If you’ve never been to the Three Valleys before, and experienced the never-ending web of runs, backcountry and routes to try, it is hard to explain its vastness. We thought it would be a good time to sift through our years of experience working in Meribel, and share our favourite pistes, parks and powder fields in the 3 Valleys.
Best for Cruising…
The sheer size of the 3 Valley ski area naturally means there are some beautifully wide, cruisey runs, designed for going fast. Our favourites are Jerusalem, heading down to St Martin de Belleville; Creux, going down from Saulire into Courchevel and Faon underneath the Tougnettes II chairlift.
Best for Trees…
If I want to be among the trees, I always head to La Tania and Le Praz. I really like the looping green run Folieres down to the village at the bottom, and the often empty black Jockeys. La Tania is a nice place to have lunch in the sun too.
Best for Trying a Black Run…
Feel like trying a black run, but don’t want to end up at the top of a crazy-steep and narrow mogul field?! Conditions will affect which black runs are not too bad, so if the snow is good black runs are generally good fun. I recommend Suisses run in Courchevel as a good starting point, it isn’t too busy or steep. Or have a go at the Glacier run in Val Thorens for one of the best views in the 3 Valleys from the top, plus it is really short so even if you struggle it is over quickly!
Best for Freestyle…
There are some great parks in the 3 Valleys which draw tops pros from around the world to train and compete each season. The DC Area 43 in Meribel Mottaret is probably the biggest and aimed at a good level of rider, although it does have a good progressive section as well to gain confidence. The Moon Park around the Tougnette area of Meribel is aimed more at intermediates and always has some fun features set up, with a good flow. Courchevel has the Family Park, with an airbag for safely trying harder tricks, and it keeps the sun the longest into the late afternoon.
Best for Backcountry…
I love the backcountry around Meribel and further into the 3 Valleys. Take care when going off-piste and always make sure you are in a group and have the necessary safety equipment as there have been serious incidents each year on some areas. Consider hiring a guide to show you the best spots, and check the conditions are right. My favourite off-piste routes are from the top of the Olympic chairlift in one corner of the Meribel Valley, either down to St Martin, or Raffort and Les Allues to get good powder runs. There is also a nice run from the top of Creux Noirs, back down into Meribel Mottaret (great sunny picnic spot at the top). When the weather is closed in, head to the Loze area of Meribel for quiet tree runs.
Best for Avoiding the Crowds…
The 3 Valleys, as a popular area, can get a little crowded on peak weeks (school holidays mainly). Having lived there I always try and avoid the crowds whenever I can. My top tip is heading over to the furthest corners of the piste map, and getting to the hard to reach places lots of people can’t be bothered to go to. The Chapelets area of Courchevel 1650 is great to lap, especially with fresh snow. La Masse, on the other side of Les Menuires is a hidden gem, often forgotten by guests staying in the bigger resorts. The runs around the Olympic lift in Meribel are also quiet and offer a good mix of blues and a black for all abilities. All of these areas offer some of the best views in the 3 Valleys too as they are on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, with views over the unspoilt areas the lifts don’t reach.
If you want to join us in Meribel, check out our live availability at the Mountain Lodge and check our snowboard instructor courses for 2020.