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Les Menuires Ski Passes
Tucked into the heart of the French Alps, Les Menuires occupies one of the most enviable positions in skiing.
As a central gateway to Les 3 Vallées - the world's largest linked ski area - it offers direct access to a staggering network of slopes, yet manages to feel more relaxed and less flashy than its glamorous neighbours Courchevel and Méribel. For families in particular, it's long been something of a sweet spot: genuinely excellent skiing without the eye-watering price tags that come with a more fashionable postcode.
When it comes to ski passes, you essentially have two main choices. The local Les Menuires and Saint-Martin pass covers roughly 160km of runs within the Belleville Valley - more than enough terrain for most skiers for a week. Step up to the full Les 3 Vallées pass, and that figure leaps to nearly 600km, connecting six resorts and an almost absurd variety of terrain. Which one suits you depends on your ambitions, your budget, and how many miles you realistically want to clock up in a day.
Types of ski passes in Les Menuires
One of the things Les Menuires does well is flexibility. Passes aren't a one-size-fits-all affair; you can pick up a 4-hour ‘taster’ pass if you're not sure how your legs will hold up on day one, or commit to a full-season option if you're lucky enough to be spending an extended stint in resort. Everything in between - day passes, multi-day passes, weekly passes - is available too.
Pricing is structured into three age tiers: children (aged 5–17), adults (18–74), and veterans (75+). That last category is worth flagging, because skiers aged 75 and above are often eligible for very significant discounts - in some cases, paying little more than a small administrative fee. It's a generous policy that makes multi-generational ski trips considerably more affordable.
Practically speaking, passes are reloadable, hands-free smart cards. You can top it up online before you travel, so you don't have to queue at the ticket office on your first morning - always a worthwhile saving of time and temper. The card is designed to be kept in a jacket pocket and read automatically at the lift gates, so there's no fumbling around needed on the mountain either.
This pass is the natural choice for beginners finding their feet, families with younger children who won't be covering huge distances, and anyone on a tighter budget who doesn't need the full 600km network. There's genuinely no shame in sticking to the local area - plenty of skiers do exactly that and have a brilliant week.
This pass is best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers with the fitness and ambition to make the most of the terrain. Covering the full valley in a day is a satisfying challenge; skiing into Val Thorens for lunch and back via Courchevel before the lifts close is the sort of thing that makes you feel like you've earned your après-ski.
For groups of adults, Duo and Tribu passes are also available, offering discounts when two or three people purchase identical 6-day passes together. It's worth checking these options if you're travelling with friends, as the savings add up.
Saturday Special - ‘Samedi je skie’: Book online before midnight on Friday, and you can access a day's skiing at a significantly reduced rate - typically around €40 for the local area or €65 for the full 3 Vallées. It's a genuine deal, and perfect if you're staying nearby and want to bolt on an extra day without committing in advance.
Pedestrian Pass: Not everyone in the chalet wants to ski, and a pedestrian pass lets non-skiers ride the lifts up to the mountain for lunch, a walk, or simply to take in the view from places like the Pointe de la Masse. It's a small thing, but it makes a real difference to those who prefer their mountains from a café terrace.
PRE-BOOK YOUR SKI PASSES
Pre-booking your ski passes with Erna Low is easy - either choose the option online while you're booking your accommodation, or if you've already booked your accommodation, call us on 0203 011 1222 we'll gladly add it to your ski holiday package.