Ski touring checklist

Gear

  • Skis suitable for ski touring

  • Poles with large baskets for better push in deep snow

  • Ski helmet

  • Goggles

  • Neck warmer

  • Avalanche transceiver charged and activated (mandatory off-piste)

  • Waterproof and breathable ski clothing

What to pack in your backpack

  • Shovel and probe (mandatory off-piste)

  • Fully charged mobile phone

  • Emergency blanket

  • Trail map

  • Water and snacks (cereal bars, dried fruits, etc.)

  • Gloves

  • Sunscreen

  • Swiss army knife

Méribel: The most beautiful ski touring routes

Méribel Mottaret Le Hameau > Cabane du Lac : Movement Track, the Roc trail

A scenic tour through Méribel Mottaret

Follow the Movement Track for a peaceful ski touring experience! This marked and easy route is perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxing outing in nature. The journey starts at the top of the Chalets gondola, leading to the charming Cabane du Lac with a steady ascent. Over 2 km and 370 meters of elevation gain, take in the beauty of the snowy landscapes in a tranquil setting. A perfect route to ease into ski touring, enjoying the climb at your own pace.

Méribel Village > Pic Bleu

An adventure in three stages

Looking for a rewarding ski touring route? Try the Pic Bleu itinerary, starting from Méribel Village snow front. Expect 5.5 km of ascent, 600 meters of elevation gain, and breathtaking scenery! Between majestic forests and broad alpine vistas, enjoy 1h15 of pure adventure.

The route is divided into three sections, so you can adapt your experience based on your level and energy.

🌲 1st section: Méribel Village → Altiport
A gentle start, covering
3 km with 300 meters of elevation gain. This section is great for warming up and enjoying the charm of the forest. The descent follows the Lapin blue piste, an ideal way to glide back down smoothly.

❄️ 2nd section: Altiport → Loze Chairlift
A beginner-friendly intermediate segment of
1 km with 100 meters of elevation gain. You'll descend via the Blanchot green piste, a safe and easy way back down.

🏔️ 3rd section: Loze Chairlift → Pic Bleu Chalet
End with a sportier challenge: a
1.5 km climb with 200 meters of elevation gain. Your reward? A relaxing break at the chalet, followed by a fun descent down the Pic Bleu blue piste.

This secured itinerary shares some sections with pedestrians on the way up, but the descent lets you fully soak in the magic of the ski area in a pristine setting. A perfect ski touring adventure that blends effort, exploration, and awe-inspiring mountain views.

Méribel Mottaret: The Gébroulaz Glacier

An icy adventure in the heart of Les 3 Vallées

Get ready for an extraordinary experience! Explore the Gébroulaz Glacier, the largest in Les 3 Vallées. Picture a breathtaking landscape where towering ice seracs and endless frozen expanses stretch before you. A must-do adventure, but only with a certified mountain guide for safety!

Start your journey by taking the lifts to Val Thorens, heading up to the top of the Moraine gondola—the gateway to this incredible adventure. From there, strap on your skins and venture into the pristine snowy wilderness.

Your climb leads to the Col de Gébroulaz, revealing panoramic views where peaks seem to touch the sky. When it’s time to descend, choose your route:

  • Towards Lac de Tuéda: A scenic option with breathtaking views of the Borgne Glacier, offering an exhilarating descent.

  • Down to Pralognan Village: A total immersion into the untouched valley, where wild nature and an authentic alpine atmosphere await.

After this glacial adventure, a taxi will take you back to your starting point. Let yourself be captivated by the magic of Gébroulaz Glacier, where awe-inspiring landscapes, adrenaline, and pure emotion create an unforgettable experience.

Méribel Mottaret: The Borgne Glacier

The call of the wild

Tucked away beyond the ski area, the Borgne Glacier offers a truly wild high-mountain adventure, where absolute silence meets breathtaking panoramas. With a 600m elevation gain, this challenging route is reserved for experienced ski tourers comfortable with technical terrain. A certified mountain guide or instructor is essential, along with mandatory safety equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe). A thrilling challenge for those seeking untamed nature and intense sensations!

Courchevel: The most scenic ski touring routes

Courchevel: The most scenic ski touring routes

Courchevel Le Praz > Courchevel 1850: The Millet Ski Touring

A full immersion in nature

Take on the Millet Ski Touring trail and embrace the peaceful forest atmosphere, far from the bustle of the main slopes. This groomed track, about 2 meters wide, provides the perfect terrain for challenge seekers. Rated red level, it is designed for ski tourers looking for intensity.
Starting at the base of the Forêt chairlift, the route climbs up to the Front de Neige in Courchevel 1850, with
500 meters of elevation gain over 3.2 km. Expect a demanding ascent rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views at the top!

Courchevel 1850 > Col de la Loze: The Plum KV

A challenge for passionate skiers

Experience the thrill and intensity of the Plum KV route! Dive into the wild forests of Courchevel, far from the marked slopes. This groomed 2-meter-wide trail is red level, ideal for those seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures.
The trailhead is located next to the Plantrey chairlift, leading up to the Col de la Loze summit. With
500 meters of elevation gain over 2.5 km, this course invites you to push your limits.

Bonus challenge: Combine Both Routes! Looking for an even bigger challenge? Combine the Millet Ski Touring and the Plum KV to reach 1,000 meters of elevation gain and 5.7 km of pure effort and exhilaration in the heart of Les 3 Vallées. When you're ready, embark on this adventure that blends adrenaline with the stunning beauty of snow-covered peaks. An unforgettable experience you'll want to repeat again and again!

The Freeride Lab

An Adventure Between Sky and Snow

Ready for an unforgettable experience? Head to Col de Creux Noir for a 15-minute ascent on ski skins! This short climb grants you access to an untouched off-piste area, offering a breathtaking 360° view of the Alps and an awe-inspiring silence. A true breath of fresh mountain air!

The adventure starts at Col de Pas du Lac, on the Méribel side, following the Niverolle red run. As for the descent, the choice is yours: opt for the Roches Grises slopes (red or black) or, for thrill-seekers, tackle the legendary couloirs.

100 meters of elevation gain over 600 meters of distance… but XXL memories at the finish!

Les Menuires & Saint-Martin: The Best Ski Touring Routes

Brelin Route (Blue No. 19)

An accessible ascent with stunning views

Starting from the Brelin parking lot, this marked route stretches 2.1 km with a 421m elevation gain, offering the perfect balance between moderate effort and skiing pleasure. Designed for intermediate-level skiers, it allows for a smooth ascent at your own pace in approximately 1h30.

The climb leads to the Roc 1 gondola summit, where you can catch your breath while admiring the view. Choose your descent based on your mood:

  • Violette green slope for a relaxed ride

  • Petit Creux blue slope for a bit more excitement

An accessible and varied route, ideal for a scenic mountain outing!

Le Danchet

A scenic climb through villages & untouched nature

Looking for a rewarding ski touring adventure? The Danchet route starts from the Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie parking lot, featuring a 3.3 km ascent with 450m of elevation gain. Expect to reach the top in about 1h45, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Your journey begins along a marked trail, winding up to the charming village of La Loy, where the authentic alpine atmosphere invites you to take a short break and admire the surroundings. Continue towards the Trait d'Union refuge, a peaceful spot nestled in nature, before reaching the top of the Saint-Martin 1 gondola.

For the descent, you have two options:

  • Gently cruise down the Bioley blue slope

  • Take the Saint-Martin 1 gondola (free of charge) if your legs need a rest

A route that combines great challenges with stunning panoramas—perfect for pushing your limits while recharging in nature!

Val Thorens: The Best Ski Touring Routes

La Camille: Petite Sud & Grande Sud

Two new routes to mix up the fun

Frequent visitors to the 3 Vallées will be delighted! Since January 2024, two brand-new ski touring trails, created in partnership with Salomon, have been introduced: Petite Sud and Grande Sud. These routes can be combined seamlessly, allowing you to adapt your outing to your energy level.

Petite Sud: A gentle introduction

Starting from the Balcons neighborhood, this 1.8 km loop with a 65m elevation gain is perfect for warming up or discovering ski touring in a relaxed way. An accessible and confidence-boosting route, offering stunning mountain views!

Grande Sud: A more challenging ascent

Also departing from Les Balcons, extend your effort with Grande Sud, featuring a 2.03 km climb and 343m of elevation gain. The ascent leads to the picnic area on the red Chardons slope, the perfect spot to catch your breath, admire the view, and maybe enjoy a well-earned snack.

Whether you're looking for a short, easy tour or a more intense climb, these two routes offer a varied and enjoyable experience for all levels. A must-try for any ski touring enthusiast!

Dôme de Polset

Reach for the heights

Ready to push your limits? Head to the Dôme de Polset for an awe-inspiring glacier trek through the wild Chavière valley. Here, you’ll experience true high-altitude adventure, where the raw beauty of untouched nature surrounds you, and the only sound is the crisp crunch of your skis on the snow.

The ascent climbs to 3,500m, making it an ultimate challenge for skiers craving remote landscapes and adrenaline-filled moments. Once at the summit, the reward is breathtaking—a 360° panorama with unforgettable views of the Écrins and Mont Blanc ranges. An exceptional route for those seeking to experience the mountains in their purest and most majestic form.

Also worth discovering...

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