Photo by © Hotel Strato
When it comes to skiing, few places in Europe can match Les 3 Vallées. From glistening slopes, to forests littered with snow-capped branches, to traditional villages filled with log cabins – the slope style here is nothing short of picturesque.
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Divided into three separate valleys – Courchevel, Méribel and Les Belleville – Les 3 Vallées is the world’s largest ski area, with 373 miles of ski-accessible pistes, 166 ski lifts and more than 86,400 acres of nature to explore. Days without snow and velvety-smooth slopes are unheard of; its snow grooming craftsmanship is second to none, boasting a 160-strong team and 2,383 snow cannons covering over 50% of the ski area.
Skiers and snowboarders have their pick of terrains to tackle, and there are plentiful options for non-skiers to have fun, too. Hiking, dog sledding, paragliding and other outdoor adventures await thrill-seekers, while luxury shopping, indulgent massages and gourmet meals are fitting indulgences for relaxing off-piste.
Read on for our guide to some of the best resorts Les 3 Vallées has to offer. This year, the Les 3 Vallées is open until April 28, 2023 and reopens for the next season in December. Visit www.les3vallees.com for more information and updates.
Hôtel Le Strato Courchevel
A luxurious mountain refuge awaits you at the Strato Hotel at the foot of the slopes, far from the noise and bustle of Courchevel yet within easy reach of anything you desire. The breathtaking view of the peaks of the Dent du Villard serves as a backdrop to the majestic silence that envelops this large, luxurious chalet surrounded by snow-covered fir trees. The hotel, originally designed as a private residence, has two bedrooms and twenty-three suites as well as two separate chalets perfectly suited for a family gathering.
You will also find a stunning 800 square meter spa with an exceptional view of the mountains, featuring products and treatments by the Clarins Group so that you can indulge in a comprehensive and rejuvenating skincare experience to maximize the relaxing stay.
Le Chalet St Martin
A stunning property with five bedrooms, Le Chalet sleeps up to 10 people in the lap of luxury. It has a log fire, authentic wooden furniture and an open plan dining room and kitchen where you can watch the French chefs create your meals. There’s no better place to relax after a hard day of skiing than a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room or outdoor jacuzzi — just for you.
Le Val Thorens
Traditional alpine design married with modern touches, Le Val Thorens Hotel has everything you could need, with 80 rooms and family suites, stunning panoramic views, a large swimming pool, a spa and a design-led bar area. The best bit? It has ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, so you won’t waste time traveling to the pistes.
Chalet l’Etagne
A charming bed and breakfast chalet situated in the village of Le Praz, not far from the ski lifts. The owners — Jacky and Beatrice — offer a warm welcome with personalized rooms (there are three bedrooms and two suites to cater to couples and families) and a hearty breakfast to start the day right. A sauna and jacuzzi will soothe aching muscles, and appointments for massage, facials and manicures can be arranged.
Le Coucou
Opened in late 2019 – and seen on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2020 – Le Coucou is young but making big waves. No detail has been spared for this 5-star boutique hotel, where classic alpine style has been wonderfully reimagined by legendary French designer Pierre Yovanovitch. The Tata Harper spa and heated pools (indoor and outdoor!) are just a few of the fine extras you can expect.
Spa des Neiges by Clarins
Part of the 4-star Hotel Allodis, Spa des Neiges by Clarins is a peaceful mountain haven where a skilled team is ready to ease away the inevitable aches and pains from a day of skiing. Facials, massages and makeup sessions are just part of the pampering that awaits.
Cheval Blanc Spa
Cheval Blanc, the famous chain of boutique hotels, has its own spa tucked inside its luxury Courchevel hotel. A mix of the sauna or hammam, indoor jacuzzi and outdoor Russian banya is the perfect way to cure ski-fatigued muscles. The spa’s Guerlain beauty experts will assure that you leave looking as radiant as you feel.
Nuxe Spa
The 5-star Le Kalia hotel in Méribel has welcomed the iconic French beauty brand Nuxe to head its beautiful spa. There are six consultation rooms – three of which are doubles, so you can enjoy treatments as a couple or as a family. The menu’s deep tissue and detox massages are just the things to soothe the mind and body.
Head to the MFCH Regional Guides on theTravel homepage to see our full regional guide to Les Trois Vallées – featured in the MFCH Magazine – for more information on where to stay, what to do and where to eat.
Read next: Romantic Places to Stay in the South of France
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