St Martin de Belleville

Billed as ‘the world’s largest ski area’, the 3 Vallées should have something, somewhere for just about every kind of skier, so we’ve spent quite some time getting to find out how the various bases compare – see our resort reviews of Courchevel Moriond, Les Menuires, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains and Orelle-Val Thorens.

Like its higher-profile neighbours, Saint Martin de Belleville offers skiers access to 600km of groomed terrain, spread across 338 downhill runs served by around 160 ski lifts. Completing the picture are groomed ski-touring itineraries, along with a wealth of off-piste opportunities, including the Vallée des Bellevilles. Either way, armed with a 3 Vallées lift pass you can cover some impressive mileage here, taking in Courchevel, Les Menuires, La Tania, Méribel and Val Thorens.

If you’re happy to ski closer to home and save some money, the local pass which includes Les Menuires might be worth considering. Saint Martin de Belleville’s nursery slopes just above the village are super-accessible for raw beginners, but progressing means taking the gondola to join a blue return run (there are no green options).

Intermediates, though, will enjoy some long scenic cruises from the St Martin Express chairlift back to the village or exploring the varied terrain above Les Menuires 1850. It’s well-groomed, served by capable high-speed lifts and there’s plenty of it, including some long blue and red cruising runs, plus a couple of greens. It’s easy to overlook the excellent skiing to be had around Les Menuires.

Being sited at an altitude of just 1450m (like Méribel Centre, in fact) means that it’s not snow-sure, although Saint Martin de Belleville can be quicker to reach than its higher, purpose-built neighbours. Traditionalists love its relaxed vibe and compact layout, the old Savoyard village looking largely unchanged at the foot of the front de neige. That said, tucked away discretely around the edges are some beautifully-appointed boutique chalets.

That doesn’t mean you can’t still find more affordable options, although things are moving perceptibly upmarket, so don’t think of it as a budget option. Perhaps the most interesting development is the recent addition of La Caseblanche, a self-contained hamlet of premium self-catering chalets with direct ski-in/ski-out access to the pistes (see our Tried & Tested review below).

Of all the 3 Vallées villages, this is the obvious choice for anyone looking for a low-profile, low-rise hideaway with a premium feel.

However, a lack of a really gentle return run means that it’s probably not ideal for first-timers, although things really open up for anyone who is happy on blues. There again, the 3 Vallées also have some wide, reassuring reds for those ready to up their game.

For more experienced skiers on a mission to get around and put some real distance under their skies, linked domains don’t come any bigger than the 3 Vallées. Be aware, though, that such international renown has its downside, namely that even here some areas – notably around Méribel – can become congested at peak times.