The longest runs in the 3 Valleys
The 3 longest runs in Méribel
Mont Vallon to the snow front
The red Combe du Vallon piste is undoubtedly Méribel’s jewel: a long red run, with its bends and drops, with an incredible panorama over the Tueda Natural Reserve and the valley below.If you continue to Méribel Centre on the Ours piste then the Truite, you have a whole 11km of piste awaiting your turns, one of the longest groomed runs in the 3 Valleys! A wild voyage with top quality skiing on cold snow, thanks to its northerly aspect.
If you have never been to the top of Mont Vallon, now is the time to make amends: a view of the largest glacier in the 3 Valleys, where you can make out its crevasses and seracs. Easily-accessible high-altitude ambience, not to be missed for anything in the world. The piste then gives way to the whole valley below, with the Tueda lake of the natural reserve in the foreground, then over Mottaret, Méribel and all the villages of the valley. Continuing on the Ours blue run you can take a moment to observe the natural environment, with Arolla pines of which some are over 100 years old, and the snow-covered Tueda lake on the right. A gentle descent which gives those legs a break after the Combe du Vallon red run!
Upon arrival in Méribel-Mottaret, you join up with the Truite piste: a green run through the forest. Even though it’s a green and you’re a great skier, it’s still a treat for the eyes! Book your ski pass in Méribel now.
- From Méribel-Mottaret: take the Plattières gondola, then continue with the Mont Vallon gondola.
- From Méribel Centre: take the Legends chairlift, followed by the Tougnete chairlift. Then take the Châtelet chairlift and finally the Mont Vallon gondola.
Col de la Chambre down to Méribel-Mottaret
The Lac de la Chambre blue run offers a long skiing escape through the heart of Méribel. At 4.434 km, it is one of the longest blue runs in the area, with a route that invites you to take your time and enjoy every turn.
The trail winds its way through the mountains, between wide-open panoramas and snow-covered slopes. A gentle descent that is perfect for looking up, admiring the peaks surrounding the valley and enjoying the feeling of freedom that comes with long alpine runs.
To extend your descent, continue onto the blue Ours run all the way to the Méribel-Mottaret snow front. The run then continues gently towards the resort, offering a final stretch through a beautifully preserved natural environment.
- From Méribel-Mottaret: take the Plattières gondola, then continue with the Côte Brune gondola.
- From Méribel-Centre: take the Legends chairlift, followed by the Tougnete chairlift. Then take the Châtelet chairlift, followed by the Côte Brune gondola.
Saulire down to Méribel Centre
Georges Mauduit, an internationally renowned skier in the 1960s gave his name to this eminent descent: a challenging red run with over 1000m of vertical drop, one of the longest black-level pitches on the Saulire side.
It starts at the top of Saulire, with its 360° panorama, and goes all the way to Méribel centre. Take some time to look around at the surrounding peaks and allez, off you go for a red descent on a slope that’s set apart from the others, a real gem when the snow is cold. The piste alternates between steeper and less steep straights, and takes you on a journey through all Méribel’s scenery, even passing an picturesque hidden hamlet.
- From Méribel-Mottaret: take the Pas du Lac gondola.
- From Méribel Centre: take the Saulire Express gondola.
The 3 longest runs in the 3 Valleys
The Combe de Saulire piste all the way down to Le Praz in Courchevel
This Combe de la Saulire red run is one of the absolute classics of Courchevel for multiple reasons. The run is long, very wide and undulating, a 5-star spot to try out your best carving turns!
It begins at the summit of La Saulire, the link between Courchevel and Méribel, and ends at the bottom of the Vizelle gondola. But for an even longer descent, continue down through Courchevel 1850 all the way to Le Praz, via the red run, Brigues.
At the start, you reach one of the highest points of the run with that ‘on top of the world’ mood and an almost 360° panorama over the French Alps: Mont Blanc (4806m), Grande Casse (3855m), La Meije (3984m), Les Ecrins (4102m) etc. Take the time to drink it all in, let your eyes travel between the endless white peaks. The ‘bonus extra’ in this view: when an inversion creeps up the valley and you find yourself looking down on it. A gift from nature.
This slope takes us to Courchevel 1850, the most chic of all the French resorts, before winding into the forest between the century-old épicéa pines. An extra special moment on this piste: after recent snow, when these magnificent trees are covered in a white blanket, giving you the impression of being in Lapland or Canada. Another of nature’s gifts!
Access from Méribel: "Pas du Lac" gondola or "Saulire Express" gondola. Find the 3 Valleys ski pass that best suits your plans and preferences.
Bouquetin piste in la Masse in Les Menuires
Take this blue run for an accessible and fun ride, one of the longest blue runs of the area… For those who don’t want to do it in one go!
3,2,1… Go! From the top of the famous 3 Valleys peak, La Pointe de la Masse. Taking just 8 minutes to travel 1000m in altitude, the recently updated gondola has made this former wilderness much more accessible, and it has quickly become an unmissable part of the 3 Valleys experience. Whilst you’re up there, check out the terrace: the view is out of this world, and you can discover the names of all the other peaks surrounding you.
After a quick photo with the giant wooden ibex (“bouquetin” in French) in front of the Encombres valley with the Maurienne as a backdrop, you can cruise down the blue Bouquetin piste. It is often in excellent condition thanks to its aspect. Put in your best carving turns and don’t stop until the end! But don’t forget to lift your head and admire the sublime views as well… For a wilder option, finish your descent with the Envers piste which takes you to the edge of this area. Or for a fun option, try the Friendly Natural Park and get to know the local fauna!
Access from Méribel-Mottaret: Take the Plattières gondola, followed by the Bouquetin chairlift. Ski down to Les Menuires, cross La Croisette, and continue to the Masse gondola.
Col de l’Audzin piste from the depart of Cime Caron in Val Thorens
With a starting point at 3200m, this unmissable Val Thorens run offers a steep and technical challenge and a mountain pass. Real adventure skiing with incredible views!
It's also a good pretext to go up to one of the iconic 3 Valleys summits: the Cime Caron, at 3200m altitude. You’re in a lunar landscape: no pine trees in sight, let alone a forest. Only mountains, dark cliffs and white slopes. Accessible high altitude exploration, you can’t say no to that.
After having started the run with a little trip into the Maurienne valley, we recommend the blue run Gentiane: it is wide with an ideal incline, let your hair down and feel those edges grip!
Access from Méribel-Mottaret: Take the Plattières gondola, followed by the Côte Brune gondola. Then ski down to Val Thorens, take the Caron gondola, and finally the Cime Caron cable car.
