Directly linked into the amazing skiing of the Trois Vallees is the beautiful mountain village of St Martin de Belleville – the undiscovered gem of the world’s largest ski area. This wonderful Savoyard village retains the charm of a traditional French Alpine village lost in many modern resorts, with none of the maddening crowds. St Martin de Belleville is a real village resort, certainly dedicated to lovers of authenticity, but also with all the access facilities, infrastructure and shops expected of an up to date winter sports resort.
The best of both worlds The beauty of St Martin is that you stay in an unspoilt alpine village and ski in the largest ski area in the world - a perfect combination. An eight person gondola, which opened three seasons ago, followed by a fast quad swiftly takes you to Tougnete ridge, from which you can access Meribelon one side and Les Menuires and Val Thorenson the other.
The local slopes are pleasant blues and reds, mainly of interest to intermediates – including the famous Jerusalem run: a fantastic long, rolling, wide red. The Verdent blue from the top of the Meribel lifts is a wonderful easy cruise with great views and is usually very quiet. For experts the local area offers large areas of gentle and often deserted off-piste, whilst for beginners there’s a nursery slope. There is snowmaking from top to bottom of the main run to the village which is impressively effective at keeping the run open.
The Trois Vallées constitutes what many skiers rightly regard as the greatest intermediate playground in the world: a seemingly endless network of moderately graded runs that provide a challenge to all levels of skier. The Combe de Vallon is a magnificent cruise of 1,100m vertical from the top of Mont du Vallon all the way down to Méribel Mottaret.
The ski area is inexhaustible, with 600km of beautifully groomed runs to suit all abilities, as well as bumps, steeps, or amazing off piste terrain - the perfect choice for mixed ability parties & families.
Apres-Ski:
St Martin de Bellville is also an 'in demand' destination for many of the skiers from Courcheveland Meribel, which explains the number of exceptionally good restaurants, including the Michelin starred La Bouitte - one of the best restaurants in the Three Valleys. The village also boasts three Michelin listed restaurants; Le Montagnard - serving a fabulous Savoyard menu in an atmospheric converted hayloft, Étoile des Neiges - a smart, traditional restaurant and Le Grenier, in the hotel St Martin, is great for an expensive lunch. Four good value restaurants, including the good value and high quality La Voûte, serve everything from salads, to pizzas to fondues ensuring there is something to suit all pockets.
There are around seven friendly bars and a couple of night spots in the village for those who want to dance the night away, Brewskiis which has a variety of live entertainment during the week and the more sedate piano bar Pourquoi Pas with it's comfortable seating and roaring log fire. There is also a good selection of shops and boutiques including a bank (with cash point) and pharmacy.
Other Activities
Spa & beauty centre (Sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, weight training room, massage & treatments) Snow shoeing Dog sledge outings Cross country skiing
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