Barn in Saint Martin de Belleville - Three Valleys

Ski Resort: Saint Martin de Belleville

Based at 1400m and directly linked into the vast Three Valleys network by an 8 person gondola, St Martin de Belleville offers unlimited, world-class skiing.   The village is picture perfect, unspoiled and authentic making St Martin de Belleville the perfect ski resort if you are looking for a taste of authentic France combined with state of the art skiing. Clusters of traditional chalets and original Savoyard farmhouses are dominated by the close mountains with chamois and wild boars roaming free in the surrounding forests. St Martin was voted a “Top Ten Picture Postcard resort” for its pretty, traditional architecture and stunning Alpine scenery, it’s interesting to note that the commune have had the foresight to bury all the electric and phone cabling which means that not only does it have a clean uncluttered look, but you are unlikely to lose power when the snow hits!   As an added bonus Val Thorens, officially the highest resort in Europe is situated at the top of the valley offering great skiing from mid-November to mid-May. St Martin also has some of the best and clearest runs in the Three Valleys; with skiing for all levels back down to the village and red run Jerusalem a firm favourite with many, and the confidence inspiring off-piste powder fields have to be experienced to be believed. In the height of summer during July and August the valley is host to walkers, nature lovers and adventure seekers who arrive to enjoy the traditional and less traditional mountain activities along with the colourful mountain meadows and beauty of the contrasting vibrant green against snow capped mountains.   It is also a near neighbour to the Vanoise Park, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. St Martin de Belleville has a lower key nightlife than its glitzy neighbours. Having said that, the valley boasts two Michelin starred restaurants, one being situated three minutes from the village, the other in Val Thorens. St Martin itself has several friendly bars and restaurants which retain a mountain village atmosphere with prices to match. This ski resort seems ideal for ski and mountain lovers looking for an authentic atmosphere a little apart from the crowds, and out of season it still has life and enough year round residents to stop it feeling like a ghost town.