Why Les 3 Vallées belongs on your Epic Pass bucket list
The multi ski resort Epic Pass offers access to numerous partner ski resorts around the world, and is an incredible value pass for anyone who skis regularly and enjoys exploring new ski destinations.
As well as all the ski destinations in the USA, the pass includes resorts in Canada, Japan and Europe. Several European destinations are included in the Epic Pass 7-day lift ticket, including Les 3 Vallées in France, the largest linked ski area on Earth.
Here’s why the legendary Three Valleys should definitely be on your ski vacation bucket list if you’re looking at an Epic Pass for next winter.
First things first: what is the Epic Pass?
The Epic Pass gives access not only to all US ski resorts owned by Vail Resorts likes Vail, Breckenridge and Park City throughout the winter season, but also to a whole host of famous ski destination with its resort partners in Europe, Canada, Japan and Australia for a week-long visit.
Epic pass offers different passes suited to different needs, for example, a locals pass, Australia pass, discounts for under 30 years, plus special offers for friend lift pass tickets etc. and the website helps you find which will work best for you.
Lots of keen skiers use the Epic Pass to ski near home for the winter and also travel overseas to experience a week’s holiday in another world famous ski destination, such as Perisher in Australia, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, Verbier in Switzerland, and the Three Valleys in France.
So if you are planning a European “Mega-Trip” to encompass some ski time in one of Europe’s world class resorts, then the Epic Pass is well worth checking out.
Good to know: the pricing for the Epic Pass is released early in the calendar year, then prices gradually rise until the close of sale in December.
What Are the Benefits of Buying an Epic Pass?
- It’s great value: the amount of days skiing available in numerous destinations means that the pass pays for itself several times over. Discounts are available for skiers under 30, and there are student discounts as well. Not only that, but there are also benefits to be had in restaurants, ski rental and accommodation.
- It’s flexible: depending on your needs, you can choose from differing price points or destination options.
- It covers the whole season: your regular day ski trip/s in Australia or the USA throughout the winter are covered, as well as an extended trip in your home country, plus a dream vacation to explore a whole new ski culture in Japan or Europe.
What European resorts are included on the Epic Pass?
For 2026-2027, these are the European ski resorts listed on the Epic Pass 7-day agreement:
France
Les 3 Vallées (Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, La Tania, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Brides-Les-Bains, Orelle)
Italy
Skirama Dolomiti (Madonna di Campiglio; Pinzolo; Folgarida-Marilleva; Pejo; Ponte di Legno-Tonale; Andalo-Fai della Paganella; Monte Bondone; Folgarida-Lavarone)
Switzerland
4 Vallées
Andermatt Sedrun, Disentis
Verbier
Crans-Montana Mountain Resort
Austria
Ski Arlberg (Lech, Zurs, Stuben, St. Christoph, St. Anton)
Sölden
Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun
Silvretta Montafon
What can I expect from a European ski vacation?
If you have never skied in Europe before, it would be easy to imagine that all ski slopes are pretty much the same – you slide from the top to the bottom in the same way, after all. Except that different nations embrace the art of skiing in very different ways!
Ski culture
A ski vacation in Europe has a particular charm and atmosphere, and even that changes according to the country you choose: each has its individual ski culture.
From the early days of skiing in the mid 20th Century, the mountain lifestyle has centred around healthy fun and exercise, exploring at high altitudes and – of course – eating and drinking whilst admiring the genuinely incredible panoramas! European skiing is less about the statistics and more about the experience. Two-hour lunches are perfectly acceptable, and skiing to a particular mountain restaurant to enjoy the sunshine and the views is in some cases, the whole aim of the day’s skiing!
Resorts with character
European ski resorts have grown up from what were once very remote farming villages, so the resort centres are full of quirky charm, old stone buildings and quaint bars and restaurants with bags of character.
And what’s more, your ski vacation rental is in the actual resort, you don’t have to drive to get back to your property after a day on the slopes. Part of the beauty of European skiing is cruising down to the resort on your skis or snowboard, then walking or getting a short shuttle service back to your accommodation – sometimes via an après ski bar – then hanging up your ski gear for the evening and either heading back into town for your meal, or slipping into the outdoor hot tub before your food is served in the rental property by your own personal cook!
> Learn more about the catered ski vacation rental experience here
Alpine food and drink
The food and drink is another essential part of the European ski vacation: Swiss or Savoyard fondue, deliciously melting raclette, wild mushroom sauces, classic French steak-frites, Austrian Spatzle, apple tarts and strudels, local cured hams, Savoyard tartiflette, Italian pasta dishes, wild blueberry desserts, French cheeses…
And then of course, the Austrian beers, the Spritzes, the (very reasonably priced) wines, the vin chaud or gluhwein and Italian Bombardinos…
Even the keenest of skiers can’t resist stopping to try some of these amazing foodie experiences.
> Read more about the unmissable Alpine dishes to try on your European ski vacation
Why Include Les 3 Vallées on Your European Ski Trip?
The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées in French) is the world’s largest linked ski area. As the name suggests, the Three Valleys ski area covers three valleys, and the mountains in between.
- 600km of marked runs
- Fully connected – no buses/walking between areas
What does that mean, exactly? It means you can literally hop on a ski lift in the morning, and not walk anywhere (except in and out of the piste-side restaurant or bar!) until you finish at the end of the day.
The Three Valleys is also very high altitude, going from 1300m to 3200m, and has some of the most stunning mountain vistas you can imagine, plus glacier skiing, tree lines, wide open runs and one of the world’s most efficient lift systems. Not to mention a network of snow cannons to top up the natural snowfall. Signage and navigation is very simple: download the Three Valleys app with live updates and markers, or use the signposts and a paper map to find your way around.
As it’s one of France’s most famous ski destinations, you can also expect top-of-the range accommodation, bars and restaurants.
> More about the Three Valleys ski area
Les 3 Vallées app (for piste maps and guides)
What skiing is included on the Three Valleys Epic pass?
With your Epic Pass, you can ski six linked areas in the Three Valleys, all on the same pass:
Courchevel: known for its exceptional snow conditions and immaculately groomed pistes, plus easy access between ski accommodation and the main lifts. Courchevel comprises several villages: La Tania (great value and easy access to the slopes), Le Praz (picturesque authentic mountain village, Courchevel 1650 and 1850 (more luxurious destinations) and Courchevel Village (family friendly).
Méribel: The central of the Three Valleys, with traditional low rise chalet architecture and famous for après-ski. A large resort with plenty of life away from the slopes (ice skating, swimming, climbing, cinema…)
Les Menuires: Family-friendly terrain and purpose-built, good value accommodation.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: Authentic alpine village vibe.
Val Thorens: The highest ski resort in Europe, exceptional snow quality and known for its lively party scene.
Orelle: OK, here’s where things get a little confusing: from the furthest point in Val Thorens, you can actually ski down into another valley, called Orelle (effectively making a fourth valley for the Three Valleys area, but that makes it confusing with the area of the same name in Switzerland!)
Choosing accommodation in Les 3 Vallées
France typically has four main types of ski vacation rentals, depending on your specific requirements:
- Hotels Best for shorter breaks and couples/small groups. Try Courchevel 1850, Meribel, Val Thorens or Brides les Bains.
- Self-catered apartments Best for week-long stays in small groups/families who are happy to eat out or cook at home.
- Self-catered chalets Best for week-long stays and for groups between 8-16 people who want to eat out or cook in the evenings.
- Catered chalets Best for week-long stays and groups between 8-16 people. The catered or “half board” service typically includes breakfast, afternoon tea and an evening meal on most nights.
- Click here to look around our collection of catered and self-catered chalets in Courchevel, La Tania and Meribel in the Three Valleys.
Ski Magic’s Chalet Loden in Meribel
How to get to European ski resorts / Les 3 Vallées
If you are looking to fly to Europe and make the most of your Epic Pass, the major international airports closest to the European ski resorts included on the pass are as follows:
- Geneva, Switzerland: Best for Three Valleys and Verbier
- Zurich, Switzerland: Best for Swiss ski destinations and St Anton, Austria
- Munich, Germany: Best for the Austrian resorts
- Milan, Italy: Best for Skirama Dolomiti
- Lyon, France: Best for Three Valleys (may require long-haul connections via Paris, Amsterdam, London)
Getting to the Three Valleys: how long and what are the transport options?
The best options for travelling from the airport to the Three Valleys ski resort are:
- Hire car: good for confident international drivers or those travelling as a small group of under four passengers. Find out more here.
- Public transport: ideal for those on a budget or with minimal time constraints. See more about public transport here.
- Private transfer: perfect for larger groups and the most relaxing option as you will be collected and delivered door-to-door. See pricing info.
Approximate travel time to the Three Valleys from
- Geneva airport: 2 hours
- Lyon or Grenoble airports: 2 hours
- Chambery airport: 1 hour 15 mins
- Moutiers-Salins train station: 20 mins
>> Click to learn more about travelling to the Three Valleys
Excited to ski the Three Valleys?
Let us help you with finding a perfect ski vacation rental for your Epic Pass European ski vacation: Contact us today for your next trip!
As well as our ski chalets, we also offer:
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!