In summer, an almost pastoral idyll reigns in these places, the green color of the grass and the blue of the sky prevail, the cow bells ring. And in winter, the white slopes around seem to explode - a multi-colored whirlwind of skiers changes the surroundings beyond recognition. In the evenings and nights, sleepy and sleeping villages bloom like a sea of lights - thousands of thousands of fickle, but faithful residents appear in them. People come here for whom skiing is not just an extreme vacation or a short vacation, but a way of life.
Fascinating mountain heights and the unique atmosphere of the resort "Three Valleys"
Among the numerous Alpine resorts in France, the "Three Valleys" occupy a special place. Each ski season Trois-Vallee (Savoie) is visited by more than a million ski fans. Talking about the resort "Three Valleys" (Les Trois Vallees) words cannot be avoided "the best". Judge for yourself:
- the highest ski center in all of Europe (highest point 3230 m);
- the largest number of lifts (about 200);
- the largest length of ski slopes (600 km);
- the largest army of instructors (there are about one and a half thousand of them);
- about three hundred rescuers.
What is the Three Valleys Resort?
Map of the resort "3 valleys" in France
"Three Valleys" - a ski resort in France consists of several separate resorts located at different heights, but interconnected by a network of ski slopes. Recently, another name has been added to the list of resorts - Orelle. This ski area is located a few kilometers from the highway that leads to the Frejus Tunnel (Tunnel du Frejus). This is the Italian border.
Time required to travel
between the resorts of the Three Valleys
The ratio of the number of tracks by categories in the "Three Valleys" (600-3230 m) looks like this: green - 10%, blue - 40%, red - 40%, black - 10%. On the elevation difference from 1300 to 3230 meters, of course, there are no "green" trails for beginners. And the ratio of blue, red and black is 16/39/35 percent, respectively. The quality of the tracks is excellent. Every night, all traces (except for a few "blacks") spend. The season in the French ski resort "Three Valleys" lasts from December to April. In 2016, the opening of the season is scheduled for December 10, and the closing is scheduled for April 23, 2017. Val Thorens welcomes guests from 26/11/2016 to 01/05/2017 Open chair lifts predominate here, more than half of them.
Courchevel
Among skiers from the post-Soviet space, this is the most popular resort. During the season it is visited by about 30 thousand of our compatriots. The alpine villages of this valley are located on 5 levels. At 1300 m - Saint Bon and Le Praz, and "three Courchevel" - at 1550.0 1650 and 1850 m. The last village is the most famous and popular.
Meribel
The popular Meribel consists of two parts: the central one, at an altitude of 1300-1450 m, and Mottaret, at 1750 m. In addition to excellent, well-accessible slopes and lifts, Meribel is also famous for its entertainment centers. The rest of the resorts of the Three Valleys are considered more sporty and less party-like than those named. Brides-les-Bains, for example, is famous for its wonderful spa and mineral waters, which successfully treat obesity. From the upper observation deck, which can be reached by the Cime Caron cable car, a beautiful view of Mont Blanc opens up. How to get to the "Three Valleys"
From the airports, Chambéry and Geneva, autoshuttles of the Altibus bus company go to each of the resorts, from Grenoble Airport - the AGBus company.
From Grenoble to the resort "3 Valleys" - driving scheme
From Grenoble and Chambéry, the 3 Valleys can be reached by car (motorway A41, then A43 towards Albertville, turning onto the RN90). The road to the resort (section 130 km) passes through a picturesque valley. Beyond Albertville, from the town of Moutiers, a serpentine begins. Moutiers also has the closest bus and railway station to the villages (30-40 km). By train to Moutiers station:
- From Gare de Lyon in Paris
- From, Brest, Versailles, Brest and Cherbourg
- Saturdays from Amsterdam, Antwerp, London, Brussels, Rotterdam
How much does skiing cost
Ski pass prices for the season 2014-2015 at the ski resort "Three Valleys" (3 Vallees)
Adults will have to pay 283 euros for 6 days, a pass for a child from 5 to 12 years old will cost parents 228 euros, a senior pass for skiers 65-75 years old costs 254.70 euros. A family pass of the same duration for two adults with two children under 17 can be purchased for 912 euros (adults ride at the "child" price). For the pleasure of spending half a month at the resort, a family of 4 will have to fork out even more - a two-week Ski Pass costs 2072 euros. Owners of a type 3 Vallees ski pass can freely use the lifts of all resorts of the Three Valleys without exception. |
Adult |
Child (5-12 years old) |
Adult (over 65) |
|
|
6 days |
283 |
228 |
254,70 |
|
13 days |
598 |
481,80 |
538,20 |
Discounts and age privileges
Children under 5 years old and adults over 75 years old can use the ski lifts free of charge throughout the resort. It is not a big wonder to meet both of these categories of ski lovers here. If you buy subscriptions while still in Moscow, you will receive a 5% discount. It is provided by most well-known tour operators. But for Christmas and New Year's arrivals, this discount is usually not available. Discounts are also available for families with children under 18 who have purchased a subscription for 6 or more days. All those who bought it for 5 or more days will also receive a discount. The bonus for such skiers will be one more free extra day, which they can “roll” in the Espace Killy or Paradiski valleys (your choice). Subscriptions purchased for skiing at individual resorts of the "Three Valleys" for the same period (1-6 days) can be cheaper by about 30-50 euros, family ones - by 100-120 euros.Estimated rental prices
Skis with boots in euros:- one day for adults - 25-50, for children - 13-25
- six days for adults - 105-220, for children - 50-115
Where to stay?
Wherever the guests of the resort settle, this does not matter to the “quality of skiing” (due to the convenient location of the ski lifts). The most expensive hotels have always been the villages of Courchevel and Meribel, but even there you can find accommodation of any price category. In other resorts, budget offers can be found much more.
The Three Valleys resort has many hotels and apartments of all categories, including five-star ones. Only in Courchevel, about 100 establishments offer their services. The price per night in a 3* hotel for 1 person starts from 100 euros. The network has many offers of comfortable housing "from the owners" - small family hotels, chalets and apartments. Quite decent housing with amenities can be rented for 60-70 euros per day. Prices for New Year and Christmas tours are, of course, higher.