3 VALLéES

France

Photo: Courchevel Tourism

Photo: Val Thorens Ski Resort

Photo: Meribel Tourism

Photo: Courchevel Tourism

Photo: Meribel Tourism

Photo: Courchevel Tourism

Photo: Meribel Tourism

The 3 Vallées in the French Alps is home to not only the world’s biggest lift-linked ski area but also to a bunch of unique villages.

SCOUT LOVES

A huge variety of terrain, from skiing in trees at Courchevel, to glaciers at Val Thorens.
Reliable snow conditions, particularly in Val Thorens.
A variety of accommodation types to suit different tastes.
The craziness of La Folie Douce on-piste nightclubs at Méribel and Val Thorens that fire up in the early afternoon.

Weather can close the lifts, particularly when the wind gets up at Val Thorens.
Courchevel has become hugely popular with Russians, so unless you have a very large budget avoid Courchevel during the first and second week of January when the Russian holidays force prices sky high.
Méribel and St Martin de Belleville have the most charming, traditional villages.