Le Châlet du Mont Vallon Spa Resort ★★★★

The Three Valleys in the Alps is reputed to be the world’s largest ski area, with 600km of interconnected slopes and 180 ski lifts. Between Saint-Martin de Belleville and Val Thorens, 1800m up in the Belleville Valley, lies the resort of Les Menuires. It boasts a ‘snow guarantee contract’ where if you’re not satisfied you can be reimbursed; the area has great natural snow cover enhanced by over 400 artificial snow machines.  It’s ideal for families and beginners as the sun shines on most of the slopes, but it also has virgin slopes for off-piste skiing for the more experienced. It’s also very popular with the French themselves, who account for more than half of the visitors. 

The hotel itself is in the Quartier des Bruyeres, and is set slightly apart in its own space at the foot of the slopes close to the ski lifts.  First impressions are of a chic, smart, Alpine lodge. Its wood and stone exterior exudes a real Savoyard air, and being on the South-facing slope means it gets the sunshine which is a definite plus. The impressive fireplace in the living room sets the tone for your stay: warm and welcoming.  Its style is modern, simple and uncluttered. The Chalet has 85 apartments: ours had two rooms, and was comfortable, uncluttered and full of light.  They each have a living space with sofa and a dining table, and all the extras you would expect like TV with satellite channels, and Wi-Fi. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen which includes a dishwasher and mini bar, and the cherry on the top is our balcony which looks out over the Three Valleys.

With the hotel being just a few metres from ski lifts it’s perfect for heading off to ski school. The resort has four ski schools which offer not only ski and snow board lessons but also freestyle and telemark. There’s even an enormous air bag at the bottom of the slalom stadium, where you can strap on a helmet and try out your jumps. There are plenty of places to stop for lunch and refuel; la Ferme de Reberty has a lovely south-facing terrace where you can enjoy the sun’s rays.

When the shadows grow long and it’s time to leave the slopes, or if you just fancy an afternoon off, the hotel’s Spa has a fitness suite, heated swimming pool - whose large windows open out onto the slopes of the Three Valleys - steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna, and treatment room. Indulge yourself with a modelage dos detox, an ultra-relaxing, stress-relieving back and scalp massage with deep cleansing action. Or maybe that’s not your cup of tea and you’d rather cosy up in the apartment with a good book.

The Après ski scene in Les Menuries is not as lively as some of the other resorts in the Three Valleys; it’s more of a family orientated resort which is also perfect if you are looking for more of a relaxed romantic break.  Make full use of your apartment’s facilities and enjoy a quiet dinner with your nearest and dearest, perhaps starting with a sundowner on your own balcony. Or enjoy a drink in the hotel’s bar before dining in Restaurant l’Atelier.  In a simple and uncluttered setting you can tuck into dishes like fresh cêpe tagliatelle with a hint of truffle, finishing off with a plate of Savoyard or Italian cheeses. The tiramisu and profiteroles are also sure to please. In between you can choose everything from pizzas to Savoyard specialities like tartiflette or fondue. Finish off by savouring a nightcap or a hot chocolate on your private balcony, while gazing out over the moonlit slopes and deciding which ones to conquer tomorrow.