Les Ménuires: Tobogganing, mountain views and culture

In Les Ménuires, experiences range from toboggan runs and mountain views to exhibitions and historic trails. When planning a stay, it helps to distinguish between the activities by their character: Are you looking for a ride, are you interested in technology and history, or would you like to spend time in the mountains? The differences below offer concrete guidance for making your choice.

Tobogganing on rails or on snow

La Mine aux Menuires is a 1,000-metre-long rail toboggan run. The immersive ride is themed around mining and miners. Operating hours and access may vary by season. This makes it quite different from Roc'n Bob, a snow toboggan run in Les Menuires: it is 4 kilometres long, descends 450 metres and has 22 bends. Night rides with headlamps are also offered; seasonal operating hours may vary.

When choosing between the two toboggan runs, it is not just the length of the tracks that can guide you, but also the type of ride: a rail toboggan run with a mining theme or a longer snow run with bends and elevation changes. Roc'n Bob's night ride is another distinctive feature. As operating hours depend on the season, check the relevant conditions before your visit.

Pointe de La Masse: gondola and views

Pointe de La Masse is 2,804 metres above sea level. A gondola with a glass floor takes you there, covering 1,000 metres of elevation in eight minutes. Operating details may vary by season. From the Pointe, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Alpine peaks such as Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Écrins, as well as the wild Vallée des Encombres. This lets you plan a ride around a specific destination and its views, rather than simply including an elevation figure in your plans.

The Le 2800 restaurant is also located at Pointe de La Masse. It serves Savoyard specialities with mountain views. Restaurant opening hours and the menu may vary by season. If you would like to combine your visit with a meal, take these seasonal conditions into account when planning.

Technology and historic trails

The Salle des Machines is dedicated to the construction and operation of the Pointe de La Masse gondola. The educational exhibition includes a LEGO® model, among other things. Pedestrians and skiers have free access with a valid ski pass; seasonal operating conditions should also be taken into account. The focus here is on the gondola's technology, not the panorama.

The Route Découverte des villages offers a different perspective on the area. It follows an old path between the villages that started in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and was used before the departmental road was built more than 100 years ago. The two themes are therefore distinct: how a mountain lift works and an earlier route between the villages. If you are interested in the history of paths and places, this route complements the exhibition's technical perspective.

More outdoor activities

The Levassaix Via Ferrata is accessible independently and is suitable for beginners. The Cochet Via Ferrata is also accessible independently and is suitable for developing your skills further. These details offer a concrete comparison of the two routes without treating them as identical. Operating conditions for both via ferratas may vary by season.

Another option is the 600-metre-long zip line above Plan de l'Eau des Bruyères. Its operating conditions may vary by season. For mountain biking, the wider setting is the Belleville Valley: the village of Saint Martin and the resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens offer a total of 21 routes of varying difficulty, covering 120 kilometres altogether. The trail network may be revised or subject to seasonal restrictions, so check the current route conditions before setting out.

You can tailor your stay to different interests: for example, a mining-themed rail ride, a snow toboggan run, views from Pointe de La Masse, or a route on foot or by mountain bike. The activities listed differ in length, elevation, theme and seasonal conditions—useful criteria when planning your days in Les Ménuires.

Discover more destinations: Val Thorens

Go to the main travel overview: Saint-Martin-De-Belleville.