Les 3 Vallées: The World's Largest Ski Area
Les 3 Vallées is the world's largest ski area: 600 km of pistes, 339 runs and 183 ski lifts spread across four interconnected resorts in the French Alps of Savoie. A single lift pass gives you access to the entire ski area, meaning you can ski in a different valley each day for a week without repeating a single run.
The highest access point, with the best snow, is via Val Thorens, Europe's highest resort at 2,300 m. From here, you can reach any point in the ski area in under 2 hours of skiing.
The 4 Resorts of Les 3 Vallées
🏆 Val Thorens (2,300–3,230 m) — Europe's Highest
The jewel of Les 3 Vallées. Europe's highest resort guarantees quality snow from November to May. Pistes for all levels, the Péclet Glacier and views of Mont Blanc from the Cime de Caron (3,230 m). The best choice for Easter holidays thanks to its guaranteed snow.
- Local pistes: 150 km | Ski lifts: 31
- Level: All levels, especially intermediate and advanced skiers
- Best for: Guaranteed snow, a long season, ski touring
🎿 Val Thorens Ski Rental — From €32/day | ⛷️ Complete Val Thorens Catalogue
🏅 Méribel (1,450–2,952 m) — The Heart of Les 3 Vallées
The most central resort in the ski area and a favourite among British skiers. Traditional chalet architecture, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and direct access to all the valleys. Perfect for families and mixed-ability groups.
- Local pistes: 150 km | Ski lifts: 43
- Level: All levels, especially families
- Best for: Atmosphere, gastronomy, central access to the ski area
👑 Courchevel (1,300–2,738 m) — The Most Exclusive
The world's most luxurious ski resort. Courchevel 1850 is synonymous with Alpine glamour, with 5-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and immaculate pistes. It also has more affordable sectors at Courchevel 1650 and 1550.
- Local pistes: 150 km | Ski lifts: 58
- Level: All levels, especially advanced skiers and luxury seekers
- Best for: Premium experience, perfectly groomed pistes
🟢 Les Menuires (1,800–2,850 m) — The Best Value for Money
The most affordable resort in Les 3 Vallées and the one offering the best value for money. Direct access to Val Thorens and Méribel, with excellent pistes and accommodation prices far lower than those of its neighbours.
- Local pistes: 160 km | Ski lifts: 36
- Level: All levels, especially families on a tight budget
- Best for: Price, access to the entire ski area, families
Les 3 Vallées in Numbers
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total piste kilometres | 600 km |
| Number of runs | 339 |
| Ski lifts | 183 |
| Minimum altitude | 1,300 m (Courchevel) |
| Maximum altitude | 3,230 m (Cime de Caron, Val Thorens) |
| Included resorts | 4 (Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires) |
| Season | November–May |
| Best access from Spain | Flight to Lyon or Geneva + transfer |
How to Plan a Week in Les 3 Vallées
- Day 1: Val Thorens — acclimatise to the altitude and ski the central sector’s slopes
- Day 2: Péclet Glacier and Cime de Caron — the best views in the ski area
- Day 3: Méribel — cross the valley and explore the heart of the ski area
- Day 4: Courchevel — a day at the world’s most exclusive resort
- Day 5: Les Menuires — less crowded slopes and return to Val Thorens
- Day 6: Free day to revisit your favourites or explore off-piste terrain
Ski Rental for Les 3 Vallées
Book your equipment online before you arrive. With Caranva Sports, you can collect your equipment at the foot of the slopes in Val Thorens and Courchevel, with premium 2026 equipment for all levels.
- 🎿 Val Thorens Ski Rental — From €32/day
- 🎿 Courchevel 1850 Ski Rental
- ⭐ Val Thorens Extras — Additional services
- ⛷️ View the entire Val Thorens collection
Frequently Asked Questions about Les 3 Vallées
How many kilometres of slopes does Les 3 Vallées have?
Les 3 Vallées has 600 km of slopes spread across Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, and Les Menuires. It is the largest ski area in the world accessible with a single lift pass.
Which is the best resort in Les 3 Vallées?
It depends on what you’re looking for: Val Thorens for the best snow and longest season, Méribel for central access and atmosphere, Courchevel for a premium experience, Les Menuires for the best prices. With the combined lift pass, you can ski them all.
Does the Val Thorens lift pass include all of Les 3 Vallées?
Yes. The Val Thorens lift pass provides access to all 600 km of slopes in the Les 3 Vallées ski area. It is the same pass as the one for Méribel, Courchevel, or Les Menuires—they all provide access to the entire ski area.
How long does it take to ski from Val Thorens to Courchevel?
Approximately 1 h 30 min–2 h skiing, passing through Méribel. The connecting lifts close at 4:30 p.m., so plan your return with enough time.
When is the best time to ski in Les 3 Vallées?
February is the month with the best snow and the most hours of sunshine. For Easter, Val Thorens is the best option because of its altitude. The season runs from November to May, with Val Thorens being the last resort to close.
