Tag Archives: Courchevel

Get ski fit for your ski holiday

Get ski fit for your ski holiday

Ski for longer and ski better

Being ski fit for your ski holiday is essential for several reasons. It enhances your performance by improving your strength, endurance, balance, and agility, allowing you to ski with control and efficiency.

The biggest impact that being fit for your ski holiday will be that you will enjoy your time on the slopes even more. You will be able to take on bigger challenges, explore the whole of the Three Valleys and not get the midweek energy slump. 

To help we asked our friends to make us a fitness video to ensure you are ski fit. So get ready for skiing and improve your muscular endurance, flexibility, strength and mobility so you can ski for longer and ski better.

Alpine Action Ski Fit Video

10-minute ski fit workout for Alpine Action from fitness guru Bay Fitness.

Start these exercise 4 weeks before your trip and do each exercise for 1 minute every day.

If you’re not too fit to start with you can perform each exercise for 20 seconds and build up until you can manage the full minute.


Take a look at all our chalets for 2023/24


Ski fitness breakdown

Exercise One – The Running Man
Exercise Two – Curtsey Lunge
Exercise Three – Side Step Squat
Exercise Four – Yoga Long Lunge
Exercise Five – Parallel Ski Jump
Exercise Six – Lunge and High Kick
Exercise Seven – Forward Diametric Jump
Exercise Eight – The Hindu Squat
Exercise Nine – The Dance of Warrior Two
Exercise Ten – Lunge and Rotate
Ski with www.alpineaction.co.uk

Get ski fit with www.bayfitness.co.uk

Ski Fitness app and workout

Ski Fitness Apps and Online workouts

There are plenty of other ways to get your fitness ready for skiing, like a fitness app. You may be using one to help you train and stay fit already, so check to see if you can tailor your workouts to improve the muscles and endurance you need for skiing.


SnowFit:

Prepare yourself for the upcoming skiing and snowboarding season with SnowFit workouts. These tailored exercises target your legs, arms, core, back, balance, mobility, and cardio fitness, ensuring you are in top shape. With seven workouts available, each offering multiple levels of difficulty, you can customize your training to suit your fitness level and goals. With over four hours of exercise in total, SnowFit provides a comprehensive fitness program to get you ready for the slopes.

Download the app

SkiFit:

SkiFit is designed specifically for skiers to improve their fitness and performance on the slopes. They also offer customized training plans, workout videos, and exercises targeting ski-specific muscles.

Watch SkiFit Videos

SkierFit:

The SkierFit app, available at joinfitapp.com, offers a specialized program designed to improve your fitness for skiing. The app provides a comprehensive training plan with exercises targeting the specific muscles and movements used in skiing. SkierFit focuses on enhancing your strength, endurance, balance, and agility to optimize your performance on the slopes. The program includes a variety of workouts and training sessions suitable for different fitness levels. By following the SkierFit program, you can enhance your skiing abilities, prevent injuries, and make the most of your ski adventures.

Try the SkierFit app

Get ski fit

Ski Yoga

We are big advocates of Yoga or Snowga here at Alpine Action. We know that it helps strengthen muscles used for skiing and makes you more flexible, which is a big bonus for skiers.

Here are two of our favourite ski-focused yoga sessions on YouTube.

The first is this gentle one from the Ski improvement app Carv.

The second is a more intense yoga session from Erin at Five Parks Yoga. Quite a few of us in the team have been known to do this one religiously every week before and during the ski seasons.

Olympic skiers workouts

Bode Miller

If you’re looking for something more hardcore, you could check Bode Miller’s hardcore skiing workout.

Bode Miller’s workout

The workout includes a combination of exercises targeting the legs, core, and upper body, with an emphasis on explosive movements and functional training. Miller incorporates various activities such as weightlifting, plyometrics, balance exercises, and cardio workouts to improve his overall fitness and skiing performance. By following his rigorous routine, skiers can gain inspiration and ideas for their own training programs, aiming to enhance their skills and excel in the thrilling world of skiing.

Chemmy Alcott

Chemmy Alcott had a remarkable career as a British alpine ski racer, competing in multiple Winter Olympic Games and World Championships. She specialized in the speed events of downhill and super-G, where she showcased her exceptional skills and daring approach.

You can discover some of her secrets in this short Ski fitness video she made for the Ski Club or Great Britain.

Apres ski fitness

We have saunas or hot tubs in most our chalets. To some they are a relaxing treat at the end of the ski day. But they also have a real benifit for your body after a fun day on the slopes.

Saunas and hot tubs benefit skiers by promoting muscle relaxation, improving circulation, relieving stress, aiding in detoxification, and providing joint and pain relief. They offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience that helps skiers recover faster and enhance their overall well-being.

Ski fit hot tub
Chalet Serpolet

DISCOVER ALL OUR CATERED MERIBEL SKI CHALETS


La Tania: The complete resort guide.

You will find La Tania ski resort nestled in the trees on the lower slopes of the 3 Valleys ski area, just below the legendary alpine resort of Courchevel.

The village is much smaller than its neighbours of Val Thorens, Courchevel, and Meribel, but it is its size that gives it that familiarity and charm that keeps skiers returning to it every winter.

La Tania was developed into a ski resort in the 1990s. Its original purpose was to host the press and athletes during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Which is why the centre is focused on large apartment buildings. Once the games had passed the village grew into a more traditional alpine village full of small chalets.

Today La Tania ski village is a busy place in the winter with a car-free centre with pistes that run into the village allowing you to ski close to your door. It has also built a reputation as a less expensive place for ski holidays while still having access to the 3 Valleys.

Season Opening dates – You can ski La Tania from the middle of December to the third week in April.

La Tania Ski Village

The resort centre is a snowy pedestrianised zone that catches the afternoon sun. The three main ski runs converge here. It is where you will find the bars, restaurants, and shops. There is also a free drag lift for beginners.

Other popular amenities and services you will find in La Tania are a Tourist office, bakery, deli, Tabac, min market, ATM/cash machine, and ski hire. For other services and a wider range of shops head up to Courchevel.

La Tania Ski Area

One of the big attractions of La Tania is the access to the Three Valleys. From the village, you can catch the gondola to the bottom of the Bouc Blanc red piste, it is from here you have plenty of options to access the rest of the ski area.

Catch the Dou des Lanches to drop down into Méribel or ski down a bit and get on the Bouc Blanc chair for direct access to Courchevel 1850. For the more adventurous you can tackle the amazing Jockeys run down to the new bubble in Courchevel Le Praz.

READ OUR FULL GUIDE TO SKIING LA TANIA AND THE 3 VALLEYS

Skiing or snowboarding back into La Tania is great fun and you have the choice of 3 pistes to choose from. There is the blue run called Folyeres that snakes through the forest. The Moretta Blanche is a red that is great fun, you can combine it with the higher up Lanches or Bouc blanc for one of the area’s epic descents. For the newer skier and children, there is the Plan Fontaine green slope that weaves into the resort from the top of the gondola.

Download a La Tania piste map

The other great thing about staying in La Tania is the proximity of the pistes to most of the accommodation. There are plenty of ski in ski out properties lining the runs and down in the centre. But if you aren’t staying in one of these you are unlikely to be any more than a 6-minute walk to the lifts or runs.

Snowmaking and Snow Condition in La Tania

Due to its unique location on the mountain snow is pretty much guaranteed on the slopes as the trees help to shade the snow keeping it fresh throughout the season. The lower slopes in La Tania have a season average coverage of around 85cm.

For added reassurance, all the ski runs in the La Tania area are covered by snow cannons which allows ski holidays to be booked throughout the season without the worry of not being able to ski into the resort.

GET AN UP TO DATE LA TANIA SNOW REPORT

Aprés Ski in La Tania

Aprés ski in La Tania is dominated by the Pub Le Ski Lodge. You will find this popular bar at the foot of the slopes into the resort. At lunchtime, it is the perfect spot for sunbathing and eating. Then off to the slopes, it is a great aprés spot, with happy hour (4 pm to 6 pm), drinks promos, and live music every weekday. There is also live music in the evenings. Opening times 10 am- 2 am.

The Chrome bar is a no-frills bar close to the slopes that is popular with locals. It has a range of beers and cocktails. There is live music occasionally throughout the week.

Eating Out in La Tania

The Three Valleys has a good reputation for eating out and despite its size, there are some nice spots to eat.

Up on the slopes try the Bouc Blanc. During the day the restaurant and terrace can be found drenched in sun at the top of the La Tania gondola. Look on any review site and this place gets five stars every time. It serves traditional alpine food at a better price than many of the other slope-side restaurants in Courchevel.

Down in the resort of La Tania, you can head back to Pub Le Ski Lodge where you can get a Full English in the morning or pick from one of its infamous burgers during the lunch break.

In the evening you should book a table at La Taiga. An intimate restaurant that you can find opposite the La Trokia lift. The food on offer is a mix of traditional Savoyard, local produce, and modern dishes. You could eat here many times and feel you have had a different style of food every time. Take a look at their menu.

Don’t forget you can access all the bars and restaurants in Courchevel and La Praz via the free bus service that runs until late at night.

Accommodation in La Tania

There is a wide range of accommodation in La Tania. You will find small self-catered apartments, hotels, and chalets.

We have four amazing cater chalets located in the trees of the resort.

Cote Coeur – A 14-bed chalet with a hot tub that is just a two-minute walk to the piste.

Chalet Attila – Sleeps 12, has a hot tub and is located next to the piste

Chalets Toubkal One & Two – A pair of individual chalets with a piste-side location.

La Tania Chalet

How to get to La Tania

All out La Tania catered ski and snowboard holidays include flights from Stansted, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, and Newcastle. More information can be found here.

The best airports to travel to are Grenoble or Geneva due to transfer time, flight availability, and connectivity.

Driving is a great option and you can find ample free parking throughout the ski area.


Why the 3 Valleys is the ultimate Instagram ski destination

Instagram your 3 Valleys ski holiday

The 3 Valleys will make your holiday look good on Instagram and there is nowhere more Instagramable than the mountains!

From La Tania’s picture-perfect chalets hidden in the trees, traditional Savoie food to the trendy apres ski scene of Meribel. There are enough selfie spots to make your followers drool.

If you like your feed to look a bit more extreme than cozy chalet photos and chairlift poses then there is pleanty of slopes, off-piste terrain and extreme experiences to capture.

That is the intro… now for some more Instagram inspiration.

#LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania

3 Valleys Instagram

The towns of the Three Valleys on Instagram

Location is the key to a beautiful Insta feed and the towns in the 3 Valleys proved that perfect backdrop.

La Tania is an alpine dream. The sunny village is below the tree line and many of the traditional chalets are located in the spruce forest with branches heavy with snow to make the perfect winter wonderland.

Meribel has strict planning regulations, with guidance on height, materials and style. Which may sound dull but the result is a very aesthetic and traditional alpine town.

Then there is the town of Courchevel 1850, home to the mega-rich and some of the most stylish hotels in the Alps. You may not be able to afford to stay there but you can always pretend.

The 3 Valleys is a selfie hot spot

Here are some selfie facts: Snow makes you look cool (literally). Snowsports make you look cool. Goggles, hats, and sunnies make you look cool. Ski and snowboard clothing make you look cool. Being on a mountain/chairlift/skis makes you look cool. Being in a ski chalet/mountain restaurant/ski resort makes you look cool. In short a ski trip is cool.

Don’t believe us…

The 3 Valleys is so Instagram perfect it even provides selfie spots!

Instagram your 3 Valleys Chalet

All our chalets are Instagram compatible. Some are postcard perfect with rooms that ooze alpine style. While others have incredible views to post your morning wake up.
And don’t forget the mountain hot tub update!

Check out Chalet Virage on our website.

Food is also important to us as which is why we put feed ready food put in front of you during your stay. Also, don’t forget to capture the fondue for your friends when you eat out!

Instagram the slopes of the 3 Valleys

If you’re in the mountains in the winter you will be on the slopes. So get snappy and show that you’re out there doing one of the best sports in the most stunning location.

@val_thorens queria voltar logo! #ski #valthorens #orionoperadora

A post shared by Leonardo H. Barbosa (@leohbar) on

Instagramable 3 Valleys Activities

It isn’t all ski and snow there are loads of other things you can do in the 3 Valleys that are worth a post on your channel.

Ma reine des neiges. #happinesstherapy #vacancesauski

A post shared by Seb Fontenay (@seb_fontenay) on

Oh that snow…. #animalcrackers #snow #powpow #frenchalps #meribel

A post shared by Cassious (@crh79) on

If you want a Insta holiday that will impress your followers drop us an email or check out all our chalets.


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.


What’s On in Méribel for 2018/2019

Our guide to what’s across the 3 Valleys in 2018/2019.

We’ve already put together a rundown of what’s new in Méribel for 2018/19 and with the season fast approaching, anticipation and general excitement is now reaching its annual fever pitch!

The Three Valleys is more than just the largest linked ski area in the world and as always, there are lots of events taking place throughout the season that you won’t want to miss if you can help it.  

We’ve put together a few dates for your diary for the 2018 / 2019 season in Méribel and The Three Valleys.

whats on meribel

Ski Area opening day. Snow cover permitting, the Three Valleys ski area is scheduled to open from 8th December, so expect a huge buzz with lots of smiling faces and eager lift-goers jostling for space on the newly opened slopes.

The Audi FIS Ski World Cup takes place over in Courchevel over a full weekend, 21st-22nd December. Many champions take part, all keen to become the next Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), who won last year’s competition ahead of Tessa Worley (France) and Manuela Moelgg (Italy).

Also in December, catch the inaugural, Meribel stage of the Ladies Night Tour. An International women’s Alpine tour, the dual slalom event takes place at night which really ups the atmospheric stakes and is the best place to catch up with the female French skiers at the top of their game.

See in 2019 in style with the New Year celebrations, Meribel style. Expect fireworks and champagne corks and some great parties at a whole host of clubs and bars such as the Folie Douce, The Rond Point, O’Sullivans and Jacks. Be sure to check their websites beforehand as some bars and clubs are ticketed on NYE.

NYE Meribel

In January, catch The French Slopestyle Cup, held in the DC Area 43 Terrain Park. See top athletes performing simply extraordinary jumps and tricks in this spectacular competition, guaranteed ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ as standard.

Kicking off on the 14th and then throughout February and March, join upwards of 8,000 spectators to witness some of the most amazing firework displays you’re ever likely to see, at the International Fireworks Festival in Courchevel.

March is all about Music and sees the return of The Ronnie Loves Music Festival. Back for its seventh consecutive year, the week-long family friendly festival features top name events and a Big Air contest, all in one of the Alps’ top Apres Ski venues.

It’s also the month of Méribel’s Piste Bash Festival, featuring skiing, live music, DJs and comedy in the heart of the Three Valleys.

As April arrives and we start to think about the season’s end, there’s still time for the Three Valleys Enduro event which sees teams of pros, amateurs and families compete in some great challenges and events such as the Giant Slalom and Skicross.

Also in April is the Annual Three Valleys Charity Day, held in Meribel Village. The event is a firm favourite and has been running for more than 15 years now. The lineup this year includes hip-hop DJ Jaguar and perennial partiers, the Dub Pistols.


Unless you’re lucky enough to be spending the whole season in Méribel, chances are you’ll only be able to catch one or two of the events we’ve highlighted here. Handily, we’ve also got a Meribel Bucket List guide, which is all perfectly doable, even if you have just the one week in Meribel and The Three Valleys.


Why is breakfast important when skiing?

Find out why is breakfast important when you go skiing or snowboarding?

OK we admit it, we put our hands up – We are feeders. We can’t help it though, food is important, it fuels us, it can affect our mood and it also brings enormous pleasure. It is for these three reasons that we make sure we put on a seriously good breakfast.

When you head out for a day’s skiing you need to be ready for action, full of energy, in a great mood and you also need to feel like you are on holiday.

A hassle-free breakfast

Before we look into the scientific benefits of having breakfast before heading out to go skiing lets quickly consider one massive benefit that goes unnoticed. Getting ready to skiing, for some reason, is the most demanding part of a ski holiday.

Where are your gloves? Have you packed your ski pass? How many layers do you need to wear? So having breakfast ready for you is helpful, but not quite as helpful as not having to clear it up.

Leaving you to worry about what colour lenses to put in your goggles. If you have children you will need little imagination to realise how big a difference only having to eat breakfast makes.Bread, Croissant, Morning, Puff Paste

Benefits of a good breakfast are huge, especially when you are heading out for a long day of extreme sports. Food is fuel, and we need it to function. In the morning your body has slowed itself down because it hasn’t eaten for a while, so tucking into breakfast helps wake you up. It also helps you function and run better for the rest of the day.

The chances are that when you are in the Alps, you will eat a lot of bread, cheese and ham. All these will be available at breakfast time in our chalets, but we also realise that you need a balanced diet. We know that you won’t get all the energy you need from those three food items.

What we serve

That is why in the morning we offer you a selection of cereals, a cooked breakfast, lots of fruit juice and fruit. Not to mention the yogurt and endless tea and coffee.

We also understand that food can affect your mood that is why our breakfasts are full of quality produce, with enough to fill even the largest appetite. One of the worst things is heading to the slopes in a bit of a grump.

It spoils your day and the people who have to share a lift with you. So make sure you take full advantage of our selection at breakfast time. It is also proven that missing breakfast makes you grouchy for the rest of the day.

Eggs for breakfast

Another way that we can make you happy is by allowing you to be fussy. We believe that breakfast time is a very personal meal. Everyone likes it a different way, especially when it comes to eggs.

To make sure you get it how you like we let you tell us how you want them cooked. Boiled, fried, poached scrambled, we can do it however you like

What we are trying to say is that we are on hand to set you up for the fun day of skiing that you have come on holiday for. A days skiing starts around the table and that helps keep you going until lunch.


Start the day with us when you go skiing: Check out of chalets in the 3 Valleys.  


How to book a group ski holiday

A guide to booking a group ski holiday

Booking a ski holiday for a large group can be tricky to manage but it is worth it when you arrive and have a great time skiing and hanging out with everyone.

We know that you love skiing with your friends and family. We also know that arranging for them all to go on holiday at the same time can be a challenge which is why we have put this guide together.

Step 1 – How many in your group?

First get a rough idea of how many people want to go on your ski trip and ask for their contact details.

If you’re not planning a ski trip to Meribel or La Tania then you will need to decide where you want to go.

You should set up a communication channel for the whole group this could be an email list, Whatsapp chat or a Facebook group.

Step 2 – Set the date

Unless you are travelling on a specific date, like half term or Christmas, you will need to work out what is the optimal date for your group and an idea of what budget people have.

We recommend that you send out a poll to everyone who wants to come on your ski trip. You could use a polling site like doodle to find out the groups availability.

You may need to do a second poll but try to narrow it down to 2 potential dates.

Step 3 – Make an enquiry

Now you have a resort, date and a rough idea of how many people want to go on holiday it is to call the tour operator and find out what the options are.

You will get the best results if you are clear and know the group’s needs.

We know that organising the trip can be a challenge which is why we reward a group leader with a free lift pass!

The other perks are that you get to pick the best room, have the final say and know you won’t end up in a rubbish resort.

Step 4 – Picking your ski holiday

Picking your chalet is the next step and it is this point when many factors will come into play such as size, price and location.

At this stage, you might find yourself with a few options. In our experience as a group leader, you will find it easier if you decide on the best couple of options and pitch it to the group.

You should also be prepared to compromise. If you are a really big group you may struggle to discover a chalet that you will all fit into so you may need to look at ski properties next door to each other.

Step 5 – Confirming your ski holiday

Getting a deposit from everyone is a big challenge and the last big hurdle. You should make sure that everyone is ready to book and can send the deposit to you immediately.

As a rule, most chalet companies will hold a chalet for a week if you are booking early. This will give you time to decide and get the deposits collected.

If you are booking near or during the season you may only get a few days.

Payment is the next step. If you don’t want to get involved in collecting money (and we wouldn’t blame you) then we can help as will collect all the individual balance payments.

Then all that is left for you to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of your friends and family.


Give us a call to find out which chalets in Meribel and La Tania would suit your group. Phone the team on 01273 466535.


Three Valleys Snow Round-Up – November

Huge early season snowfall in the Three Valleys

At the beginning of November, the ground was looking a bit brown with small patches of snow from previous snow flurries and snow cannons. Now the whole ski area is cover in the glorious white stuff! Here is a look at all the photos and videos from the last few days.

Meribel valley on the 1st of November before the snow.

Latest webcam round up

Val Thorens capture the first few flakes of snow on the 5th.

Check out all our latest offers
16th Dec from £599 pp inc FTA
Save £340pp on Christmas Ski Holidays
Up to £800 off New Year Ski Trips

Snow settles on the town

Loads of snow outside Jacks Bar

A post shared by Jacks Bar (@jacksbarmeribel) on

Courchevel shows off the town all covered in snow.


The snow gets all the way down to La Tania

No lifts, no problem.

Courchevel sends the photographer out for a walk when the sun comes out

A 4×4 Fiat Panda gets out in the Meribel snow

Testing out my new ride #4×4 #4x4panda #fiatpanda #meribel #snow

A post shared by DJ KAYA Mixcloud DJ_KAYA (@roblangley01) on

Val Thorens sends out the piste bashers!


To book a ski or snowboard holiday to Meribel or La Tania give us a call or take a look at our catered chalets in the 3 Valleys.

 


Guide – off-piste in Meribel

Run report – off-piste in Meribel

off piste meribel One of the best parts of my job is being able to share my own knowledge of the ski resort, passing on tips and suggestions of which pistes to try, where to find the best conditions and how to get the most out of a week skiing in the three valleys.

As befits the largest ski area in the world, there are hundreds of kilometres of pistes to enjoy for skiers and boarders of every level. However, for experienced skiers, there is a world of fun to be had beyond the marked and bashed runs.

Before saying any more, we need to be totally clear that skiing off-piste can be extremely dangerous. It should only be considered by experienced and confident skiers. As minimum safety precautions you should always look to go in small groups – 3 or 4 is ideal – and never alone. Be aware of the published avalanche risk, but be aware that snow conditions can change rapidly. An hour in the sun can turn safe routes into an unacceptable risk in less than an hour.

Before setting off, you should ensure your insurance covers you for going off-piste and carry and know how to use the relevant safety equipment of a transceiver, shovel and probe. We would strongly recommend engaging an instructor or a guide, and it is always worth checking with the pisteurs for their views on where is safe to go. Always remember that skiing off-piste poses a risk not just to yourself, but also to those who on the mountain around you, such as other skiers on the same slopes, or the secouristes who would conduct a rescue operation if anything went wrong. If you are at all unsure, you should not go.

With the proper precautions however, off- piste skiing can be one of the great highlights of a skiing holiday in the Alps, so where are some of the best routes in Meribel?

My advice would be to head to the Vallon and Cote Brune sectors. On the Vallon gondola you will most likely see plenty of tracks underneath the lift, which can be accessed from the corner at the top of the Combe de Vallon piste. While this is one of the more recognised and accessible off-piste routes, beware of partially covered rocks.

WP_20140326_018For those looking to go further into the backcountry, head through the gap in the rock on your left as you come out of the Vallon bubble. There is another reasonably established route straight down hereto the side of the piste, but if you keep left, a small 10 minute walk and a short traverse lead you out to some powder field coming down from the ridge. Check with the pisteurs before attempting this route as the snowpack can be unstable above you, but in the right conditions the fluffy powder, comfortable gradient and spectacular views can make this route a showstopping highlight.

A final route to try is accessed from the top of the Becca lift. In the snowbank opposite the lift you will most likely see tracks leading diagonally up to the ridge line. The top offers a spectacular view both down to Les Menuires one way and across to the Mont Vallon summit the other. Be careful of the entry point here. Traverse across the slope to the centre of the chute to avoid the treacherous rocky drops immediately below where the track up reaches the ridgeline.

The descent down from here looks clear enough but boarders in particular will want to avoid keeping too far left as they will risk being caught out by a flat section right at the bottom before regaining the piste. Equally however, head too far right and you risk being blocked by another few rocky drops, or finding yourself underneath a particularly steep section of the slope where the risk of avalanche is higher. Keep to a conservative line though and you should have a fabulous descent, with the added bonus of being able to admire your track as you head back up the Cote Brune lift.

To book a holiday to Meribel or La Tania call us on 01273 466 535 or go take a look at our chalets.


What’s new in the 3 Valleys for the 2017/18 season

Find out what is new in the 3 Valley this winter 17/18

2017/18 3 valleys map

The winter is not very far away now! Skiers will be on the slopes of  Val Thorens on the 18th of November followed by Meribel and Courchevel on the 9th of December.  As always the companies behind the 3 Valleys lifts and pistes have been working hard over the summer to introduce new or improved facilities for its customers!

New Lifts in the 3 Valleys

Loupit – Rond Pont – Covered magic carpet

The beginner’s area located by the Rond Point in Meribel will have new Covered Magic carpet similar to the one found in Mottaret. The learner zone alongside it will also be developed into a safer space for skiers to master the basics away from the busier slopes.

Ariondaz Gondola – Courchevel 1650  -Moriond

Over in Courchevel 1650 the old Ariondaz gondola that takes skiers and boarder out of the resort has been replaced by an 8 seater lift that can carry double the amount of passenger up the hill.

Moraine – 10 seater Gondola – Val Thorens

€14m has been spent on installing a new gondola in Val Thorens. The 10 seater lift is 2.5 km long and carries skiers up to the foot of the Glacier de Thorens.

Roc de Tougnete – 6 seater – Meribel

For many years there has been 2 drag lifts that served this area and for that reason it often goes unexplored by many. The arrival of this new lift will change all that and make the Lagopède and Bartavelle pistes a lot more accessible.

New Pistes in the 3 Valleys

Lac de la Chambre – Meribel

Previously a red run the Lac de la Chambre that started at the Col de la Chambre has been given a new course down the mountain to make it into a easier blue. The run is a great way to get back from Val Thorens into Mottaret and Meribel.

Croix d’Antide – Val Thorens

High up above the Orelle valley there is a new blue run called the Croix d’Antide it can be found under the Peyron chair and runs parallel to a piste of the same name.

Corniche – Val Thorens

Another new blue piste in Val Thorens. This one runs from the Folie Douce and joins up with the stade to make an easy run back to the resort.

New Luge run

A new 3 km luge run has opened up in 1650 and can be accessed by the new Arinodaz lift. This means that there are now loads of sledging opportunities in the 3 Valleys to complement the original and best one in Courchevel that runs from 1850 to 1550.

4 hours ski pass

This season sees the end of the half day pass as the 3 valleys will introduce a 4-hour pass that can be used at any point during the day and will cost €54.5 . It is worth noting that it is still better value to buy a 6 day pass at €300 if you are going to ski all week!

New Ski Schools in Meribel

This winter two of our favourite Anglo-French ski schools have come together to make one outstanding provider of ski and snowboard lessons. Magic in Motion is now part of Oxegen ski school. 


If you are looking for a catered ski chalet in Meribel or La Tania take a look at our website or call us for chat. 

<