Set in the heart of the 3 Vallées, Les Menuires and Saint Martin form a huge area with skiing for all levels and all tastes. Expect sumptuous views from prestigious summits like le Mont de la Chambre (2850m), la Pointe de la Masse (2804m), le Roc des 3 Marches (2704m) and Tougnète (2430m).
Vallée des Belleville
In conjunction with Val Thorens, Les Menuires / Saint Martin de Belleville form the Vallée des Belleville which represents 300km of pistes alone – that is to say half of the 3 Vallées. Orientated East-West, this valley allows skiers to follow the sun’s path throughout the day.
Skiing and snowboarding
Runs fan out in all directions from the resort and it’s a tough choice to decide which way to head with a wide range of pistes to suit all needs. Adult beginners are particularly well catered for by an enclosed area of around 5000 square metres near Preyerand especially reserved for new skiers and designed to suit their needs.
Much of the terrain of the three valleys is ideal for intermediates but in the local area the long motorway run of Jerusalem followed by Biollay all the way to St Martin gives a thigh-
burning descent with over 1000m of vertical. For moguls check out the Rocher Noir.
Off piste
All of the upper runs on the Masse suit advanced skiers, and this same area is excellent for developing your off-piste skills. Bear in mind that, as always, going off piste requires several safety precautions and the proper use of basic backcountry equipment. Off piste is not forbidden, except in the case of specific regulation due to high avalanche risk (specified on the ski area with big yellow signs). We recommend only going off piste with a professional mountain guide who knows the specific area very well.
Snowboarders
Another strong point of Les Menuires is its facilities for snowboarders. There is a 400m long park next to the Becca chairlift offering slides, rails, tables, a boardercross and a quarter pipe. During the school holidays of February, the French ski school offer five-day courses of freestyle. A ski instructor helps you explore the snowparks of the 3 Vallées (Approx €260 for five days with four hours of skiing a day).
Ski schools
There are a few different ski school options available. The ESF have four offices in la Croisette, Reberty and les Bruyères area in les Menuires and in Saint Martin de Belleville. You can get group lessons or private lessons in skiing and snowboarding, or even try snow-shoeing, telemarking, freestyle and freeride courses.
