Fancy a summer holiday with ‘altitude’? An alpine alternative to the usual boring beach holiday!? Then head to the French alps for an al-fresco department store of activities!
A summer holiday in the 3 Valleys can be as relaxing or adrenaline-fuelled as you’d like, with an ever-growing roster of activities on offer.
The mountains in the summer have something to offer the whole family… from mountain biking, hiking, climbing, via-ferrata, and tree-surfing to relaxing by a mountain lake, and bbq-ing in the alpine sun, all the whilst being surrounded by breath-taking mountain views and beautiful wildlife.
Summer activities
Lifts are due to be open 7 days a week, and with 73 activities in and around Saint-Martin-de-Belleville you’ll be spoilt for choice. So grab your bike, or your hiking gear and jump on the lifts to experience the alpine summits in all their glory!
Lift opening days – 2024/2025 (6th July – 30th August 2024)
Lift pass prices – 2024/25
Free access to lifts for all under 5-year olds and over 75s.
Themed weeks
Throughout the whole summer you’ll find free themed weeks for the whole family in all three resorts: Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville.
– Wellbeing and fitness: from 3 to 9 July and from 31 July to 6 August.
Think yoga, meditative hiking, plant discovery, sylvotherapy, oxygen bar, massage, meditation spaces with sundeck chairs…
– Outdoor activities: from 10 to 14 July and from 7 to 13 August.
Activities such as slackline, via ferrata, paragliding, obstacle courses on the summits, altitude Zumba…
– Biking in all its forms: from 24 to 30 July and from 21 to 27 August. Mountain bike courses, e-mountain bike hire, mountain bike trial shows and an exhibition on how bikes have evolved across the world…
– Traditions and heritage: from 17 to 23 July and from 14 to 20 August. Discover and learn about traditional mountain trades, the history of the Vallée des Belleville, local food and crafts, wood sculpture and even yodeling!
Photo credits: C.Ducruet, T.Loubere, V.Lottenberg, J.Voirin, C. Cattin
Events to put in the diary
Val Thorens
Astromony + Dinner at Cime Caron
At the top of Cime Caron (3,200m) enjoy an evening of solar observations and astronomy followed by dinner in an high-altitude chalet. The perfect opportunity to watch the stars with zero light pollution!
St Martin de Belleville
Ascension Wednesdays
A chance to explore the Belleville Valley by foot or by bike. Savoyard snacks and entertainment whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery!
St Martin to Les Menuires / Val Thorens
Animal herding tradition
In June, an ancient ritual that kicks off the summer season… Starting in St Martin, the herds of cows and goats go through the villages before heading up to the high pastures of Chez Pépé Nicolas. A fun lunch and entertainment will be put on by Chez Pépé: chezpepenicolas.com
Val Thorens
The debut of the Ultra Cycling Tour de la Vanoise
In July, a long-distance cycling event starting and ending in Val Thorens – a race that follows the Tour de France roads – going through the spectacular scenery of the Vanoise massif. For more info, or to sign up: https://ultra-cycling-tour-de-la-vanoise.com/
St Martin de Belleville
Trail des Belleville – July
For the first year ever, the Trail des Belleville will offer three different trail routes to chose from (40km, 22km or 8km). A great way to explore the beautiful mountains! Find out more: http://associationbellevilletrail.e-monsite.com/
St Martin de Belleville
Craft Beer Festival – July
The event that all the locals and tourists are always talking about… good beer and good vibes! Try new beers out, chat with passionate brewers, and dance to some jazz music.
Val Thorens
6th edition of the VT Summit Games – August
The über fun trail event of the summer…. choose between trail routes from 15-42km, or challenge your friends to an obstacle course or vertical 1km climb. Or there’s even a fun and food-orientated themed walk for all the family to enjoy.
15th August – St Martin de Belleville
Notre Dame Pilgrimage event
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie sanctuary is a masterpiece from the 17th century and hosts the important pilgrimage event every year on 15th August. This annual tradition starts with Mass in the morning and afternoon celebrations in the village.
