Category Archives: Snowboard

What’s new in the Three Valleys 2019/20

Discover what is new in the 3 Valleys this winter – Season 2019/20

Every year the resorts across the Three Valleys bring new upgrades to their ski areas, resorts and event offerings.

The 2019/20 winter season is no different with new runs, lifts and entertainment.

New runs in the Three Valleys

Meribel is opening two new red runs open in the Roc de Fer area at the top of the Olympic chairlift.

Up until now, this area has been served by blue slopes and the notorious black fun Face. The new runs will be called Gypaete and Daguet which can also be accessed from the Cherferie lift.

What's new in the Three Valleys 2019/20

READ MORE: A GUIDE TO SOME OF THE BEST PISTES IN THE THREE VALLEYS

New ski zones in the Three Valleys

As more and more of us want freeride to be easier to access and safer Courchevel and Meribel are introducing such zones.

Meribel is upgrading its “Back to the Wild” freeride zone that can be found on the north-facing Mont de la Challe sector. Skiiers can access area that is area via the Roc de Tougne chair.

Courchevel is revamping the Creux Noirs area that was closed for the 2018/19 season.

It will reopen as an ungroomed controlled freeride area under the name The Freeride Lab and will be accessed by a new 350m drag lift that replaces the very dated chairlift.

Starting at the 2700m peak will be two red runs and one black run, but it also means better access to some of the areas best off-piste. This is a welcome return.

New Ski lifts in the Three Valleys.

In addition to the new Creux Noirs new drag lift Courchevel are making it easier for skiers to commute from Le Praz.

A new €27 million lift will depart from Le Praz and arrive directly into La Croisette complex in Courchevel centre. This will make it easier for skiers to get to the Plantrey chairlift, the slopes and the resort

The base of the lift will also feature a multi-use centre that includes parking and a children’s activity zone.

St Martin de Belleville is upgrading Saint Martin 1 gondola that is the main lift out of the village.

It will replace all the old cabins and increase lift speed further, and capacity will rise from 1,800 to 2,400 people per hour.

More snowmaking in Meribel

To serve the growing army of snowmaking machines that keep the ski slopes white more water is needed.

Meribel has expanded two reservoirs to help increase snowmaking on the Bouvreuil Rouge, Mûres Rouge, sections of Combe du Vallon, Choucas.

New for Families in the Three Valleys

The Yeti park in Meribel-Mottaret has introduced a no skis area so children can run around, play blow Himilyan horns, have a snack and chill out.

And in the Family Cool area near the Meribel Altiport, there will be a load of free entertainment during the school holidays.

Activities will include eagle shows, ice carving, biathlon taster sessions and other surprises.

More picnic areas in the Three Valleys

After the success of the log cabin picnic spot, Cabane des Trappeurs, Meribel are introducing the Refuge at the bottom of the Lagopède piste.

Its worth remembering that the Cabane des Trappeurs doesn’t just provide seating there is also glove-warmers and smartphone chargers.

New Bars in the Three Valleys

Val Thorens is opening a new Igloo village that will be home to an ice bar for drinks and a restaurant serving mountain classics like fondue.

Meribel welcomed the return of the popular Jacks bar. It’s absence last winter was noticed by all.

This winter it will open in a new home across the road from the Chaudanne in the building that previously housed the Meribar.


If you are thinking about skiing in the Three Valleys this winter take a look at our accommodation in La Tania and Meribel.


Three Valleys Piste Guide

A guide to some of the best pistes in the Three Valleys – Run Recommendations

Three Valleys Piste Guide

There are 321 pistes in the 3 Valleys, so choosing which runs to do can be a bit of a headache without a guide.

To help we have compiled a quick guide of pistes that have been recommended and are well worth trying out next time you are skiing in Meribel, Val Thorens or Courchevel.

All these runs have been recommended by regular skiers to the area and tested by us.

Guide to Blue Pistes in The Three Valleys

Loze

Three Valleys Piste Guide

The Loze runs from the top of the chairlift of the same name. The lift starts and the run ends in the Altiport area of Meribel and starts where La Tania and Meribel meet.

The piste zigzags it way down the mountain and after several hairpins, you will find yourself in the trees before an exhilarating flatline to the bottom of the lift.

Keep your eyes peeled on the run for dragons, hammocks and activities. It definitely ranks among the more challenging blue runs in the area.

Folyeres

Three Valleys Piste Guide

You maybe forgiven for giving this run a miss. On paper, it looks like an essential run to use if you are staying in La Tania and need to get back to your accommodation.

However, we would say that this a must to do run as it is so much fun. It is a fast run through the trees ending in the middle of La Tania. It is also a great run if it is a whiteout.

If your there at the right time grab some lunch and catch some rays outside the Ski Lodge.

You should also double this up by skiing down the equally fun and often untouched Lanches red run that feeds into the top of the Folyeres

Gelinotte & Choucas

Three Valleys Piste Guide

The Gelinotte is wide and underused run that starts midway up the side of the Valley at the top of the Roc de Fer chair and comes directly back into the Chaudanne area of Meribel.

A great run for beginners who aren’t looking to stray too far from the centre of town. The downside to this piste is that the chair that serves the run is pretty slow, however, you do get a great view of the Stade de Slalom.

You can extend the run by catching a second lift, (Olympic) to the top of the mountain and enjoying the Choucas piste directly to the top of the Gelinotte.

Jerusalem

Three Valleys Piste Guide

This legendary run has recently been reclassified as a blue run but it is still truly epic. It runs from the top of the Meribel/Saint-Martin link down into Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.

From the long wide corners to the fast straight sections and the incredibly fun rollers that appear throughout, this is one of the best runs in the area.

No trip to the area is complete without a hoon down this run.

Creux

Three Valleys Piste Guide

This is on many people’s list of top runs in the 3 Valleys and for a very good reason. It is a thoroughly enjoyable run.

The start is quite challenging for a blue run and it is often quite crowded but there is plenty of space and it is easy to pick your line.

As you get towards the bottom of the first section the crowds seem to disappear and you can start to pick up more speed as you go under the Creux Noir char down into the valley that divides the Courchevel ski areas up.

There is a fun compression before you pass the Chanrossa lift station and once you have passed that you can put in big carving turns all the way down the Aguille du Fruit chair.


To listen to a podcast that features all this runs click on the box below or follow the link to iTunes.

Listen on iTunes


Guide to Red Pistes in The Three Valleys

Combe Saulire

Three Valleys Piste Guide

This runs down the face of the Saulire mountain underneath the Courchevel gondola and it is an incredible run. It is one of the fastest and widest runs in the 3 Valleys.

Due to its location, it is heavily used, especially in the afternoon as it is the easiest way back to Courchevel. For that reason, we recommend putting it at the beginning of your ski day while it is still groomed.

As you speed down this run take some time to enjoy the magnificent couloirs to your left and the stunning view of the valley and Mt Blanc in the distance.

Mont Vallon

If you’re staying in Meribel you must head up Mt Vallon. Firstly the vistas of the Vanoise National Park are incredible.

But primarily the runs down, Combe du Vallon and Campagnol are fun and challenging. Due to the location, they also make you feel like your actually skiing down a mountain.

Guide to Black Pistes in The Three Valleys

Muir

A secret little black run that glides past the Courchevel Altiport down into the Valley.

We like this run as very few people use it and there are some interesting features as you drop down past the tree line.

It is a challenge, but isn’t too long and makes a great place for skiers who are looking to build up their confidence on a black run that is not very busy.

M

This is a monster of a black run and runs from the top of the Vizelle bubble to the bottom. There are multiple routes to take down but try and stick to M.

The run is fairly steep all the way down and will work you hard, especially if it hasn’t been maintained regularly.

The challenge is rewarded by a big wide exit at the base of the run right by the cable car so you are ready to do it again.

Rocher Grises

Rocher Grises

To get to this black run you take the Creux Noir chair. At the top there are some stunning views and a choice of runs down, the red called Creux Noir will take you down to Meribel or you can take the Rocher Grises that splits into a red and black.

If you like MPV size moguls then this is the run for you. If you are an intermediate you will look down and feel overwhelmed, a little scared and ultimately pretty pleased with yourself.

Advanced skiers will relish the challenge that this steep run offers. Due to the location of the run, the snow is generally in good condition which allows you to really dig your edges in when needed.

It is worth mentioning that this is one of the areas guaranteed powder areas… which means that it is left ungroomed after fresh snow.

Jockeys

Another piste that is dismissed as a just a home run. Jockeys starts at the top of the Foret chair and winds its way back down to the station of Le Praz, home to the Olympic ski jump.

The run is left ungroomed after a snowfall and maintained for the rest of the time. During periods of low snowfall, the run can be a bit icey.

However, when the run is in top condition it is fast and a lot of fun.


If you want a base to explore the Three Valleys and these recommended runs our catered chalets in Meribel and La Tania are located perfectly.


Meribel – A History in Numbers

The History of Meribel in Numbers

We are pretty proud that Alpine Action is celebrating its 25th winter but it isn’t all about us Meribel is 80 this season! And Meribel has a lot of History.

In 1938 the first lift opened along with the first accommodation, Chalet Doran the following year and all this was the start of what would become the Three Valleys.

Peter Lindsay a British Colonel and the passionate skier is credited in realising the potential of the Allues valley and the development of Meribel.

Meribel in Numbers

31 Number of seats on the sledge that was the resorts original ski lift. It was named the Red Dragon.

1950 The year that the Saulire was opened as a link to Courchevel

30 the angle all roofs must be on buildings in the resort.

40,000 – Number of guest per week during the winter season

40 – Percentage of skiers that are British

1:52.55 Winning time at the 1992 Winter Olympics Women’s downhill set by Kerrin Lee-Gartner
for Canada held in Meribel.

57 Number of Chalets and hotels in Meribel in 1954

36,00 Current number of beds in resort

1:29.87 Winning time at the 2015 FIS Women’s downhill set by Lindsay Vonn held in Meribel.

4 Number of lifts in in 1955

30 The number it took to install a the first chairlift

15 Meribel is comprised of a cluster of villages along the Valley

25 Is the number of years Alpine Action has been operating in Meribel


Come and join us for a ski holiday in one of the best and oldest ski resorts in France. Check out all our catered ski chalets in Meribel. 


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

The skies are looking moody in the 3 Valleys this week, as we eagerly anticipate the next snow fall. Conditions are still very good, with on-piste skiing compact and well groomed.

As we move into February, in preparation of the school holidays the children’s fun zones are really taking shape across the 3 Valleys. The Piste Inuit in Meribel’s Altiport is now up and running with lots of fun features and activities to entertain the whole family. The NEW Elements Park at the top of the Plan de l’homme chair lift, is also starting to take shape and we are awaiting the opening.

Temperatures are varied over the next 14 days with highs of around 8 degrees and lows of -3. However, towards the weekend we are seeing temperatures plummet with highs of -7 and lows of -11. Wind chill is forecast at a body shivering -18 for Saturday – don’t forget your ski buff!

Credit to: Snowforecast.com
Credit to: Le Meteo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit to: Le Meteo

The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 23cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 100cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 80cm at resort level (1850m) and 170cm at Altitude (2700m).

Avalanche risk is 2 out of 5

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Monday 30th
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Jay Tamkin – 5pm
Meribar: Conor Owen – 4:30pm
Evolution: Mardy Johnny Depps – 10pm

Tuesday 31st
Market day in Meribel centre

Live Music
Jacks Bar: Daisy B – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Bring Your Sisters – 4:30pm
Meribar: Hobo Chic – 4:30pm
Evolution: Hobo Chic – 10pm
Scotts: Sian Hayley-Smith – 10pm
Doron Pub: The Slopes 11pm
O’Sullivans: Bring Your Sisters – 12am

Wednesday 1st
Live Music
Jacks Bar: The Mardy Johnny Depps – 5pm & Wingmen – 6pm
Meribar: Bring Your Sisters – 4:30pm
The Rond Point: Bubble & Crisp – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Hobo Chic – 4:30pm
Doron Pub: Wingmen 11pm

Thursday 2nd
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret

♫Live Music♫
Jacks Bar: Hobo Chic – 5pm
Meribar: Blazin Strings – 4:30pm
Lodge du Village: Rob Cross – 4:30pm
Doron Pub: Gareth & Westy – 11pm
La Taverne: Bubble & Crisp – 10pm
Lodge du Village: Two Far Cajon – 10:30pm
O’Sullivan’s: Mountain Movers – 12am

Friday 3rd
♫Live Music♫
Meribar: Wingmen – 4:30pm

What’s on this week in La Tania

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Last minute availability

If you like what you see and want to escape rainy England for the snowy Alps, then check out our latest offers and availability. We have limited spaces in Meribel and La Tania from the 18th February onwards. Hopefully we will be welcoming you to the 3 Valleys soon!

 

 

 

 


The Alpine Bake Off: Chocolate Cake Week

One of the best things about a Chalet Holiday is coming back to your warm cosy Chalet after a day on the slopes and tucking into a freshly baked afternoon tea cake. Our guests are always asking for our recipes, so after much persuasion, our brilliant Resort Manager Tom let us in on his trade secrets and has allowed us to publish his recipes.

This week it’s a firm favourite… CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Serves 10
Preparation time 10 minutes
Cooking time 30 to 40 minutes

Ingredients:
* 1 pot plain yoghurt

* 1 pot sugar

* 3 eggs

* ¾ pot vegetable oil

* 2 pots raising flour

* 1 pot cocoa powder

* 1 tsp raising agent

For the icing:
* 70g icing sugar, sifted

* 30g cocoa powder

* 3 tbsp warm water

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Gas mark 4.

2. Brush a round cake tin with melted butter and dust with flour.

3. Place all ingredients in a large bowl & whisk, ensuring that the mixture is very smooth.

4. Spoon the mix into the prepared tin and bake for about 30-40 minutes in the oven.

5. Allow to cool slightly and then turn out onto a cooling rack.

6. For the icing place the coco and icing sugar add the water a little at time mixing until smooth then spread over the cake.

7. Dust with icing sugar or decorate like our fabulous Chalet Host Chloe from Chalet Chez Menor did for Christmas.

Chloe’s Snowman skiing Christmas cake
Chloe’s Christmas Day Chocolate Cake
Afternoon Tea in Chalet Chez Menor

 


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

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