Ski Holidays in Saint Martin de Belleville
Sitting at 1,450m above sea level, this resort is a gateway to the incredible Three Valleys ski area boasting over 600km of slopes! Whether you're into leisurely cruising or more intense descents, there’s something for everyone with 160km of local ski runs. It’s well-connected too, with quick lifts getting you to higher terrain where the snow is fresh and the views are unbeatable. Snow conditions here are solid, thanks to its high altitude and excellent grooming. The resort offers easy access to some of the best pistes in the Alps, and the snow is usually reliable throughout the season, keeping powder hounds and park lovers happy. Expect daily snow reports and updates to keep you in the know about the conditions on and off the slopes.
For facilities, Saint Martin de Belleville has you covered. It's not just about the skiing; there are cozy alpine chalets, lively après-ski spots, and plenty of options to kick back after a day on the mountain. Modern lifts make getting around a breeze, and there’s plenty of off-slope activities like snowshoeing, spa treatments, and great local restaurants to dive into. Whether you're a seasoned skier or just getting started, Saint Martin de Belleville makes it easy to have an unforgettable trip.
For facilities, Saint Martin de Belleville has you covered. It's not just about the skiing; there are cozy alpine chalets, lively après-ski spots, and plenty of options to kick back after a day on the mountain. Modern lifts make getting around a breeze, and there’s plenty of off-slope activities like snowshoeing, spa treatments, and great local restaurants to dive into. Whether you're a seasoned skier or just getting started, Saint Martin de Belleville makes it easy to have an unforgettable trip.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is a no-brainer for skiers who want access to the vast Three Valleys terrain but would prefer to stay in a more authentic, less commercialised (and far less pricey!) setting. The village has carefully preserved its traditional Savoyard character with charming stone buildings, a beautiful Baroque church and family-run farms producing all the local cheese and charcuterie goodness. Here are some other Saint-Martin-de-Belleville ski highlights:
- The local Saint-Martin-de-Belleville ski area is particularly great for intermediates and families, with plenty of scenic blue and easy red offering a fun challenge.
- Expert skiers are also in luck... there’s loads of challenging terrain in neighbouring Val Thorens and Méribel – which are both only a few chairlifts away – including the extended descent down towards Orelle in the Maurienne Valley.
- The interconnected ski area is made up of seven equally incredible resorts, including Courchevel, Les Menuires and, of course, VT – all of which account for an incredible 600km of snow-sure pistes.
- Unlike purpose-built resorts, Saint-Martin provides a genuine taste of Alpine life while still offering some of the best ski-in, ski-out accommodation options in the area. Like we said before, no-brainer!
Snowboarders will find Saint-Martin-de-Belleville an excellent base for exploring the Three Valleys, which boasts an abundance of brilliant freeriding opportunities and easy access to the area's best terrain parks. Here are some of our top reasons why snowboarders will love exploring the slopes of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville:
- The local ski area features plenty of wide, well-groomed runs perfect for cruising, while the connection to Les Menuires provides access to the excellent Elements Park with its soft-impact boxes, kickers, jibs, rails and speedy boardercross course. The park’s suitable for all levels, and there are even strategically placed cameras throughout the course that can record your runs (and inevitable wipeouts!)
- The Three Valleys’ predominantly north-facing slopes maintain freeride-worthy conditions, with the Vallon du Lou offering some of the best off-piste in the Belleville Valley when conditions allow.
- The lift system is mostly snowboarder-friendly with comfortable and easy-to-access gondolas and chairs serving most areas. Drag lifts tend to be in the parks and a bit further afield, so you can easily avoid them if you want to.
- Méribel's DC Area 43 is another highlight. Renowned as one of the best snow parks in Europe, it’s perpetually groomed by the resort’s esteemed HillTechnics shapers and plays host to some of the world’s top snowboarding superstars. Don’t be put off if you’re an experienced rider, though, the vibe is warm and welcoming should you be brave enough to tackle the pro-level kickers.
Thanks to its high-altitude position within the Three Valleys and almost exclusively north-facing slopes, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville enjoys reliably good snow conditions throughout the entire winter season. The local ski area benefits from the same snow-making system that covers the entire Three Valleys domain, with artificial snow guaranteeing fantastic coverage on key runs back to the village from early December through April. Plenty of time to get your ski fix!
The higher spots around Mont de la Chambre (2,800m) typically offer the best snow quality, with north-facing slopes preserving powder conditions for several days after snowfall. Recent seasons have seen average snowfall around 4m, with snow depths often exceeding 1.5m on upper slopes by mid-season. The connection to Val Thorens (at a dizzying 2,300m) provides access to even more snow-sure terrain when conditions are variable lower down. Freeriders will find excellent off-piste opportunities in the Vallon du Lou and Roc de la Pêche areas, while skiers who prefer to stick to the groomed pistes can enjoy perfectly prepared corduroy first thing in the morning across the extensive piste network.
The après-ski scene in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is much more low-key than its rowdy neighbours and reflects its authentic character – think more “vin chaud by the fire” than dancing on tables still wearing your ski boots! Still, the village offers a varied selection of charming bars and restaurants where you can unwind after a full day on the hill, with Le Petit Savoyard being a favourite for its local craft beers and cosy atmosphere. Plus, if you’re after a high-energy night out, you can always take a trip to VT, which is only about a 40-minute drive up the mountain. Here are a few Saint-Martin-de-Belleville après-ski highlights:
- La Bouitte serves up a sophisticated selection of signature cocktails, while Le Belleville offers live music on weekends – perfect if you want to kick your ski holiday off with a bang!
- Many people also enjoy traditional tea rooms that pepper the village, like La Table de Pauline, for afternoon cakes and hot chocolate – aka the perfect winter fuel for a full 7 days on the slopes!
- Looking for a more lively après-ski scene? You’re in luck – you can easily take the 10-minute gondola up to Les Menuires, where hotspots like Le Pub Irlandais offer a livelier scene.
- The village also hosts regular cultural events like folk music nights that give visitors a taste of real Alpine tradition surrounded by locals who are up for a good time.
Despite its traditional appearance, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville offers a brilliant selection of modern holiday-making facilities. The efficient lift system includes two main gondolas (Tougnète and Granges) that provide quick access to the wider Three Valleys area. The ESF ski school offers lessons in multiple languages, with a dedicated children's area conveniently near the village centre. Equipment rental shops provide quality gear, and there's even a specialist ski touring shop for those wanting to explore beyond the marked pistes.
The village also has a small but well-stocked sports centre with a swimming pool and sauna. Dining options range from gourmet restaurants like La Bouitte (with 3 Michelin stars) to cosy crêperies and traditional farmhouse auberges serving authentic Savoyard dishes. Practical amenities include a post office, a small supermarket and a tourist office that organises weekly events. Free shuttle buses connect all parts of the village and continue to Les Menuires for easy access to more extensive facilities there.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is ideal for families seeking a gentler introduction to the Three Valleys. The dedicated Piou-Piou children's area near the village centre provides a safe, fun environment for first-time skiers with magic carpets and friendly instructors making everything feel a little easier. The ESF offers children's lessons from age 3, and several hotels have kids' clubs with supervised activities.
The village itself is traffic-free in the centre, and many restaurants offer early children's menus. The local ski area features numerous easy blue runs perfect for family skiing, and the efficient lift system means you can easily return to the village for lunch if needed. Non-skiing activities include sledging areas, a small ice rink and weekly torchlit descents that children particularly love. Several properties offer family rooms or adjoining units, and some luxury chalets provide childcare services, allowing you to get an uninterrupted ski fix.
