Smart Tips for a Serene Return from the Ski Slopes of the World's Largest Ski Area

Or, our top tips on how to get you back into the warm before the ski lifts close!

Escape from it all, and devour the ski runs of the world’s largest ski area with total peace of mind, getting back to your resort with zero stress. Despite its vast size, Les 3 Vallées ski area is designed to ensure skiers can get back to the resort they’re staying in easily, having made the most of this immense expanse, with its abundance of connections and infinite possibilities all day long.

The excellent routes, and perfectly located ski lifts make for a fast and comfortable return journey to your base camp, wherever you are!

Obviously, you need to keep an eye on the time, which is why we wanted to share a few of our top tips to make sure you get back to your warm, cosy den without a worry in the world.

3 Vallées links, 3 Vallées Connections: Between Méribel and Courchevel
Connection between Méribel and Courchevel

Tips for a Peaceful Return

Top top #1: THINK AHEAD

Top top #1: THINK AHEAD

It’s a good idea to plan a rough idea of your itinerary the day before you set off, or even on the morning before you hit the slopes, so you know:

Where you’re going to be,

And where you need to go to make sure you get back before the ski lifts close.

By giving yourself a little extra time, you won’t need to worry if something goes awry during the day, such as a fall, the need for a toilet break, or just your journey taking a little longer due to busy slopes, especially during the school holidays.

Top tip #2: STAY INFORMED

Top tip #2: STAY INFORMED

The 3 Vallées app is the best way to get all the live info about the ski area.

Amongst other things, you’ll find the ski lift opening and closing times,

Emergency numbers,

As well snow conditions and the weather forecast!

Everything you need to know about the 3 Vallées App

Top tip #3: PISTE MAP AND ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Top tip #3: PISTE MAP AND ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Mobile phone charging stations, accessible on the slopes

Even with your smartphone and the 3 Vallées app, it’s still worth slipping a paper piste map into your pocket:

At least you won’t be totally lost if your phone runs out of battery,

and it’s also easier to handle on a chairlift than a mobile phone!

You can pick a piste map up anywhere in Les 3 Vallées: from any of the skipass sales outlets, tourist offices, and from lots of shops and businesses. Download the piste map ...

If your phone runs out of battery, you’ll find recharging points located around the ski area for your use, such as the one found at the departure station of the Mont Vallon gondola lift in Méribel Mottaret.

The opening and closing times of each ski lift are displayed at the lift departure point, as well as a clock.

Finally, there’s nothing quite like being in touch with a real live person, so please don’t hesitate to speak with our teams on the ground (ski lift operators, ski patrollers, ski instructors…), who will be only too happy to give you any information you need.

Top tip #4: BAD WEATHER? DON’T TAKE ANY RISKS

Top tip #4: BAD WEATHER? DON’T TAKE ANY RISKS

In the event of unfavourable weather conditions, stay in your resort’s ski sector. That way, you can easily get back to your ‘home sweet home’ should the ski lifts have to stop running (strong winds, heavy snow, freezing fog…).

Explore all our tips for skiing in bad weather.

Top tip #5: RID YOURSELF OF TIME MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Top tip #5: RID YOURSELF OF TIME MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Hiring a ski instructor ensures peace of mind, no timing management, they take care of everything

The easiest and most hassle-free way to manage your route and your timing is by going with an instructor!

Genuine local guides, Les 3 Vallées’ ESF ski instructors know the area like the back of their hand. They will:

Get you where you want to be,

When you want to be there,

Managing the timings in line with your ability,

Speed and all the other elements that need to be factored in!

Let them be your guide: Contact the French ski schools in the 3 Vallées ...

Top tip #6: DON’T PANIC, THERE’S ALWAYS A SOLUTION

Top tip #6: DON’T PANIC, THERE’S ALWAYS A SOLUTION

Missed the last ski lift? Don’t worry, there’s always a solution!

The inter-resort shuttlebuses are on hand to take you from one resort to another.

Les 3 Vallées’ many taxi providers will make sure you get home with total peace of mind.

100%
Pleasure

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF SKIING!

For a 100% enjoyable experience, get everything ready online before you leave. Your 3 Vallées ski pass can be acquired in just a few clicks from home or recharged up to 5 minutes before hitting the snowy slopes.

Navigate the ski area effortlessly, from one trail to another, from one resort to another, without ever needing to detour to a point of sale. Gain efficiency, flexibility, embrace freedom... fully experience the pure joy of skiing!

If this is your first purchase, place your order online to receive your preloaded badge for free at an address of your choice within a few days, or collect it from one of our on-site pickup points.

If you already have a rechargeable card, recharge it through our website before slipping it into your ski outfit pocket. The contactless systems of Les 3 Vallées will automatically detect it each time you pass through the ski lifts.

Buy your skipasses

An easy plan

Les 3 Vallées has created a whole range of skipasses to meet every need: you can ski on your own or with a group or family, for one day, a weekend, a week’s holiday or for the entire season.

Buy your skipass online before you arrive to gain time: buy your 3 Vallées skipass online to be the first on slopes, easy and comfortable. Less wait, more ski!

Buy your skipass online

To enjoy this exceptional itinerary and the entirety of Les 3 Vallées ski area in the best possible conditions.

WEATHER FORECAST

Knowing the snow conditions and weather forecast for the next 3 days in the seven 3 Vallées ski resorts is a real help when organising an unforgettable holiday in the heart of the largest ski area in the world.

Weather Forecast

WEBCAMS

Here you will find all the webcams in Les 3 Vallées ski area. These cameras are situated at strategic points in each of the ski resorts and provide a mine of useful information so you can prepare and make the most of your ski outings!

Webcams

SKI RUN AND LIFT OPENINGS

Each day, you can check what Les 3 Vallées has to offer you by viewing live information on the opening conditions and the times and state of the lifts, ski runs and links.

Ski run & lift openings

To prepare for your off-piste skiing day, consult the Avalanche Risk Estimate Bulletin. These information are essential in order to evaluate your off-piste outing. If you decide to do off-piste, think about to be accompanied by a mountain professional.

Avalanche Risk Estimate Bulletin

Check Les 3 Vallées app for access to live info when you’re on the ski area (ski run and ski lift opening times, opening times for links between Les 3 Vallées, weather forecasts…)

App 3 Vallées