This is the ultimate tour for skiers not vs but with walkers, a brilliant full-day 3 Vallées route where skiers, snowboarders and non-skiers can still enjoy the mountains together. This Saint-Martin-de-Belleville itinerary links a scenic pedestrian lift route with a red and blue ski route through Méribel and La Saulire, with shared stops for coffee, lunch and après.
Starting from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the day takes walkers up by pedestrian-accessible lifts while skiers and snowboarders enjoy a flowing intermediate ski route across the Méribel sector. Both groups meet for coffee at Méribel Chaudanne, lunch at Le Panoramic on La Saulire, and an afternoon drink near the Saulire mid-station before returning to St Martin around 4pm.
The grand tour of the 3 Vallées day is planned out for mixed groups, families, couples and friends, where some people will want to ski or snowboard whilst others would prefer to explore the mountain without skis.
Quick links
Can skiers & walkers meet for lunch in the 3 Vallées?
Yes! One of the best routes from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is to take skiers and pedestrians towards Méribel Chaudanne, then continue to La Saulire for lunch at Le Panoramic. Skiers can add red and blue runs around the Méribel and Courchevel sectors, while walkers can use the 3 Vallées pedestrian pass to reach the same meeting points.
Overview of the day
| Time | Skiers and snowboarders | Walkers |
|---|---|---|
| 09:15 | Meet at St Martin lift station | Meet at St Martin lift station |
| 09:30 | St Martin 1 gondola | St Martin 1 gondola |
| 09:45 | St Martin Express | St Martin Express |
| 10:00 | Warm-up blue/red ski route | Short panorama walk |
| 11:00 | Coffee at Méribel Chaudanne | Coffee at Méribel Chaudanne |
| 11:30 | Saulire Express lifts | Saulire Express lifts |
| 12:00 | Courchevel-side ski loop | Saulire viewpoint walk |
| 13:00 | Lunch at Le Panoramic | Lunch at Le Panoramic |
| 14:15 | Ski back into Méribel | Descend by lift |
| 15:15 | Drinks near Saulire mid-station | Drinks near Saulire mid-station |
| 15:45 | Return towards St Martin | Return towards St Martin |
| 16:00 | Final run back to St Martin | Lift return to St Martin |
Who Is This Route Best For?
This 3 Vallées itinerary is ideal for:
- Mixed groups of skiers, snowboarders and non-skiers
- Intermediate skiers who enjoy blue and red pistes
- Walkers using the 3 Vallées pedestrian lift pass
- Families where not everyone wants to ski all day
- Guests staying in St Martin who want a scenic day across Méribel and La Saulire
Skiers should be confident on blue runs and comfortable on easier red pistes. Walkers need warm clothing, winter footwear with good grips, and confidence using mountain lifts.
Before you set off - Important!
Before starting, check the live lift and piste status. Inter-valley links in the 3 Vallées can be affected by wind, snow, visibility, queues and avalanche control.
Ask the lift office to confirm that pedestrians can travel this route:
St Martin - Tougnète - Méribel - Saulire - Return to St Martin
The Coffee Stops
Let's take a look at the places to stop en route, based on the type of stops you want and the weather on the day. Don't forget to ask our Ski Concierge to book your tables for you!
11:00 - Coffee stop: Les Castors, Méribel Chaudanne
Meet at Les Castors, tucked close to the bottom of the Tougnète lift in Méribel Chaudanne. It has a terrace for sunny days and indoor seating for colder or snowy weather, making it a practical meeting point for both skiers and walkers before continuing up towards La Saulire.
Other alternatives are included below if you're looking for something more lively or want to start the day with a little spice in your morning coffee or hot chocolate.
| Venue | Best for | Links | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Castors | Best simple coffee/lunch stop right by Tougnète | WL | M |
| Jacks Méribel | Lively, easy meeting point with terrace and indoor space | TL | M |
| La Chaudanne Café Bar | Best bad-weather indoor option, smart and comfortable | W | M |
| La Grange Restaurant | Good backup for a more seated lunch-style stop | TL | M |
1. Les Castors - Best match for bottom of Tougnète
Use this as the main coffee meeting point. Les Castors is described as being near the Tougnète telecabine in Méribel Centre and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a terrace for sunny days. TripAdvisor reviews also describe it as next to the Tougnète lift at La Chaudanne, with a sheltered south-facing terrace and indoor tables with a log fire, which makes it suitable for both good and bad weather.
Why it works: At the bottom of Tougnète, easy for skiers, manageable for walkers, and not too formal.
2. Jacks Méribel - Best if you want a bit more lively
Jacks is “perfectly placed at La Chaudanne, right by the main ski lifts and meeting point”, with a terrace, restaurant, bar, toilets and Wi-Fi listed in the venue equipment. It's more lively than Les Castors, so it's good for a sociable group but less quiet for a simple coffee.
Why it works: Very easy to find, good terrace, indoor facilities for if the weather is poor.
3. La Chaudanne Café Bar - Best option for bad weather
La Chaudanne Café Bar is the safest “rain, snow or cold wind” choice. The official site describes a vintage indoor bar with deep leather armchairs, morning espresso, afternoon tea, snacks, club sandwiches, burgers and salads. 'SeeMéribel' also describes it as open from morning into the evening for coffee, tea and cocktails.
Why it works: Warm, comfortable and reliable when the weather is doing mountain weather things!
4. La Grange Restaurant - Useful backup
La Grange is in Méribel Centre at 483 Route Albert Gacon and has a south-facing terrace and an indoor “contemporary alpine” dining room. It is better for a proper seated lunch than a quick 11am coffee, but is useful as a backup if everywhere around the lift base is busy.
Why it works: Good inside/outside flexibility, but slightly more restaurant than café.
The Lunch Stops
Lunch has got to be a major event, as it is focal point for the group to meet, so we would suggest you do this on the day off to spend some time with the walkers and indulge a little, knowing that you don't have another big meal in the evening.
Check out reviews of local restaurants in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville if you want something a little lighter that evening.
For your St Martin - Méribel - Saulire linked route, the lunch stop needs to work for both groups: Ski-in for skiers, lift-accessible for walkers, with a terrace for sunny outside eating and indoor seating for bad weather days, so we have put together a range of options that meet these criteria:
| Name | Area | Why it works | Links | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Panoramic | La Saulire, Courchevel / Méribel summit | Best overall, Best match for your route: High-altitude, scenic, skiers and walkers can both reach La Saulire. | W | M |
| Le 1928 | Col de la Loze, Courchevel | Best terrace view alternative, Heated terrace, 360° views, pedestrian accessible, but requires adjusting the route. | W | M |
| Le Bel Air | Top of Ariondaz gondola, Courchevel Moriond | Best bad-weather comfort, Bright indoor dining room, south-facing terrace, accessible on foot or skis. | W | M |
| L’Adray Télébar | Méribel, by Adret / Doron piste | Best Méribel-side fallback, Cosy Méribel option with terrace and indoor alpine feel; easier if Saulire weather is poor. | W | M |
Recommended lunch choice for your itinerary
1. Le Panoramic - La Saulire
Use this as the main lunch stop.
Le Panoramic is the strongest option for the route we have built because it sits at La Saulire, the high point between Méribel and Courchevel. This makes it a natural meeting point after the walkers come up by lift and the skiers complete their blue/red ski loop before lunch.
It is also the most 'wow' lunch option - A proper summit setting, big 3 Vallées views, and a real top-of-the-mountain feel. TripAdvisor describes it as being at the top of Courchevel, with panoramic alpine views and a warm indoor atmosphere, making it suitable for both better weather and colder days (TripAdvisor).
Caution: Book ahead and check pedestrian lift access on the day.
Good alternatives
2. Le 1928 - Col de la Loze
Best if you want big views and a slightly different route.
Le 1928 is at the Col de la Loze and is accessible to pedestrians, with a heated terrace and 360° views (Les 3 Vallées). Their food is best described as fresh, local and Savoyard-influenced (Courchevel).
Caution: This is not as clean a fit as Le Panoramic for the Saulire route. It works better if you reshape the day around Col de la Loze / Courchevel / La Tania rather than La Saulire.
3. Le Bel Air - Courchevel Moriond
Best if you want a reliable inside-and-outside option.
Le Bel Air is at the top of the Ariondaz gondola in Courchevel Moriond and can be reached on foot or skis, which is exactly what you need for a mixed group (belair-courchevel.com). It has a south-facing terrace and bright dining room with large bay windows.
Caution: It is a bigger detour from your St Martin / Méribel / Saulire plan, so only use this if you want the day to go further into Courchevel.
4. L’Adray Télébar - Méribel
Best fallback if the high lifts are difficult.
L’Adray Télébar is a charming Méribel restaurant-hotel with a terrace and warm alpine interior. It has a sunny terrace and fireplace atmosphere and can be reached on foot, skis or snowmobile (Méribel Tourisme).
Caution: It is not as dramatic as La Saulire, but it is a very useful 'plan B' if wind or weather makes the Saulire summit a poor choice.
Ski & Snowboard Route
08:45 - The boot room
Get your kit ready and prepare for a day of adventure and fun that shows you all that the 3 Valleys ski area has to offer!
09:00 - Meet at the St Martin Poma lift
Take the Poma lift, or if you prefer you can take a bus round to the St Martin gondola lift station.
09:15 - Meet at the St Martin gondola lift
Meet the rest of the crew at the St Martin gondola lift station - This is the meeting point for both skiers and walkers, so everyone can begin together before splitting off onto their own routes.
Skiers and snowboarders should have a valid 3 Vallées ski pass, not just a local pass. The aim is to enjoy a proper linked route through St Martin, Méribel and La Saulire, with plenty of time to meet the walking group at the planned stops.
09:30 - The 'St Martin 1' gondola lift
Take the 'St Martin 1' gondola out of the village.
This is one of the loveliest starts in the 3 Vallées. You rise out of a traditional Savoyard village, with stone buildings, snowy rooftops and the Belleville valley opening beneath you. It's a very different feeling from starting in a purpose-built resort - quieter, prettier and wonderfully connected.
09:45 - The 'St Martin Express' chairlift
Take the 'St Martin Express' chairlift up towards the Tougnète ridge.
From here, the ski area begins to feel huge. Look across towards Les Menuires, the Belleville valley and the higher peaks beyond Val Thorens. This is also where the day starts to show why St Martin is such a clever base - Traditional village charm below and vast 3 Vallées skiing above.
10:00 - Warm-up skiing in the St Martin / Tougnète sector
Start with a relaxed blue or red warm-up runin the St Martin and Tougnète area.
Suggested approach:
- Keep the first run easy and flowing.
- Use the Gros Tougne / Tougnète sector to get your legs moving.
- Avoid rushing, as the first fixed meeting is coffee at 11am, so you've got time.
Get warmed-on the scenic, open and quieter pistes rather than the busier central Méribel runs or other central locations. Large, wide open runs, and you will most likely be some of the first skiers on them, so you can enjoy that fresh corduroy feeling, and you will be carving deep turns before the end of the first run.
10:20 - Ski towards Méribel Chaudanne
Now work across towards Méribel. Use the Tougnète side to ski down towards Méribel Chaudanne, choosing open blue and red runs, depending on conditions and group level.
Possible route options include the Choucas, Faon, Crêtes, Blaireau, Combe Tougnète and Écureuil areas, following the day’s best piste depending on conditions and light.
This section gives skiers and snowboarders a classic Méribel descent - Broad upper-mountain views, tree-lined lower sections in places, and the lively arrival into La Chaudanne, one of the main lift hubs in the Méribel valley.
11:00 - Coffee stop with the walkers at Méribel Chaudanne
Meet the walking group at Méribel Chaudanne (or other location of your preference from the suggested stops) for coffee.
This is a practical and easy meeting point, as walkers can arrive by lift and skiers can ski down into the same area. Choose a café close to the Tougnète and Saulire lift bases so that no-one wastes any time hunting for the rest of the group.
Keep the stop to around 25-30 minutes. There is still a good climb up to La Saulire and an optional pre-lunch ski loop to enjoy.
11:30 - Take the 'Saulire Express 1'
From Méribel Chaudanne, take the 'Saulire Express 1' lift.
This keeps both groups moving in the same direction, with walkers travelling by lift and skiers heading up for more skiing before lunch. The lift ride gives excellent views back over Méribel and across to the Tougnète side that you will have skied earlier that morning.
11:45 - Take 'Saulire Express 2' to La Saulire
Continue on 'Saulire Express 2' up towards La Saulire.
La Saulire is one of the great high points of the 3 Vallées, linking Méribel and Courchevel. It feels properly alpine - Big slopes, dramatic rock faces, wide views and a sense that you're right in the middle of the world’s largest linked ski area.
12:00 - Pre-lunch ski loop on the Courchevel side
Before lunch, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a scenic loop towards the Courchevel side.
Suggested style:
- Start from La Saulire
- Ski a blue or red option towards the Courchevel bowl
- Use the Saulire / Vizelle lift system to return towards the summit
- Keep the loop controlled and time-aware
This gives the ski group a satisfying extra section to do before lunch, with big views over Courchevel and a real sense of crossing between valleys. Don't overdo it though, as lunch is booked for 1pm and the walkers will already be at the top enjoying the views!
13:00 - Lunch with the walkers at Le Panoramic, La Saulire
Meet the walking group for lunch at Le Panoramic on La Saulire.
This is the highlight of the day. Le Panoramic is one of the best high-mountain lunch spots for a mixed group because it's accessible for both skiers and pedestrians. The setting is spectacular, with views across the Méribel and Courchevel sides of the 3 Vallées.
Book ahead, especially during school holidays, sunny weeks and peak season weeks.
14:15 - Ski back towards Méribel
After lunch, ski back towards the Méribel side.
Stronger intermediates can choose a red descent, whilst those wanting a gentler afternoon can stick to blue options where open and suitable. The aim is to enjoy the long descent without losing sight of the afternoon meeting time.
This is a beautiful part of the day - High mountains at the top, rolling Méribel pistes below, and views back towards the Tougnète ridge and St Martin side.
14:50 - Optional extra ski loop in Méribel
If queues are light and the group is moving well, add one more red or blue loop in the Méribel bowl.
Keep this short and sensible. The drinks stop is at 3:15pm and the return to St Martin mustn't be left too late, so if anyone is tired, then just skip the extra loop and head straight to the meeting point.
15:15 - Drink stop near Saulire mid-station
Meet the walking group for a short après-style drink near the Saulire mid-station area.
This isn't a long après session. Think of it as a quick drink, a few photos, a little music and a chance to compare stories from the day before making the return journey.
Leave by 15:45.
15:45 - Return towards St Martin
Start the return to St Martin promptly.
Skiers should work back via:
- Méribel
- Tougnète
- St Martin sector
- Final descent towards St Martin village
Do not leave this too late. The 3 Vallées is wonderfully connected, but only if you respect lift closing times.
16:00 - Final descent to St Martin
If open and conditions are good, finish the day on the red Jérusalem piste back towards St Martin.
This is one of the great scenic runs of the Belleville valley - Rolling terrain, alpine barns, snowy fields and a real feeling of skiing back into a traditional French mountain village.
If the piste is icy, visibility is poor or the group is tired, choose the safest signed alternative, or you can download by lift where allowed.
Walking Route
Step by step:
09:15 - Meet at St Martin gondola lift station
Walkers meet the ski group at the St Martin gondola lift station.
Make sure you have the correct 3 Vallées pedestrian lift pass. Ask the lift office to confirm which lifts are open to pedestrians that day, especially the link towards Méribel and La Saulire.
09:30 - Take the 'St Martin 1' gondola lift
Take the 'St Martin 1' gondola lift out of the village.
This gives non-skiers the same big mountain start as the skiers, with lovely views back over St Martin and the Belleville valley.
09:45 - Take the 'St Martin Express' chairlift
Continue on the 'St Martin Express' chairlift.
At the top, walkers can enjoy the high mountain atmosphere without needing to ski. This is one of the joys of the 3 Vallées pedestrian pass: you can still get up to enjoy the views, restaurants and lift-linked mountain world.
10:00 - Short St Martin panorama walk
Take a gentle 20-25 minute walk around the marked viewpoint area.
This is not a hiking day, so keep it easy. Stay on marked pedestrian areas, watch for icy patches and avoid ski pistes, unless specifically signed for pedestrian access. The views over the Belleville valley are superb, especially on a clear morning.
10:25 - Travel towards Méribel by lift
Use the pedestrian-accessible lift route towards Méribel Chaudanne, travelling via the Tougnète side where open.
This is a scenic way to cross from the St Martin side into the Méribel valley, giving walkers a real sense of travelling through the 3 Vallées, rather than simply staying in one resort.
11:00 - Coffee with the skiers at Méribel Chaudanne
Meet the ski group at Méribel Chaudanne for coffee.
This is a useful shared stop because it's easy for skiers to reach on-piste and easy for walkers to reach via the lifts. Keep the café choice simple and visible, close to the main lift base.
Suggested stop time: 11:00-11:25
11:30 - Take the 'Saulire Express 1' lift
After coffee, walkers take the 'Saulire Express 1' lift from Méribel.
The skiers will be using the same lift corridor before heading off for their pre-lunch ski loop.
11:45 - Take 'Saulire Express 2' to La Saulire
Continue on 'Saulire Express 2' up to La Saulire.
This is one of the best pedestrian lift experiences in the 3 Vallées, with big views across Méribel, Courchevel and the surrounding peaks.
12:05 - Short Saulire viewpoint walk
At the top, enjoy a short walk around the Saulire viewpoint area.
Allow around 30-40 minutes for photos, views and a gentle wander before lunch. Keep an eye on the weather, as it can be colder and windier at altitude than down in St Martin village.
13:00 - Lunch with the skiers at Le Panoramic
Meet the skiers for lunch at Le Panoramic.
This is a perfect meeting point for a mixed skiing and walking group, as everyone reaches the same high-mountain restaurant in different ways. Skiers arrive after their morning route and walkers arrive by lift after enjoying the viewpoint.
14:15 - Descend towards the Saulire mid-station
After lunch, walkers descend by lift towards the Méribel / Saulire mid-station area.
There's no rush, but don't drift too far from the planned meeting point for drinks. The afternoon needs to stay tidy so that everyone can get back to St Martin before the lifts close.
15:15 - Afternoon drinks with the skiers
Meet the ski group for a short drink near the Saulire mid-station area.
This is a fun way to end the shared mountain day without turning it into a late return. Enjoy a drink, take a few group photos, then start moving again by 15:45.
15:45 - Return to St Martin via the lifts
Walkers should start the return to St Martin promptly.
Use the pedestrian-accessible lifts back via Méribel and the Tougnète / St Martin side where open. If there is any doubt, ask the lift staff before descending too far into the wrong valley.
16:00-16:15 - Finish back in St Martin village
Return to St Martin for the end of the day.
This gives both groups a relaxed finish in the village, with time for a drink, a wander or a warm-up back at the chalet.
Summary walking route:
| Time | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 09:15 | St Martin lift station | Meet skiers, buy or check pedestrian pass and confirm the walking route is open. |
| 09:30 | St Martin 1 gondola | Ride up from the village into the St Martin ski area. |
| 09:45 | St Martin Express | Continue higher towards the St Martin / Tougnète viewpoint area. |
| 10:00 | St Martin panorama walk | Short 20-25 minute walk for views over the Belleville valley. |
| 10:25 | Tougnète lift route | Travel by pedestrian-accessible lifts towards Méribel. |
| 11:00 | Coffee - Méribel Chaudanne | Meet skiers for coffee at the main Méribel lift hub. |
| 11:30 | Saulire Express 1 | Take the lift up from Méribel towards La Saulire. |
| 11:45 | Saulire Express 2 | Continue to the top of La Saulire. |
| 12:05 | Saulire summit walk | Short viewpoint walk and photos from the high mountain panorama. |
| 13:00 | Lunch - Le Panoramic | Meet skiers for lunch at the summit restaurant. |
| 14:15 | Descend by lift | Travel down towards the Méribel / Saulire mid-station area. |
| 15:15 | Drinks - Saulire mid-station | Meet skiers for a short après-style drink. |
| 15:45 | Return via Méribel / Tougnète | Start the return journey promptly using pedestrian-accessible lifts. |
| 16:00-16:15 | St Martin village | Arrive back in St Martin for a relaxed end to the day. |
FAQs
Can non-skiers get to lunch with skiers in the 3 Vallées?
Yes, non-skiers can use the 3 Vallées pedestrian lift pass to reach selected mountain viewpoints, restaurants and lift-accessible areas. A good mixed-group lunch option from St Martin is Le Panoramic at La Saulire, where walkers can arrive by lift and skiers can arrive via red and blue pistes.
Is this route suitable for snowboarders?
Yes, this route works for snowboarders who are comfortable on blue and red pistes. Snowboarders should check flat sections and lift access on the day, but the main route through St Martin, Méribel and La Saulire is a strong intermediate day.
Is Jérusalem a good final run back to St Martin?
Yes, Jérusalem is one of the classic scenic red pistes back towards St Martin. It is best for confident intermediates and should only be used if open and in good condition.
When should we leave Saulire to get back to St Martin?
Aim to begin the return no later than 15:45. This gives a sensible buffer before the lifts close and reduces the risk of being stuck in the wrong valley.
Where is the best coffee stop for skiers and walkers?
Méribel Chaudanne is the best coffee stop for this itinerary because it's easy for skiers to reach by piste and easy for walkers to reach using pedestrian-accessible lifts.
What is the best lunch stop for this route?
Le Panoramic at La Saulire is the best lunch stop for this route because it's scenic, high-altitude and accessible for both skiers and pedestrians.
Do walkers need winter boots?
Yes, walkers should wear warm winter footwear with good grips. Even short walks around lift stations and viewpoints can be icy and snowy.
Can this route be done in bad weather?
This route is best done on a clear or reasonably settled day. In poor visibility, high wind or heavy snow, choose a shorter route and avoid relying on inter-valley links.