The best off-piste skiing | Val Thorens and the Three-Valleys
The Three-Valleys is the largest ski area in the world and has some incredible off piste terrain. The majority of skiing in the resort is above 1800m meaning great snowfall and amazing powder days. On this page we will highlight some of our favourite off-piste areas in each valley. Though please do not venture off-piste without a guide or the basic avalanche safety equipment. Avalanches are extremely dangerous and if you don't know what you are doing you are putting your life in danger. A professional guide will keep you and your group safe and help you have more fun than you could ever imagine.
Val Thorens Valley Off Piste Areas
Roc de Fer to Saint Martin de Belleville - If you head into the Meribel Valley and take the Olympic chairlift you can ski directly off the chairlift into some of the nicest powder fields in the Three-Valleys that takes you to Saint Martin de Belleville. Head back left toward the Bioley piste where you will be able to pick up the Saint Martin Express lift.
Col du Pierre Lory - From the Bouchet chairlift ski straight ahead and traverse too the right. You will then see a wide opening for the col which is very steep but due to its high altitude offers some incredible snow. Due to the high avalanche risk we wouldn't advise skiing this area without a guide.
Lac du Lu - As you exit the Cime de Caron lift head toward the black piste called Combe de Rosael. Where the piste veers off to the left exit the piste to your right, you will then see a yellow sign notifying you that you're off piste. There are lots of route to explore in this area and the snow is incredible so book a guide and enjoy this incredible terrain.
Meribel Valley Off Piste Areas
Mont Vallon - if you take the Mont Vallon bubble on a powder day you will see plenty of tracks underneath the cable car. This area is easily accessed from the piste. However you need to be extra careful as this area can be rocky. Also once you are in the powder field stay left and head back to the piste because if you stay off piste for too long you will need to hike back to the lift.
Dent du Burgin - this area can be easily accessed via the Loze or Dent du Burgin chairlifts. If you take the Loze, ski down the Boulevard de la Loze and drip off to your right. There is plenty of wonderful skiing to be done here. Though never ski down the Boulevard if it is closed, there are regular avalanches above this piste. This is why it is so important to ski with a guide.
Cote Brune - "Cold Brune" as it is known by British seasonaires is a chairlift that connects Meribel to Val Thorens. Underneath this chairlift is plenty of amazing off-piste. The mountain safety team have a hut at the top of this chairlift and they will happily give you advice on where is safe to ski.
Courchevel Valley Off Piste Areas
Dou des Lanches - As you take the Dou des Lanches chairlift you will see some lots of skiers on a powder day. This is a high-risk of avalanches in this area but given the right conditions it can be some of the best skiing in the Three-valleys. A local guide will also be able to guide you through the trees down to La Tania which again can be so much fun.
Chanrossa - The chanrossa chairlift also offers some very accessible off-piste. Again this is a high-risk area so please ensure you have the correct safety equipment and you know how to use it. From the top of the chairlift you can hike to the top of Pyramide and ski the north face into Courchevel Moriond.
Saulire - From the top of the Saulire cable car you can ski the world famous couloirs down to the piste. These are very steep and therefore only open when the conditions are right. As they are so popular we advice you head there as early as possible to beat the crowds and get the fresh tracks.
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Val Thorens, Les Menuires/ St Martin & Three Valley | Downloadable Piste Map
- 16/07/20 Val Thorens Piste Map
- 16/07/20 Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville Piste Map
- 16/07/20 Three-Valleys Piste Map