New lifts & pistes in the 3 Valleys this season 2017/18
The latest developments to the 3 Valleys ski area for this winter
Les 3 Vallées prides itself on its state-of-the-art lift system and each year invests heavily in improvements to the ski area. This winter is no exception and skiers will benefit from two brand new pistes and three major lift replacements.
These are the biggest developments in the 3 Valleys this season. We look forward to trying them as soon as all the resorts open!
Jump to
Watch this
Developments in Val Thorens
Two new pistes
Val Thorens has a new blue piste called La Corniche in the Plein Sud sector. For those skiing into the Val Thornes valley, this will offer a quieter alternative to the busy main Plein Sud piste and a means of accessing the lifts without skiing through the teeming town centre. La Corniche starts by La Folie Douce restaurant and offers beautiful views over Val Thorens before joining the Croissant piste at the top of the resort. A second new blue piste has been created in Orelle (the ‘fourth’ valley). Called La Croix d'Antide, this easy run starts from the Bouchet chairlift and joins Gentianes.
Moraine gondola
Even more welcome is the new Moraine gondola lift. The old chairlift, known for being cold, exposed to the wind and prone to stopping, has been replaced by a 10-seat gondola. Not only will this reduce queues and speed up the connection to the Genepi and Moraine blue pistes but it means users will remain sheltered and warm in this notoriously cold part of the valley. If you have ever wondered how a new lift is installed, watch this short video of the Moraine pylons being helicoptered into place (just scroll to the bottom of the article).
Developments in Meribel
Roc de Tougne chairlift
A new 6-seat Roc de Tougne chairlift has replaced two steep draglifts of the same name. Not only will this encourage more skiers and boarders to enjoy the very pretty Mont de la Challe area, known for its excellent snow, it will also create a faster and more comfortable link over to the Belleville valley.
Piste re-routing
The main Lac de la Chambre piste leading from Val Thorens to the Méribel Valley will now be easier. Two difficult sections have been bypassed, allowing this red run to be re-graded as a blue and opening up a spectacular and wild part of Méribel’s ski area to novice skiers.
New 4-hour lift pass
A brand new lift pass, the 3 Valleys 4-hours pass, has been introduced this winter. The four-hour period starts at whatever time you wish. This replaces the previous morning and afternoon passes, giving skiers more flexibility and freedom to ski when they want.
Developments in Courchevel
Ariondaz gondola at Moriond 1650
The Ariondaz gondola lift, dating back to 1974, had insufficient capacity for busy periods and queues tended to form here. It has been replaced by larger and more comfortable cabins which will whisk you to the top in 7 minutes as opposed to 10.5 minutes before. The doubled capacity should greatly reduce queueing at this busy spot.
New sledding course
A new three-kilometre long sled track will open in Moriond this winter, running from the top of the new Ariondaz gondola. Called Moriond Racing, it is Formula 1 themed with tunnels, banked corners and parallel routes. It will be open every afternoon and some evenings.
