Skiing and snowboarding may be winter sports, but when spring arrives in the mountains, you’ll find yourself blessed with that magical combination of snow and sunshine – a.k.a. incredible skiing weather.
What does it mean? It means the chance to hit the slopes and catch some rays. Picture the scene – you’ve skied hard all morning, the legs are aching, and now you’re kicking back in a comfy deckchair basking in the sun, fresh air in your lungs, and jaw-dropping views wherever you look. Throw in a cheeky beer and some delicious food and life really doesn’t get any better.
France has to be one of our favourite places for spring skiing, and if you’re heading to the Three Valleys, you’re in for a real treat. This iconic high-altitude ski area boasts some of the best sun terraces around.
Here’s a roundup of our top five…
Well, the clue’s in the name here. Perched at the top of the Sunny Express chairlift from Les Bruyeres to Les Menuires, this gorgeous sunny spot is one of our favourite Les Menuires bars.
It’s full of traditional Savoyarde charm inside, but outside is where things get truly breath-taking. Sit back and drink in panoramic views from the modern sun terrace, with only a subtle sheet of glass between you and some of the highest snow-capped peaks in the Alps. Talk about an eagle-eye perspective!
If you’re in the mood to relax, one of the highlights at Le Chalet du Sunny are the rustic open-air hot tubs: their water cleverly warmed by log fires. Keep warm, ease your tired legs, and treat yourself to some sunbathing at the same time – bliss. If it’s just a quick lunch in the sun you’re after, we recommend a hearty plate of tartiflette while you soak up some live music and your daily dose of vitamin D.
Once you’re feeling fortified, head up to the nearby Pointe de la Masse viewpoint for even more spectacular views and a rather charming sculpture.
Possibly the most notorious of all Val Thorens bars, this lively après-ski venue is home to one of our favourite sun terraces, complete with outdoor sofas, cosy blankets and an outside bar with heated pumps to make sure the beer never freezes.
It’s the perfect place to chill out in the sunshine and enjoy the daily helping of live music as the afternoon’s party gets started. And what a party it is. Think dancing on tables in your ski boots and thumping DJ tracks.
There’s a choice of dining options here froma splash of luxury at La Fruitière,the venue’s gourmet restaurant or a chilled out ‘Loungy Lunch’ with epic burgers and endless mountain views.
You can find La Folie Douce in a stunning location at2,500m,just beneath the large Plein Sud chairlift. For the best south-facing sun worshipping, get in touch with the bar to grab a spot on the VIP terrace.
If you prefer your sun terraces a bit more low-key, you’ll love this beautiful, little chalet sitting on some of the highest piste in the Three Valleys.
The rustic terrace spills out onto the snow, with rows of colourful deck chairs lining up to bring you the best views of this alpine beauty spot.
Chalet de la Marine caters to all kinds of lunchtime appetites. You can treat yourself to a slap-up meal at the gourmet restaurant, where traditional regional dishes like croziflette au Reblochon sit alongside smart Asian-inspired dishes like monkfish with lemongrass and coconut. Top tip – ask for a seat on the sun-drenched balcony and make sure you leave room for the dessert buffet – you’ll thank us later.
Alternatively, hit the self-service bistro for delicious fuss-free food like croque-monsieur toasted sandwiches and big plates of pasta – perfect for fuelling up for an afternoon on the slopes.
To reach this suntrap, head up the Les Cascades chairlift and ski down the Les Dalles blue run or ride to the top of the Péclet Funitel and ski down the Tête Ronde blue.
Ski over to nearby Méribel for great slopes and a whole lot of fun at the affectionately nicknamed ‘Ronnie’. One of the resort’s most famous mountain restaurants, Le Ronde Point also happens to boast an impressively huge sun terrace.
The ‘Ronnie’ is all about relaxation. From the friendly staff to the family-friendly atmosphere, this is a fun place to hang out and listen to some live music with the cool kids of the Three Valleys.
While you can choose to head inside for restaurant dishes, the terrace’s bar snack menu is full of crowd-pleasing options. From burgers and pizzas to noodles and salads, there’s plenty to enjoy outside. Later in the afternoon, the vibe kicks up a gear with big-name DJs and generous measures of the bar’s famous toffee vodka.
This sunny hotspot is one of the easiest terraces to reach, situated at the meeting point between two green runs: Foret and Rhodos. Easy.
This one’s for the foodies!
Treat yourself to a gastronomic lunch at this scenic eatery above Les Menuires. Cooking up a storm are some amazing chefs from the nearby family-run two-star Michelin establishment down in Saint Martin de Belleville. Their mountaintop offering serves up equally excellent food with a more informal flavour (and price tag).
But while we love the mouth-watering menu at La Bouche à Oreille, what really gets us smiling is their huge split-level terrace with its incredible 360° vistas. Even if you’re only splashing out on one of their warming Milka hot chocolates, it’s well worth a stop.
If you’re coming from Les Menuires, you can find this popular restaurant at the top of the Le Roc des 3 Marches chairlift. If you’re heading over from Méribel, you’ll find it at the top of the top of the Les Plattières gondola.
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