Brides-les-Bains
France
- Easier on the wallet than better-known resorts, but with the same great skiing.
- Take the Olympe gondola straight to Méribel to explore the Three Valleys.
- Named for its thermal pools (‘bains’ means ‘baths’) and has one of the biggest spas in France.
This little town is a great-value pick in the world’s biggest lift-linked ski area. To get to the 600km of slopes, it’s a 25-minute gondola ride up to Méribel – well worth it if you want to stay somewhere quieter and cheaper than other resorts in the Three Valleys. There are handy lockers at the bottom of the gondola you can pay to keep your stuff in, and you can ride in a cabin designed to represent the region and scan a QR code to learn the story behind the style. A free bus is on hand to whisk you to the gondola too for an even easier start to your ski day. When you reach Méribel, warm up on the local tree-lined blues before setting off to really cover some ski miles.
Brides-les-Bains first became a ski resort in 1992, when it was used as a base for the Albertville Olympics. It’s pretty and peaceful – the Parc Thermal is a lovely place for a stroll, and Le Grand Spa is one of the biggest thermal spas in France, so après here's all about unwinding. If you do fancy something livelier, you can try your hand at blackjack, poker and roulette at the casino.
As for the accommodation, there’s a handful of hotels and apartments that cost far less than those in other resorts in the ski area, like Courchevel or Val Thorens. There are also a few bars and restaurants where you’ll get more bang for your buck, plus lots going on during the season too, with free events like film nights, live music, well-being classes and ice sculptures most days.
3* Les Chalets Edelweiss
- Ski-in, ski-out location, just metres from the lifts.
- Round off your ski time with a swim.
- Borrow a board game and enjoy a cosy night in.
Located in the picturesque village of Plagne 1800, Résidence Les Chalets Edelweiss offers ski-in, ski-out access to the Paradiski area.
The chalet-style buildings are set in a horseshoe formation, with 83 apartments between them. There are a range of sizes to choose from, sleeping from 4-8 people. No matter how big your party is, though, you’re guaranteed bright and contemporary space. And most apartments have a balcony too.
If you’re planning on cooking, you can stock up at the Spar supermarket, just 200m from the residence.
End your day with a dip in the heated indoor pool, and if you fancy something social, settle down in the lounge to catch up with friends and family or play a game of pool.
Rooms
All apartments have a kitchenette with hot plates, coffee machine, toaster, kettle and dishwasher, as well as a TV. Most have a balcony or terrace. Towels, linen and end-of-stay cleaning (except kitchenette) are included. Beds will be made on arrival.
When you arrive, you’ll need to pay a deposit of approx. €400 by credit or debit card for each apartment on your booking. Check our Crystal A-Z for more information on deposits.
1 bedroom apartment (approx. 30m²) - sleeps 2-4: Double or twin bedroom, living area with double sofa bed, private shower or bath and WC. These apartments may have a sloping ceiling. Double beds are provided as standard – if you’d prefer twin beds instead, please request when you book (these can't be guaranteed).
1 bedroom apartment (approx. 38m²) - sleep 2-6: Double or twin bedroom, living area with double sofa bed, alcove with bunk beds, private shower or bath and WC. Some apartments are duplex. Double beds are provided as standard – if you’d prefer twin beds, please request when you book (these can't be guaranteed).
2 bedroom apartment (approx. 40m²) - sleep 2-6: Double bedroom, twin bedroom, living area with double sofa bed, private shower or bath and WC. Some apartments are duplex.
2 bedroom apartment (approx. 51m²) - sleep 2-8: Duplex apartment with two double or twin bedrooms, living area with double sofa bed, alcove with single bed or bunk beds, private shower or bath and WC. Twin beds are provided as standard – if you’d like a double bed, please contact us so we can update your booking.
Facilities:
- indoor pool (10am – 7pm, Sun-Fri)
- extra charge for launderette
- extra charge for WiFi in apartments
- board games and irons available to borrow
- communal lounge with open fire
- tea and coffee-making facilities
- ski lockers
- 83 apartments
- public parking available in the resort (subject to availability and charges may apply)
