Beyond The Slopes: New Openings, Culinary Highlights & Alpine Experiences
In addition to all the exciting lift renovations, piste changes, and access upgrades happening across Les 3 Vallees this winter, there’s plenty more to look forward to off the slopes. From stylish new hotels and restaurants, to cultural spaces and major sporting events, the resorts of Meribel, Courchevel, and Val Thorens continue to raise the bar.
Here’s our guide to what’s new this winter in the Three Valleys – where to stay, what to see, and the best spots to relax and celebrate your ski day.
Mountain Dining & New Culinary Experiences
Caron 3200: Dining Above The Clouds in Val Thorens
As mentioned in our previous blog, the return of the Cime Caron gondolas brings even more excitement to one of the valley’s most iconic peaks. At 3200 metres, the Caron 3200 complex has been designed as a destination in itself; part architectural masterpiece, part panoramic viewpoint. Inside, visitors will find:
- A panoramic restaurant serving light mountain dishes
- A wine bar with regional selections
- An exhibition hall celebrating Alpine heritage
- A 260 m² rooftop terrace with breathtaking 360° views
Designed like a nest anchored to the rock, with a glass façade opening onto the mountains, Caron 3200 offers a place to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of over a thousand Alpine peaks – a must-visit this winter.
Culture & Art In The Mountains
Altitude Gallery, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Nestled opposite the town hall and just steps from the church, the new Altitude Gallery brings contemporary art to the heart of the village. Curated by Galerie L’Antichambre in Chambéry, the exhibition showcases a rotating selection of French and international artists across various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation.
The collection changes throughout the season, so each visit offers something new — a fresh cultural touchpoint in the mountains.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville Museum: A Valley in Relief
Also in Saint-Martin, the local museum now features an innovative 3D relief map enhanced with digital projections, illustrating the valley’s evolution from its earliest hamlets to modern-day Alpine tourism. This immersive installation offers a fascinating look at how nature, people, and history have shaped the Belleville Valley, appealing to all ages.
Hotels & Residences: Alpine Luxury Redefined
Meribel
L’Alba Residence
Perched at Rond-Point des Pistes, the new L’Alba Residence by Barnes continues Meribel’s legacy of elegant mountain living.
- 20 premium apartments (83–250 m²)
- Ski-in ski-out access
- Indoor pool, fitness room, and ski shop
- Panoramic terraces up to 150 m²
L’Alba pays tribute to the former Hôtel L’Alba, which hosted athletes during the 1992 Albertville Games — blending history with modern Alpine design.
Courchevel
Maya Hotel – Discreet Luxury with Japanese Influence
Opening this winter, the Maya Hotel brings refined calm to Courchevel, offering 14 rooms and suites inspired by Japanese design: serene tones, elegant materials, and artworks by Takashi Murakami. Each suite offers stand out spaces and sweeping mountain or resort views.
Atmosphere 1850 – Apartment Freedom, Palace-Level Service
Set to open in December 2025, Atmosphere 1850 blends the independence of private apartments with luxury hotel services.
- 18 elegant apartments (up to 8 guests)
- 600 m² wellness area with pool, sauna, and spa
- A gourmet restaurant led by Chef Danny Khezzar. Expect a modern take on Alpine cuisine; refined, local, and beautifully presented.
Steamboat Lodge & Sundance Lodge – Five-Star Chalets in Courchevel Moriond
Two exciting new openings in Courchevel Moriond redefine chalet living:
- Steamboat Lodge: high-end lodges from 2 to 7 bedrooms, with spa, pool, and restaurant.
- Sundance Lodge: chalet-style residences just 150 m from the slopes, combining privacy with hotel-level facilities, including a wellness area, ski shop, and in-house dining.
Dining Highlights & Michelin Stars
Courchevel
Baumanière 1850 – Now with Two Michelin Stars
Located within Hotel Le Strato, Baumanière 1850 has earned its second Michelin star under Chef Thomas Prod’homme. His cuisine blends Provençal roots with Alpine finesse; precise, generous, and full of heart.
MayaBay – A Journey Through Japan and Thailand
At the new Maya Hotel, MayaBay brings refined Asian dining to Courchevel with authentic Japanese and Thai dishes in a calm, zen-inspired setting. The adjoining MayaBay Bar & Lounge offers signature cocktails crafted with creativity and flair, perfect for après-ski evenings.
Beefbar at L’Apogée 1850
The globally celebrated Beefbar brand arrives in Courchevel this winter, serving exceptional cuts from around the world in a chic, contemporary setting. Expect a lively yet elegant atmosphere – a must-visit for gastronomy lovers.
La Bokka, Courchevel Moriond
A new hotspot for festive Italian dining, La Bokka combines bold décor, lively DJ sets, and a menu of pizzas, risottos and fresh pasta, perfect for après-ski nights with friends.
Les Menuires
Le 2800 Restaurant
Sustainability takes centre stage at Le 2800, which recently received the Sustainable Development Award from the Savoie Chamber of Commerce. Initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, water-saving systems, and the use of recyclable tableware, a true example of eco-conscious Alpine dining.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
La Bouitte
A Three-Valleys institution, La Bouitte continues to shine under the Meilleur family, who have been crafting award-winning, heartfelt cuisine for nearly five decades. Honoured with the Gault&Millau d’Or, this Michelin-starred restaurant remains a symbol of authenticity, family tradition, and culinary excellence.
Events & Highlights Of The Season
Courchevel: World-Class Competition Returns
- Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup (Dec 16, 2025): Slalom night race on the Émile-Allais stadium.
- Ski Mountaineering World Cup (Jan 15–16, 2026): Sprint and Vertical events ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut.
- Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup (Mar 14–15, 2026): Downhill and Super G on the legendary Éclipse slope — Courchevel’s return to the men’s circuit after more than 45 years.
Expect electric crowds, world-class athletes, and an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the season.
Plan Your Winter Escape
With world-class dining, stunning new hotels, cultural experiences, and international sporting events, winter 2025/26 in the Three Valleys promises to be unforgettable.
Start planning your next ski trip and relax knowing Ski Higher has your equipment covered – delivered, fitted, and ready when you are.
Visit our bookings page to order your ski hire today.