Top 5 best ski resorts for your vacation in the Alps

Méribel Mottaret occupies a strategic position at the heart of Les 3 Vallées. In fact, it is located in the Méribel area at an altitude of 1750 meters. Its location offers fast links to Courchevel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. What's more, the chalet architecture blends harmoniously with the mountain landscape to create a chic, yet welcoming ambience.

The resort also has plenty to offer for ski enthusiasts. These include :

• ski-to-door access;

• variety of trails for all levels of ability;

• snowparks;

• renowned ski schools;

• après-ski activities.

However, prices rise considerably during the school vacations, and the crowds can sometimes create traffic jams on the main slopes. Budget is another important factor in planning a holiday. Adult day pass can cost around €69, while a 6-day pass reaches €346 (2025-2026 prices). From 3 skiers upwards, you can take advantage of "Family Flex" offers from €283 per person for 6 days.

When it comes to catering, you'll find everything from small family restaurants to the most famous high-altitude restaurants.

Remember that family services are worthy of special mention, with professional day-care centers, kids' clubs, a modern aquatic center, spa areas and more. Non-ski activities also enrich the mountain experience.

These include snowshoe outings, paragliding flights, ice-skating sessions tobogganing or evening entertainment. To make the most of your stay, opt for periods outside the school vacations, and use the lifts as soon as they open to avoid the mid-day rush.

Val Thorens has dominated European skiing since its 2300 meters above sea level. Above all, it guarantees optimum snow cover from November to May. Direct access from the resort to the 3 Vallées ski area opens up over 600 kilometers of slopes. Note also that at Val Thorens, bars stay open late, sporting events punctuate the season and après-ski is in full swing for a festive atmosphere.

On the other hand, the diversity of tracks is one of the resort's major strengths. You can progress in complete safety on areas specially designed for beginners, while experts can take to the more technical slopes and freeride zones. And let's not forget the snowparks, offering a variety of modules to suit all freestyle levels. And to make sure nothing is left to chance, there are a number of additional activities to complete your stay, including :

• the world's highest zip line offers unique sensations ;

• the 6-kilometre toboggan run delights young and old;

• snowmobile outings, snowshoe treks and fat bike sessions add to the variety of mountain pleasures.

In parallel, 6-day packages can range from 300 to 410 euros, depending on the season and the age of the skier, with variations depending on the packages on offer. When it comes to accommodation, you'll find a wide range of choices: from budget studios in pre-season to luxury chalets for large groups in high season.

The "Les Menuires" resort blossoms between 1800 and 2850 meters above sea level. It is structured around several neighborhoods with distinct characteristics: Reberty, La Croisette and Les Bruyères. Each area offers its own shops, restaurants and entertainment to create a diversity of atmospheres within the same destination.

Visit3 Vallées slopes map illustrates the wide range of possibilities available to families. The slopes are designed for natural progression, from beginner to expert. What's more, the snow parks offer modules specially adapted for children, and the fun zones make learning to ski as much fun as a real game.

Above all, it should be pointed out that services for families are a hallmark of Les Menuires. Children's clubs welcome the little ones, professional day-care centers take over and supervised activities multiply. Off the slopes too:

• the skating rink impresses fans of urban sliding;

• speed Mountain sledding is a thrill;

• the sports and wellness center offers recovery after the day's work active.

As far as prices are concerned, they remain attractive, with offers that allow you to ski 6 days for the price of 5. 6-day adult package can cost 368 euros (2025-2026 prices) and accommodation 362 euros per person, depending on the period. If you want your family holiday to be a success, make sure you have everything you need, both financial and material.

Courchevel shines from the heart of the Vanoise massif, spanning six villages set between 1,300 and 1,850 metres in altitude. This range in elevation reflects the richness of the experience on offer: from authentic hamlets to lively resort centres, everyone can find their ideal atmosphere here. Access to the vast Les 3 Vallées ski area opens up endless possibilities for all skiers — from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Our Méribel vs Courchevel comparison will help you better understand what makes each destination unique.

While Courchevel’s image is often associated with luxury and excellence, the resort remains welcoming and accessible to all. From gentle green runs to thrilling off-piste routes, the quality of the skiing is exceptional at every level. You’ll find secure beginner zones, a modern snowpark, and a meticulously groomed network of slopes for carving fans and those who simply enjoy scenic glides through the mountains.

Connections between the different sectors are smooth and well designed, helping to minimize waiting times and make it easy to move between villages. In addition, exclusive services set Courchevel apart from other Alpine destinations:

• Concierge teams arrange every detail of your stay;

• Private guides lead you to hidden trails and pristine panoramas;

• Ski-in/ski-out accommodation ensures a seamless, stress-free experience.

Beyond the slopes, Courchevel celebrates the art of mountain living through a wide array of activities: shopping, spas, cultural events, ice skating, heli-skiing, and of course, fine dining in its Michelin-starred restaurants. All within a refined yet welcoming atmosphere — one where everyone can share in the joy of the mountains.

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville nestles in 1450 meters above sea level in the Vanoise massif. To get there, you can take the train to the Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-Les-Bains station, then continue to the resort by bus, cab or car for the remaining kilometers. The ambiance of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville cultivates a refined art of living in an authentic setting.

It benefits from full access to the 3 Vallées ski area and from its 600 kilometers of linked trails. The plus? Gastronomy remains the soul of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. The establishments even compete with each other in their creativity to sublimate local products.

On the other hand, summer transforms the resort into a base for outdoor activities: hiking, technical mountain bike circuits, heritage discovery, etc. And more, lodging with a focus on quality to quantity.

Rates therefore reflect the destination's premium standing, with prices comparable to Courchevel for certain top-of-the-range services. For optimize your budget however, you can book in advance or opt for half-board stays at local hotels.