About the Best pistes in the Three Valleys
Enjoy the best pistes and slopes the Three Valleys has to offer
The ski area is so vast it can be difficult to know where to start, so we have put together some of our favourite runs throughout the Val Thorens ski area.
Whether you're into moguls, steep and long descents or simply beautiful, quiet pistes with great snow, we hope that these suggestions will hit the spot.
Jump to
- Advanced areas in Val Thorens
- Beginner areas in Val Thorens
- Beginner ski hire
- Beginner ski lessons
- Off-piste areas in Val Thorens
- What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
- More inspiration...
- Best pistes in the Val Thorens and Belleville Valley
- Best pistes in the Courchevel Valley
- Best pistes in the Meribel Valley
Advanced areas in Val Thorens
Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Val Thorens
See all Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Val Thorens-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
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Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
This company offer private ski and snowboard lessons throughout the winter season for all ages and abilities.
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Private ski lessons
Discover the Val Thorens and the Three Valleys ski domain with one of the most renowned ski schools in the world.
Beginner areas in Val Thorens
Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens
See all Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
Their children group lessons are based on making learning to ski fun and are limited to six children per group for the best learning experience.
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Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
Beginner ski hire
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
See all Ski Hire in Val Thorens-
Ride & Style
In the centre of Val Thorens, this shop brings together top snowboarding brands like Vans, The Dudes, Airblaster, ThirtyTwo, Candide, Capita, Volcom, Planks, Salomon, Deeluxe and more.
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Le Cheval Blanc
Welcome to Intersport Soleil Le Cheval Blanc! The shop focuses on quality, safety and comfort to give you an exceptional experience on the slopes. Their team of experts is on hand to meet all your equipment needs, whether for hire or purchase.
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Snowberry
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val Thorens? Just visit the Skiset Snowberry store!
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Altiloc 2300
This brand new ski and snowboard hire shop situated just a short distance from the main lifts in Val Thorens. Maxime and his team will welcome you and assist you in the store.
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Peclet
Ski & Snowboard Hire located place Péclet, on the upper part of Val Thorens, near the competition slalom piste. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Peclet
Val Thorens shop can be found in the ‘Place Peclet’ at the foot of the slalom piste. The free shuttle bus stops right by the front door to the shop and everything a skier needs can be found nearby (lift pass office, ski school office, ski lifts, restaurants, bars…) and within walking distance.
Beginner ski lessons
Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens
See all Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
Their children group lessons are based on making learning to ski fun and are limited to six children per group for the best learning experience.
-
Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
Off-piste areas in Val Thorens
Mountain Guides Val Thorens
See all Mountain Guides Val Thorens-
Oxygene off piste and mountain guiding
Their mountain guides provide excellent off-piste experiences with safety equipment provided.
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Back country ski guides
A private ski or snowboard session for all ability levels – on and off-piste. It’s all about fun, improvement and discovering new off piste terrain.
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Office de la Montagne high mountain guides
This company specialise in all things high mountain for those that are looking for unique challenges, taking their skiing and snowboarding to the next level.
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ESF mountain guides, Val Thorens
One of the best ways to discover any ski domain is to hire a local mountain guide who knows the resort inside out. They will be able to guide you to the best and safest areas both off and on piste.
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Women's mountain biking courses and guiding
For girls who want to go mountain biking in women's specific groups, or for those who wish to develop their skills with advice from mountain bike guides, Fast Riding People mountain bike school offers guiding and courses.
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Val Thorens ski guides
Quentin, Amelia and Jeremy grew up in the Savoie region and have been skiing and snowboarding in Val Thorens since childhood. Due to their continuous training, they have all competed professionally in alpine and freestyle skiing with some podium finished in the World Cup for France!
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
See all Ski Hire in Val Thorens-
Ride & Style
In the centre of Val Thorens, this shop brings together top snowboarding brands like Vans, The Dudes, Airblaster, ThirtyTwo, Candide, Capita, Volcom, Planks, Salomon, Deeluxe and more.
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Le Cheval Blanc
Welcome to Intersport Soleil Le Cheval Blanc! The shop focuses on quality, safety and comfort to give you an exceptional experience on the slopes. Their team of experts is on hand to meet all your equipment needs, whether for hire or purchase.
-
Snowberry
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val Thorens? Just visit the Skiset Snowberry store!
-
Altiloc 2300
This brand new ski and snowboard hire shop situated just a short distance from the main lifts in Val Thorens. Maxime and his team will welcome you and assist you in the store.
-
Peclet
Ski & Snowboard Hire located place Péclet, on the upper part of Val Thorens, near the competition slalom piste. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
-
Peclet
Val Thorens shop can be found in the ‘Place Peclet’ at the foot of the slalom piste. The free shuttle bus stops right by the front door to the shop and everything a skier needs can be found nearby (lift pass office, ski school office, ski lifts, restaurants, bars…) and within walking distance.
More inspiration...
Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Val Thorens.
Best pistes in the Val Thorens and Belleville Valley
Red run Allamande winds from the top of three Marches down towards the resort of Les Menuires, and has enough twists, turns, long shusses and steep bits to keep everyone happy.
All three runs from the top of the Cime de Caron are excellent. Black Combe de Caron and red Col de l’Audzin run back towards Val Thorens, but our favourite is the black Combe Rosael which takes you to the gorgeous ‘fourth valley’. It’s seriously steep, so don’t attempt this if the snow is icy.
The start of Jerusualem is tucked away, which is why this red run is always quiet, and usually keeps excellent snow. This perfect intermediate run is rolling with gentle and steep sections, and the off-piste to either side is safe and gentle – ideal for first forays into powder.
Don’t miss the highest run in the whole Three Valleys, located in Orelle (sometimes called the fourth valley). Red run Coraia starts at 3,230m and offers one of the best views in the Alps plus a long and relatively easy descent into this pretty, tucked-away valley.
Best pistes in the Courchevel Valley
Combe Saulire
For perfect conditions, ski Combe Saulire before 09:30. This red run starts out beautifully groomed each morning, but it quickly becomes busy once the lifts from Courchevel reach it. However, the gondolas from Méribel and Mottaret arrive earlier, so if you catch the first lift, you can enjoy this piste at its very best.
Cruising blues above Courchevel Moriond
The wide, rolling blue runs above Courchevel Moriond (1650) are ideal for intermediates or those looking for relaxed skiing in stunning scenery. Even during the busiest school holiday weeks, this area remains relatively quiet. For a peaceful descent, try the little-used Grandes Bosses and Gentiane, both offering smooth, enjoyable skiing away from the crowds.
Chapelets
For a run that feels as close to backcountry skiing as you can get without leaving the piste, head to Chapelets. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s always quiet. It’s especially good first thing in the morning when freshly groomed, allowing for a fast, flowing descent. The run starts off steep before easing into a more gentle section, making it a favourite among many skiers.
Best black runs in Courchevel
For those seeking more of a challenge, Courchevel has some fantastic black runs:
- Jean Blanc – A fast, thrilling black run with excellent off-piste sections and large moguls.
- Dou des Lanches – Located just above La Tania, this steep and speedy black run is a great choice for experienced skiers looking for an exciting descent.
Best pistes in the Meribel Valley
Beginner-friendly runs
For beginners, the Blanchot run is ideal. Starting from the Saulire Express 1 lift, this gentle green piste winds down towards the Altiport area, making it perfect for children and those looking to build confidence on the slopes.
Best blue runs in Méribel
The Tougnète/Roc de Fer area offers some of the most enjoyable rolling blues in the valley, suitable for all abilities:
- Faon – A smooth, winding blue that’s a great warm-up run.
- Crêtes – Take the Tougnète 2 lift to reach this ridge-top piste, which offers spectacular views in every direction.
- Choucas – A north-facing run with excellent snow conditions, making it a favourite with ski schools.
- Roc de Fer – Continue partway down Gelinotte, then take the Olympic chair to reach this blue competition piste.
Another must-try is Lapin, a scenic tree-lined blue run that descends from Altiport to Méribel Village. This is a good option in flat light or bad weather.
Top red runs in Méribel
One of the longest and most exciting reds in Méribel is Combe Vallon, which starts from Mont Vallon (2,952m), the resort’s highest skiing point.
- North-facing, it maintains excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
- The run begins steep and narrow, then twists and widens before dropping a total of 1,000m.
- Unless you’re exceptionally fit, expect to pause a few times—luckily, the views are breathtaking.
Challenging black runs
For experienced skiers, Méribel offers some thrilling black runs:
- Face – Originally created for the 1992 Olympic Ladies’ Downhill, this run is extremely steep and often moguled. It’s difficult to imagine straight-lining it at race speed—please don’t try!
- Couloir Tournier – The steepest run in the valley, starting from the summit of the Saulire Express gondola. With a 37-degree slope at the top and no escape routes, this narrow couloir is only for expert skiers.
Quiet scenic runs
For a peaceful, picturesque descent, try Pic Bleu. This tree-lined piste has stunning views and following recent improvements, now maintains better snow conditions throughout the season.
The ultimate long descent
Once every few winters, snowfall allows skiing all the way down to Brides-les-Bains. This off-piste itinerary starts at the top of Saulire (2,738m) and finishes at 600m after a spectacular descent through forests, terraced fields, and orchards. As the lower section is unpatrolled, it’s essential to go with a guide. After the long run, reward yourself with a big lunch in Brides before taking the Olympe gondola back up.
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