The Three Valleys in France: Photo Essay
The Three Valleys are located in the Savoie region of France high in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Since it is so beautiful we wanted to share with you a handful of some of our photos from our recent skiing and snowboarding trip to the Three Valleys.
Enjoy!
When we grabbed our snowboards for our recent trip to the Three Valleys we knew that the ski area would be huge. We just didn’t realise how big it was actually going to be! I guess when you combine 8 ski fields into one it is going be GIGANTIC.
For example, we took the photo below from the far “skiers left” of Courcheval looking back over a small portion of Meribel. You can only see about half of Meribel. Now think of 8 of those and you have a very rough idea of the immense scale of the Three Valleys Ski Resort. All those peaks in the background are actually part of the ski area.
At the base of all of the 8 ski fields within the Three Valleys they also have these gorgeous ski-in/ski-out villages. You can drive to the base of most of them but a handful were accessible only by chairlift. Especially the condos higher up the slopes. We even saw people skiing with bags full of washing!
While we were snowboarding in the Three Valleys we were fortunate to not only have bluebird days like this but we also we received a small dusting of fresh powder on two of the mornings. There is nothing like having fresh tracks during Spring as it is just so warm!
Just one of the many panoramic Three Valleys shots we took!
Looking from the peak of Courcheval down to the valley floor over 2 kms below our snowboards! One crazy, exhausting and leg numbing run!
With over 600 km’s of ski slopes we had to take a lot of breaks for delicious hot chocolates. It’s a pity that everything on the slopes is so expensive!
Adjusting our gear before dropping into the next bowl of fresh powder…
Get holiday packages for your next trip to the Three Valleys.
Have you been to the Three Valleys? Did you love it as much as us?
Category: Adventure Travel, Europe
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi slang for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We love all types of adventures that make us step outside our comfort zone, in comfort, including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, diving and cruising on our bikes. You can find out more 
Wow, so beautiful
I particularly love the second one!
Thanks! Have you ever been before?
Great photos – I love this ski resort. Love the hot chocolate and the shot looking at your skis! Only one thing (hope you don’t mind!).. the photo of Adele seems a touch dark, not sure what’s happened there
Yea couldn’t lighten up the photo without degrading it too much. Not sure what went wrong with the settings there
That looks GORGEOUS!! Although I don’t think I’d ever actually attempt skiing there. And people skiing with their laundry? Hilarious!
It was crazy that they were skiing around just holding onto their clothes in a big basket in front of them! Very impressive.
Wow – this takes my breath away. I’ve never been snowboarding (a bit afraid – I’m a little unco) but I would love to get out there in this scenery somehow.
They have lots of snow shoeing and other activities there! And if you go to the snow then I would try skiing over snowboarding. It is WAY easier to get started with
I love the third photo. Great effect.
Thanks Laura
The photo of the ski village is so lovely,it makes you want to wrap sit and watch the people go by with a mulled wine
Totally Stef! It was so nice just chilling in the sun but with our hot chocolates rather than mulled wine.
I’m no skier but that second photo may have convinced me to give it a try! Gorgeous! Vive la France!
Just do it for the hot chocolates!
It’s funny, I think I may have a slight prejudice against France (despite the fact that I’m like 25% French Canadian). For some reason, I always think of the country as offering little more than Parisian cafes (and snootiness) and the pastoral countryside of South France. Anyway, cool photos!
I have never understood how people cannot love France. We absolutely love everything (including the small Parisian cafes) and are planning a cycle trip around some of the areas. I guess we are just suckers haha.
Maybe it’s an American thing. I’ve heard first-hand stories from many Americans who visited France and found the hospitality there to be less than welcoming. Not sure if they fit the “ugly American” stereotype or what, but it has certainly colored my perception of the place. Europe in general doesn’t come up on my travel radar all that often anyway (Spain and Iceland are the only two countries in our Top 10 destinations list), and from what I’ve read France doesn’t offer a lot of ecotourism opportunities… But the mountains look amazing!
Totally get where you are coming from in terms of Ecotourism. Trying not to offend anyone now but we have found that a lot of tourists, not just American’s, don’t even make an effort to learn a little bit of French or learn the local customs. It doesn’t take much to make a little bit of effort (this goes for every culture and country) and we have always found that by doing that we are welcomed in with open arms.
We are off to Spain in July!! Can’t wait.
Wonderful pictures! The snow scares me a bit, maybe because I come from the seaside, but it certainly gives beautiful views.
Well really it is only frozen water so it is just like being near the seaside
What a gorgeous place to hit the slopes!
Thanks Stephanie! Are you a skier or snowboarder? Do you recommend anywhere else to go?
I am a snowboarder, but I didn’t learn until about 4 years ago. So I’ve never actually snowboarded anywhere great. I went to Lake Tahoe several years ago, and that was the first time I skied on real mountains and real powder. Plus, it’s gorgeous!
Lake Tahoe is amazing and gorgeous! I have only driven through and haven’t snowboarded there unfortunately. Did spend a season at Mammoth Mountain though!
Love the hot chocolate pic…looks like an awesome place:)
Cheers D.J. They were super expensive though I think like 6 Euros for 1!
Oh man, that hot cocoa looks SO yummy! THE perfect thing after hitting the slopes. Or to recharge while taking a break before going at them some more. Your photos are stunning, by the way. Thanks for letting me jaunt on your ski trip virtually like this!
It was a shame that particular cafe on the mountain was so damn expensive! 6 euros per hot chocolate! Glad you enjoyed the photos and hope you can visit in real soon Courtney
Wow, such stunning scenery! I need to make my way to France as soon as possible. I’m not sure I’d ski or board but would love o walk or snowshoe.
Definitely get yourself to France Cheryl. If not for the scenery then just for the food
Yup but only in the summer!
Great hiking there and great cheese!
We might be there this summer as we are moving to France for a year