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Advanced ski areas in Meribel

Discover the top Meribel advanced skiing

Updated

The Three Valleys is one of the largest ski areas in the world. That being the case, there is a whole host of challenging and steep skiing for the advanced skier or snowboarder. In fact in the Méribel valley alone there are 23 reds and seven blacks, and a total of 113 reds and 33 blacks across the domain. Neighbouring Courchevel has some great couloir skiing and Val Thorens with its steep bumpy runs can really get those thighs burning.

Creux Noirs glacier

Advanced ski areas in Méribel

Méribel may not be the most extreme resort in the Three Valleys, but it offers a variety of black and advanced red runs that challenge even experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Olympic challenge: Face

  • Created for the 1992 women's Olympic downhill.
  • Left ungroomed after snowfall for a deep powder experience without going off-piste.
  • Best skied mid-morning when the snow softens slightly, but still remains firm.
  • Marked on the piste map with the ‘PEUF Experience’ logo, indicating powder runs.
  • Access via Roc de Fer and Olympic chairlifts.

Mogul filled descents

  • Tetras is a challenging black run from the Loze chairlift, often covered in large moguls.
  • Bartavelle, Part of Méribel’s ‘Back to the Wild’ area, featuring natural, uncultivated snow and sizeable moguls.
  • Bumps, a mogul heavy run next to Martre piste, finishing at the plateau in central Mottaret.

Powder and peuf experience runs

  • Grande Rosiere is a high, north-facing 'Peuf Experience' piste, offering excellent conditions after fresh snowfall.
  • Sanglier, a slightly less demanding but still advanced red run, accessed via Pas du Lac.

Long, scenic and fast red runs

  • Mauduit, named after Méribel’s 1960s ski champion, this former World Cup piste drops over 1km from Saulire to La Chaudanne, this run starts wide and open before narrowing into a fast, tree-lined section.
  • Combe du Vallon is a legendary Three Valleys run, stretching over 3km from Mont Vallon. Often features deep moguls and offers breathtaking views over Tuéda Lake and Mottaret.
  • Combe Laitelet, a tree-lined piste providing a quieter alternative to the busy Lievre and Perdrix runs in Mottaret.

Hidden and extreme challenges

Mouflon, a tucked-away piste from Plattières 3 gondola, starting gently before quickly becoming steep and technical. Offers stunning views towards Saulire.
Couloir Tournier is a steep and narrow couloir beneath the Saulire Express 2 lift, featuring a 37-degree entry chute. Only for expert skiers. Fixed video cameras allow you to record your descent.

Méribel is a great choice for advanced skiers, with its mix of Olympic history, powder runs, challenging moguls, and long technical pistes.

snow 3 valleys

Explore the Three Valleys

For expert skiers seeking thrilling descents, a Three Valleys lift pass opens up access to some of the most challenging terrain in Val Thorens and Courchevel.

Val Thorens

Cime Caron and Combe de Rosael

The top of Cime Caron offers steep, demanding runs, including the popular Combe de Caron. The Combe de Rosael is another highlight, often featuring enormous moguls that will push your technical skills.

Bouchet Lift and Orelle 

The highest and most remote area in the Three Valleys, this sector provides excellent fresh powder, quiet slopes, and wide runs where you can pick up serious speed.

Point de la Masse

Home to four tricky black runs: Masse, Lac Noir, Dame Blanche, and Rocher Noir. Best skied early in the morning for untouched snow and sunshine before the Three Valleys crowds arrive.

Funitel Peclet and Glacier de Thorens

Though busier, the runs here offer steep and sustained descents. Christine is the longest and steepest, while the Col red run from Glacier de Thorens, accessed via the Moraine lift, provides a fantastic follow-up.

Courchevel

Courchevel is renowned for its challenging terrain, with steep black runs, mogul fields, and legendary couloirs that test even the most experienced skiers.

Courchevel 1850

  • Saulire Area – Start your day on Combe Saulire before 09:30 for the best snow and fewer crowds. The Grand Couloir, the easiest of the famous couloirs, still offers a serious challenge, while the GoPro Couloir leads into Méribel. Other couloirs, though no longer official pistes, remain thrilling options for expert skiers.
  • Creux Noirs and Saulire – High-altitude, steep reds and blacks with tough moguls. Great advanced skiing can be found from the Suisse lift, Vizelle telecabine and Saulire top station.
  • Chapelets – A quiet run that feels like backcountry skiing. Starts steep, then mellows out, making for an exhilarating descent, especially when freshly groomed.

Courchevel-Moriond 1650

  • Ideal for advanced skiers looking for a more relaxed run in stunning scenery. Even during peak weeks, this area stays uncrowded. Try Grandes Bosses and Gentiane for quiet, easy cruising.

Courchevel Le Praz

  • Bouc Blanc – A challenging black run through the trees, perfect for low-visibility days or stunning views in clear weather.
  • Jean Blanc – A fast, technical black run with off-piste opportunities and large moguls.

La Tania

  • Dou des Lanches – A steep and fast black piste above La Tania, perfect for a final challenge.

More inspiration...

Having cracked the advanced ski areas, now check out the off-piste areas in Meribel.

Take a look at this year's ski pass prices for more information. Find your way around with piste maps for Meribel.