Les Menuires
115 km of pistes
33 Lifts
1850 m
High Snowfall
Les Menuires sits in a little pocket of space below Val Thorens. It has brilliant access to all of the neighbouring resorts as well as some fun and dynamic slopes which will allow you to develop your skills as well as challenge yourself. The town has a unique maze of shops which run right through the centre which is all inside. You can find everything from ski rental shops to butchers.
Skiing Experience
Les Menuires sits at 1850m, which might not be as high as Val Thorens nearby, but it means the snow conditions are usually top-notch. What’s great about Les Menuires is how easy it is to ski straight out from most places you stay. The resort is more about improving your skills than tackling super steep slopes, but its real strength lies in its connections. From the main village, hop on the Bruyères gondolas and you’re up high, ready to ski over to Val Thorens on your right or head left towards Meribel Moterret and Meribel Village. These links mean you can really step up your skiing game with easy access to a variety of slopes.
One standout run in Les Menuires is ‘Stade’. It’s wide and pretty steep red, often used by racing teams, so it can get busy. But if you catch it on a quieter day, it’s a real treat. Another favorite is ‘Venturon’, which takes you towards Meribel. It winds along a ridge and then drops sharply into a bowl-shaped valley. Just keep an eye on the snow conditions because parts of ‘Venturon’ can get icy since it doesn’t always get direct sunlight.
For people trying to develop their skills one popular choice is the blue run ‘Roc de Fer’, which winds its way through scenic forested areas, providing a relaxed and enjoyable skiing experience with stunning views. For those looking for a bit more challenge, the black run ‘Combe de Rosael’ offers a thrilling descent with steep pitches and varied terrain, making it ideal for advanced skiers seeking adrenaline rushes.
Looking for that picturesque end of day sunset run then ‘Pylônes’ is a must, known for its panoramic views and varied slopes that keep skiers engaged as they make their way down. For the free riders out there, ‘Jerusalem’ is a fun and adventurous off-piste route accessed from the top of the Jerusalem chairlift, offering powder enthusiasts an opportunity to explore ungroomed terrain in a spectacular setting. However you do have some of the best off-piste either side in both Meribel and VT so it’s worth checking both areas out.
Beyond the Slopes
After a day on the slopes, the après-ski scene in Les Menuires provides ample opportunities to unwind. While the resort is not known for raucous nightlife, its restaurant bars offer cozy atmospheres perfect for enjoying a drink or two. L’Ours Blanc transforms into an elegant dining spot at night, serving gastronomic delights crafted from regional ingredients. For those seeking livelier vibes, Chalet du Sunny offers a sunny terrace with live music or DJs, while la Croisette boasts a variety of bar/restaurants for a relaxed evening.
Beyond the slopes, Les Menuires offers a vibrant array of dining experiences to satisfy every palate. Skilt is a cozy favorite known for its friendly staff and hearty mountain dishes like burgers and fish and chips, often accompanied by live music. La Ferme de Reberty is a popular choice for its extensive menu featuring organic salmon and innovative dishes like beef sashimi with wasabi. For a more refined dining experience, Le Comptoir and Là-Haut offer diverse menus that diverge from traditional Savoyard cuisine, complemented by extensive wine lists and stylish settings.
For a more spirited evening, venture to La Folie Douce above Val Thorens for lively après-ski parties with DJs and table dancing. Closer to home, Lounge Bar Le Kube beckons with its extensive cocktail menu and occasional live music or DJs from late evening onwards. Le Challenge and Plan B are popular spots for live gigs and themed parties, providing a lively atmosphere well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Whether you prefer a quiet drink or dancing the night away, Les Menuires offers diverse options to suit every après-ski style.
SZN picks
Bar Le Challenge
Le Challenge is a lively spot which caters to seasonaires’ varying desires of apres ski, and its popularity shows it. With live music often on until 2am you can dance the night away, or if you are after a more relaxed unwind after your day on the slopes then gather round the pool table and darts board.
Le Grand Lac
Le Grand Lac will be your go to place on the mountain. The brasserie styled restaurant offers your typical humble mountain cuisine, but the attentive service and strategic location provides great value for money, and a great tartiflette!
Le Plan B
Le Plan B is definitely the unanimous choice for seasonaires when it comes to keeping things lively after skiing. Don on your most eye-catching apres attire and head to one of their themed parties, however there is no prize for the best, or worst, dressed so bare that in mind…
4 Vents/Alpage piste
Starting at an altitude of 2,800m, you’ll have spectacular views of Mont Blanc meaning the journey up is already worth it. The piste is not too steep and is usually relatively untouched, meaning you can put in some great carving on some excellent snow.