St Martin de Belleville

ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE SKI AREA

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is part of the large ‘Les 3 Vallées’ ski area, which many skiers rightly regard as the greatest intermediate ski-playground in the world! This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 8 ski resorts:

• Val Thorens
• Orelle
• Les Menuires
• Saint Martin de Belleville
• Meribel
• Brides-les-Bains
• Courchevel
• La Tania

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is an ideal base for quick access to the largest ski area in the world and its 600km of runs of Les 3 Vallées. Taking the high-speed eight-person gondola from the centre of the village and just one fast quad modern chairlift, you can be at the top of the 'Tougnete' ridge in less than 15 minutes. From there enjoy the amazing panoramic views and decide whether to ski down to Meribel, Mottaret, Les Menuires or Saint-Martin taking the choice of runs best suited to your level. You can then carry on easily towards Val Thorens or Courchevel.

The 3 Valleys benefit from excellent snow coverage - the minimum altitude level for skiing is 1300m and the maximum is 3230m. This means that a huge 85% of the ski area is located above 1800m. Some 2000 snowmaking machines cover a third of the ski area as well. The 3 Valleys offer wide ski runs that are maintained nightly by 80 piste grooming machines.

St-Martin-de-Belleville is a little Alpine village linked to the large 3 Valleys ski area so you get the best of both worlds. The ski area is blessed with lightly wooded slopes unlike the ski resort of Val Thorens. There are fast lifts too that get you to the slopes of Les Menuires and Meribel.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

Half the size of the 3 Valleys pass, the Belleville area covers Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville only - 300km of pistes

Les Menuires/Saint Martin local area - 160km of pistes, 31 lifts (7 gondola, 11 chairlift, 5 draglift + 7 carpet), 89 slopes:

Green slopes: 13
Blue slopes: 43
Red slopes: 24
Black slopes: 9

ST MARTIN SKIING

ST MARTIN BEGINNERS

Beginners can start on the nursery slope from the centre of St-Martin-de-Belleville village (running alongside our featured residence – Les Chalets du Gypse) and then progress to easy blue runs from the top of ‘Tougnete’ and explore the rest of the Three Valleys. There are five free beginners’ lifts in the valley.

ST MARTIN INTERMEDIATES

Intermediates will find endless opportunities to explore the whole 3 Valleys and St-Martin-de Belleville. The 3 Valleys have extensive intermediate slopes with big lift networks. Locally, at Les Menuires, the slopes above the village on the west-facing side have lots to offer and are all pretty much blue and red runs.

ST MARTIN EXPERTS

Advanced skiers and boarders won’t feel left out with a choice of moguls, steep runs or off-piste in just about every corner of the ski area. The Orelle area above Val Thorens is particularly worth a try. Head to the upper slopes of La Masse for steeper slopes. It also has some of the best snow in the 3 Valleys. There are a huge amount of snowmaking runs within the 3 Valleys.

NATURE ZONES

Enjoy a non-groomed area! It’s now possible to enjoy safe powder skiing on ungroomed pistes in Les Menuires. Thanks to the various “Nature Zones” created in the ski area, families, friends, expert or learner riders can enjoy an area reserved for safe off-piste skiing! 100% natural, 100% pleasure!

LIBERTY RIDES

You can enjoy the thrill of off-piste skiing in the safety of one of the three 'Liberty Ride' zones which have been created across the ski area. These non-groomed slopes are perfect for leaving your own tracks in the powder:

• La Masse which is accessible via the Masse 2 gondola
• La Riondaz which is accessible via the Saint-Martin 2 chairlift
• Les Pylônes which is accessible via the Sunny Express chairlift

St Martin de Belleville ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ St Martin ski hire and/or St Martin lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

St Martin de Belleville group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years in St Martin de Belleville with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+. 

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

St Martin de Belleville private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF St Martin de Belleville for private lessons - 0033 4 79 00 24 78

St Martin de Belleville childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 31 months-4 years (non-skiers)

Your child can enjoy the following in a safe and fun area:

• Snowshoeing
• Sledging
• Snow Games
• Orientation Course
• Learn about nature and the mountain environment
• Indoor games
• Snacks are provided
• The centre is approved by the PMI and the Departmental Directorate of Youth and Sport.

Please contact the ESF club direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 00 61 43.

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in St Martin de Belleville

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Igloo experience
15 minutes of snowshoeing to reach base camp, where everyone gets stuck into building an igloo. Every Wednesday.

Snowshoeing
ESF instructors accompany snowshoe trips.

Boukty snow camp
By the Pelvoux 2 fun areas to play in the snow. Snowball fight, hide and seek in an igloo, sledging, Photocall. Suitable from 3 yrs. Free of charge but children are under the responsibility of their parents or carers.

Fun zones on the slopes
Boukty cross:
Set off on the 2 boarder crosses and you can leave with a video souvenir!
Big boarder:
For those who love speed, a ‘red’ boardercross with raised bends, bumps and whoops!
Lm Park:
Suitable for all levels, the bumps, rails and features are ready and waiting! Access via the Becca chairlift and the Sunny Express chairlift for the 2nd zone.
Walibi gliss:
The perfect cocktail to delight both the young and not so young: blue slalom, boardercross, musical zone and a play and picnic area where you can do a champion’s photo shoot! Access via the La Masse 1 Gondola and the Rocher Noir chairlift.
Mini kl:
Calling all snow sports fans, beginners to experts. Come and measure your speed. Top of the Pâturages piste. Access via the Sunny Express chairlift or the Les Bruyères 2 gondola.
Speed Mountain:
Twists banked turns and hair-raising descents. From 8€ / run every day from 1pm to 8pm.

Roc'n'bob
The ROC'N'BOB is a 4km snow-covered toboggan run! Find your inner child, have a go at the nocturnal descents, and enjoy the 22 turns down this toboggan run. From Sunday to Friday.

Dog sleigh rides
For Nordic thrills, all ages can set off with Dany and his team of sledge-dogs, for a 30 minutes introduction or a one-hour excursion, including a visit to the Moulin de Burdin historical windmill. Or why not experience the thrill of a dog-sledging ride at night?

Sledging areas
Les Bruyères Sledging area:
Accessible from Les Bruyères magic carpet. Open to children over 6yrs, accompanied by an adult.
"Be My Guest" Sledging area:
Fun and laughter are what it’s all about... Kids and adults, on your own or with your family... Come and enjoy the new toboggan area that has been created at the foot of the slopes in Saint Martin Les Grangeraies, by the cable car.

Roc'n'bike
‘Fat Biking’ on snow. For further information inquire at the ticket office and book the day before. 35€ for 2 descents. Wednesday to Friday mornings. Equipment provided: bike + body armour.

Walks on foot & snowshoes
The Vallée des Belleville offers walkers a preserved nature, perfect for walks or snowshoe outings. Thanks to the snow packed and marked out paths, walkers can wind their way along the valley and discover its rich and authentic natural setting.

Guided snowshoes outings
The ESF state qualified instructors organise half-day outings from Sunday to Friday. From 30€ (half-day) with transport and snowshoes. Booking in the E.S.F. Offices.

Off-Piste Skiing - Ski touring
Discover Les 3 Vallées, La Maurienne and even the Alps with a team of professionals: instructors and guides. Standard required: class 3 (minimum 5 participants).

Nordic skiing
There is 28 km of marked out cross country tracks which can be used free of charge. Warning: walkers are forbidden to use these tracks; there are other paths specifically for pedestrians. A map indicating all the itineraries is available in the Tourist Office.

Speed mountain toboggan                  Discover the new speed mountain toboggan run solo or with a child. This over 1,000 meter-long run with series of twists and turns is great for the family. Make sure you smile on the way down and take home a souvenir photo, available at the speed mountain shop. 

Top activities to experience in St Martin de Belleville

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

'La Bellevie' wellness centre
Opens for season 24/25, thanks to a €17 million investment. This peaceful haven has an indoor pool, a sauna, a jacuzzi, all designed with energy efficiency in mind. It will be a fantastic edition to St Martin de Belleville!

La Belle Vie offers three pools:
an indoor fun pool with waterfalls
and jets, a 20m outdoor pool (in
summer only), and a 34°C indoor/outdoor pool (adult-only) accessible all year round. Salt or herbal saunas, steam rooms as well as massage rooms and a relaxation room. The panoramic Finnish sauna made entirely of glass and the cold water well open to the mountains are sure to be favorites... a Club House will offer
healthy lunch possibilities.

Les Bruyères merry-go-round
For children over 2 yrs. Open daily. Tokens sold on-site.

Fun Park
Open every day. Fun and laughter! Trampolines, different structures, Rope Bridge, etc.: will the kids have enough energy to try it all?!

Children’s shows
From 3 years. Free snack for children. See details in the entertainment programme.

Storytime in Saint Martin’s Museum
‘Clarine, la petite tarine' Sit back and listen to the adventures of Clarine the little cow and learn about life in the mountains in the fifties: winters in the warmth of the stable, summers in the vast mountain pastures. A step back in time, suitable for children aged 3-10 yrs. (in French only).

Paragliding and ULM
Fly over La Vallée des Belleville with a paraglider for a marvellous souvenir of your holiday.

Trapper evening
This outing combines a torch-lit snowshoe outing with dinner in the authentic and welcoming setting of a farm or mountain pasture chalet. 8 participants minimum. Wednesday and Thursday. Booking 48 hours before. From 12 years old.

Gondola or chairlift outings
Certain ski lifts are open to pedestrian or snowshoe users, giving access to the altitude paths or simply to the exceptional views of the mountain peaks. Walkers can also access the resorts of Méribel and Courchevel (allow 2h30 to access Courchevel). Pedestrian tickets are on sale at the ski pass offices.

Yoga
A yoga session is suitable for all. Specially adapted to skiing and preparing your body, it also helps you to gain an inner calm and grow in confidence on the slopes as well as learning to relax your muscles after exercise and recover for the next day. Every Tuesday from 5.30pm. Sign up at the Tourist Office or at the beginning of the lesson.

Exercise in the water
Aqua bike, aqua gym, aqua training ...  Alone or with friends; it's energetic, friendly and adapted to your needs. Don’t forget to book!

Museum of Nature and the Black Bee                                                          Learn about the history of the protected black bee that are widespread throughout the Tarentaise valley. Visit the hives to learn more about the species from beekeeper Kléber Silvestre and try the local honey that is harvested with care (no treatment or sugar added). 

La Trantsa                                              Visit the Martin family farm for a taste of some of their sublime goat’s cheese, find out more about how it’s made and bring back cheese, yoghurts and even wildflower syrups.

St Martin & Les Menuires news

What's new for the 24/25 season:

• 'La Bellevie' wellness centre opens this season, thanks to a €17 million investment. This peaceful haven has indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a jacuzzi, all designed with energy efficiency in mind. It will be a fantastic edition to St Martin de Belleville!
• In Meribel and St Martin de Belleville, new viewing decks have been built to give guests rest and observation areas with super mountain views. “La Terrasse,” at the top of the Saint Martin Express chairlift, is a 2,852 square feet space perfect for a picnic.

Historic news 23/24:

• Village ski lockers
• Saint Martin 1 gondola has had all the old cabins replaced
• 'Jerusalem' has been voted 'Best Piste in France' in an online poll by French Mountains!

St Martin and Les Menuires events

Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:

• St Martin Marcels 15th December 2024: Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is hosting a grand festive day to kick off its winter
  season. The day’s events include an artisan market, the lighting of the village Christmas treemand Christmas storytelling for children. A magical concert will take place in the village church featuring 50 choir singers and amateur musicians performing
  traditional Alpine Christmas carols,
• Magical Christmas in St Martin 21th-28th December 2024: the village centre will be lively with
  incredible ice sculptures over 2m high and a large multi-coloured dome set up for the occasion.
  The program includes shows under the stars, torchlit descents, fireworks, guided night tours, temporary bars, musical strolls, and more. A fun and unusual ice
  sculpture workshop is also available for families. Free,
• YogiSki 9th edition 6th-11th April 2025: experience initiations into Ayurveda, Tai Chi, naturopathy, candlelit Yin yoga, sound baths, and altitude retreats… After Lili Barbery last year, this year’s ambassador is Caroline Perrineau in St Martin de Belleville.

St Martin de Belleville Après-ski, Restaurants & Bars

15 Bars, pub, restaurants (4 restaurants on the slopes), Auberge Farm in Le Châtelard, 22 shops.
At night possibility to go and eat in a restaurant on the slopes. 
1 piano-bar "Le Pourquoi Pas", 1 pub with live concerts "Le Brewski's"
During the French holiday periods : visits of Saint Martin by torchlight 
All winter: Rendez-vous musicaux in the church of Saint Martin de Belleville and in Les Menuires

But also in Les Menuires: Sports Centre, swimming pools, toboggan Roc'n Bob (4 km), cinemas, nightclubs, attractions, restaurants taverns, snowmobile ride, relax or dine in the yurts of Belleville.

La Bouitte which is one of the best in the whole of the Alps and now holds 2 Michelin stars (This is amongst the very best. There are only eleven 2-stars in the whole of the UK for instance).

A picnic room at the bottom of La Masse

This new rest point at the bottom of the Mass offers: A children’s area, a picnic room, a water point « to take a small lunch », toilets, lockers and a free wifi zone…

Restaurants

Art B, Saint Martin-de-Belleville

Art B is a new restaurant in the heart of the pretty village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Art B serves local produce: burgers with sérac cheese from local farm La Trantsa, ice-creams from Chantacoucou farm, local honey, craft beers brewed in Moûtiers, and Savoie wines… all at very reasonable prices. Guests can also choose the Menu du Skieur with a main and dessert for €18.50.

Gastronomic Restaurant La Bouitte

Two Michelin stars in Saint Marcel hamlet.  Organises monthly wine events since 2013 with the support of the best wine-growers and wine critics on the planet. A new cellar has also been planned for Christmas 2013 to age the thousand and one wines in the best conditions possible.

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 96 77

Website: www.la-bouitte.com

info@la-bouitte.com

Maya Altitude

New for the 2021/22 ski season is the Maya Altitude restaurant, on the slopes at the top of the Tougnète ridge. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view from the terrace at 2,400 metres altitude. This new mountain restaurant has an exceptional menu offering high-end brasserie-style cuisine with a focus on authentic flavours enhanced by its charcoal oven. 

Telephone: + 33 (0) 6 09 58 43 38

Website: www.maya-altitude.com

rh@maya-altitude.com

L'Etoile des Neiges

25m from the piste

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 92 80

Website: www.hotel-edelweiss73.com

hoteledelweiss@wanadoo.fr

La Ferme Auberge Chantacoucou

Telephone: +33(0) 6 13 98 91 56

Restaurant Bar d'Altitude la Loy

Situated on the piste of le Biolley, in Saint Martin de Belleville
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 92 72

La Voûte

Restaurant Bar Pizzeria La Voûte, Pizza Take Away
Situated in Place de la Mairie, at 40m from the piste 

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 91 48

Le Chalet des Neiges

Restaurant Bar d'Altitude le Chalet des Neiges
Situated at the summit of Roc des 3 Marches 1 gondola
Sommet de la Télécabine du Roc des 3 Marches
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 00 60 55

Le Chardon Bleu

Restaurant Bar d'Altitude le Chardon Bleu

Sommet de la télécabine de St Martin
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 95 36

Le Corbeleys
Restaurant Bar d'Altitude le Corbeleys
Sommet de la télécabine de St Martin
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 95 31

Le Frison

Restaurant Bar le Frison
Located in the Hamlet of le Bettaix
At about 150m from the pistes

Hameau Le Bettaix
73440 Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 80 29

Mountain Restaurant Le Grand Lac
Restaurant Bar d'Altitude Le Grand Lac
Situated on the foot of Les Granges chairlift
Secteur des Allamands
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 25 78

Website: www.restaurant-legrandlac.com

Pancake Restaurant Bar le Billig 

Situated "passage du Mélèze" in Saint Martin Village
At 100m from the slopes
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 00 15 54

Restaurant La Ferme de la Choumette

The Choumette farm, Restaurant, is situated in Saint Martin, on the foot of the slopes
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 40 00 42

Restaurant Le Dalhia

Situated in Les Grangeraies district in Saint Martin 
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 00 28 27

Restaurant Le Goosto

Les Grangeraies 

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 92 82

Restaurant Le Grenier 

Les Grangeraies

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 00 88 00

Restaurant Le Lachenal 

Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 08 96 29

Restaurant Le Montagnard

Restaurant le Montagnard / Wifi Point
Telephone: +33(0) 4 79 01 08 40

Website: www.le-montagnard.com

St Martin Amenities

Saint Martin de Belleville is served by a range of amenities including: post office, mini supermarkets, bank, chemist, laundrette, hairdresser and garage. Ice Rink and outdoor heated pool (c€3,30 for adults and c€2,50 for children) at Les Bruyères, sports centre in Les Menuires.

Getting to Saint Martin de Belleville, France

By road:

Driving distance from Calais to St Martin is 587 miles (8hrs 30).

A26 via Reims, Dijon, A6 Maçon to Lyon then A43/A430 to Albertville. Take the D915A following signs for St Martin de Belleville.

GPS positions:

Saint Martin de Belleville:

Latitude: 45°36’.2898

Longitude: 6°50’.5962

By Rail:

Direct TGV to Moûtiers / Salins/ Brides-les-Bains train station (27 km from Les Menuires).

Information and bookings: www.voyages-sncf.com  

A train ticket vending machine is available near the la Croisette Tourist Office in Les Menuires.

Eurostar «London-Moûtiers»: arrivals and departures every Saturday. Information: Tel. 0033 8 92 35 35 39

Moutiers train station private transfer - from £31pp based on 4 sharing. Prebookable via Peak Retreats.

Airports:

Chambéry is 104km from Saint Martin de Belleville (1 ¼ hours).

Bus from Chambery to resort – Transavoie (Sats only)
www.chambery-airport.com

Grenoble Airport is 174km from Saint Martin de Belleville (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon is 181km from Saint Martin de Belleville (2 hours)

Bus to resort Satobus Alpes
www.lyonairport.com

Geneva is 183Km from Saint Martin de Belleville (2 hours)
www.gva.ch/en

Public shuttle bus transfers from the airport

Lyon Airport - St Martin via Moutiers (https://www.altibus.com).

Geneva Airport - St Martin via Moutiers (www.coach-station.com). 

Chambery Airport - St Martin via Moutiers (https://www.altibus.com). 

Left luggage

A left-luggage office (€2/bag) as well as showers, are available on Saturdays, 8h to 20h, at the Sports Centre.

A left-luggage office (€1,50/pers) is also available on Saturdays, 9h to 19h, at the Saint Martin de Belleville.

Resort Shuttles

FREE SHUTTLE

The villages of Saint Martin de Belleville, le Bettaix and le Levassaix are linked to the ski area via pistes and ski lifts. A free shuttle connects Villarabout, Saint Marcel, les Granges and Praranger with Les Menuires and Saint Martin. This runs Sun-Fri.

From Sunday to Friday, free shuttle buses link certain villages to the resorts of Les Menuires and Saint Martin.

St Martin Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here. 

St Martin de Belleville Opening Dates

St Martin de Belleville opening from 09/12/23 - 19/04/24