29/2/12- Snow

Last week we took a ski/snowboard trip to The Three Valleys in France. The Three Valleys are the largest linked ski area in the world. The world...

Villages included in the Three Valleys are: Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel, Brides les Bains, Les Menuires, St. Martin, Val Thorens, and Orelle. 

The area gives you 600km of skiable piste (or 600km of 'runs') and that does not include all of the off piste, which is basically everywhere. I didn't understand the sheer size of this place till we arrived and started making our way around each area. 

If you are from home and you know the size of Sunshine. I'd say each of the village's area are around twice the size of Sunshine's skiable area. Insane. 

The Three Valleys also has this Escapade pass. It is a good way to see all areas of the Three Valleys, and a good challenge too. There are 18 checkpoints around the hill which when you scan your lift pass is tracked that you've been there. Once you've hit all 18 lifts you get a certificate and pin. It forced us to go all the way east and west, to the highest and lowest points on the hill. (Our chalet hosts were very impressed that we achieved this!)

Lots of scenery photos were taken, so I've shared just a few below. We couldn't get enough of the amazing views and stunning scenery.

I see a second visit to The Three Valleys one day. 

Day one. We were at one of the higher points in the valley, hence the blue sky. The rest of the skiing area is below all that lovely white cloud. One of those ski days where you couldn't see a thing.

On day two, we could finally see where we were going! The temps got to +15 by our final day! It was blue skies and sunny all week. (Except for the first day of course).

Apres ski- This chairlift goes through the village of Val Thorens, and over some mighty fine apres ski area. (See the hot tub?)

The view from 10,600 feet.