There are not many historical spa towns that double up as ski resorts and enjoy access to the world's largest ski area. Brides Les Bains has these characteristics without the usual high prices of a major resort and also without the crowds. Once this was the 'Olympic Village' and thus home to the athletes participating in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Its 'real small town' feel contrasts with the internationally better known resorts up the mountain, which include arguably France's choicest resort Courchevel, Europe's highest resort Val Thorens and Europe's ugliest resort Les Menuires. There is a high speed Olympe gondola which takes you to the resort of Meribel in 25 minutes from where you can ski the Trois Vallées.

Brides Les Bains is an excellent base for exploring the Three Valleys for those who aren't looking for the hectic nightlife or higher prices which are common in the main Three Valley resorts. There is a casino, a couple of discos, several bars and some good restaurants in the town, plus a specialist spa which offers many treatments that are most welcome after a full day of skiing.