Meet : Vincent Lalanne-Clouté, director of Les 3 Vallées

What does the "3 Vallées" name mean?

Vincent Lalanne-Clouté: The idea for the 3 Vallées dates back to 1925, when Arnold Lunn, a British inventor of the slalom, explored the Saint-Bon valley at the request of English businessmen and experienced skiers, who wanted to create a ski area in France like those in the Tyrol or Grisons. He found the site in Savoie around three parallel valleys: Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville. Their slopes were superb and the danger of avalanches minimal. And so, in 1971, the 3 Vallées association label was born, with a range of ski passes. Eight resorts were part of the group: Tania, Courchevel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Méribel and Orelle. The Maurienne valley has now joined the association, but the name remains unchanged.

What benefits does a company derive from an incentive operation organised here?

V. L.-C.: First and foremost, it's the world's largest ski area with ski-in ski-out access: 330 runs, including 85% above an altitude of 1,800 m, and eight renowned resorts. And with optimum snow cover guaranteed from the beginning of December to the end of April, there's something for every snow lover! What's more, with a 3 Vallées ski pass, all the slopes in the area are accessible to everyone, whatever their age or skiing ability. At the same time, each resort offers a wide range of mountain-related activities. They have also set up special facilities for French and foreign business customers. What's more, the area is well connected by plane, train and car: 4 international airports, direct TGV trains from Paris, Thalys and Eurostar connections, a well-developed motorway network...

What are the specific characteristics of the main resorts?

V. L.-C. : Brides-les-Bains is a spa resort with modern hotels offering very competitive prices. It offers a combination of wellbeing, peace and quiet and winter activities. A cable car, the Olympe, links the town to the other 3 Vallées resorts in just 25 minutes. Courchevel is ideal for organising international and VIP seminars. Méribel is an authentic Savoyard resort. Les Menuires offers large capacity accommodation and top-of-the-range hotels. Val Thorens attracts a younger clientele who like to party. As for La Tania, it's a family resort, more suited to operations for small groups.