MERIBEL FROM £169

Resort

The pretty and historic spa town of Brides les Bains is nestled in the foothills of the Meribel Valley and remains one of its best kept secrets. The gondola ride connecting Brides les Bains with Meribel and the 3 Valleys is a gateway to some of the most snow-sure skiing in the French Alps and at a price that makes weekend skiing accessible to all – not just the locals.

For Brides les Bains, known more as a summer spa town, winter tourism is a happy accident and as such it remains true to its French roots in stark contrast to the purpose built resort s higher up the valley. The centre of the town is compact, criss- crossing the fast flowing river that runs through it with small bridges which lead to a sprinkling of shops, some very good restaurants, bars, 2 nightclubs and a casino. The town has a world class luxury spa, open in the winter to skiers to ease those aching muscles tired from grounding out the miles on the slopes above. This curious mix makes Brides les Bains unique in the 3 Valleys – charming, grounded and affordable.

Ski Area

It is not only the sheer size and altitude that makes the 3 Valleys such a superb ski area (600 kms of piste with over 200 lifts) it is the ease with which it is interlinked and the variety of terrain on offer. Even with only a few days at your disposal it is possible to ski in all 3 Valleys and back again, having cruised the sweeping red and blue runs of Courchevel, hammered the snow park in Meribel and gone above the tree line in the snow sure Val Thorens. As a beginner do not be intimidated, a single valley pass will provide access to the gentle runs of the Altiport in Meribel; the perfect playground on which to learn and get bitten by the ski bug.

More information on Lift Pass, Equipment and Lessons