LES MENUIRES - Introduction
This terrific French resort is located right in the heart of the Belleville Valley, part of the extensive 3 Valleys ski area. Les Menuires boasts some of the most sought after skiing in the 3 valleys with beginners and intermediates well looked after, while experts have the whole of the 3 valleys to explore. The town, at the foot of the slopes, enjoys good restaurants and great nightlife. Les Menuires shares the Belleville valley with its sister resort of Val Thorens and they offer a varied and extensive selection of accommodation, from simple apartments to 4-star hotels, along with a number of chalets and apart-hotels. So whether you are looking for a budget weekend break or a full service week-long stay the resort has something for you. Due to the altitude and the vast ski area, the resort usually enjoys good snow conditions from November until late April. Lying as it does above the tree line, you will often find Les Menuires is just a scene of beautiful white snow in every direction, surrounded by rugged peaks and topped with blue sky.
Skiing
There is an extensive lift system, which provides quick and easy access to a vast array of piste. Within a few minutes you can be heading up to Val Thorens and within half an hour you can be skiing down towards Courchevel. With around 160km of piste in the Belleville there is plenty on offer close to home. There are good facilities for beginners and plenty of blue terrain for early intermediates. The local red trails usually enjoy good snow, with areas such as La Masse being of particular interest, and with another two valleys to play in, intermediates will never get bored. Experts will find lots of piste to enjoy too, such as the awesome Combe de Caron and with a guide can find some of the most spectacular off-piste in Europe.
Snowboarding
The area offers a fantastic playground for both beginners and experts alike. For those who like air beneath their boards, Les Menuires has its own terrain park and half-pipe areas, and Val Thorens has the same, along with a boardercross course. On piste the options are almost endless and with a guide you can explore powder fields of awesome proportions.
Ski Schools
Every type of lesson, for every level of ski and snowboarder is available, so whether you are new to the sport or are just looking to refine your technique the resorts ski schools can cater for your needs. Les Menuires has some great facilities for beginners and caters well for youngsters, with a nursery and several clubs for different age groups. SkiExtras recommends Prosneige Ski School due to their great range of group lessons and friendly professional service. SkiExtras offers some great prices on pre booked group lessons – try us for a quote.
Eating Out
Savoyard dishes, usually packed with potato and cheese, are the order of the day on many menus and it would seem rude not to try a fondue, raclette or tartiflette whilst in the area. Your choice may limit your skiing in the afternoon however, so perhaps they had best wait until dinner time. Les Sonnailles is recommended for local fare. In addition to local French specialties you can also find Italian or Mexican on offer. For a change of scene and a great atmosphere try the old village of St-Martin-de-Belleville just down the valley. Up in Val Thorens there is also plenty on offer including L’Oxalys and the fabulous Chalet La Marine.
Bars and clubs
There are a number of sociable bars in Les Menuires and many of them have events or live music on offer. Try On the Rocks for its live music or if you fancy a bit of a dance you will find that the New Pop or the Liberty, in the La Croisette area, can usually provide you with somewhere to strut your stuff.
Off the slopes
Good facilities are to be found in the resort, including an outdoor pool and ice-skating rink, the Sportif leisure centre offers an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, gym and squash courts. Rubber ring tobogganing is a popular pursuit for young and old alike at lugeland whilst several marked and prepared paths are on offer for those looking to take a leisurely walk amongst beautiful surroundings.