Something is charming about a classic Alpine hotel, one that does not need to shout for attention but instead offers a steady, reassuring sense of place. Hôtel Ours Blanc, perched among the rooftops of Les Menuires, embodies this feeling with quiet confidence. It may not be the flashiest address in the Three Valleys, but it provides that familiar mountain comfort which, after a long day on the slopes, is often exactly what one needs.
Arriving on a crisp winter afternoon, we were warmly greeted by Maelys at check-in, whose effortless welcome set the tone for our stay. Efficient, friendly and genuinely helpful, she guided us through the essentials before showing us to our Classic Room.
Classic Alpine Comfort
Our Classic Room featured a simple yet appealing aesthetic, with wooden finishes, warm lighting, and a touch of French bistro character that felt both familiar and comforting. It wasn’t aiming to dazzle, but rather to create a cocoon of ease, which after a day in the mountains is often all you really want. The view from our window stretched across the surrounding peaks of Les Menuires, a landscape that felt particularly magical to a first-time visitor in the region.
Thoughtful touches added to the room’s practicality: free movies for unwinding in the evenings, and tea and coffee-making facilities ideal for those slow, contented starts to the day. The bed was comfortable, the layout functional, and the overall feel reassuringly classic. Hôtel Ours Blanc is not trying to reinvent Alpine style; it offers a more traditional charm that suits the destination well.
Après-Ski Moments at the Bar
One of the pleasant surprises of the hotel was its lively bar, which becomes the informal social hub come late afternoon. During aperitivo time, the atmosphere heightens with a live band that provides an inviting soundtrack to the après-ski rhythm. There’s a relaxed conviviality to the space, less high-energy party, more warm gathering of skiers easing into the evening.
Sitting with a drink in hand, listening to live music with rosy cheeks from the slopes, felt like a lovely way to settle into my first Les Menuires experience. The simplicity and authenticity of the moment made it memorable.
Dinner at Hôtel Ours Blanc
We opted to dine in-house one evening, exploring the hotel’s buffet-style restaurant. The offering is straightforward, hearty and geared perfectly toward hungry skiers. There was a generous selection to choose from: meats, pasta dishes, salads, and regional favourites. This variety allows guests to build their own ideal post-ski meal without fuss.
For those who want something more traditionally Savoyard, you can pre-order raclette or fondue, always a welcome option after a long day carving up the Three Valleys. It’s an honest approach to mountain dining: familiar, comforting and satisfying.
Spa Time After the Slopes
One of the highlights of Hôtel Ours Blanc is its wellness area, a soothing retreat after hours spent navigating the pistes. The spa includes a pool, sauna, hammam and a sensory shower, each providing a different way to ease tired muscles and reset the mind.
The hammam was delightfully enveloping, the sauna just the right temperature, and the pool a peaceful spot for a gentle float. It’s not a sprawling spa complex, but everything is there for proper relaxation, and after my first full day skiing in Les Menuires, it felt especially restorative. It elevated the stay in a gentle, unassuming way.
A Comfortable Introduction to Les Menuires
Hôtel Ours Blanc is, at its core, a classic Alpine hotel offering comfort and practicality rather than spectacle. It doesn’t try to reinvent the mountain experience, nor does it aim for the ultra-luxury heights of some neighbouring properties. Instead, it focuses on delivering a reliable, pleasant stay with warm service, cosy spaces and thoughtful touches that appeal to those who value ease and simplicity.
The location is excellent for exploring Les Menuires and the greater Three Valleys ski area, and the overall atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. For travellers seeking a comfortable base with a welcoming team, enjoyable après-ski moments and a spa that ticks all the boxes, Hôtel Ours Blanc fits the bill.
It may not be the most extravagant choice in the region, but sometimes the classic, understated Alpine experience is the one that stays with you. A place where the mountains speak louder than the décor, where the warmth of the staff lingers longer than the furnishings, and where the charm lies in its authenticity rather than extravagance. And in that regard, Hôtel Ours Blanc makes its mark quietly, but sincerely.
Ours Blanc Hotel & Spa
133 Rue Des Iris
73440 Les Belleville
France
