Brides Les Bains - slopes

Ski highlights for all levels

Beginners

Beginners beware – staying in Brides-les-Bains will be a big challenge. It’s a long way back to resort if you forget your goggles! For those who do go for it, however, you’ll find fantastic beginner slopes in Méribel. Forêt piste through the trees, and the other runs near Altiport are particularly good. The snow stays in good condition even in warm weather, and you won’t be troubled by too many other skiers. Also try the Piste des animaux for a forest adventure.

Intermediates

A good day trip is to picturesque La Tania, a lovely spot for lunch. Rather than going via the Saulire gondola (and crowded Saulire), a more gentle route is via the Loze chair. On the way back, take the Col de la Loze chair (which hardly seems like it is going upwards). Go the other way in Méribel (taking Tougnette gondola), and another good day trip is to Saint Martin de Belleville. Jérusalem and Pramint are fantastic intermediate runs.  

Experts

Brides is a great option for intrepid experts who want to try more than one major ski area. As well as lift access to Méribel and the 600km of the 3 Vallées, basing yourself in Brides-les-Bains means you can also ski the Espace Killy and Paradiski (12km to Champagny-en-Vanoise to link in to Paradiski, 64km to Val d'Isere). Ski safari programmes are organised throughout the season (see www.terra-vista.fr, www.first-tracks.fr)

Off-piste

Experts will find plenty of off-piste opportunities in the Three Valleys, particularly off the back of La Masse.

Non-skiers

Brides-les-Bains is a great option for non-skiers holidaying with a skier. While the skiing half of the party is out on the slopes, the non-skier can relax in the spa.
Brides offers a 6 day slimming programme, that in winter can be combined with skiing. This includes a consultation with a dietician and special menus from hoteliers based on the dietician's instructions, plus eighteen hydrothermal treatments, as well as exercises.
For a week from January 21st, rock and blues sounds will fill the streets as Brides celebrates this music event.

Ski schools and guides

Ski lessons can be taken in Méribel with esf, www.esf-Méribel.com 

Lift system

The Olympe gondola is the lift from Brides-les-Bains to Méribel. To help with the early starts, free coffee or hot chocolate are served on the cable car every morning. The Three Valleys has a hugely extensive lift system – some 200 lifts link the area.

Snow reliability and snowmaking

Some 80 per cent of the Three Valleys ski area is above 2000 metres, pretty much guaranteeing snow somewhere in the area (Val Thorens is especially snowsure). Lower down, there are 1500 snow cannons.

Terrain park

Méribel has two snowparks – the Moonpark and the snowpark des Plattieres.