Top Skiing in the Terrific Three Valleys

Known primarily as a region with great slopes for skiers, the Three Valleys in the Tarentaise Valley is situated in the southeastern part of France, not very far from the Italian and Swiss borders. One of the major benefits of this region is that it is the largest ski area in the world, with a series of connected lifts and slopes, allowing you to take advantage and hop from one area to the next - all without vehicular transport. Since 1973, a lift pass making this access simple and direct has been available. With more than 370 miles of slopes to test all abilities, there is something for everyone here. You can even tailor your stay by choosing which of the small resort villages that make up the ski area is most suited to your tastes.

Courchevel

As one of the largest villages in the Three Valleys, by virtue of the fact that it is actually several small villages set at different altitudes all referring to the same area, Courchevel is a popular choice, offering some great slopes for skiers. With its world-class ski lift system to prevent overbearing queues, here you can hit the slopes in no time. And, with 58 lifts serving over 150 kilometres of slopes, there’s a plenty for you to enjoy! With a choice of beginners’ slopes (ZEN area), and 19 green and 39 blue slopes, all abilities are suitably catered for.

La Tania

Located near Courchevel at an altitude of 1400 metres, La Tania is the epitome of a quaint holiday escape, but which still allows for excellent access to great slopes for skiers. With a traffic free centre of the village, it is a perfect place to relax in the evenings after spending all day on the slopes. With a gondola directly serving it, you can get access to the Three Valleys system from above the village, linking you to other ski areas where you can test your limits and even go off-piste if you are skilled enough.

Les Menuires

One of the main draws of the resort area of the Three Valleys is its proliferation of great slopes for skiers mixed with an excellent variety of après ski entertainment, accommodation and nightlife. As the host for the Men’s Slalom Alpine Skiing event in the 1992 Olympics, you can rest assured there are some excellent slopes for those who know what they are doing, but they also cater to those who may not be so experienced as well. With 49 ski lifts and 62 trails, there is something for everyone here in Les Menuires.

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays in resorts with great slopes for skiers and accommodation in catered or self-catered chalets in La Tania and other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.