The title says it all really. We think the ski resort of Les Menuiresin France is one of the best ski resorts around, and with very good reason. With a huge variety of pistes, reliable snow conditions and a brilliant lift system, it’s no shock that people from around the globe flock here.
And when we say there are a huge variety of pistes, there really is something for everyone. You'll have 600km of pistes at your tips as Les Menuires is part of the world's largest linked ski area; The Three Valleys. What you won't get though is the crazy high prices some Les Menuires' neighbours have!
We love it so much that we chose it for our gorgeousNeilsonHotel Le Menuire & Spa, part ofour Neilson Mountain Collection range. So here’s our lowdown on Les Menuires…
On the mountain
Situated at an altitude of 1850m, the resort boasts 600km of piste, 180 lifts and a run back to resort which starts at a staggering 3,230 metres - how about them for some numbers?!
Maybe not as well known is that Les Menuires has some incredible offpiste skiing and boarding too. Make sure you take a guide with you as they'll not only keep you safe, but alsoknowthe places where only powder will graceyour skis or board.
With so many pistes to choose from, you'll have plenty of unforgettable green, blue and red runs, but there’s also the BK Park for fledging freestylers and thereally funWalibi Gliss which is adedicated blue-run slalom course - perfect for practicing those carving turns
Off the mountain
Unrivalled skiing isn’t all Les Menuires has to offer, though,there's just as much to explore off the slopes too. Give your legs a rest and head for the large resort leisure centre, complete with indoor pool, saunas and hot tubs - just don't forget your swimmers!
For something to get the adrenaline flowing, try out the rail luge. Hop on your own individual sled and speed down the1,000m of twists and bends to try and beat Boukty's time (Boukty is the resort mascot). It's suitable for ages five and over so fun for all the family.
As the sun goes down, the music starts pumping (but not as loudly as its neighbour Val Throrens). In Les Menuries, tranquil bars to cheesy nightclubs (one’s even called Le New Pop) grace the area. So whether you want to dance in your ski bootsor enjoy a glass of nice wine to some relaxing music, the world really is your oyster. Don't forget to head down to the Croisette area to enjoy the weekly ski school show. It really is a fun night with a festival kind of vibe.
Where to stay
The resorthas undergone somewhat of a makeover in recent years, with many of its older buildings having been revamped. Many of the newly-built chalets, including our very own Neilson Chalet Sapinière I and Sapinière II, boast true ski-in ski-out accessyetretain an authentic ski resort vibe – something that almost everyone looks out for when planning a ‘classic’ ski trip.
Due to its recent makeover, there are loads of fantastic accommodation options on offer in and around Les Menuires, not least the Neilson Hotel Le Menuire & Spa, one ofour Neilson Mountain Collection range.
Hotel Le Menuire & Spa is as laid back as it is luxurious. The warm colour tones and mountainstyle add to its charm and leave you feeling at home from the minute you check in. The hotel’s spa and wellness area offers the ideal place to unwind after a fun day on the slopes. There’s also an amazing indoor adventure pool complete with jet beds, a lazy river and a whirlpool, all of which offer stunning mountain views of La Masse (pictured below).
Families in Les Menuires
A large part of the clientele of Les Menuires are families, hence it’s abundance of nursery, beginner and intermediate slopes. Instructors will get your little ones up on their skis in no time, whilst you can practice your turns and explore this incredible ski area.
If you're looking for some childcare in Les Menuires, book a stay at theNeilson Hotel Le Menuire & Spa. As well as its wonderful wellness area, the hotel also hasNeilson-run kids' clubs. Our fun-loving and experienced team will look after your little (and not so little) ones from aged four months right up to 12 years old.
Their days will be a mix of indoor play with lots of games andcrafts plus heading out to get plenty of fresh mountain air and fun in the snow! They're sure tobe bursting with stories at the end of the day!
Food and drink
There'sa good range of bars and restaurants on offer in Les Menuires, and its menus are as varied as its ski offerings. On the slopes, youcan choose from quick grab-and-go bites to longlazy lunches on scenic sun terraces. Off the slopes, everything from family classics like pizzato Michelin star restaurants await.
In terms of actual ingredients, one thing you can expect is a fair share of traditional Savoyard food.Think cheese, potatoes and meat. You’ll also find plenty of Italian, Caribbean and Belgian specialities on offer too.
So that’s why we’ve called it home to some of our Mountain Collection, and it’s why you need to visit. Welcome to Les Menuires. You maynever want to leave!