Brides-les-Bains Reviews & Discussions

Brides-les-Bains is a great value way of staying in the World famous 3 Valleys linked ski area which has over 600 km of linked ski runs to suit all abilities. The investment in new lifts in the whole area occurs every year and largely eliminates all queues and increases the comfort of skiers.

Brides-les-Bains has the advantage of a variety of self catering and hotel accommodation and some high quality restaurants at prices a fraction of those in Meribel or Courchevel. Particularly good are La Fabrik, Le 26 and La Montaigne. Being at low altitude snow chains are not normally needed. The telecabine from Brides to Meribel goes directly to the middle part of the 3 Valleys system, and although the journey time is 27 minutes, the lift opens much earlier and closes later than the other 3 Valleys lifts, permitting full days of skiing provided you don’t mind an early start!

The resort is also only 15 minutes drive to Courchevel Le Praz and to Champagny, the latter being part of the La Plagne/Les Arcs lift system. This year 2 outdoor escalators have been added below the Brides lift station which has been completely rebuilt, so the steep uphill walk up to the lift has finally been eliminated.

Brides has other attractions, including its famous thermal spa, some lovely walks and its own programme of Animations which include regular free outdoor concerts with free vin chaud, and sometimes fireworks. There is also a 2 screen cinema in the village with some films in English. There is also a well stocked supermarket in the village centre, and a hyper market within 3 km on the road to Moutiers which is only 6 km away. The traditional French bread shop offers fresh croissants and pastries from 6am daily. There are several hotels and bars and many screen international sports. There is also a ski bus connecting the different parts of the village to the lift station. Brides is also a wonderful summer resort, offering hot weather, spa, a large outdoor public swimming pool, walking on the mountains and by the river and mountain biking and white water rafting.

On the walks many live marmots can be seen and heard! Other animals are available. The tourist information office in the village centre is very helpful with advice in French and English.