Advanced Ski Routes
Steep skiing
The steepest readily accessible skiing in the Three Valleys is to be found in the group of famous couloirs dropping off the peak La Saulire into the Courchevel valley. The Grand Couloir is the easiest as it is relatively wide, although you will have to tackle some big moguls on the way down, and the entrance is a little hairy along a narrow path. If you are keen for more, head back up and try the Couloirs directly below the Saulire cable car. To ski the last Couloir in the group, you will need climbing gear and it is advisable to take a guide to show you the way in.
Head for Val Thorens and try some runs off the north facing peak Cime de Caron (3200m) with the black Combe de Caron served by the impressive 150 person cable car Caron, it is a fabulous run down, with great snow all season. Alternatively lower down the same valley above Les Menuires there is some excellent stuff off the peak La Masse (2804m). The black La Masse run usually has excellent snow and is a great route down. This area of the 3 valleys is very often quiet due to it being predominantly red, black and itinerary runs.
Downhill speed
You may like to test your Meribel skiing ability on the two Olympic runs in the valley, the ladies slalom and downhill on the Roc de Fer opposite Meribel. This run, La Face, black piste is an excellent run serviced by two high speed quads the Roc de Fer and the aptly named Olympic Express. The best time to test your speed is first thing in the morning when it has been groomed overnight, by the afternoon it tends to get bumpy and icy.
Off piste
Off piste skiing can be enjoyed all season long. The skiing possibilities are limitless, and the chance to ski anything from waist deep powder to fabulous spring snow in March & April. You can hire an instructor for the day to act as a guide and split the cost between you. The daily instructor rate is 350/400€ per day and equates to around 60€ for 6 sharing. If there is only a couple of you or you are by yourself, the ESF run a daily ski guiding programme called the Ski Hors Piste, 93€ for the day or 62€ for 4hours. They will guide you off piste and give you some instruction tips as well.
Bumps
For those who enjoy skiing moguls look no further than the black Bartavelle above Mottaret on the right hand side of the Meribel valley. Take the short Combes chair out of Mottaret ski down to the right to connect with the double drag Roc de Tougne servicing Bartavelle. Try also the black runs Suisse in Courchevel 1850. At the end of your busy ski day go and relax in one of our Meribel ski chalets and let the Ski Blanc staff look after you.
For those new to the 3 Valleys check out this very comprehensive guide to the 3 valleys, kindly put together by long term 'saisonaire' Rob Smart Meribel Unplugged Advanced ski guide. Useful information to help you get the best of the 3 valleys. Advice for all levels.