The 3 Valleys In summer, the world's largest ski area reinvents itself as an immense open-air playground. From Courchevel to Orelle, via Méribel, Les Belleville and Val Thorens, the 2026 season brings a multitude of new features under the banner «Infinite Mountain Experiences». Thrills, gourmet dining, family activities or revisited heritage: a overview of what awaits visitors and locals this summer.
News on two wheels and at altitude
Mountain bikers are in for a treat. Courchevel 1850, Two iconic bike park trails are being revamped: La Louza, completely reworked over 3 km and 930 m of descent, now offers several lines depending on ability, while La Godille has been softened to become a proper beginner trail, ideal for families.
Higher up, Val Thorens is opening the first three mountain bike trails (green, blue, red) as part of a three-year programme, starting from the 2 Lacs cable car at an altitude of 2,300 metres.
In terms of facilities, padel continues its rise: two permanent courts are being installed at the INEOS Club House in Courchevel 1850, one of the highest in France, and two more in Méribel, at the entrance to the Arbin woods. Courchevel Village is also inaugurating a 325-metre multi-activity pumptrack (mountain bike, BMX, skateboard, scooter), which is free and open to all.
Great ease of access to the summits: in Orelle, the Orelle and Orelle-Caron cable cars are now running 7 days a week from 4 July to 30 August, offering daily, uncrowded access to the highest point of the 3 Vallées from the Maurienne valley.
Thrill and an extraordinary challenge
For runners, the event of the summer has the makings of a legend. From July 30th to August 2nd, the first edition of the Grand Raid Kiprun 3 Vallées – Moûtiers will traverse the entire territory, with 170 km for its main event, between windswept ridges, high-altitude alpine pastures, and 360° panoramas. This is enough to elevate the world's largest ski area into the ranks of the great alpine ultra-marathons.
More discerning adrenaline junkies will head for the Varlossière canyon, in the Belleville valley: a wild and preserved gorge, featuring vertical abseils, natural slides, and clear pools, overseen by the Bureau des Guides. Authentic alpine canyoning, sporty and demanding.
As a family, between lakes and adventure games
Families are not to be outdone. Val Thorens, At Caron, pedal karts are set up on a safe, free, and reservation-free inflatable circuit, accessible from the age of 3.
Still in Val Thorens, the Sentier des 3 Lacs offers a family-friendly 5 km loop to discover several high-altitude lakes, while the Vallée des Encombres boasts a secluded 23 km mountain bike trail leading to the Gittamelon refuge.
To learn while having fun, several narrative adventure games are appearing: Explor’Games® at Caron 3200, a mix of escape game and treasure hunt, with a children’s version called «Operation Snowflake», or «The Secrets of the Lakeside Cabin» in Courchevel, an orienteering course accessible from age 3.
Eating well, recharging and sleeping differently
The 3 Vallées summer can also be savoured at the table. Méribel adds several new venues, from the Vins Dieux wine cellar to La Vache Rouge with its meat and fish duo, not forgetting the Dionysos café for sweet treats.
In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Le Grenier offers a sharing cuisine experience with a panoramic terrace. And at 3,200 metres, the new Caron 3200 complex boasts 360° views from Mont Blanc to the Écrins, an exhibition space, and Europe's highest wine bar.
- READ MORE: A new XXL trail is arriving in the 3 Valleys this summer! What are you waiting for to sign up?
To recover, the Brides-les-Bains Thermal Baths are launching three short, targeted cures (flexibility, balance, joint pain), express formats designed for professionals and athletes.
Lastly, for accommodation, two concepts focus on authenticity: HI Brides-les-Bains, a new-generation inn with a swimming pool and shared spaces, and the new Varlossière refuge, a former shepherd's hut renovated into an unfurnished refuge, for a real disconnect, under the stars.
One thing is certain: between 1,600 and 3,200 metres, summer in Les 3 Vallées still has plenty of surprises in store.