The Three Valleys: a legendary ski area in the heart of the Savoy Alps
With over 600 km of interconnected slopes, 7 iconic resorts and an annual visitor count exceeding 2 million, the Three Valleys stands as the largest ski area in the world. But beyond these impressive statistics, it offers a distinctive Alpine lifestyle to be enjoyed in both summer and winter. From Courchevel to Val Thorens via Méribel, each resort cultivates its own identity whilst sharing a common standard of excellence. It is within this exceptional environment that MGM has established itself, contributing to the region’s high-end appeal.
Why is the Three Valleys considered the largest ski area in the world?
First and foremost, because this vast domain, located in the Vanoise massif in Savoie, brings together, as its name suggests, three valleys in France: Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville and connects 7 iconic resorts in the Northern Alps: Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Brides-les-Bains and Orelle. In total, it offers 334 alpine ski runs spanning over 600 km, served by around 160 ski lifts, as well as 118 km of cross-country trails and toboggan runs!
Its altitude, ranging from 1,300 to 3,230 metres, ensures excellent snow conditions from December through to April, thanks to its 25 accessible peaks, 10 of which rise above 2,500 metres. With 85% of the ski area located above 1,800 metres and Val Thorens, perched at 2,300 metres, the highest resort in Europe, the domain offers endless possibilities along with remarkable ease of movement, allowing you to ski seamlessly from one valley to another without ever taking off your skis.
In terms of hospitality, the Three Valleys offers exceptional capacity: 140,000 beds, 360 restaurants, including 56 mountain restaurants… and, the ultimate mark of distinction, 17 Michelin stars across 10 fine dining establishments!
What makes the resorts of the Three Valleys unique?
In The Three Valleys, each resort has a strong identity, which contributes to the overall richness of the ski area:
Courchevel stands out for its upmarket appeal with six villages spread between 1,300 to 1,850 metres, direct access to 150 km of slopes and a unique gastronomic offering.
Méribel, situated at the heart of the ski area, is renowned for its harmonious architecture and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers access to more than 150 slopes and serves as a strategic base for exploring the entire Three Valleys.
Val Thorens, voted multiple times the world’s best ski resort, captivates visitors with its high altitude, exceptional snow cover and lively, festive atmosphere. It attracts over 500,000 visitors every year.
Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville offer an excellent balance of accessibility, authenticity and ski quality, with 160 km of slopes in Les Menuires and the timeless charm of well-preserved Savoyard villages in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
What are the main tourism trends in the Three Valleys?
The ski area sees stable visitor numbers with around 2.5 million overnight stays each winter of which nearly 70% are international guests (the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium).
Several key trends are evident in this region:
A shift towards higher-end accommodation with increased demand for premium residences
Growing interest in wellness and experiential holidays
A diversification of non-skiing activities.
The summer season is also experiencing significant growth with visitor numbers up 15% in five years, driven by outdoor activities and a tourism trend focused on diversifying offerings, which is particularly evident in mountain regions. Investing in an apartment in The Three Valleys is particularly attractive.
What activities and events shape the winter season?
Winter in the Three Valleys is marked by a series of internationally renowned events. Among the highlights and key attractions of the ski area are:
- The Ski Force Winter Tour and international alpine skiing competitions in Courchevel.
- The festive concept of La Folie Douce in Val Thorens and Méribel, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each season
In addition, there are numerous local events: torchlit descents, music festivals, Savoyard markets and culinary experiences.
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And what does the Three Valleys offer in summer?
Whilst the ski area is renowned for its winter season, it is also a true four-season destination that has successfully developed a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. In summer, the area transforms into a vast playground, offering:
- 35,000 hectares of unspoilt nature
- 4,000 hectares of woodland
- 25 accessible peaks
- Over 300 km of hiking trails
- Over 200 km of mountain bike trails
- 11 mountain refuges
- Lakes and lakeside areas
Plenty of opportunities to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities and sports: hiking, trail running and mountain biking of course, but also paragliding, via ferrata, golf, climbing…
Major events also elevate the summer season:
- Méribel Hybrid Games, a competition combining CrossFit, Hyrox and trail running
- Björkå x3 in Courchevel, an unusual format including rowing, mountain biking and trail running
- Millet XTrail Courchevel, featuring six race distances from 11 to 66 km
- Grand Raid KIPRUN 3 Vallées, a major endurance challenge crossing the entire Three Valleys
- Ski jumping World Cup events…
Alongside many other major sporting events, the summer season also makes room for more festive gatherings such as La Grande Fête du Praz in Courchevel, which combines parades, brass bands and Savoyard cuisine or La Fête à Fanfoué in Méribel, featuring traditional costumes, floats, local craftsmanship and the alpine horn.
In July and August, the resort’s lifts reopen, making it easy to reach the summits, explore high-altitude trails, ride the mountain paths and make the most of the sporting events. An entire mountain playground unfolds between peaks and forests.
Where to invest in the Three Valleys with MGM?
In Méribel, at the heart of the historic village of Les Allues, MGM French Properties has chosen to unveil its next development. Chalet Apsara is an exclusive residence of just 13 apartments, offering an intimate setting inspired by the most beautiful Savoyard picture postcard scenes. Blending the warmth of traditional alpine chalets with the refined comfort of high-end design, it perfectly reflects MGM’s renowned expertise.
With spacious 2- to 4-bedroom duplex apartments, generous floor areas of 55 to 115 m², balconies offering panoramic views and high-end finishes, Chalet Apsara presents a rare opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most renowned resorts, at the heart of the highly sought-after Three Valleys. Méribel is also a ‘Famille Plus’ accredited destination, ensuring a warm welcome for families, with dedicated facilities, a wide range of activities and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Just 2 hours from Lyon or Geneva, the resort attracts an international clientele in search of exceptional holidays.
Why invest in an MGM co-ownership property in the heart of The Three Valleys ski area?
Investing in the Three Valleys means choosing a destination with strong long-term value:
High occupancy rates (up to 80% during the winter season)
Stable capital appreciation
Enduring international appeal
MGM developments also offer:
- A secure, long-term property investment
- High-end properties with premium finishes and specifications
- Prime locations in highly desirable settings.
As demonstrated by MGM developments across the Alps, each scheme is designed to sit harmoniously within its surroundings while meeting contemporary expectations, balancing style, authenticity and modern comfort.
With 600 km of pistes, iconic resorts, year-round events and strong international appeal, The Three Valleys, where tourism performance and real estate excellence come together, remains a benchmark destination and an exceptional setting in which to live and invest. In a mountain property market that continues to evolve, MGM developments represent a sound opportunity for investors and mountain enthusiasts alike.
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