SKI FRANCE - Brides les Bains

The Resort

Meribel is located in the heart of Le Trois Vallees ski area and it is certainly the most convenient base from which to explore what is the largest truly linked ski area in the world. No one can deny the extent and quality of its own ski area and with more than enough skiing for the week on 150km of piste on offer only a few may feel the need to take the extension pass - with a total of 198 lifts and 600km of piste - into neighbouring Courcheval, La Tania, Les Menuires and Val Thorens.

Groups stay in the spa resort of Brides-les-Bains, which is connected by gondola to the main resort of Meribel. As a town in its own right there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy. Due to its British ex-pat heritage English is widely spoken. The bi-weekly street market provides colour and bargains. Coach groups have the option of taking the Courchevalski pass in the place of the Meribel pass.

The Skiing

Both sides of the open valley are extensively networked with modern lifts. The high lift capacity means that queues are a rarity. Beginners start at the top of Rhodos gondola on the runs surrounding Meribels altiport area.These runs are gentle enough to build confidence but with enough length to help maintain technique. Higher nursery slopes are available at Mottaret.

Once up and running early intermediate skiers will quickly find that they can cover considerable distances on green and blue runs like Aigle and Gelinotte, an experience that greatly adds to the feeling of achievement, For improving intermediates the vast network of challenging reds will spoil them for any other reorts. The descent from Mont de Valon, down the Combe Vallon and Campagnol runs, is truly spectacular. Advanced skiers will find enough to test their skills on the tough red and black runs in the valley.

In particular Bartovelle and Bosses being a true test. For snowboarders there is a terrain park above Arpasson on the Tougnete side of Mottaret and a designated snowboard area below the second Plattieres station above Mottaret. Les Trois Vallees constitutes what many skiers rightly regard as one of the greatest ski playgrounds in the world. A seemingly endless network of moderately graded runs that provide a challenge to all levels of skier.

Accommodation

We offer a variety of accommodation in and around Brides les Bains. One of our favourites is the Hotel les Chalets. This is a stunning hotel well above the normal standard for school groups and well worth the little bit of extra in cost. Only a short walk to the Olympic gondola for access to the Meribel ski area, close to local amenities and set in spacious grounds on the edge of the village the Hotel les Chalets offers an oasis in which to relax after a hard day on the piste.

Bedrooms

35 rooms of various sizes for 3 to 6 people. All are very comfortably appointed and offer full private facilities, satellite television, telephone and safe.

Dining

The restaurant offers a raange of regionl and gourmet specialities and we actively encourage groups to experience this superb Savoie cuissine.

Facilities

The hotel offers a large relaxing lounge with open fire, snug bar, games room with video games, pool table, table tennis table, meeting room, fitness room and spa center with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi (local charges apply). Skis may be stored at the hotel or at the gondola in secure lockers (pay locally)

Apres Ski

Wide range of restaurants and bars, cinema, thermal spa centre, indoor swimming, disco, casino, tobogganing (Meribel), fitness centre and ice skating (Meribel), bowling (Albertville - 30 mins away)