Saint-Martin-de-Belleville may sit right in the heart of the famous 3 Vallées ski area, but you don't need to be able to ski to have a brilliant winter holiday here. In fact, for non-skiers, this beautiful Savoyard village is one of the loveliest places in the French Alps to simply enjoy the mountains.
With classic French mountain architecture, stone and timber chalets, an authentic village church, quiet lanes, mountain restaurants, winter walks and a pace of life that feels wonderfully French, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is connected to the world’s largest ski area, but it has held onto the charm of a traditional Alpine village. This makes it ideal for couples, families and mixed groups, where some people ski and others prefer their winter holidays with a little less swooshing and a lot more strolling and relaxing.
So, what can non-skiers do in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville during the winter? Well, quite a lot actually!
Why Saint-Martin works for non-skiers
Some ski resorts are all lifts, queues and clumping ski boots. Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is different - It's a real mountain village with a historic centre, pretty streets and a gentler atmosphere than some of the larger purpose-built resorts nearby.
That's good news if you're not going to be skiing every day. You can enjoy the village itself, head out on foot, explore the Belleville Valley, meet skiers for lunch using pedestrian lift access, or book winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding and torchlit village tours.
It is also very well placed. Saint-Martin is part of Les Belleville, which includes Les Menuires and Val Thorens, so non-skiers can use local transport and pedestrian passes to explore more of the valley without needing to travel on skis.
- Explore the village and soak up the Savoyard charm
- Visit the Museum of Saint-Martin
- Join a torchlit village tour
- Dog sledding near Saint-Martin
- Travel 3 Vallées with a pedestrian pass
- Tobogganing fun in nearby Les Menuires
- Winter events & family activities
- Suggested 4-day non-skier itinerary in Saint-Martin
- Quick FAQ: St Martin for non-skiers
- Final thoughts
Explore the village and soak up the Savoyard charm
One of the best non-ski activities in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is also the simplest - Take a proper wander!
The village has exactly the sort of Alpine character that people hope to find when they book a French ski holiday and often don't find. Narrow streets, old barns, traditional chalets, mountain views, and that lovely winter hush you only get after a fresh snowfall. It's not trying too hard to be quaint, it just is, as the village is that old and is not purpose-built.
Start in the village centre, take a look at the church, wander past the old stone buildings, and stop for coffee or a chocolat chaud when the cold starts nipping at your nose. This isn't high-speed sightseeing, it's a slow, snow-crunching, photo-taking kind of morning.
For a more structured route, the Saint-Martin tourism website highlights local heritage trails and village discovery routes, including historic buildings and traditional features around the old village.
Visit the Museum of Saint-Martin
If you fancy a bit of history, then you can visit the Museum of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. It is set in a former Savoyard farmhouse and tells the story of the Belleville Valley, from traditional mountain life through to the development of winter tourism and the local ski resorts.
It's a great option for a snowy afternoon, a bad-weather day, or anyone who enjoys understanding the place they are staying in. Saint-Martin has not simply appeared as a ski resort - It has farming roots, village history and a strong local identity, and the museum helps to explain why the village still feels so authentic today.
Join a torchlit village tour
For a properly atmospheric winter evening, book the torchlit tour of Saint-Martin. This guided walk takes you through the village by torchlight, with stories about local history, architecture and traditions.
It's a lovely non-ski activity because you don't need any ski lifts or helmets, and you don't need to pretend you understand edge angles! Just a winter village, a guide, a torch and the sort of scenery that makes people suddenly start using the word “magical” without irony.
The official tourism page advises that booking is recommended via the Maison du Tourisme. Availability and timings can vary by season, so it's worth checking ahead.
Every Thursday from 25 December to 19 March, from 7pm to 8:30pm. Tours only available in French. Bookings recommended at the Maison du Tourisme (tourist office). Ages 8 and over. 30 people maximum.
Try snowshoeing in the Belleville Valley
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville has extensive snowshoe trails, both up and over the mountains as well as along the valley floor. It gives you the chance to get out into snowy landscapes without needing ski technique, lift confidence or a fondness for steep red runs.
Guided snowshoe hikes are available in and around the Belleville Valley, with routes that can take you through forests, across open snowfields and towards lovely viewpoints. It's peaceful, scenic and surprisingly satisfying. You get all the fresh-air glory of the mountains, but at a walking pace!
For something extra special, look at the night-time snowshoe walk with optional mountain dinner. This activity is a proper Alpine evening: snowshoes, head torches, snowy trails and, if booked, a traditional dinner at altitude.
You can book these with our in-resort partner ESF or directly through the Ski Miquel online portal.
Dog sledding near Saint-Martin
If you love dogs and love sledding, then what's not to love about dog sledding! It's one of those winter activities that sounds exciting before you arrive and somehow feels even better once the dogs start pulling!
In the Belleville Valley, visitors can book dog sledding experiences near Saint-Martin and Les Menuires. This is great for families of all ages, as the dogs are doing the work, giving you a real snowy adventure without standing sideways, forwards or upside-down on skis!
Expect fresh air, mountain scenery, very enthusiastic dogs and a high chance of returning with a grin! Places can be limited, so it's best to book early during peak holiday weeks.
Book online directly: Reservations - Chien Traineau Menuires
Travel 3 Vallées with a pedestrian pass
Pedestrian lift passes are far cheaper than a ski pass and you can get to all the major points within the 3 Vallées, giving you the chance to enjoy panoramic viewpoints, meet skiers for lunch and experience the high-mountain atmosphere without skiing.
If you're looking for a good day out and want to meet up with your skiing crew along the way for a spectacular lunch, then why not try our 1-day tour of the 3 Vallées for non-skiers:
| Time | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 09:15 | Start in St Martin | Begin at the St Martin de Belleville lift station. Check the pedestrian lift route is open before setting off. |
| 09:30 | St Martin 1 Gondola | Take the gondola up from St Martin village. |
| 09:45 | St Martin Express | Continue higher on the St Martin Express chairlift towards the ridge. |
| 10:00 | St Martin Panorama Walk | Enjoy a short, easy walk around the viewpoint area with big views over the Belleville Valley. |
| 10:30 | Tougnète 2 and Tougnète 1 | Travel across by lift towards Méribel. |
| 11:00 | Méribel Chaudanne | Arrive in Méribel. Have a short wander, coffee stop, or comfort break. |
| 11:15 | Saulire Express 1 and 2 | Take the lifts up from Méribel to La Saulire. |
| 12:15 | Lunch at Le Panoramic | Stop for lunch at Le Panoramic, a lovely high-mountain restaurant at the top of La Saulire. |
| 14:00 | Saulire Summit Walk | Take a short walk around the summit area for photos and views across the 3 Vallées. |
| 14:45 | Return to Méribel | Take Saulire Express back down towards Méribel. |
| 15:15 | Return via Tougnète | Take the Tougnète lifts back towards the St Martin side. |
| 15:45-16:15 | Back to St Martin | Return down to St Martin village with time for a drink before the lifts close. |
Also check out the following for more info on exploring without skis:
Tobogganing fun in nearby Les Menuires
If you don't ski but still like a little adrenaline and want to feel the wind in your hair, then the next stop up the valley on the bus or lift system is Les Menuires, which offers dedicated sledging activities that are easy to reach from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
Two of the best-known options are Roc’n Bob, a long snow sledging descent, and La Mine, a rail sledge experience with twists, turns and plenty of mountain mischief. These are ideal for families, teenagers and adults who insist they are “only doing it for the kids” before immediately asking to go again!
Because these activities run on specific routes and schedules, it's best to check the latest opening times, prices and weather conditions before heading up there.
Winter events & family activities
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville has lots of seasonal events running throughout the winter, including guided visits, children’s activities and festive entertainment. Around Christmas and school holiday periods in particular, the village can feel especially atmospheric, with decorations, family events and a gentle Alpine buzz.
For families with younger children, look out for activities at the museum and local cultural events. These are useful options for rest days, bad-weather afternoons or non-skiers who want a little structure without committing to a full-day excursion.
Find out more on the local website:
Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm during the Christmas and February school holidays. Bookings recommended at the Maison du Tourisme of Saint-Martin (tourist office). From 3 to 6 years old. 15 children maximum.
Suggested 4-day non-skier itinerary in Saint-Martin
Day 1: Village charm and local history
Start with a relaxed walk around Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, exploring the old streets, church and traditional buildings. Stop for coffee, then visit the Museum of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the afternoon. In the evening, book the torchlit village tour if it's running.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, culture lovers and anyone who wants to understand the village.
Day 2: Snowshoeing and mountain dinner
Book a guided snowshoe walk to experience the quieter side of the Belleville Valley. If available, make it the night-time snowshoe walk with dinner at altitude. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the mountains without skiing.
Best for: Active non-skiers, mixed groups and anyone who wants a proper snowy adventure.
Day 3: The 3 Vallées grand tour
Use a pedestrian pass to head up into the mountains, taking in all it has to offer around the classic viewpoints. Meet your fellow ski and snowboard crew for morning coffee, lunch and a little partying!
Best for: Those going in a mixed group and up for an adventure day.
Day 4: Viewpoints and sledging
Use a pedestrian pass to head up into the mountains for views and lunch. Later, travel to Les Menuires for sledging at Roc’n Bob or La Mine. Finish the day back in St Martin with a relaxed Savoyard dinner.
Best for: Families, groups and non-skiers who still want to feel part of the ski-area experience.
Quick FAQ: St Martin for non-skiers
Can you enjoy St Martin without skiing?
Yes. Non-skiers can enjoy village walks, the museum, torchlit tours, snowshoeing, dog sledding, pedestrian lift access, mountain restaurants, sledging in nearby Les Menuires and free shuttle links around the Belleville Valley.
Is it a good resort for mixed groups?
Yes. It works well for mixed groups because skiers have direct access to Les 3 Vallées, while non-skiers can enjoy the village and book some winter activities. Pedestrian passes also make it possible to meet skiers for lunch in selected mountain areas.
What are the best non-ski activities?
The best non-ski activities include snowshoeing, dog sledding, the Museum of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, torchlit village tours, winter walking, pedestrian lift access and sledging in nearby Les Menuires.
Can non-skiers use the lifts in 3 Vallées?
Yes, selected lifts are accessible with pedestrian passes. These allow non-skiers to enjoy viewpoints, walking routes and mountain restaurants without skiing.
Is Saint-Martin-de-Belleville lively in winter?
Saint-Martin is more charming and traditional than loud and lively. It has restaurants, cafés, events and a lovely village atmosphere, but it is best suited to people who prefer authentic Alpine character over big-resort nightlife.
Final thoughts
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is much more than a gateway into the 3 Vallées ski area. For non-skiers, it offers a gentler and more authentic side of the French Alps - Old village streets, snowy walks, mountain views, Savoyard food, cultural visits and bookable winter activities that do not require a ski lesson first.
It's peaceful, pretty and properly Alpine. And while the skiers are off chasing pistes across the 3 Vallées, non-skiers can enjoy something just as memorable - The quiet magic of a traditional French mountain village in winter.
Stay at the Chalet-Hotel Claire with Ski Miquel, the best value inclusive package holiday in the 3 Vallées.