Brides Les Bains

This historical spa town gives you access to the world's largest ski area

There are not many historical spa towns that double up as ski resorts and enjoy access to the world's largest ski area. Brides Les Bains has these characteristics without the usual high prices of a major resort and also without the crowds. Once this was the 'Olympic Village' and thus home to the athletes participating in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Its 'real small town' feel contrasts with the internationally better known resorts up the mountain, which include arguably France's choicest resort Courchevel, Europe's highest resort Val Thorens and Europe's ugliest resort Les Menuires. There is a high speed Olympe gondola which takes you to the resort of Meribel in 25 minutes from where you can ski the Trois Vallées.

Brides Les Bains is an excellent base for exploring the Three Valleys for those who aren't looking for the hectic nightlife or higher prices which are common in the main Three Valley resorts. There is a casino, a couple of discos, several bars and some good restaurants in the town, plus a specialist spa which offers many treatments that are most welcome after a full day of skiing.

Resort Information
Altitude of resort:	600 metres
Top elevation:	3200 metres
Largest vertical drop:	1550 metres
Total length of slopes:	600 kilometres
Longest run:	8 kilometres
Cross country trails:	33 kilometres
Beginner:	37%
Intermediate:	53%
Advanced:	10%
Number of lifts:	53 (198 Three Valley's)
Snowboard:	Yes