A Winter’s Day in Les Menuires
There’s something about a winter morning in Les Menuires that makes you want to get outside and explore. The mountains are blanketed in snow, the lifts are beginning to turn and, across the valley, skiers are getting ready for another day on the slopes.
Whether you’re an experienced skier eager to catch the first lift, a beginner building your confidence or someone looking forward to a slower day discovering the resort, there’s plenty to look forward to!
And when you stay with Richmond Holidays at Chalet des Neiges, the best parts of the day aren’t limited to the mountain. From a hearty breakfast before heading out to freshly baked cake and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the piste, there’s plenty to enjoy back at the chalet, too!
So, what can a winter’s day in Les Menuires actually look like?
A morning in the mountains
With breakfast sorted, it’s time to wrap up warm, grab your kit and get ready to explore. One of the best things about staying at Chalet des Neiges is its ski-in, ski-out location, with the piste just metres from the boot room. No lengthy journeys or complicated morning logistics; just boots on and straight out into the mountains!
For keen skiers, the morning is a wonderful opportunity to explore the slopes while the snow is fresh and the mountains are beginning to come alive.
Les Menuires has 160km of pistes within the resort itself, with access to the wider Three Valleys ski area, the world’s largest interconnected ski domain. From wide, sweeping runs and gentle blues to longer descents and more challenging terrain, there’s something to suit every ability.
More experienced skiers might head towards Pointe de la Masse, rising to 2,804m, where spectacular panoramic views stretch across the surrounding Alpine peaks. Alternatively, you could venture over to neighbouring Val Thorens or explore further towards Méribel and Courchevel. With such an extensive network of lifts and pistes, there’s always somewhere new to discover!
But you certainly don’t need to be an experienced skier to enjoy a morning on the mountain! Les Menuires is a fantastic destination for beginners, with dedicated learning areas at La Croisette and Les Bruyères, alongside plenty of gentle green and blue runs. Local ski schools offer lessons for all abilities, making it a lovely place to build confidence and enjoy those first turns.
And if you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t ski, there’s no need for them to miss out on the mountain experience. Les Menuires offers plenty of ways to enjoy the scenery, from snowshoeing and scenic walks to mountain restaurants where you can soak up the views without ever putting on a pair of skis!
Lunch with a view
By lunchtime, all that fresh mountain air is bound to have worked up an appetite!
One of the pleasures of skiing in the French Alps is stopping at a mountain restaurant for a proper Savoyard lunch. Les Menuires has plenty to choose from, serving regional favourites such as tartiflette, fondue and croziflette, alongside lighter dishes and warming bowls of soup. And if you fancy a recommendation, the French onion soup is well worth trying!
You could grab something quick before heading back out for another few runs, or find a sunny terrace, loosen those ski boots and enjoy a longer lunch with the snow-covered peaks all around you.
And the lovely thing about Les Menuires is that you don’t have to spend every moment on the slopes to make the most of your holiday. It’s easy to combine a morning of skiing with an afternoon discovering another side of the resort.
An afternoon in Les Menuires
After lunch, you could head back onto the slopes and squeeze in a few more runs before the lifts close. But if you fancy trying something different, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
For a little adventure, the Roc’n Bob is a must! This 4km toboggan run starts from the Roc 1 gondola and winds its way down the mountain through 22 bends, with an impressive 450m descent. It’s every bit as fun as it sounds!
If you’d prefer a gentler afternoon, why not take a wander around the resort? The free shuttle buses connect the different areas of Les Menuires, making it easy to explore without skis. You could browse the shops, stop for a coffee or visit La Croisette’s market stalls, where local producers sell cheeses, charcuterie and honey alongside cosy winter accessories and souvenirs to take home!
There’s plenty more to discover, too. You could experience a dog-sled ride, have a go at building an igloo or If you’d rather escape the cold for a while, there’s also the cinema, escape games, indoor sports and swimming facilities to enjoy!
Les Menuires also has a lively programme of festive celebrations, family entertainment and seasonal events throughout the season. Over Christmas, you can enjoy the Christmas market at La Croisette and celebrations across the resort on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve is particularly special, with spectacular fireworks lighting up the mountain sky as the resort welcomes in the new year!
Later in the season, look out for events such as the Week of the Winegrowers in January and the Friendly Menuires Festival in March. There’s always something happening, so it’s well worth checking the Les Menuires events calendar before your visit!
An evening to look forward to
As the lifts close and the afternoon light fades, it’s time to slow down and enjoy a different side of Les Menuires. The resort’s bars and restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy après-ski, whether that’s a drink with friends, some live music or a relaxed evening sampling more of the local cuisine.
For those staying at Chalet des Neiges, there’s the option of returning to freshly baked cake, enjoying a relaxing soak in the outdoor hot tubs overlooking the piste or warming up in one of the saunas. It’s a lovely way to unwind after a full day in the mountains!
Afterwards, there’s nothing quite like settling down, sharing stories and enjoying a little time to relax before tomorrow’s adventures!
And tomorrow? Another day in the mountains…
Eventually, it’s time to get some rest and perhaps take one last look at the piste map to decide where tomorrow might take you.
Maybe you’ll discover a new corner of the Three Valleys, try an activity you didn’t get around to today, enjoy another lunch in the sunshine or simply spend the morning exploring the slopes.
That’s the beauty of a holiday in Les Menuires. No two days need to be the same. Whether you’re here for the skiing, the mountain scenery, the activities, the food or simply the chance to slow down and enjoy a change of pace, there’s something for everyone.
And with so much to discover, you might just find that one winter visit isn’t quite enough!