Looking down on a fresh blanket of snow from the top of the legendary Combe de la Saulire red run is an experience only a select few Le Mélézin guests can know; the hotel does have the right contacts for special requests after all. That shows the big impact of such a petite hotel and says everything you need to know about the level of intimate and personalised service here – but we’ll elaborate anyway. Wrapped up warm in a timber coat, accessorised with Aman’s signature deep and moody style that hints at their far eastern roots, Le Mélézin is a south-facing ski-in/ski-out set up on the Bellecôte green piste. After a morning on the slopes, beginners slide back inside the hotel with ease to sip on a cup of vin chaud – with the lucky ones doing so in their private Norwegian hot tubs (unbelievably a rarity on our Europe ski roster, so book them early). And those that passed on the pistes? Having started their day with the rest of their group with some pre-skiing yoga, they’ve hit up the spa that impressively takes up two of the hotel’s four floors.
When it’s time for a bite to eat, Aman arranges meal times to be a family affair (multi-gens thrive here with a family apartment and the option to buy out the entire top floor). The hotel’s Japanese joint – Nama – has made a name for itself with the locals so much so that a reservation is essential. But Aman are happy to mix things up a bit by swapping in-hotel dining with more options at their foodie friends in the area. Skiers head to Les Airelles’ luxurious lunchtime spread or indulge in some high-altitude shenanigans at La Folie Douce club. Otherwise, they regroup with the slope-dodgers at authentic timber-clad Le Chalet de Pierres.
Travel notes:
Altitude of resorts | 1650m – 2300m |
---|---|
Highest skiing point | 3230m |
Total pistes length | 600km |
Number of lifts | 173 |
Green runs | 16% |
Blue runs | 40% |
Red runs | 34% |
Black runs | 10% |
The high altitude of the ski area, along with the regular, ongoing investments in cultured snow production means The Three Valleys area is able to guarantee snow cover from the beginning of December until the end of April across the entire ski area.
Beginners: **** | Intermediates: ***** | Advanced: **** | Families: **** | Non-skiers: **
The best time to visit The Three Valleys is in the winter months. Take advantage of savings on lift passes and empty slopes before the Christmas rush. The festive season makes for a magical winter holiday and an unforgettable Christmas and New Year, whilst January offers quiet slopes, perfect snow conditions and great offers on luxury chalets. The Three Valleys snow report suggests the deepest average snow levels coincide with February half term, making this the perfect time to for your winter family holiday. Longer days in March and April offer plenty of spring sunshine; enjoy lunch or après-ski on one of the Three Valleys' many sun terraces.
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