When thinking of the Alps you’ll likely picture snow capped mountains and wintry vistas. However the lure of the Alps is not simply limited to the winter months. The spring and summer seasons offer visitors incredible and varied hiking opportunities with jaw dropping views and impressive flora and fauna. So whether you’re an avid mountain hiker or prefer a more leisurely ramble we’ve picked a selection of our favourite day hikes in the Three Valleys.

Easy hike: Lac Tueda, Méribel 

Situated just above Méribel Mottaret is the Tueda Nature Reserve, where the Glacier de Gebroulaz sits above pine forests and Lac Tueda. Setting off from the car park, a walking trail follows the river with a very gentle ascent over about 500m up to Lac Tueda. Along the way are exploratory nature trails off to the side where info boards will advise on the flora and fauna you can spot along the route. Once you arrive at Lac Tueda you can lap the lake, taking a break at the restaurant on the lakeside which serves the usual Savoie fare. The path is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, making it accessible for all. 

1hr, 1.8km (including lap of the lake), 25m ascent

NB. If you’d like to make it a bit more challenging and go further afield take the path at the end of the lake in the direction of Refuge du Saut.  The path will take you to the La Plagne plateau at an altitude of 2,000m on the cusp of the Vanoise National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for marmottes, eagles, chamois and bouquetin. 

Moderate hike: Courchevel villages and hamlets

Take in the charm of the Three Valley villages and hamlets with a circuit following forest tracks, ideal for sunny days when you need respite from the heat. Setting off from La Tania lift station, take the footpath which descends steadily to Le Praz, passing the Le Praz ski jump enroute. After passing through the village of Le Praz you’ll follow the signposts across the fields and down the slope to Saint Bon. After meandering through this quaint village you’ll ascend up the other side, through steep narrow streets with tightly packed houses before taking the Chemin du Paradis which will lead you into the forest. The paths in the forest are well signposted taking you up through the hamlets of Le Freney then Le Nouvaz before ascending back to La Tania. The route is documented in more detail here.

3hrs, 10.2km, 626m ascent 

Challenging hike: Lac Rosiere – Dent du Villard loop

If you’ve skied in Courchevel 1650 you’ve likely noticed the stunning ridge with tree lined spines that overlooks it from skiers right. Sitting at 2,284m, the Dent du Villard offers incredible panoramic views of the Three Valleys and the Vanoise National Park with the blue glacial front. What makes it even more special however is the landscape at the top. Made from gypsum rock it’s like walking on the moon, with craters and gullies that make for an original and memorable hike. 

The walk begins at Lac de la Rosiere – which is a site to behold of its own. The stunning turquoise waters are surrounded with pine forests and picturesque picnic and BBQ spots. With aerial high ropes course and a via ferrata route if you’re feeling more adventurous.

From Lac Rosiere there is a circular route which is best tackled by taking the route up to the Col de la Chat. The path is steep and encompasses the sentier des 1000 marches – a series of wooden steps designed to assist with the steep ascent. Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks as you’ll need both to reach the top. It’s about 2 hours to the summit, where you’ll be greeted by the luna landscape and breathtaking views. From there you’ll follow the path along the ridge before descending back to the lake via a number of slightly exposed switchbacks. If you don’t have a head for heights you can always opt to return the way you came. 

3.5hrs, 10km, 754m ascent