Avoid the Crowds: Explore Les Trois Vallées Satellite Resorts

May 24
19:05

2017

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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To avoid the crowds while skiing in Les Trois Vallées, look beyond the main resorts to the surrounding satellite villages.

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One of the most satisfying elements of frequent travel is becoming so knowledgeable about an area that you no longer need to follow the herd. It can almost feel like your own private secret once you gleefully figure out a way to circumnavigate the common tourist tract and find that back-door access to the best skiing in Les Trois Vallées. The region’s satellite resorts offer the perfect base,Avoid the Crowds: Explore Les Trois Vallées Satellite Resorts Articles away from the madding crowds, to fully appreciate the region’s skiing opportunities and its more authentic side.

The Call of the Slopes

Les Trois Vallées has a well-earned reputation as one of the world’s most elite ski regions. With over 600km of inter-connected ski-in/ski-out runs, this snow-lovers’ playground is also serviced by the largest lift-linked network in the world. The region’s stats are impressive:

  • 600km of ski accessible pistes
  • 166 ski lifts
  • 328 downhill slopes
  • 35000 hectares of natural area
  • 1512 hectares of maintained pistes

It is no wonder that skiing in Les Trois Vallées is so popular with beginners and experts alike. However, as with most good things, the region’s reputation has brought the crowds and the prices. It is true that the best known resorts such as Courchevel, Val Thorens, Méribel and les Menuires do offer excellent doorstep skiing and lots of little extra luxuries, but are the inflated prices really worth it?

Most seasoned skiers, who are skiing in Les Trois Vallées for the love of the sport, avoid the glitz and glamour of these status-symbol-focused resorts, not needing all the bells and whistles to satisfy their passion for skiing. If you are like-minded, then look beyond the dazzle of the major resorts for your kindred spirits, out in the satellite resorts just beyond the tourist hustle and bustle.

Hidden Gems

Les Trois Vallées’ satellite resorts are generally found at the lower altitudes and at the edges of the main resorts. The region’s excellent transportation options still give you open access to all the pistes, plus the authentic experience gained by wandering off the tourist trail.

Reberty

Reberty could be considered an exception to the rule. This high-altitude hamlet is a satellite village of Les Menuires and benefits from all the advantages of the major resort without the crowds. This charming resort, dotted with traditional-style wooden chalets, offers direct access to the entire Trois Vallees, with numerous lift options to take you anywhere.

Les Allues

This small, traditional village surrounds a quaint church and is set back away from hustle and bustle. The village is home to the region’s oldest hotel, Hotel le Croix Jean Claude, which opened in 1948, and offers a lovely bed & breakfast service. Les Allues offers excellent access to the best skiing in Les Trois Vallées while also maintaining a truly authentic feel.

Méribel Village

Méribel Village was built for the Olympics in 1992 and is only 2km away from Méribel itself. Offering all the amenities one may need for a comfortable stay while skiing in Les Trois Vallées, the village also gives you the option to sample the larger resorts’ livelier après-ski scene if, and when, you want it.

How to Get There

The nearest airports to all of the above-mentioned resorts are Geneva, Chambéry and Grenoble. Flights from all of the UK’s major airports are generally frequent, inexpensive and only take a few hours. Once you arrive, the resorts are best accessed by Shuttle Direct or a similar shuttle service. Not only will we have vehicles equipped to handle any weather conditions, but we can happily assist with any luggage or equipment you may have brought with you. A shuttle service can be booked prior to your arrival and is by far the easiest and most efficient way to get you skiing in Les Trois Vallées before you know it!