Brides Les Bains Ski Holidays
The resort was officially recognised as a ski resort when it was selected as the official base for the Albertville Olympics in 1992, and received a brand-new, high-capacity gondola (the Olympe) built specifically for the games, connecting Brides-les-Bains directly to Méribel. Its resort height at 600m made it a convenient location to serve as the Olympic base, and is also why it remains the most affordable option for skiing the world’s largest linked ski area.
Smaller and a fair bit more chilled than the larger, more popular resorts in the ski area, the overall pace in Brides-les-Bains is considerably slower - on purpose. The resort is renowned for its wellness heritage and spa facilities, making it the ideal choice for a serene escape in the Three Valleys. It’s also a solid pick for beginners or mixed-ability groups, thanks to the straightforward links up to Méribel’s wide, welcoming runs. Skiers with more experience can explore the entire Three Valleys network, with big-name resorts like Courchevel and Val Thorens on the menu. This resort offers the perfect balance of top-tier terrain and tremendous value. Get in touch with us today for fantastic ski packages to Brides-les-Bains.
A pretty spa resort with direct connections to Méribel, Brides-les-Bains brilliantly balances quiet comfort with easy access to big terrain
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Brides-les-Bains forms part of the Three Valleys ski area, granting access to around 600km of pistes across seven ski resorts. At 600m altitude, Brides-les-Bains is the lowest resort within the ski area; however, a considerable majority of its slopes are located above 1800m.
The Olympe gondola directly links skiers to Meribel, from where they can access the remainder of the Three Valleys and its network of 161 lifts. The slopes within the Brides-les-Bains locality range from beginner-friendly greens to a mix of intermediate reds and blues, with a few black runs for advanced skiers
Snow conditions in Brides Les Bains
Brides-les-Bains offers reliable snow cover, with most of its slopes at high altitude in Les Trois Vallées. Early and late in the season, the lower sections near Brides-les-Bains may rely on the resort's snow-making facilities to supplement shortages when the winter is just coming in (early season) and when it's making way for spring (late season); however, higher up in the main ski area, the snow quality improves dramatically. Mid-season conditions are typically excellent across the ski area, with many well-groomed pistes benefiting from the cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Skiing in Brides Les Bains
Thanks to its location within the Three Valleys and its direct links to Méribel, Brides-les-Bains offers straightforward access to a wide array of terrain for every ski ability level, from first-timers to seasoned pros and mountain veterans.
- Beginners and newbies should head for the nursery slopes around Méribel's Altiport, which are great for learning and perfecting technique. These areas offer quiet, low-gradient slopes, making them perfect for learning the basics. The blues heading down towards Méribel Centre are a great confidence builder once the basics have been mastered.
- Intermediates have endless options in Brides-les-Bains. The reds above Méribel-Mottaret offer a genuine test, while the long blue runs around Tougnète and Saulire offer some of the Three Valleys' best cruising terrain. With so much to explore, skiers are almost spoiled for choice.
- Advanced skiers will love the steeper terrain around Mont Vallon, home to fast and technical reds, as well as more demanding black runs. From here, you can also easily drop into Courchevel or Val Thorens for bigger vertical and more intense descents.
- For off-piste, the Three Valleys offer an enormous variety of bowls, couloirs, and powder fields, especially around Mont Vallon and the valleys linking Méribel and Val Thorens. Always go with a guide if you plan to explore beyond the groomed pistes.
Snowboarding in Brides Les Bains
- Méribel Mottaret’s DC Area 43 snowpark is the main attraction for freestylers. One of the Alps' most popular snow parks, it's loaded with a mix of jumps, rails, and kickers for all levels.
- Whether you’re lapping small kickers or pushing it on bigger lines, the park's progressive layout keeps sessions fun and varied. There’s also a boardercross course in Mottaret for those who like speed and banked turns.
- The terrain around Mont Vallon is a standout for freeriding. The long, wide slopes are perfect for carving, with the surrounding bowls and off-piste routes delivering some of the best powder lines in the valley (especially after a fresh, overnight dumping of snow!).
- Riders can also explore the valleys between Val Thorens and the Courchevel villages, where steeper couloirs and powder fields offer more advanced challenges. Please be advised that at Erna Low, we always insist on bringing a guide if you plan to explore unmarked zones.
Accommodation in Brides Les Bains
Brides-les-Bains offers a great mix of affordable and comfortable accommodation, making it a smart base for exploring the Three Valleys. With Erna Low, you’ll find a selection of hotels and apartments, some of which feature spa facilities, pools, or wellness areas. Our offers range from budget, great-value options to higher-end spa hotels ideal for a relaxing stay.
All accommodation in Brides Les Bains
What's available at Brides Les Bains ski resort?
Après-ski in Brides Les Bains
The après-vibe in Brides-les-Bains is unsurprisingly relaxed and down-to-earth. The resort feels more classic Alpine spa town than full-on party central, so if cosy evenings and good company over drinks are your jam, you’ll fit right in at Brieds-les-Bains.
Most of the action here is centred around a handful of bars, with Jack's Bar and
La Fabrik leading the charge and keeping the buzz going. Both bars are popular haunts for skiers seeking good music and a great atmosphere to unwind.
Blue Night is Brides-les-Bains' flagship nightclub, open until the early hours, giving the nocturnals something to shout (and dance) about. Located in Casino des 3 Vallées (the only casino in the valley for now), it boasts a festive atmosphere and a dynamic playlist curated to cater to all tastes.
Facilities in Brides Les Bains
Brides-les-Bains has all the facilities and amenities you need to make your ski holiday smooth and enjoyable. Essential shops, such as supermarkets and ski rentals, are centrally located and easily accessible, with restaurants and cafes also scattered throughout the central areas, making it convenient to stop for a bite or a drink while walking around.
One of the standout facilities is the resort’s wellness offering. Brides-les-Bains is known for its thermal spa, and many visitors take full advantage of the pools, saunas and treatments - ideal for winding down after a long day on the mountain.
Facilities for children in Brides Les Bains
Brides-les-Bains is well-suited to families and skiers visiting with children. While the village is smaller than the big resorts higher up, it still offers all the essentials families need. You’ll find supermarkets, a pharmacy, and a good choice of restaurants that welcome younger guests.
For little ones needing a break from the slopes, the village offers gentle walking areas, open spaces to play, and the local thermal spa features family-friendly swimming times. Evening entertainment is low-key but suitable for families, with a small cinema and occasional events in the village centre ( especially over Christmas).
Ski schools and dedicated beginner zones are easily accessed via the Olympe gondola into Méribel, where children’s lessons and nursery slopes are well organised and designed with safety in mind.
Why choose Erna Low for Brides Les Bains skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Brides-les-Bains is a calm spa resort with everything close to each other. A great base if you want relaxed evenings and easy access to the Three Valleys
Jane Bolton, Product Director