconnected system, Meribel boasts a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
The resort's terrain breakdown is as follows: 14% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 46% advanced, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Beginners can hone their skills on the gentle, wide-open slopes, while intermediate and advanced riders can challenge themselves on the resort's numerous steep, groomed runs and off-piste areas.
One of the primary reasons people choose to stay in Meribel is its strategic location within the Three Valleys. This interconnected ski area, the largest in the world, offers access to over 600 kilometers of pistes, 200 lifts, and a diverse range of mountain experiences. From the charming village of Meribel, skiers and snowboarders can easily access the neighboring resorts of Courchevel, Val Thorens, and La Tania, allowing them to explore the entire Three Valleys with ease.
Whether you're a seasoned skier or a newcomer to the sport, Meribel's central position within the Three Valleys makes it an ideal base for your winter adventure. To learn more about the resort's amenities, accommodation options, and the best ways to experience the Three Valleys, be sure to read the comprehensive Meribel Ski Resort Guide
COURCHEVEL
Courchevel is a world-class ski resort celebrated for its diverse terrain, luxury accommodations, and vibrant après-ski scene. Divided into several villages, each offering its own unique charm, Courchevel caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. With over 150 miles of interconnected slopes, breathtaking alpine views, and a commitment to excellent service, it stands as a premier destination for winter sports..
Courchevel is popular with beginners and intermediates who can benefit from some nice mellow slopes including the Pralong area in Courchevel 1850. Intermediates can take advantage of nearly 70% of the terrain being graded as blue or red which leaves plenty of room to explore.
Those skiers and snowboarders looking for steep runs and challenging terrain can find exactly that from the Combe du Vallon and the top of the Saulire Express. Although Courchevel is popular with beginners and intermediates this benefits the more advanced skier who can find themselves alone on the more challenging runs in the resort.
To Read more about Courchevel read the Comprehensive Courchevel Ski Resort Guide.
LES MENUIRES
Les Menuires ski resort boasts a diverse terrain that caters to skiers of all skill levels, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious skiers. With a variety of groomed runs ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging black trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Les Menuires is known for being an affordable base to visit the wider 3 Valleys ski area with excellent links to Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel. Les Menuires however should not be considered just an easy base for the 3 Valleys, but a quality ski area in its own right.
The local area of Les Menuires, makes up 150km of the 600km available in the 3 Valleys ski area making a huge ski area in its own right. The ski area offers 1000m of vertical drop and quality snow with skiing possible to 2800m. The Pointe de la Masse area also offers some enjoyable off-piste so should be high on the list of places to head.
To learn more about Les Menuires read the Comprehensive Les Menuires Ski Resort Guide.
BRIDES LES BAINS
Nestled at an altitude of 600 meters, Brides-les-Bains serves as a gateway to the renowned 3 Valleys ski area in the French Alps. Although there is no skiing in Brides Les Bains itself, access to Meribel is possible via the Olympe 1 and Olympe 2 gondolas.
Staying in Brides Les Bains can protect your wallet and leave more money for lift passes but this is not the only reason to stay in Brides Les Bains. The village of Brides Les Bains is well known for its thermal spas which can be the perfect apres ski activity for weary legs.
With a chilled local atmosphere filled with French charm, diverse dining options, and a potential for both relaxation and adventure, Brides-les-Bains is a great destination for skiers and snowboarders heading to the 3 Valleys.
ORELLE
Orelle could be my favourite base to explore the expansive 3 Valleys ski area with a quaint village, a nice local ski area and easy access to nearby Val Thorens, Orelle is worth consideration. In recent times, Orelle has undergone a transformation with a fast gondola installed to link Orelle to Val Thorens seamlessly.
The village has a range of economical lodging options, Orelle attracts budget-conscious skiers but without compromising the experience. I was worried that staying in Orelle would leave me isolated from the 3 Vallees. With the new lifts, this really isn’t an issue.
Locally, Orelle boasts a mix of runs that cater to all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging pistes for advanced skiers. I personally had a fantastic time exploring the off-piste in Orelle which was really enjoyable.
Orelle itself will be a quieter experience than staying in Val Thorens, Meribel or Courcehvel which may suit families who will make the most of the quieter slopes and family friendly village.
To learn more read the Comprehensive Orelle Ski Resort Guide.
SEASON DATES
The Three Valleys ski area, one of the largest and most popular ski destinations in the world, typically opens its lifts and slopes in early December and runs through late April. Specifically, the opening date often falls on the first weekend of December, although exact dates can vary yearly depending on snowfall and weather conditions. It's common to find resorts within the area, such as Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens, initiating their ski seasons with festivities and early-season discounts to attract skiers. As conditions improve and the holiday season approaches, the full range of runs and facilities are usually available by mid-December, providing a comprehensive skiing experience and optimal snow conditions for all levels of enthusiasts. Val Thorens as the highest resort in the Three Valleys has been known to open earlier than the other 3 Vallees ski areas.
THREE VALLEYS PISTE MAP
Grand Massif Piste Map
THREE VALLEYS INFRASTRUCTURE
As you would expect from a world-class ski resort, the Three Valleys invests heavily in its lift infrastructure. Across all of the ski resorts you will find high-capacity gondolas, super fast chairlifts and the more mellow magic carpets for beginners. Overall, the Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) is home to an impressive network of 180 ski lifts, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world.
Notable among these are the iconic Gondola de la Saulire, which provides access to some of the highest slopes at 2,738 meters, and the Grand Reverse chairlift, famous for its panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. Throughout the 3 Valleys the lifts work to join together the eight resorts, making it possible to ski easily between them.
Although there are some older ski lifts still lingering in the 3 Valleys, it is clear that each year the ownership is working to improve infrastructure as required. Recent examples of this are the new Orelle gondola and improve Saulire. I was particularly impressed with the lift system in Val Thorens which handled holiday crowds really well ensuring I barely waited in-line.
THREE VALLEYS ACCOMMODATION
The Three Valleys, one of the largest skiing areas in the world, offers various options for accommodations catering to families, budget travelers, and those seeking a lively nightlife. For families, Les Menuires stands out with its family-friendly amenities, ski schools, and easy access to beginner slopes, making it an excellent choice for those with children. If you're looking to save some money, Moutiers or Brides Les Bains are convenient and economical bases, providing lower-cost lodging and easy access to the ski areas. For those interested in vibrant nightlife and a party scene, Val Thorens is the place to be, boasting a host of bars and clubs that stay open late, ensuring an energetic atmosphere after a long day on the slopes. Val Thorens is also home to Club Med, which makes for a fantastic all-inclusive option directly on the slopes.
THREE VALLEYS PROS
The 3 Valleys is the largest combined ski area in the world, this means it is unrivalled in terms of variety and new places to explore.
The 3 Valleys offers something for everyone with certain villages meeting the needs of different clientele. This means that whether you are a student or work on Wall Street, you will find accommodation in your price range.
Intermediates will love the 3 Valleys for exploring between the resorts. The majority of terrain is graded as blue or red and with swift connections between the villages it’s easy to explore.
Off-Piste in the 3 Valleys is epic and there are a number of incredible runs to head to when the conditions are right!
The 3 Valleys has a long season, usually starting and finishing in Val Thorens, but there high-altitude of its resorts ensure good snow cover throughout the season.
THREE VALLEYS CONS
This one is personal for me, the money. Some parts of the 3 Valleys are flash with cash and marketed towards the world’s wealthiest visitors. For the average Joe, this can make dining and accommodation expensive when compared to other combined ski areas like the Grand Massif or Paradiski.
Crowds can be an issue during peak times at some pinch points. This however is regularly addressed by improving lift infrastructure across the ski areas.
THREE VALLEYS GALLERY
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Three Valleys is incredible. There really is so much to enjoy about a visit to the Three Valleys ski area. Sure I have my favourite areas, and there are definitely villages that I would never stay in, but ultimately that’s the magic of this place. Find the resort village that suits you and your group and use that as a base to explore this huge ski area.
DISCOVER THREE VALLEYS
THREE VALLEYSVIDEOS
RELATED POSTS
Orelle Ski Resort Guide
Orelle is a small village in the Maurienne Valley that is linked to the world’s largest ski area the Three Valleys. From Orelle, the new Orelle gondola whisks you to high-altitude skiing and snowboarding above 2,000 m. Direct links between Orelle and Val Thorens ensure the local area has access to 150km of pistes to keep you occupied.
Referred to as the Fourth Valley, Orelle has an exceptional snow record with the ski area base really starting at 2350m. In addition to an excellent snow history, Orelle has 870m of vertical drop between the top of Bouchet chair and Plan Bouchet. There is a limited number of pistes in Orelle however the area has plenty of opportunity for off-piste and easy access to Val Thorens with a more extensive piste map.
ORELLE IN VIDEOS
ORELLE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Orelle is strange for French skiing because you arrive at the bottom of a gondola not close to the ski area. The area around the gondola has a car park, ticket office and small ski shop where ski and snowboard hire is possible.
View from the 3 Vallees Express gondola.
The Orelle gondola, formerly the 3 Vallees Express gondola, takes you to the base of the Orelle Ski Resort at 2350m. This journey takes 13 minutes and has some incredible views. Within 20 minutes from the car park, you can be on top of the Cime Caron at 3200m where you see the real beauty of skiing in the Three Valleys. Orelle feels small, but within minutes you can be skiing in the world’s largest ski area, this is a small ski area with a Mary Poppins bag full of surprises.
Ticket office in Orelle, next to the now replaced 3 Vallees Express gondola.
ORELLE SKI AREA
Locally the skiing in Orelle is based around Plan Bouchet your arrival point in Orelle. From Plan Bouchet it is possible to take two lifts, the Rosael or the Peyron. Both lifts access brilliant intermediate terrain with some fantastic blue trails leading back to Plan Bouchet. You can also continue to the Cime Caron using the new Orelle - Cime Caron gondola.
Taking the Rosael chair you can opt to remain in Orelle and descend via blue or red trails from the Col de Rosael. Alternatively, you can use this chair to drop into nearby Val Thorens where between the two resorts 150km of trails are shared.
The Peyron chair and trail are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Those looking for more challenge are encouraged to take the Bouchet chair to the highest point in Orelle, Sommet des 3 Vallees at 3230m. From the top of Bouchet, you can access two stunning red trails, however the more adventurous can also find great off-piste in this area.
Finally, the new Orelle-Cime Caron gondola links the village of Orelle with the Cime Caron at 3200m. From here it is possible to ski over to Val Thorens or take the Combe Rosael black trail back towards Orelle.
The ski area of Orelle is small in terms of pistes with 8 runs listed on the trail map. This doesn’t really do a good job of explaining the appeal of snowboarding in Orelle with plenty of fantastic off-piste options, links to Val Thorens, and high altitude snow-sure skiing.
ORELLE FOR BEGINNERS
A green nursery slope awaits at the top of the Orelle gondola, which is also the meeting place for the local ski school. Orelle does have nice wide blue trails that will be good for skiers and snowboarders developing the confidence to ski around the mountain.
On my trip to Orelle, a few of my friends were beginners and they found the area a good place to progress with blues to explore.
ORELLE FOR INTERMEDIATES
Orelle is perfect for intermediates, especially with the wide selection of blue and red runs shared between Orelle and Val Thorens. As an intermediate Orelle is a ski area where you can clock up the miles as you nail down that technique and gain confidence linking your turns.
For the more advanced intermediate, Orelle is a good place to explore to the side of the piste getting confidence in riding in changing snow conditions. My pal Mark made the best of the fresh snow making his first forays into the off-piste within the Orelle ski area.
ORELLE FOR ADVANCED
Snowboarding for the more advanced in Orelle is centred around the off-piste that is available. Yes, the reds from Bouchet and the Col de Rosael are excellent but the best terrain is found between the pistes. At every point of the resort you can look to the side of the piste and see something fun to ride. If you manage to combine your trip to Orelle with fresh snowfall, there is little need to head into the rest of the Three Valleys.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE ORELLE
There is no terrain park specifically in Orelle, however, the VT Park in Val Thorens is within an easy ride from the Col de Rosael. Within Orelle, you will find a boardercross track.
VT Park Val Thorens
OFF-PISTE ORELLE
Between Orelle and nearby Val Thorens there are many options to explore the off-piste. I enjoyed the off-piste from the Cime Caron and Bouchet chair specifically. From the Bouchet chair, the adventurous may want to attempt the Pierre Lory itinerary that you can read about here.
LIFTS ORELLE
As discussed previously, Orelle has recently upgraded the 3 Vallees Express gondola to a two-stage gondola between Orelle and the Cime Caron. This major lift investment is reflected across the Three Valleys where you will find excellent lift infrastructure throughout.
Besides the new gondola taking skiers from the village of Orelle to the Cime Caron in 20 minutes, there are three other lifts in Orelle; Rosael, Bouchet, and Peyron. I can not remember standing in a lift queue in Orelle and this is down to the quality of lifts.
Orelle Chairlifts
One issue that I had during my visit to Orelle was that the weather closed the resort for one and a half days. For me this wasn’t an issue as I was able to drive to another part of the Three Valleys that was open. It is worth noting that this can happen anywhere so maybe my timing was unlucky in this regard.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER ORELLE
As mentioned above the weather can greatly affect your experience during a ski trip and sadly my first trip to Orelle was hit by wind closures. Orelle is also way above the treeline so there is little in the way of places to hide out during whiteout conditions. This is similar for nearby Val Thorens so if you are in Orelle during a whiteout consider heading down to St Martin de Belleville.
ORELLE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Orelle
ORELLE GALLERY
ORELLE VILLAGE
Orelle is located in the Maurienne Valley and can make for a quieter more affordable base to access the Three Valleys ski area. Orelle’s location is fantastic as a gateway to Val Thorens and the wider Three Valleys.
The village itself is divided into 10 hamlets that are spread between 880m and 1200m. The hamlet of Francoz is where you will find the gondola access and most tourist activity with the ticket office, ski rentals and more. The village of Orelle offers a different type of holiday to the purpose-built villages of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel. In Orelle, you will find narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses set amongst a mellow atmosphere which is perfect for that more chilled ski trip vibe.
ORELLE SKI SEASON DATES
Orelle joins Val Thorens with having one of the longest ski seasons in Europe closing around three weeks after Courchevel and Meribel. Access to Val Thorens and Orelle is from Nov 25th and the ski area remains open until the first week of May.
TRAVEL TO ORELLE
WHERE IS ORELLE SKI RESORT?
Orelle is very accessible by car, rail and plane. The closest airports to Orelle are Lyon and Chambéry however access is still possible from Geneva. Geneva Airport is popular with British skiers who appreciate it for the regular flight schedule during the winter season, and the numerous ski resort transfer companies.
GETTING TO ORELLE
If your plan is to fly and self-drive, you can reach Orelle within one hour from Chambéry and two hours from Geneva. Fly and drive arrivals are also possible from across the border in Italy with Turin under two hours from Orelle. One benefit of self-drive holidays to Orelle is that the parking at the Orelle gondola is free!
Visiting Orelle via train is possible with connections via Paris and Milan on the TGV. The nearest train stations to Orelle are St Michel/Valloire and Modane. Train tickets can be purchased on RailEurope and are not cheap. However, travel by train does offer a certain freedom and is a fantastic way to travel to a ski resort.
Self-drive direct from the UK is possible with the most popular channel crossings via Dover and Folkestone to Calais. From Calais, the drive to Orelle takes around 9 hours when utilising the French toll roads. Driving to French ski resorts is great for when travelling in groups and wanting to bring extras for self-catering accommodation.
ORELLE LIFT PASS OPTIONS
There are multiple ski pass options for Orelle and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Orelle/Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes, this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area. Using this pass from Orelle can account for some long ski safaris between Orelle and the resort of Courchevel at the far end of the Three Valleys.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to the ticket office in Orelle where you will be given your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Orelle should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Orelle and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
ORELLE PROS
Orelle offers cheaper accommodation than Val Thorens but has quick access to the epic terrain shared between the two resorts. The new gondola ensures you are close enough to the action in Orelle.
Orelle is quieter than Val Thorens meaning you can often have no rivals for freshies on those powder days.
Orelle has access to 600km of pistes depending on your choice of lift pass, meaning that you can access the largest combined ski area in the world.
ORELLE CONS
Orelle is not central within the Three Valleys, therefore it can take a while to ski to the resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. Orelle however does have good access to Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
Orelle doesn’t have the amenities of Val Thorens or Apres scene…. actually for me this is a positive but some will rate this as a negative.
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ORELLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU SKI FROM ORELLE TO VAL THORENS?
Yes, the resorts of Orelle and Val Thorens are linked from the top of the Cime de Caron. From here, you can ski between the two resorts. Orelle and Val Thorens share 150km of pistes and are accessible on the same lift pass.
WHAT IS THE SKI ALTITUDE IN ORELLE?
Although the village of Orelle sits below the ski area, within minutes you have access to high-altitude skiing via the new gondola. The ski area in Orelle is situated between 3,230m and 1,100m offering 2,130m of vertical drop. The ski area of Orelle is very snowsure with the majority of its skiing above 1,800m.
ORELLE FINAL THOUGHTS
When heading to Orelle for the first time I made the decision to stay in Orelle due to budget constraints. Honestly, I was worried that I would be heading to the Three Valleys but wouldn’t get the proper experience. I can say now from experience that I would happily base myself in Orelle again as it delivered on so many levels.
The recent improvements with an upgraded gondola ensure that links to Val Thorens are seamless and efficient. Add to this some of the best off-piste areas in the Three Valleys and Orelle has to be high on most skiers and snowboarders watch-list.