Situated in the Trois Vallees ski area, in the Savoie region of France, near Chambery, Les Menuires is an uncrowded and affordable ski resort in an otherwise expensive ski region. Skiing is extensive, with 160kms of pistes available, and slopes are sunny and often uncrowded.

Les Menuires village is a modern resort with great shopping and a plethora of accommodation options. A popular feature is its ski-in/ski-out accessibility. There are over 27,000 beds available in hotels, chalets and apartments; additionally, cafés and restaurants are in abundance, both on and off the mountain.

Skiing and snowboarding is for all levels in Les Menuires and the resort’s 62 pistes on 160kms of terrain are divided into 10 per cent for beginners; 37 per cent for intermediates; 39 per cent for advanced; and 14 per cent for experts. Forty-two lifts can move up to 56,000 people per hour. In addition to the pisted runs, there are 28kms of cross-country trails.

Other winter activities and facilities include: an ice-skating rink (artificial); paragliding; tobogganing; snow scooters; and winter walking and snowshoeing. There are also two outdoor heated swimming pools, saunas and two fitness centres. Jazz, blues and classical concerts are a popular form of evening entertainment and there is a large selection of restaurants and bars, and two discos.

The mid-December to late April ski season at Les Menuires has its best snow in February and its cheapest weeks before December 20 and after April 19.

The best way to get to Les Menuires ski resort is to fly to either Geneva or Chambery and take a train/bus combination at the former, and a bus transfer at the latter, to the resort. Car hire is a lot more convenient.