France
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Región: Northern Alps
Nestled at an altitude of 1,450 metres in the Northern Alps, at the entrance to the Belleville Valley, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville charms visitors with its unspoilt authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. This Savoyard village, with its cobbled streets, traditional stone and wood chalets and Baroque church, offers an immersion in the Alpine charm of yesteryear. Far from the hustle and bustle of the large resorts, it offers an intimate mountain experience, while being connected to the largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées, providing privileged access to 600 kilometres of slopes.
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The Saint Martin de Belleville ski area
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville offers privileged access to the largest ski area in the world: Les 3 Vallées, with 600 kilometres of interconnected slopes and more than 160 ski lifts. This authentic village appeals to skiers looking for tranquillity, while still allowing easy access to neighbouring resorts such as Méribel and Val Thorens.
The local area has 71 slopes spread over 160 km, served by 39 ski lifts. Beginners will appreciate the gentle slopes of the snow front, while experienced skiers can venture onto iconic runs such as the Jérusalem slope, renowned for its smooth layout and breathtaking views.
Among the unique experiences on offer, the First Track programme allows early risers to hit the freshly groomed slopes at sunrise, followed by a convivial breakfast at the top of the Pointe de la Masse.
The Saint Martin de Belleville ski resort is committed to sustainable development
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is firmly committed to sustainable tourism, with concrete actions to limit its environmental impact while preserving the valley’s exceptional natural setting.
The resort’s ski lifts are powered entirely by hydroelectricity, a clean and renewable energy source,
and the Bruyères gondola midway station is equipped with solar panels to generate electricity on site.
The protection of alpine biodiversity is also a priority. Ecological corridors have been created in the ski area to allow wildlife to move freely. Specific measures have been implemented to promote coexistence with sensitive species such as black grouse, rock ptarmigan and golden eagles, emblematic of mountain wildlife. Another exemplary initiative is the creation of a black bee conservatory in the Encombres valley to protect this endangered local species. A dedicated museum, the Maison de l’Abeille Noire et de la Nature (Black Bee and Nature Centre), now welcomes visitors to raise awareness among young and old alike of the importance of this sentinel of the environment.
Unforgettable experiences in Saint Martin de Belleville
In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, mountain experiences are as varied as they are unforgettable. Located in the La Masse area, the Parc Naturel Amical invites young and old alike to discover the rich local wildlife of the Parc de la Vanoise while having fun. This fun park includes a parallel slalom, ski games suitable for children, a friendly picnic area and educational information panels that will captivate the whole family.
An unmissable spring event: Complètement à la Masse in Les Menuires, in the La Masse area, an iconic spot in the 3 Vallées. On the programme: a solo race, a team relay and activities for all. The races include a demanding course with technical sections, a team relay and a ‘special’ format with obstacles.
For thrill seekers and freedom lovers, the resort also offers the chance to try off-piste skiing in complete safety thanks to three dedicated areas called Liberty Ride. These areas consist of ungroomed slopes, offering the opportunity to carve your own routes on pristine snow. This exhilarating activity, which requires vigilance and an awareness of the risks, allows everyone to reconnect with the very essence of the mountains and skiing.
The mountain resort of Saint Martin de Belleville in summer
In summer, Saint Martin de Belleville is transformed into a haven of peace where agricultural traditions and nature activities blend harmoniously. Visitors have the opportunity to discover local expertise by taking part in goat milking and visiting family farms run by passionate farmers. At the Villarenger goat farm, fun workshops such as ‘from leaf to table’ on Fridays and ‘from milk to cheese’ on Wednesdays invite young and old alike to learn how to make cheese dishes or recognise edible plants, all in a friendly and interactive atmosphere.
Beyond agricultural discoveries, the valley offers breathtaking landscapes. For thrill seekers and panoramic views, a paragliding experience is a must. Accompanied by a professional, you will fly over the immense Alpine massif and the Belleville Valley, creating unforgettable memories between sky and mountains. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture or adventure, Saint Martin de Belleville in summer is a place where generous nature and local authenticity come together to offer you unique moments.
Webcams of the Saint Martin De Belleville ski resort
If you want to see the current state of the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you will find below the webcams of Saint Martin De Belleville in real time.
Les Ménuires – La Croisette
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Hotels in the resort of Saint Martin de Belleville
Hotel Saint Martin ****
The Hotel Saint-Martin offers several packages to suit everyone’s desires and needs.
Twenty rooms and seven suites combine traditional simplicity with refinement and modern comforts: all beds are equipped with MyBed feather mattresses and ergonomic pillows (on request) to make your nights even more pleasant than your days!
Soft, warm tones and constant innovations make the Saint-Martin a cosy and comfortable place to curl up after a day in the fresh air. The sauna, hammam and fitness room are free to use.
Located on the slopes of the Saint Martin de Belleville ski resort.
Lodji Hotel ****
The LODJI hotel, located on the hill of the resort, is a charming Savoyard village in the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area. It enjoys an ideal location, offering direct access to the slopes for an unrivalled ski-in/ski-out experience. Completely renovated in 2020, the hotel offers 47 comfortable rooms and 3 luxury apartments with panoramic terraces. Each room offers a splendid view of the surrounding mountains, perfect for relaxing after a day of skiing.
Many spaces have been designed for your comfort, with a cosy and warm atmosphere to welcome you. The hotel has a friendly bar, a restaurant with a panoramic terrace and several areas dedicated to relaxation.
You can enjoy a heated indoor swimming pool, a hammam, a sauna and a spa to relax completely.
A true haven of relaxation and well-being in the heart of the Alps!
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville Chalets
Don’t miss this new development of two luxury chalets located in the heart of the resort’s old town.
Built from local stone and old wood, these two chalets, with their striking large windows, will immerse you in the heart of the Belleville Valley.
The view and the cathedral-like living room are real highlights. Just 200 metres from the slopes. This superb 360 m² chalet has 6 en-suite bedrooms and a swimming pool option. It can be customised with high-quality finishes.
An elegant and refined design for the most discerning visitors.
Skiing in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: the resort’s strong points
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is not a large resort on its own, but it is one of the most interesting in the Alpine area thanks to its integration with Les 3 Vallées and its combination of authenticity, accessibility, and access to the larger domain.
Access to the largest ski area in the world
Saint-Martin is part of the gigantic Les 3 Vallées ski area with over 600 km of slopes and around 160 ski lifts. From the village, you can launch yourself directly onto the network of slopes towards Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Méribel, and Courchevel.
Authentic village and peaceful atmosphere
Unlike “urban” resorts with blocks of apartments, Saint-Martin retains the character of a traditional Savoyard village, with wooden and stone chalets, quiet alleyways, and a genuine atmosphere. If you stay there, you will be a little further away from the “bustle of the mountains,” but with the advantage of peace, views, and authenticity.
Good snow cover and useful altitudes
The base village is at 1,450 m, while the highest points in the domain (such as the Pointe de la Masse) reach around 2,804 m.
This gives you a margin so that, even if the snow at lower altitudes is fair, you can climb up and access higher altitude areas with better snow quality.
Connectivity and convenient transport
The nearest train station is Moûtiers Salins Brides-les-Bains, about 20 km away. From there, buses, shuttles, and taxis take you to Saint-Martin. Within the valley, there are free shuttles between the village neighborhoods, making it easy to get around without a car.
Quality services, gastronomy, and hotels
Saint-Martin offers a full range of services: alpine and Nordic ski rental, shops, nurseries, kids’ club, etc.
It has accommodations ranging from cozy to luxurious: for example, the Lodji Hotel 4★, which combines wellness with access to the Les 3 Vallées ski area.
Its gastronomy is a strong point: its Michelin-starred restaurant La Bouitte serves elevated mountain dishes.
Useful tips from the I Love Ski community to get the most out of your stay
- Start early: if you can be at the ski lifts when the area opens, you’ll benefit from hard snow and less traffic.
- Masse sector early: the Pointe de la Masse is one of the interesting high points of the area connected to the village.
- Take advantage of the full 3 Vallées ski pass: even if you are staying in Saint-Martin, with this pass you can change resorts every day depending on what you feel like (weather conditions, snow, views).
- Use public transport: getting around without a car reduces stress, especially if there is congestion on the high access roads during departure/arrival times in the valley.
- If you are looking for peace and quiet, opt for accommodation in the highest hamlets of the village: less noise, better views, and good shuttle connections.
- Check the opening times of the ski lifts: some lower lifts may open later or close early; check the official 3 Vallées ski lift report.
