Opening
Méribel & 3 Vallées
from 7th December 2024 to 21st April 2025.
Newsletter
Challenging Black runs
Back to blog
Post category Ski

The most challenging black runs in les 3 Vallées

Other black runs in Courchevel

Eclipse, In the spotlight

The drama of the World Ski Championships will unfold on this stage as the world’s best skiers will race at breakneck speeds down this run which is hailed as one of the most difficult on the circuit. Situated below the Col de la Loze, the descent begins in a luminous open landscape, followed by a succession of turns and jumps in the shade of the forest. This visibility challenge gave the slope its name: Eclipse!

Triumphant skiers will arrive in Le Praz, the mountain village which will buzz with the excitement of hosting this exceptional world ski championships.

Technical features :

  • Lenght : 3,2km,
  • Average gradient : 30%
  • Altitude drop : 950m
  • Access : Bouc Blanc or Plantrey chairlifts or Chenus gondola

The M, An intense descent

Depart from the summit of Vizelle for this long and sustained black run. The challenge: try and ski all the way down without stopping!

Where did the name come from? In the early days, the slopes were named alphabetically (A, B, C etc.) But once 26 pistes had been reached, this way of naming was dropped and a title was given to each slope. Except M, which remains ‘M’ to this day!

Technical features :

  • Lenght : 1,26km
  • Average gradient : 35%
  • Altitude drop : 440m
  • Access : Vizelle gondola, Suisses or Marmottes chairlift

Les suisses, a name

Under the line of the chairlift of Les Suisses is one of the most famous black runs of the resort of Courchevel: La noire des Suisses. Famous for its length and difficulty, this technical run, often in the shade, is to be added to your checklist of black runs in the 3 Valleys if you haven't tried it yet! Preferably to be skied when the snow is fresh and the slope is groomed: in this case this slope is a treat, otherwise, prepare your thighs to go down a field of bumps!

Technical features :

  • Lenght : 1,9km
  • Average gradient : 25%
  • Altitude drop : 458m Access : Suisses or Marmottes chairlift, Vizelle Gondola

Other challenging runs in the 3 Vallées

Courchevel

Le grand couloir

The most demanding black run in the 3 Valleys, no contest!

After you’ve picked your way along the narrow, steep ridge, steel your nerves to launch yourself down the most challenging couloir in the 3 Valleys : 692m long, 350m descent and 85% gradient at its steepest… Are you ready for the ultimate thrill, reserved only for the very best skiers and snowboarders?

Characteristics :

  • Lenght : 692m,
  • Average gradient : 49%
  • Descent : 340m
  • Access : The Saulire cable car from Courchevel or Saulire Express 2 from Méribel
Courchevel

L'Eclipse

Previously known as the Jockeys' run, the track has been remodeled to host the speed events of the 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships. With a start under the Col de la Loze, we dive into the forest to the Praz for a demanding journey with two faces: a beginning of the track in the sun, open, with a view on the summits and a second part in the shade, in a sublime forest and view on the village of Le Praz. It is therefore the competition track par excellence! Imagine the athletes passing at more than 120 km, on an icy slope... Of course, nothing obliges you to run on this track and especially, the snow can only be better than during the races!

Characteristics :

  • Lenght : 3,3km
  • Average Gradient : 37%
  • Descent : 970m
  • Access : Plantrey or Bouc Blanc chairlift, Chenus Gondola
Les Menuires

LÉO LACROIX

A bucket-list black run for those in the know, Léo Lacroix is accessed from Col de la Chambre summit. The highest section is truly sublime and is followed by sweeping turns and straight schusses. Don’t miss this black run if you like varied terrain and a genuine challenge!

Characteristics :

  • Lenght : 1,6km,
  • Average gradient : 36%
  • Descent : 955m
  • Access : Via the Mont de la Chambre chairlift from Les Menuires or the Côte Brune from Méribel Mottaret
Val Thorens

Combe Caron

With a departure at 3200m and a vertical drop of 900m, this slope is one of the most prestigious of the Val Thorens area. Between the piste and the couloir, on the North face, the skiing is committed and the atmosphere, under the cables of the Cime Caron cable car is sensational.

  • Access : Cime Caron cable car, Orelle-Caron gondola
Val Thorens

COMBE DE ROSAEL

From the top of Cime Caron, the trail starts quietly before a steep slope that suddenly takes us into the Maurienne. With 500m of vertical drop over 2km, the slope is steep and the trail very long: be prepared for very technical skiing, very black! South facing, this slope is to be preferred at the beginning of the season or at the beginning of the day.

  • Access : Cime Caron cable car, Orelle-Caron gondola
Val Thorens

Cascades

A black track never groomed which will be either in bumps or in powder snow like "off-piste" the day after the snowfall. The ice cascades formed on the surrounding rocks will give a very special atmosphere to this run. The first world champion in moguls in 1986, Eric Berthon, a native of Val Thorens, trained on this run!

  • Access : Cascades chairlift, Péclet ou Lac Blanc chairlift
123456

practical information

Free delivery
Collect your skipass in resort or delivery to your address (6 days for France, 8 days for Europe, 10 days for other countries).
Free cancellation
By quick request (no later than the evening before your 1st day skiing), you can have your ski pass refunded or exchanged.
Contact
Our team is available 7 days a week during the winter season. We're ready and waiting to give advice and help you choose the best solution to make the most of your ski or snowboard holiday. E-mail: contact@s3v.com
Generalinformation
Ski area opening
Méribel & 3 Vallées
from 7th December 2024 to 21st April 2025.
Show pricing
Newsletter
Blog, inspiration, ski pass offers:
Stay in touch with the S3V!
Subscribe
Legal Notices
Find our legal notice, general terms & conditions, special terms and conditions - online sales and privacy policy.
More information
Sitemap
Find our site map here.
More information

Website weight reduced

Number of pictures reduced

ECO-CONCEPTION | This site has been eco-designed to minimize its environmental impact and maximize your shopping experience.