The power of three: Why there are no wrong choices in Les 3 Vallées

Les 3 Vallées boasts the world’s largest linked ski area, encompassing three distinct resorts, each with its own DNA. In the morning, you can be a downhill racer at Val Thorens, for lunch you can hobknob with celebs at Courchevel, and in the afternoon you can cruise some easy runs, family-style at Méribel. 

Why go? For one, you’re skiing in the French Alps! Secondly, for my fellow US skiers, your lift ticket is a bargain. Skiing Val Thorens rather than, say, Vail, Colorado, you’re saving over $200 a day. With a slight upcharge to access Méribel and Courchevel too, you’re getting 600 km of groomed “pistes” in comparison to Vail’s 234 km of groomed “runs.”

Decisions, decisions…

So you’ve decided to ski Les 3 Vallées. The challenge is to decide which resort of the three–Val Thorens, Courchevel, or Méribel, to make home base. 

Below, I’ve teased out one word that describes each resort and what is new for 2026 regarding getting people up the mountain (for getting down, you’re on your own). I’ve mentioned one new hotel and one new restaurant for each resort. 

Val Thorens: High altitude, higher octane

Val Thorens is the highest point in the Alps, and young adults like the fast pace and fast pistes, day and night. It’s the newest of the Les 3 Vallées resorts and boasts having the longest ski season in Europe. Sure, families and skiers of all types are welcome, but I got the impression my 20-something kids would love it! 

Ski updates include a 10-seater gondola called Face Nord, which improves skier flow and provides even more access to the other mountains. The Cime Caron Cable Car is set to reopen in 2026 with two new cabins. This ride gives both skiers and pedestrians access to the tippy-top, at 3,200 meters, it’s the money shot of the French Alps. 

Caron 3200 is a destination unto itself. Featuring a restaurant, wine bar, rooftop terrace, and more, its panoramic views of 1000 mountain peaks will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, and you kind of are.  

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, five-star Hôtel Pashmina Le Refuge, also situated at the top, has introduced a new outdoor spa. Did someone say jacuzzi with a view? 

Courchevel: The peak of Alpine luxury

Celebrating its 80th year in 2026, Courchevel is the stuff French Alps dreams are made of. Yes, it’s fashion fabulous, celebrity chic, and luxurious as can be, but its natural beauty turns heads, too. 

Courchevel comprises six small villages, all accessible to one another and to the Les 3 Vallées slopes. Each has somewhat different influences, but all celebrate the art de vivre! 

A new-generation gondola debuts for the 2026 season at Les Chenus. It promises to transform the departure and summit stations, improve passenger flow, and get more skiers up (and down) the mountain faster. 

Baumaniére 1850 has earned its second Michelin star, and is worth a reservation, especially if you’re collecting star experiences. Note: Courchevel has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other mountain resort in the world. 

If you’re hankering for a French stinky formage (who isn’t!?), dip into the redesigned gourmet experience at Grenier Des Alpages for raclette. Mais Oui. 

Opening in December, luxury hotel residence Atmosphère 1850 is the talk of the slopes. Over-the-top, ski-in ski-out, luxury suites accommodating up to eight guests are pure swank with every amenity you can think of. 

Méribel: The heart and soul of the valley

Méribel est le cœur des 3 Vallées. It’s like the Grand Dame of the three resorts, providing comfort, cosiness, generosity, and caring. It’s comprised of four sites. Look for charming architecture in Méribel Centre, functionality in Mottaret, small village vibes in Les Allues, and the feeling of being tucked away in the forest of Meribel Village. 

When making facilities updates each year, Méribel always moves toward modernization with sustainability in mind. The new Leitner gondolas (linking Val Thorens, where a chairlift used to suffice) will be capable of transporting 2,600 skiers per hour, comfortably! 

While traditional chalet-type accommodations proliferate in Méribel, a modern take on Alpine style can be found at the new Alba hotel. Again, it’s an apartment-style hotel with slope-side access, as well as wellness and fitness areas. 

The brand-new Tipi restaurant, with its groovy ambiance, terrace views, fancy cuts of meat, and charcuterie platters, seems enticing. it’s a mid-mountain experience accessible to intermediates and advanced skiers.  

The ski takeaway

Go to Les 3 Vallées in search of that giddy skier’s feeling when turns are effortless, your shadow is your companion, après-ski is beauty or bubbles, and the French Alps become your backdrop. Which resort? Who cares! Again, there are no wrong choices.