The Three Valleys is an enormous ski area and it probably comes as no surprise to hear that in such a big place, there are plenty of places to head to on a good powder day for some incredible off-piste skiing.
Méribel has some fantastic off-piste skiing and with access to the whole Three Valleys ski area, you can experience some incredible views, amazing powder and great days out. We always recommend hiring a mountain guide when you are thinking of heading off-piste, either in a group or privately.
You can join in guided off-piste tours, where you can head off in a group off-piste for the day. Both Méribel’s ESF and the Mountain Guides Office (Bureau des Guides) offer off-piste guiding groups for good skiers. Expect to walk or skin uphill for anything up to an hour, in return for untouched snow and deserted descents.
Depending on snow and weather conditions you may picnic on a summit or in a local restaurant and may ski anything from deep powder to crud, to spring snow. You need to be a strong skier with some off-piste experience to take part. The guide provides avalanche transceivers; you need to bring a ‘can-do’ attitude. Remember to bring energy bars or snacks and plenty of water and you'll have a fabulous day discovering the classic Three Valley itineraries and meet like-minded people.
Off-piste skiing in Méribel
Méribel Village - Altiport
- Dent de Burgin: From the Loze Express chairlift, follow the Boulevard de la Loze track towards Dent de Burgin. Halfway along, drop right for wide-open powder fields. Only ski this area if the track is open, as avalanche risk is high when closed.
- Loze Express: Beneath the chairlift, there's a popular off-piste run that gets busy quickly after fresh snowfall. On a powder day, catch the first lift and try skiing through the trees for fresh tracks, all the way to Méribel Village.
Méribel-Mottaret
- Côte Brune: You'll find fresh powder all around this chairlift. A short hike from the lift can lead to incredible descents with untouched snow. Check with ski patrollers at the top for safe routes before heading out.
- Roc de Tougne: Accessed via the Combes lifts, this area features long off-piste runs either side of the drag lift. Traverse at the top to find untouched powder.
Méribel Centre - Tougnète
- Olympic to Raffort: From the Olympic Express chairlift, hike along the ridge to access untouched slopes. The further you hike, the steeper the descent. Watch out for the stream at the bottom and follow the Villages piste to Les Allues
Always make sure you are prepared before embarking on any off-piste skiing or snowboarding. Check out our avalanche safety guide. It's always advisable to hire an off-piste guide who will have extensive knowledge of the area and the mountains.
