Ride the infinite: The longest runs in Les 3 Vallées
- Day
- Winter
Grand Escape: The Endless Runs of Les 3 Vallées
Dive into the heart of Les 3 Vallées, the world's largest ski area, and let yourself be carried away by the thrill of endless descents. From Courchevel to Orelle, passing through Méribel, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and Val Thorens, each resort reveals its most beautiful, long, and varied slopes, offering unique skiing experiences.
Discover iconic routes that wind through majestic landscapes, delivering moments of pure joy, whether you're with family, friends, or seeking an adrenaline rush.
Each descent is an invitation to dream, to escape, and to explore the natural wonders of the Alps.
COURCHEVEL
Courchevel, the iconic resort of Les 3 Vallées, is a true gem of prestige and refinement. At the heart of this resort, discover exceptional slopes that promise unforgettable descents. Each run, long and varied, tells a unique story, filled with natural beauty and technical challenges.
The Longest Green Run: Plan Fontaine – 3.934 km
The Plan Fontaine green run invites you to an enchanting journey through nature. Perfect for families and young children, this trail winds through the majestic spruces of La Tania, offering a peaceful and safe route. The tranquility of the forest, the song of the birds, and the crisp mountain air create a soothing atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. It’s a true escape into nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the busier slopes.
Enjoy each turn as you take in the untouched beauty of La Tania, where snow forms a soft white blanket at the base of the trees. Accessible to all, this nearly 4 km trail is perfect for a first skiing experience or a simple, contemplative stroll.
Access: Top of the La Tania Gondola
The Longest Blue Run: Les Creux – 3.923 km
The Les Creux blue run is a true legend in Courchevel. Wide, rolling, and incredibly varied, it offers you an exceptional panoramic view from the basin nestled between the Aiguille du Fruit, Col de Chanrossa, and Col du Pas du Lac. This run is a pure delight for ski enthusiasts, combining gentle slopes with diverse terrain. As you descend, the atmosphere changes dramatically as you enter a dense forest, where silence and serenity prevail.
- Access: Summit of La Saulire, via the Vizelle, Pas du Lac, Saulire Express, Suisses, or Marmottes gondolas.
The Longest Black Run: L’Eclipse – 3.2 km
The L’Eclipse black run is a challenge reserved for experienced skiers. This descent, partially set in the forest, demands perfect control of your skis. It was on this very piste that the 2023 World Ski Championships took place, making it a must-try for extreme skiing enthusiasts. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the descent towards the authentic village of Le Praz adds a unique dimension to this experience. L’Eclipse is recognized as one of the top three downhill runs in the world, a true honor for the skiers who dare to venture down it.
- Access: Plantrey Chairlift, Chenus Gondola, or Bouc Blanc Chairlift.
The Longest Red Run: Combe de la Saulire – 3.016 km
The Combe de la Saulire is a must-ski red run for any skier visiting Courchevel. Starting with a technical and demanding section, this descent then opens up into a very wide bowl, offering the perfect terrain to fully express your skiing abilities. It’s the ideal spot for those who love speed and big, sweeping turns. As you look up, the plunging view over Courchevel is a spectacle not to be missed, adding a spectacular touch to this already impressive descent.
- Access: Summit of La Saulire, via the Vizelle, Pas du Lac, Saulire Express, Suisses, or Marmottes gondolas.
MÉRIBEL
Nestled in the heart of Les 3 Vallées, Méribel is a resort where every descent is a true invitation to escape. Here, the slopes weave between snow-covered peaks and majestic valleys, offering skiers breathtaking panoramas and unmatched sensations. Whether you’re a fan of wide, sweeping blue runs, technical red descents, or extreme black challenges, Méribel has everything to captivate you.
The Longest Blue Run: Lac de la Chambre – 4.434 km
The Lac de la Chambre blue run in Méribel is an invitation to escape. As you glide through this vast area, you're surrounded by towering ridges and breathtaking alpine panoramas. This trail is a true delight for skiers, offering a smooth ride combined with stunning views. To the left of the piste, brilliant blue ice cascades add a touch of magic to an already enchanting landscape. It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for skiers of all levels.
Access: Côte Brune Chairlift, Mont de la Chambre Gondola, or 3 Vallées from Val Thorens.
The Longest Red Run: Combe du Vallon – 3.382 km
The Combe du Vallon is a legendary red run in Méribel. Long, technical, and demanding, it is a must for any skier seeking a thrill. The impressive vertical drop, varied turns, and steep slopes provide the perfect playground for advanced skiers. The view over the Tuéda Nature Reserve adds a unique dimension to this descent, combining preserved nature with the joy of skiing.
- Access: Mont Vallon Gondola at Méribel-Mottaret
Another Must-Ski Red Run: Mauduit – 3.825 km
The Mauduit red run offers a descent that perfectly combines adrenaline with alpine beauty. Starting from the heights, this run provides a panoramic view of the entire valley before plunging you into a wooded environment typical of Méribel. The final turns wind between fir trees and chalets, creating a quintessentially mountain atmosphere that beautifully concludes this unforgettable descent.
Access: Saulire Express 1 & 2 from the Chaudanne plateau.
The Longest Black Run: Bartavelle – 648 m
Short but intense, the Bartavelle black run is a skiing experience not to be missed for those who love technical challenges. Located on a north-facing slope, it ensures perfect snow conditions, even late in the day. With its natural moguls and steep gradient, it puts the thighs of even the most seasoned skiers to the test. All of this is enhanced by a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, providing a spectacular backdrop to this demanding descent.
- Access: Roc de Tougne Chairlift from Méribel or Teppes Draglift from Saint-Martin / Les Menuires.
LES MENUIRES
Les Menuires is a friendly and vibrant resort, loved for its accessibility and wide range of slopes suitable for all levels. It’s an ideal destination for families and groups of friends, offering excellent value for money in Les 3 Vallées. With its modern infrastructure and warm atmosphere, Les Menuires is a true playground for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
The Longest Blue Run: Mont de la Chambre – 3.37 km
The Mont de la Chambre blue run is a gem for skiers seeking spectacular landscapes and long, smooth descents. Starting at an altitude of 2850 meters, this run offers breathtaking views over the Vallon du Lou, a landscape that is both wild and majestic. The wide and gentle slope leads you smoothly down into the valley, with options to reach different areas of Les Menuires or to branch off towards Val Thorens. Whether you ski it at sunrise or in the late afternoon, this run promises unforgettable moments.
- Access: Bruyères 1 & 2 Gondolas or Mont de la Chambre Chairlift
The Longest Green Run: La Violette – 3.82 km
The La Violette green run offers a gentle and peaceful descent, perfect for beginner skiers or those looking to unwind. As you glide through snow-covered fields, far from the hustle and bustle of the main slopes, you're embraced by the serenity of the mountains. Facing west, this run is particularly magical at the end of the day when the setting sun bathes the snow in a golden light. It's a tranquil descent that gently leads you back to the lively heart of Les Menuires.
Access: Roc 1 Gondola
The Longest Black Run: Léo Lacroix – 2.09 km
The Léo Lacroix black run is a true test for experienced skiers. Named in honor of the 1964 Olympic medalist, this run is both a physical and technical challenge. Starting with a steep drop and featuring demanding slopes, it requires total concentration and perfect control. Facing southwest, the run benefits from high-quality snow, and its varied terrain offers an intense skiing experience reserved for the most seasoned skiers.
- Access: Bruyères 1 & 2 Gondolas or Mont de la Chambre Chairlift
The Longest Red Run: Fred Covili – 2.47 km
The Fred Covili red run, located in the Combe de la Masse, is a tribute to the local alpine skiing champion. This descent combines the wild beauty of the mountains with technical challenges for advanced skiers. Before you set off, don't miss the opportunity to visit the free museum at the lift station, adding a cultural touch to your ski day. Once on the run, let yourself be carried away by the majestic curves and the panoramic view that stretches over the Northern Alps and the Vallée des Encombres.
Access: Pointe de la Masse Gondola
SAINT-MARTIN-DE-BELLEVILLE
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is a hidden gem in the heart of Les 3 Vallées, offering an authentic skiing experience in a preserved alpine setting. This picturesque village, with its traditional chalets and breathtaking landscapes, is the perfect choice for those looking to combine sport with tranquility. The slopes here are varied and uncrowded, providing a serene skiing experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Longest Blue Run: Jerusalem – 3.59 km
The Jerusalem blue run in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville offers a descent that combines natural beauty with the joy of skiing. Starting from the summit of Tougnète at 2400 meters, this run follows the ridge that separates Méribel from the picturesque village of Saint-Martin. It provides exceptional panoramic views before descending into the secluded alpine meadows of the Belleville Valley. This run is ideal for those seeking a serene and contemplative skiing experience in a breathtaking setting.
- Access: Saint Martin Express Chairlift
The Longest Red Run: Pramint – 1.59 km
The Pramint red run is a captivating route that begins near the top of the Saint Martin Express chairlift. Wide and technical, it faces west, providing optimal skiing conditions throughout the day. As you descend, you’ll pass by "montagnettes," those small pastoral chalets that add an authentic touch to your journey. The run gently concludes as it merges with the blue Pelozet run, offering a pleasant transition to finish your descent.
Access: Saint Martin Express Chairlift
The Longest Black Run: Liberty Ride Riondaz – 1.33 km
The Liberty Ride Riondaz black run is the perfect choice for skiers seeking thrills. Ungroomed but secured, this run traverses a naturally bumpy alpine pasture, offering an off-piste skiing experience within a safe environment. After fresh snowfall, it’s the ideal spot to make your own tracks, with the added bonus of breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. This descent is a must for those who love challenging and adventurous skiing.
With its wild, demanding course, the Liberty Ride Riondaz black slope captivates skiers over its 1.33 km, offering a unique adventure where each turn reveals new vistas of majestic peaks. Experienced skiers will appreciate the technical challenge of this run, which demands skill and focus. After a snowfall, conditions are ideal to enjoy fresh powder, making this slope essential for a thrilling experience in complete safety.
Access: Saint Martin Express Chairlift
VAL THORENS
Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, is a true icon of Les 3 Vallées. Here, everything is designed to offer an unparalleled skiing experience, with top-quality snow throughout the season. The long and technical runs attract skiers from around the world, while the lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the resort adds an extra dimension to this alpine gem.
The Longest Blue Run: Tétras – 3 km
The Tétras blue run in Val Thorens is an ideal descent to start your day gently. Located in the Boismint area, this run offers a rhythmic and rolling glide, perfect for families and beginner skiers. Early in the morning, enjoy the tranquility of this uncrowded piste, with panoramic views of Val Thorens from the top of the chairlift. It’s the perfect morning experience to savor the beauty of the mountains under the first light of day.
- Access: Boismint Chairlift
The Longest Red Run: Col de l'Audzin – 4 km
The Col de l’Audzin red run is a must for adrenaline-seeking skiers. Starting at 3200 meters altitude, this steep and technical descent takes you through a spectacular pass, offering unmatched challenges and thrills. The course of this run, with its steep walls and valleys, is pure bliss for advanced skiers. It’s a demanding yet rewarding descent, perfect for those who love big mountain skiing.
Access: Cime Caron cable car
The Longest Black Run: Combe de Caron – 2 km
The Combe de Caron is one of the most iconic black runs in Val Thorens. This descent begins with an almost vertical wall, providing a spectacular start, followed by a narrow couloir before opening up into wide valleys. Thanks to its north-facing orientation, the snow quality remains excellent throughout the day, offering optimal conditions for a technical and thrilling descent. This run is reserved for the most experienced skiers, promising to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts.
Over its 2 km length, La Combe de Caron promises an intense experience where every section unveils a new challenge. After the impressive initial drop, the couloir demands absolute precision, before opening up to broader spaces that invite fast, controlled skiing. The northern orientation ensures firm, flawless snow perfect for those seeking a demanding descent. This legendary run, with its technical sections, invites thrill-seekers to push their limits.
Access: Cime Caron cable car
ORELLE
Orelle, often considered the hidden gateway to Les 3 Vallées, is the perfect destination for ski enthusiasts seeking authenticity and tranquility. Here, the slopes transport you into a world where the high mountains reveal all their splendor. Whether with family or among experts, Orelle offers unforgettable descents in magnificent settings, far from the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts.
The Longest Black Run: Combe de Rosaël – 2 km
The Combe de Rosaël black run is the technical jewel of the Orelle sector. South-facing, this descent begins at 3200 meters altitude and offers perfect snow for a demanding glide. It’s an ideal piste for experienced skiers who want to tackle steep slopes while enjoying exceptional views of the surrounding peaks, including La Meije, the Écrins, and the Aiguilles d’Arve. This run provides an intense and rewarding skiing experience.
- Access: Orelle-Caron Gondola, Cime Caron Cable Car
The Longest Blue Run: Lory – 4 km
The Lory blue run in Orelle is a true escape into the heart of the glacial Bouchet valley. This wild, untouched area, free from ski lifts, offers an unparalleled high-mountain atmosphere. Glide with your family through this otherworldly landscape, where the silence and natural beauty make you feel as if you’re in a different world. It’s a unique skiing experience, combining serenity with breathtaking panoramas.
Access: Thorens Funitel, Orelle Zipline
The Longest Red Run: Mauriennaise – 2.3 km
The Mauriennaise red run in Orelle is a must for skiers seeking a challenge. This route combines technical sections with gentler valleys, offering a varied and dynamic skiing experience on a sunny slope. After your first descent, the new Orelle-Caron gondola quickly takes you back up to 3200 meters, allowing you to enjoy this sensational run again. It’s an ideal piste for those who love sporty skiing.
The Mauriennaise in Orelle presents an exhilarating 2.3 km of pure enjoyment for advanced skiers. With its mix of technical sections and gentler valleys, this red run offers a smooth glide with plenty of variation, perfect for practicing turns while soaking in the view. Sunlit throughout, it invites you to relish every descent, and the quick gondola ride up lets you multiply the thrills. For lovers of dynamic, sustained skiing, it’s an unmissable experience.
- Access: Rosaël Chairlift, Grand Fond Funitel