Tell me about Les Menuires

[Blaggertyjibbet]

I know it’s ugly, but I don’t mind that as it means we’ve gotten a bargain on the accommodation. In terms of ski schools, services, etc, what should I know before we
go after New Year? We’ve booked a ski-in-ski-out flat with a nice heated pool, so hopefully it will be a low-stress base for a self catering holiday. We are all intermediate-ish skiers, the 3 DC can manage blues and easy reds. We normally favour Austria as a ski destination, but thought we’d branch out this year. Have done the Evasion Mt Blanc region but never the 3 valleys, so it’s all new. Will we want to spend all of our time in Meribel and just sleep in Les Menuires?

Any insider knowledge and tips gratefully received.

You seem to know what you've signed up for! It's ugly and purpose built but fab skiing and just a couple of lifts from memory up to Val T if snow cover is scant early in the season. You can also ski across to Meribel and Courchevel quite easily and there are loads of blues. For lessons, New Gen (who are great, lots of italian instructors and British run) and ESF definitely have bases there. Depends which part of Les M because some parts (Reberty etc) are further from Croisette where a lot of the schools meet. Just be sure you book the meeting point closest to your accommodation. There is a Carrefour I think at the Croisette which will be very handy for self catering and is well stocked. There's quite a nice public pool and health club which it doesn't sound like you will need. Lots of bakeries, creperie/casual restaurant type places. You can't spend all your time in meribel (unless you mean on skis) because it is across the ridge. It's much easier to spend time up the valley in Val Thorens or down in St Martin de B which is a lovely village and worth visiting for an evening meal if you don't mind getting in the car.

AKA Les Manures in our family. It's ugly as shit but fabulous skiing and your accommodation sound great.

Great skiing, and your apartment sounds ideal. Did you manage to find a good sized one? We looked at a last minutes deal last year but couldn’t get a decent sized one with an oven and a pool (trying to keep everyone happy!)
book lessons early as it’s very popular with families

Sorry for abandoning the thread, have just come back and seen the replies! V glad to hear the skiing is good, that’s what we were hoping for. Helpful to know about booking lessons in advance, will make a note to do that.

I think the Bruyeres and Sunny Express lifts are maybe 150m away from the flat if that means anything to anyone? Is that a decent part of the village?

@Muchtoomuchtodo yes we found an absolute bargain a few months ago! It’s right next to the have learned the hard way over the years that I need to book earlier than seems sensible if we want to get anything decent.

I found it very small in terms of runs and you will need to upgrade your pass to include val thorens. I’m also not a first/last lift kind of girl either and don’t do blacks. Those lifts are the bottom of town but you can walk. The shops in the underpass/galerie are fine and there is an excellent bakery. Pop into Hotel skilt for a drink on the terrace-Krista the manager is fab.

Yes, we are planning to get the 3 valleys family pass so that we can explore the whole area.

Bit of a random one, but do ESF offer the kids’ group lessons in English (or at least have an English speaking instructor), or would that need to be private?