The most challenging black runs in les 3 Vallées

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

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

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

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

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

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