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THE WORLD'S LARGEST SKI AREA!

 

With over 600km of slopes, the 3 Valleys are the largest ski area in the world. An extensive domain where you can find quiet slopes (even during school holidays), and cutting-edge equipments to diminish queues as much as possible, whilst offering excellent snow coverage throughout the whole season!
But such a large ski area can make you dizzy. That is why the members of the Agency share their best spots and suggestions to help you discover the area the best possible way.

 

Audrey

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE'S SLOPE?

I really like the blue Choucas slope, on Cherferie area in Meribel. Since the new Cherferie chairlift was installed last year, the access is much easier to everyone.
The slope offers a hilly relief,  and ends with a more regular descent. The snow is usually excellent thanks to its north-facing exposition!

WHICH SLOPE WOULD YOU RECOMMAND FOR SNOWPOWDER LOVERS?

I would recommand the LibertyRide of La Riondaz, in Les Menuires, accessible from chairlifts St Martin 2 (or Tougnete from Meribel). The start is along Jerusalem slope, just before Choucas, on the ridge between Meribel and Les Menuires. This area is ungroomed but not too steep, and the security patrols make sure it is safe before giving access to it so that you can go freeriding safely! But keep in mind to always be equipped with an avalanche beacon and follow the avalanche safety recommandations before going off pist!


 

MARIE-CLAUDE

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE'S SLOPE?

I do not ski much and am more attracted by the views. I usually walk around Tueda lake as it is really quiet and ideal to rest. Alternatively, I use Pas du Lac gondolas to go up to the terrace of Pierres Plates restaurant. From there, you benefit from a 360°-panorama with views of Mont Blanc, la Grande Casse, Gebroulaz Glacier and, when the weather is nice, the Aiguilles d'Arve in Maurienne valley!

WHICH SLOPE WOULD YOU RECOMMAND FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS ?

Precisely getting around Lake Tueda! It is a very quiet area, dominated by Mont Vallon, which offers 2 cross-country loops: a flat one around the lake and another one, that climbs a bit more, in the forest.
And for those who area craving for a break after that, there is a little bar/restaurant !


 

GALINA

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE'S SLOPE?

As I'm starting over skiing slowly, I prefer wide and accessible slopes like the Biollay slope in the Altiport sector of Courchevel. You have got plenty of space to feel secure, snow is often great and the panorama over Bozel valley is amazing.

WHICH SLOPE WOULD YOU RECOMMAND TO TAKE KIDS SKIING ?

There are a lot of themed slopes for kids in the 3 Valleys where they can progress safely, like the Inuits pist or the Yeti Park in Mottaret. But my favorite is the Indian pist in Courchevel because the theme really fits the location: you go through a kind of yellow-stone canyon in which you can find a tipi! And many Indian-themed entertainments are proposed to everyone, such as archery!



 

ALEXIS

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE'S SLOPE?

I much prefer off-pist skiing, which is way more pleasant when you snowboard like me. The options are endless and they all have something that make them special to name only one of them. But I once went to the Yvoses off-pist in Belleville valley and that was huge! But, as Audrey said, you really need to be accompanied, know the mountain risks well and be equipped for freeriding.
When conditions are too dangerous or when time is short, I take a run in La Tania forest, on each side of the Folyeres pist: snow remains fresh, it is quite fun, and you are never too far from the slope if you are afraid of getting lost!


WHICH SNOWPARK WOULD YOU RECOMMAND TO FREESTYLERS ?

Mottaret's snowpark is a must-try! The exposition is perfect to keep the snow cold enough and there are all types of modules: rails, kickers, pipe etc. to suit all levels. And it is quickly accessible from Mottaret's centre using Plattieres gondola lift or Combes and Chatelet chairlifts. 


 

MARIEL

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE'S SLOPE ?

The Renard slope, on Altiport area in Meribel. Burgin chairlift climbs along this red slope that is dominated by Dent de Burgin. This slope is pretty demanding but ideal to improve as it is really often empty!

WHICH SLOPE OULD YOU RECOMMAND TO BEGINNERS?

Meribel Altiport sector, which is precisely just below Renard slope. In addition to being one of the best places in the 3 Valleys to learn skiing on their large green and blue slopes, the place is also really lovely, in the middle of a fir tree forest. There are also fun entertainments at the Inuits Village, which makes it a great place for kids too! 




 

PERRINE

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SLOPE?

I quite like La Face, on Tougnete sector, in Meribel. It was used for the Women's Descent competition of the 1992's Olympics. It is quite steep but not too frequented and offers a great panorama on Dent de Burgin.
When you see this slope from another location, it is quite impressive, but once you are on it, it is great fun!

WHICH SLOPE DO YOU RECOMMAND FOR GOOD SKIERS?

The sector of Roc de Tougne, in Meribel-Mottaret ! There is a black slope (Bartavelle), left ungroomed after the snowfalls, which offers a great compromise between safety and pleasure. By the Bartavelle slope, there is a red one called "Lagopede". It is facing north, is not too frequented, so it is often good. On top of those 2 slopes, you will find the cabane des Trappeurs, a wood cabin which allows you to take a break before getting started!

 

CHARLENE

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SLOPE?

More than a sector, it is a location I prefer: La Masse in Les Menuires. It offers a breath-taking panorama of the Alps all around. You are at 2.800m high and you can see alltogether snow-covered valleys, impressive glaciers, and the lower part of Tarentaise valley. It is really beautiful! But I do not go very often because I prefer cross-country skiing and ski-touring.

AND PRECISELY, WHICH SLOPE WOULD YOU RECOMMAND FOR SKI TOURING?

Without any doubt the PLUM itinerary in Courchevel! It starts from Le Praz, at 1.300m to reach Col de la Loze 1.000m higher! There are timed competition regularly, during the full moon: the PLUM Mountain Race.
But, in Méribel-Mottaret, a special slope was created for ski tourers, just above Le Hameau.
 

STEVEN

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SLOPE?

Hard to choose only one, there are so many slopes I love in the 3 Valleys!
Last year, I have discovered the red slope "Christine", in the Peclet area of Val Thorens. There were not many skiers, the slope is quite long, regular and the snow was excellent! The end of it is a bit flatter so you can improve your carving skills! A great discovery!

WHICH SLOPE WOULD YOU RECOMMAND FOR THOSE WHO LIKE STEEP SLOPES?

Apart from the off-pist couloirs (notably the couloir Tournier) that are everywhere to be found in the 3 Valleys, there is the Jean Blanc slope in Courchevel. It starts from 1.850 and arrives in Le Praz, which offers a good drop. But be carefull not to be trapped in the 40%-declivity wall, which can get you dizzy, even more so as the view over Bozel valley is really breath-taking!
Just like many black slopes, it is usually left ungroomed, so it may be covered with bumps! Another trap you will have to face!



And  our BONUS track: Campagnol, on Mont Vallon sector!