Advanced ski areas in Val Thorens

Discover the top Val Thorens advanced skiing

Updated 25 February 2025

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 Val Thorens valley alone there are 51 reds and 14 blacks, and a total of 113 reds and 33 blacks across the domain. Neighbouring Courchevel has some great couloir skiing and Méribel has the Olympic downhill Face to tackle.

Advanced areas in Val Thorens

Val Thorens offers a variety of challenging runs across three glaciers and four summits, catering to advanced skiers and snowboarders:

Jerusalem: A quiet, rolling blue run (formerly red) with excellent snow and gentle off-piste on either side, ideal for first ventures into powder.
Cime Caron: Features three standout runs. Mogul-heavy black Combe de Rosael leading to Orelle’s fourth valley, the black Combe de Caron and the red Col de l’Audzin returning to Val Thorens.
Orelle’s Bouchet Lift: Known for fresh powder, quiet slopes, and wide open runs perfect for high speed descents.
Pointe de la Masse: Home to four challenging blacks (Masse, Lac Noir, Dame Blanche, and Rocher Noir), best in the morning for sunshine and avoiding crowds.
Funitel Peclet: Accesses the steep Christine run and the red Col at Glacier de Thorens, with scenic, long descents.
Allamande: A twisting red run from Trois Marches to Les Menuires, featuring varied terrain for all tastes.

Ski area in Val Thorens

Explore the Three Valleys

Méribel

Face

An Olympic downhill run created for the 1992 Olympics, this black run is left ungroomed after snowfall, providing a deep powder experience. Best skied mid-morning when the snow is firm but softened. Take the Roc de Fer and Olympic chairlifts to access it.

Tetras and Mogul Challenges

A tough mogul-filled black run from the Loze chairlift, demanding strong legwork.

Méribel-Mottaret’s black and red runs

From Pas du Lac, advanced skiers can take the Sanglier or Grande Rosiere pistes, the latter offering a powder experience after fresh snowfall.

Bartavelle and Lagopède – ‘Back to the Wild’

High, north facing runs with excellent snow. Bartavelle develops large moguls, while Lagopède is a smoother alternative. Nearby, the ‘bumps’ run lets skilled skiers showcase their mogul technique.

Mauduit

A Legendary red named after champion skier Georges Mauduit, this former World Cup piste descends over 1km from Saulire to La Chaudanne, demanding fast carving turns through the forest.

Combe du Vallon

One of the longest and most famous red runs in the Three Valleys, descending over 3km from Mont Vallon. Often filled with moguls, it features breathtaking views over Tuéda Lake and Mottaret.

Mouflon

A hidden challenge, starting gently before narrowing and steepening, this rarely used run from the Plattières 3 gondola offers stunning views of Saulire.

Couloir Tournier

Méribel’s extreme challenge is a black run beneath Saulire Express 2 with a terrifying 37-degree entry chute. Fixed cameras record your descent, providing proof of your daring attempt.

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.