Mottaret, France

Kevin Down from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

I have been going to 'Les Trois Vallees' for over 12 years. For the past 6 or 7 I have been staying in Mottaret. OK I don't stay in self catered apartments so I can not comment on the quality of them. I do however, know of many people who have stayed in various Mottaret apartments both with the cheap end providers like Crystal and Thomson and with the more exclusive providers like Pierre Vecances. True, those appartments are small and you unfortunately do get ripped off by the tour operators somewhat as they do try desperately to cram as many people in as possible. You can of course book those very same apartments direct from the booking agents in Mottaret or Meribel for a fraction of the price and not have to worry about single or dual person occupancy surcharge.

As for the friendliness (or lack of) of the French hosts I have always been made most welcome in the resort. The French certainly frequent it because it is by far the best location to get access to all four vallees quickly. Indeed, if you are into first tracks, it is only from Mottaret that you can get first tracks down the famous Combe d' Saulire in Courchevel as the Pa Du Lac bubble will, provided you are there for lift open, will get you to the top of the Saulire before either the Meribel lifts or Courchevel lifts get to the summit. This gives you about 5 minutes to descend the Combe without any body else on the slope. Indeed, last year I did just that and picked the first cable car up from Verdons and did it again before playing a deserted Creux. Similarly, from Mottaret centre, you can pick up Plattiers to station 2 and be at Mt Vallon or ascending Cote Brune before 09:30, or on Plattiers 3 for a long quiet descent down to Saint Martin De Belleville.

There are some great authentic Savoyard style restaurants in the resort. Even up at Hameau, for those who like traditional Savoyard cuisine I can highly recommend La Taverne du Crocodile, the proprietress is always most welcoming even though my French is no better than pre 'O' level. Or the Hotel restaurant at Les Arolles (where I have stayed and been welcomed many times).

To sum up, Mottaret (and Meribel) are great places to stay. They are friendly and full of authentic French hospitality. The skiing is second to none. The access from Mottaret to the most varied extensive skiing in the world in second to none. But like many places, whether it is Switzerland, Austria, France or the US, you get what you pay for. If you choose the bottom of the market then you can not expect 3 or 4* accommodation. And will I go back? Most certainly even though the £ is approaching parity with the Euro, I am off to Mottaret again this January for what looks to be a brilliant season.

2008-12-16