Les Menuires

🏔️ History
Inaugurated in 1964, Les Menuires is a prime example of the functional architecture of 1960s French ski resorts, designed to democratize skiing. Located in the Belleville Valley, just below Val Thorens and sharing the 3 Valleys domain, it makes up for its brutalist aesthetics with exceptional value for money and direct access to some of the best slopes in the entire ski area.

☀️ Best days
Bright, sunny days in February. The valley boasts excellent sun exposure. The west-facing slopes (La Masse sector) get early sun and offer fantastic morning snow, while the east-facing slopes soften up perfectly for afternoon skiing. Pointe de la Masse (2,804 m) provides unparalleled views and top-tier high-altitude skiing.

🚫 Days to avoid
Overcast days or rain at lower elevations in the spring. Although La Masse is high, the main hub of Les Menuires sits at 1,850 m. On warm late-season days, the snow on the lower sun-exposed slopes can turn to "slush" by the early afternoon.

💡 Community tip
Take advantage of the new, ultra-fast La Masse gondola first thing in the morning. Getting whisked straight up to over 2,800 meters to enjoy the black and red runs before they get crowded is one of the greatest joys of the resort. Additionally, accommodation here is typically significantly cheaper than in neighboring Méribel and Courchevel.