The most challenging black runs in the 3 valleys

The 6 most demanding black runs
in Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires & Val Thorens

Calling all adrenaline junkies, those with a daredevil streak and anyone who loves to challenge their mates… Our selection of the 6 most exhilerating black runs in the 3 Valleys is NOT for the faint-hearted!

Get those ski legs ready, they’re about to get very warm…

1. Le Grand Couloir - Courchevel

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?

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   LENGHT: 692m
AVERAGE GRADIENT: 49%
  DESCENT: 340m
  ACCESS: The Saulire cable car from Courchevel or Saulire Express 2 from Méribel
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2. La Face - Méribel

Quite simply: the piste of champions!

With its mix of steep slopes and wider spaces, you can really harness the energy and power of the female skiers who flew down this piste in the Albertville Olympic Games in 1992 to cross finish line and take their places on the podium!
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   LENGHT : 1822m
  AVERAGE GRADIENT : 30%
  DESCENT : 475m
ACCESS : The Olympic Express chairlift
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3. Jockeys - Courchevel

Situated well off the beaten track, this piste is a pure pleasure to ski, involving a challenging descent which will get your heart pumping whilst being surrounded by the sublime tranquillity of the forest! Lined with frosted pines and overlooking the Le Praz lake, Jockeys is a suitably difficult 1.5km long and has an average gradient of 45%. Don’t miss your opportunity to ski this mythical black run on your visit to the 3 Valleys!
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   LENGHT : 1393m
  AVERAGE GRADIENT : 37%
  DESCENT : 465m
ACCESS: Forêt chairlift from Le Praz or the La Tania gondola
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4. Bartavelle - Méribel Mottaret

Perfect snow is guaranteed on this north-facing black run which is named after a local species – the Rock Partridge. It’s time to unleash your animal instincts!

Soaring down this black piste, you’ll have to navigate moguls whilst enduring the unrelentless downhill slope; it will really put those legs to the test! If you can manage to lift your eyes from the snow for a second or two, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc.

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   LENGHT : 1259m
  AVERAGE GRADIENT : 43%
  DESCENT : 408m
ACCESS : Roc de Tougne chairlift from Méribel Mottaret

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5. GoPro Couloir - Méribel

Love to feel the rush of adrenaline through your veins?

Test your nerve on the legendary Tournier Couloir. Standing on the summit of Saulire, your nerves will tingle as you gaze down into this vertiginous ‘couloir’ or alley, which clocks up a gradient of 75% in places. If you fancy yourself as a freerider, this un-pisted run is classic terrain to capture some impressive footage of your skills, hence the sponsorship by GoPro!
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   LENGHT : 529m
  AVERAGE GRADIENT: 43%
  DESCENT: 208m
ACCESS : The Saulire cable car from Courchevel or Saulire Express 2 from Méribel

6. Léo Lacroix - Vallée des Belleville - Les Menuires

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!
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   LENGHT : 1 600m
  AVERAGE GRADIENT: 36 %
  DESCENT: 955m
ACCESS : Via the Mont de la Chambre chairlift from Les Menuires or the Côte Brune from Méribel Mottaret
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