ART: The Three Valleys

Skiers are spoiled for choice at The Three Valleys in the well known Savoie region of the French Alps. Imagine seven outstanding resorts, each with their own USP, in one of the world’s largest ski areas! The Trois Vallees or Three Valley region of France is one of the most famous skiing vacation destinations in Europe.

it is difficult to fault any of the resorts; Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires, La Tania, Orelle, Val Thorens or Brides-les-Bains. Orelle turned out to be the most convenient, as in addition to having its own ski area, the Gondola provides a quick access to ski areas of The Three Valleys.

Val Thorens is the highest resort, surrounded by six glaciers and offers outstanding opportunities for intermediate and advanced skiers. Meribel is a picturesque typical Savoyard resort with traditional chalets which was founded by a Brit and is still so popular with the Brits, that you hear more English than any other language here. Méribel's biggest advantage is its location at the heart of the Trois Vallées. Les Menuires may be less attractive but is the cheapest. La Tania is a peaceful haven in the middle of a forest.

Courchevel is the jewel of The Three Valleys, built on four levels. It is a popular resort with the jet set and has the most vibrant nightlife. Courchevel is extremely cosmopolitan and was among the first purpose built ski resorts in France. It is a multiple ski vacation resort built at four levels and some of the resorts are known by a number. They share the same ski area but differ from one another in every way. You can theres find something to suit most budgets and styles.

Courchevel 1850 is the highest, largest and most famous. It has an ambience of sophisticated chic that makes it a favorite with the Paris jet set. Courchevel Le Praz is a charming traditional village and Courchevel 1550 a family ski resort.

Brides-les-Bains is actually a spa resort with hot springs but one can go higher up to get to the ski areas.

The ski season at The Three Valleys runs from December to April and besides skiing, the seven resorts offer every kind of sport on and off the slope. There was ice-skating, snowshoeing, hang-gliding and parasailing. One can go bowling indoor swimming, wall-climbing, to cinemas, concerts and libraries.

The Savoyard villages nearby are charming and if shopping is your scene they sell wonderful regional produce and crafts. The baroque buildings add an interesting flavor.

Examples of The Three Valleys Accommodation on Holiday Velvet:

» Chalet Jonquille: La Tania Chalet, 8 bedrooms, from Euro 249
» Chalet Covie: Meribel Chalet, 5 bedrooms, from £249
» B&B Chalet Argent: Les Menuires B&B, up to 12 people, from £359

ART: Skiing in France

If you are fond of skiing, then France is the destination for you. In France there are a number of skiing resorts. These resorts offer you a variety of options but one should consider your skill level before choosing the resort. French resorts are scattered across seven mountain ranges. Chamonix, Alpe d’Huez and The Three Valleys are some of the main ski resorts in France; each one is offering a different and varied skiing terrain.

Chamonix is considered the birthplace of mountaineering and is located on the foot of the Mont-Blanc which is also on the list of World heritage sites. This resort is full of visitors throughout the year and the resort has on offer something for everyone. The official ski season starts around mid-December and runs up to 8th May. Though the altitude of the resort is as low as 1035 m most of the ski areass are located at a height of 2000 m. There are three different ski arenas, which are well connected by very capable shuttle bus service and a special sightseeing train. Grands Montets the so called Mecca for skiers is the specialty of this resort. Tramway du Mont-Blanc, France's highest cog railway takes you to the top of the Aiguille du Mid. For a change you can enjoy walking on the 17 km of footpaths through the picturesque landscapes. A large sports complex and The Alpine Museum are also on offer for the visitors at this resort.

Alpe d’Huez has got the nick name 'L'Ile au Soleil' and is located in the Grandes Rousses mountains. It is ranked the fifth largest ski area In France. This skiing resort is widely popular among the beginners of skiing due to its wide gentle slopes and the availability of ski schools. These local ski schools have a great reputation in giving the beginner the best start. For intermediates in particular, this resort offers a wide range of choice of blues and reds. Among other things available at this resort are a sports complex, good child care and lively night life.

The Three Valleys is the largest ski area in the world. The three valleys is the formation of four different resorts namely: Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens. A variety of ski options are available here according to the skill level of the skier. Courchevel, Meribel offers easy trials for the average skier, where as Les Menuires, and Val Thorens are destinations for the experts.