Les Menuires: looking back over 60 years of skiing, innovation and memories
Published on 24/03/2025 - Written by Coline
As one of the 3 Vallées resorts, Les Menuires offers winter sports enthusiasts privileged access to the largest ski area in the world.
In addition to its optimum snow quality, enabling sports enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy downhill skiing, as well as ski touring, snowboarding and snowshoeing, the resort has been striving for many years to offer activities and facilities suited to holidaymakers of all ages.
Over the 60 years of its existence, the esf Les Menuires has given life to a unique family resort, where the quality of teaching has been supported by numerous instructors who are as passionate as they are exciting!
In addition to its optimum snow quality, enabling sports enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy downhill skiing, as well as ski touring, snowboarding and snowshoeing, the resort has been striving for many years to offer activities and facilities suited to holidaymakers of all ages.
Over the 60 years of its existence, the esf Les Menuires has given life to a unique family resort, where the quality of teaching has been supported by numerous instructors who are as passionate as they are exciting!
esf Les Menuires: immerse yourself in 60 years of history between originality and modernity!
It was as part of the Snow Plan initiated in 1964 by the Pompidou government that work began on what was to become the Les Menuires resort, at an altitude of 1850 metres in the northern Alps.
From there, its first district, La Croisette, was created. Then, in the 1970s, under the direction of architect Philippe Douillet, the resort expanded, welcoming a number of massive, functional buildings with a distinctive urban style, such as the Brelin.
Affordable and accessible, the resort gained in popularity. More and more accommodation was built, and the Bruyères and Fontanettes districts were created. The blocks of flats coexisted with wooden and stone chalets, in the style of traditional Savoyard dwellings.
From its large housing estates to its avant-garde bell tower, the resort's architecture is often disparaged, yet today it stands out as a unique model of modern development! This original architectural impetus that characterises Les Menuires has continued since the 2000s, offering young and old alike a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
From there, its first district, La Croisette, was created. Then, in the 1970s, under the direction of architect Philippe Douillet, the resort expanded, welcoming a number of massive, functional buildings with a distinctive urban style, such as the Brelin.
Affordable and accessible, the resort gained in popularity. More and more accommodation was built, and the Bruyères and Fontanettes districts were created. The blocks of flats coexisted with wooden and stone chalets, in the style of traditional Savoyard dwellings.
From its large housing estates to its avant-garde bell tower, the resort's architecture is often disparaged, yet today it stands out as a unique model of modern development! This original architectural impetus that characterises Les Menuires has continued since the 2000s, offering young and old alike a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Discover every corner of the resortDive into new horizons!Teaching excellence with the instructors at the Menuires ESF
As the flagship destination of the 3 Vallées, Les Menuires is also attractive for its strategic east-west exposure to the ski area. This makes it an ideal playground for tourists from all over the world who want to experience the rhythm of the surrounding slopes.
To provide the best possible support for skiers from all horizons, the Menuires esf has always relied on the dedication and passion of its instructors. From Pierre Jay, the true pioneer of the Les Menuires ski school, and his small team in 1964 to almost 200 teachers in the 90s, there are now almost 400 qualified instructors who help young and old alike to learn winter sports.
Driven by a never-ending spirit of competition, an unrivalled passion for snow sports and the desire to pass on their know-how, the red jumpers of Les Menuires have been offering quality teaching to holidaymakers for many seasons now.
To provide the best possible support for skiers from all horizons, the Menuires esf has always relied on the dedication and passion of its instructors. From Pierre Jay, the true pioneer of the Les Menuires ski school, and his small team in 1964 to almost 200 teachers in the 90s, there are now almost 400 qualified instructors who help young and old alike to learn winter sports.
Driven by a never-ending spirit of competition, an unrivalled passion for snow sports and the desire to pass on their know-how, the red jumpers of Les Menuires have been offering quality teaching to holidaymakers for many seasons now.
Les Menuires, a legendary family resort to discover
Although Les Menuires was originally developed to make skiing accessible to families from all backgrounds, it has gradually established itself as the perfect destination for adults and children alike.
As early as the 70s, the "Village des Schtroumpfs", now known as Club Piou Piou, welcomed the youngest skiers for days out in the heights, adapted to their needs. Awarded the " Famille Plus" label in 2006, the resort continues to grow, offering activities, accommodation and facilities to meet the needs of young and old alike.
Les Menuires awaits you for a unique and enjoyable family experience this winter or spring!
As early as the 70s, the "Village des Schtroumpfs", now known as Club Piou Piou, welcomed the youngest skiers for days out in the heights, adapted to their needs. Awarded the " Famille Plus" label in 2006, the resort continues to grow, offering activities, accommodation and facilities to meet the needs of young and old alike.
Les Menuires awaits you for a unique and enjoyable family experience this winter or spring!
A resort that takes care of the little ones!A moment of relaxation and fun for children