The Three Valleys is one of the largest ski areas in the world and is home to some of the most popular resorts in the French Alps. The area is best known for its extensive diversity in stunning scenery, crisp white slopes and varying pistes. The Three Valleys is made up of 8 ski resorts, including the well-known and much-loved Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. With 10,500 hectares of skiable area it’s no wonder the vast domain caters to skiers of all abilities. Alps2Alps have created a beginner’s guide to skiing in the Three Valleys, for those wanting to improve their skills in an accommodating environment.
La Tania
La Tania is a great choice for beginners, offering a range of options. It has a whole host of gentle slopes, with beginner zone Troika connecting to another beginner area by an easy green piste. Once you’ve found your feet you can try the slightly more advanced (but not too scary!) blue pistes from the Bouc Banc and Stade lifts.
Val Thorens
Between 5 nursery areas, 11 green runs and 29 blue runs, beginners are spoilt for choice in Val Thorens! Both child and adult ski lessons are available for those needing a bit of guidance, whilst those who feel confident enough have a range of easy slopes to enjoy. Gentle pistes connect to different areas of the Valley, meaning you’re not restricted to one part of the resort as beginners often feel they are in other resorts.
Some runs to consider trying are the wide slopes of Cairn and Boulevard Cumin, which is slightly narrower but flatter. Once you’ve upgraded from green to blue pistes check out Mont de la Chambre, Pluviometre and Plein Sud for more of a challenge.
Courchevel
Courchevel is an ideal spot for beginners, with a great range of green and blue pistes to get you going. A wide range of helpful ski schools with English-speaking instructors are also on offer. Courchevel provides a whole host of areas for beginners called ‘zen’ zones, giving you the chance to practise on gentle slopes and bends before upgrading to the harder areas. Some great options are the Pralong Zen and Golf Zen areas in Courchevel 1850, offering wide and gentle slopes along with hours of fun!
Méribel
Méribel is situated in the heart of the Three Valleys, and Geneva to Meribel transfers take just 2 hours 30 minutes. This resort is great for beginners as it has well-kept ski areas, 8 green pistes and 25 blue pistes, giving you a large variety to choose from. As it sits in the centre of the Three Valleys it also provides an opportunity to explore other resorts whilst staying on easy green or blue pistes.
Once you feel more comfortable on the slopes, Méribel offers slightly more challenging pistes such as the Blanchot run and the Foret run.
There are also plenty of spots perfect for children; P’tit Moon is a great area for 7-12 year olds, as well as the themed piste Moon Wild which has hidden animal figures and a quiz to keep them entertained.
Whether you have young children or simply don’t have much skiing experience, the Three Valleys is the perfect place for beginners, offering lessons, gentle slopes and kid’s areas – keeping everyone happy!
This article has been kindly written for us by Alps2Alps transfers one of the leading ski transfer operators in Europe.