THE SKIING
This is the largest linked ski area in the world with over 600km of marked pistes and 200 ski lifts serving a 110 square mile area. These include two 150-person cable cars over twenty high-speed chairs, forty telecabines and almost a 100 draglifts. Even in high season this well designed system is capable of transporting 230,000 skiers per hour keeping you constantly on the move.
Méribel with its extensive pistes is for all standards, if you are a beginner you can head for the gentler slopes of the green runs Alitport and Truite. Thrill seekers and those looking for something a little bit more adventurous might head for Mont Vallon, the sole cable car will transport you to the top of this wonderful mountain and once at the top it is worth taking a few minutes to enjoy the panoramic view. The long and wide runs back are about as good as it gets, there is also some great off-piste. This is certainly one of Méribel’s treats and well worth a jaunt.
The Tougnette and Saulire side of the valley provide the perfect balance of morning and afternoon sun with open snowfields and tree lined skiing. La Tania has its own gentle nursery slope for beginners and children, but once basics have been mastered you can take advantage of this ideal location for the Courchevel valley.
Into Courchevel 1850 you will find easy pistes that have been groomed to perfection. Leisurely skiers can potter across to 1650 where not only do quiet wide-open pistes await but lunch in style and sunshine at some of the best mountain restaurants.
The third valley to enjoy on your holiday is Val Thorens, which includes Les Menuires and the pretty village of Saint Martin de Belleville, the stronger skiers will enjoy a day heading over to Val Thorens the highest resort in the 3 valleys, although a somewhat unattractive purpose built resort the skiing is superb. You can even venture into the fourth valley Maurienne, where Italy is now linked with Les Trois Vallées via the tunnel de Fréjus and Orelle gondola.
For the less adventurous you do not need to be a strong skier to head into the busy Les Menuires resort and the quieter intimate area of Saint Martin de Belleville is also easily accessed via wide leisurely runs.
With 600km of pistes alone and over 1350 of snow cannons serving the home runs this magnificent area with it’s proven tack record is hard to beat. |
