Ski touring in the 3 Vallées: accessible routes and trails

a Millet is THE benchmark. A gruelling 3.2 km climb with 500 m of elevation gain through a stunning forest where silence envelops you from the very first few metres. Markers every 100 metres punctuate your ascent to La Croisette in Courchevel 1850, allowing you to measure your progress. The slope is demanding, even serious, but the setting rewards every effort: snow-covered spruce trees, light filtering through the branches, a feeling of fulfilment that grows with altitude.

Accessible every day during the ski area's opening hours, the route is extended until 7.15 pm with a return trip by cable car after closing time. And every Wednesday evening from 6.20pm, the Millet transforms into a night-time time trial where amateurs and champions come to seek the perfect time. The grand finale in February has become an institution!

Full information on courchevel.com and race calendar on courchevelsportsoutdoor.com.

After Millet, Courchevel drives the point home with Plum KV: France's first groomed and secured Vertical Kilometre. 2.5 km winding through the Praz forest before climbing to the heights of Praz Juget. At the top of the Col de la Loze, a 360° panorama of the 3 Vallées unfolds before you in an explosion of peaks and valleys. An additional 500 metres of elevation gain crowns your effort with an absolute visual reward.

The most experienced skiers can tackle Millet + Plum KV for a vertical climb of 1,000 metres and 5.7 km: the ultimate challenge! These two marked routes are your gateway to the world of ski touring in Courchevel. Check the conditions on courchevel.com.

Head to Moriond for a red run that winds through majestic forests in a wilder, more intimate setting. 2.8 km and 528 m of elevation gain starting from the Granges ski lift. The Géné'piste takes you up through unspoilt forest landscapes where the gentle slope allows you to enjoy the magical surroundings.

This is the ultimate contemplative ride, where you can take the time to look up, breathe in the fresh air and feel alive among the snow-covered fir trees. Follow the green markers topped with an orange peak and let yourself be carried away by the raw beauty of Moriond.

And then there is the Avals Valley. The kingdom of aficionados, the holy grail of die-hard enthusiasts. Accessible from the Chanrossa chairlift, this wild and unspoilt valley at the foot of the Aiguille du Fruit offers an almost endless range of possibilities: Col du Râteau, Petit Mont Blanc, Col des Saulces, Brèche de la Portetta... There's something for all levels in this challenging area where the north face beckons. Here, you leave the groomed trails behind and enter the world of high mountains.

Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are mandatory, and a high mountain guide is highly recommended to ensure your safety in this magical area adjacent to the Vanoise National Park. Please note that skiing is prohibited on the Méribel and Plan de Tuéda side: you are in a nature reserve, and respect for nature is non-negotiable.

Le Roc is the perfect route for your first steps with climbing skins.
2 km, 370 m elevation gain, a marked and secure climb from the top of the Chalets cable car to the Lac hut. Easy, accessible, reassuring, but enough to understand the pleasure of this discipline: moving under your own steam through magnificent landscapes, gaining altitude, reaching the refuge where you can catch your breath in front of a panorama that justifies every step.

The descent is on the slopes (Violet green or others depending on your level), so you can finish the outing in complete peace of mind. Perfect for trying it out, taking along friends who are new to the sport, or simply for a relaxing outing after work. Practical information on meribel.net.

Looking for something more challenging? The Pic Bleu route starting from the Méribel Village snow front is just what you need: 5.5 km and 600 m of elevation gain, alternating between open sections with unrivalled views of the valley and forest passages in the Altiport. The cleverly designed route is divided into three sections to suit all levels: the lower section to the Altiport (3 km, 300 m elevation gain, easy), the intermediate section, and then the summit for the fittest. Choose your goal for the day and descend via the resort's slopes. A flexible outing is everything we love about ski touring.
Check out the information on meribel.net.

The Holy Grail. The largest glacier in the 3 Vallées awaits you for a day trip that will remain etched in your memory. Accessible from the Val Thorens ski lifts (Moraine gondola), you put on your skins and harness for about an hour and a half of climbing towards the Col de Gébroulaz. Once at the top, the show begins: spectacular seracs, gaping crevasses, frozen expanses stretching as far as the eye can see. Then comes the descent to the Méribel valley or Lake Tuéda, between chaotic ice formations and technical passages. Some push on to Pralognan for a legendary traverse.

A challenging, technical and unforgettable outing. It is absolutely essential to be accompanied by a high mountain guide. This is non-negotiable: your life depends on it. Information and guide offices on meribel.net.

For those who want to try freerando without going too far, the Col du Creux Noir from the Col de Pas du Lac offers a great introduction. 600 m long, with a 100 m elevation gain along the red Niverolle piste.

The arrival at the top of the Roches Grises slopes opens up several descent options, including legendary couloirs for experts. Short but intense, it's the ideal appetiser before aiming for bigger things.

Starting from the Brelin car park, this 2.1 km marked route with a 421 m elevation gain offers the perfect balance between moderate effort and skiing enjoyment. Designed for intermediate skiers, it allows you to progress at your own pace over approximately 1.5 hours. The ascent leads to the top of the Roc 1 cable car, where you can catch your breath and enjoy a contemplative break overlooking the valley.

The descent can be tailored to your preferences and ability: take the gentle Violette green run, or choose more challenging options if you feel so inclined.
This route has found its audience and has a loyal following. Details on lesmenuires.com.

Starting from Reberty 1850 (Maison de Savoy), the Bruyères trail offers 1.5 km of pure enchantment with a 300 m elevation gain. Allow 1.5 hours for this red-level climb, which follows the left-hand side of the piste to the summit of Bruyères 1.
At the top, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains reward your efforts. The descent via the blue Bruyères trail offers moments of gliding and total freedom.

This route is shared with snowshoers, so respect and courtesy are essential: stay on the sides and smile at walkers.

Pointe de la Masse (2,804 m) is the dream destination for ski tourers in Les Menuires. A 900 m climb, 4-5 hours of effort, and at the summit, a view that takes in Mont Blanc in all its majesty.
A gentle climb from Les Menuires through changing landscapes, then the ultimate reward: a 360° panorama that makes every drop of sweat worthwhile. The descent options vary depending on conditions and your level, but whichever route you take, you'll come back down with stars in your eyes.

Accompaniment by a professional is strongly recommended to fully enjoy this legendary summit in complete safety.
Information on lesmenuires.com.

Saint-Martin offers several routes to the surrounding peaks, including the Danchet route, which connects the different areas of the Belleville Valley.
These authentic trails pass through traditional hamlets and unspoilt forests, far from the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts. Here, ski touring is done as it always has been: simply, naturally, in harmony with the mountains.

The local tourist offices provide detailed guidebooks and up-to-date conditions on saint-martin-belleville.com.

The Grande Sud naturally follows on from the Petite Sud to extend the adventure. From 2,395 metres, you continue to the picnic area on the Chardons red run, gaining even more altitude and panoramic views.
The Petite Sud + Grande Sud combination forms a complete route that immerses you in the heights of Val Thorens with spectacular views of the Alpine peaks. The à la carte option allows you to adjust the route to suit your fitness level on the day.

Conditions and information on valthorens.com.

La Grande Sud s'enchaîne naturellement après la Petite Sud pour prolonger l'aventure. De 2 395 m, vous continuez jusqu'à l'aire de pique-nique de la piste rouge Chardons, gagnant encore en altitude et en panoramas.
L'enchaînement Petite Sud + Grande Sud forme un parcours complet qui vous immerge dans les hauteurs de Val Thorens avec des vues spectaculaires sur les sommets alpins. La formule à la carte permet d'ajuster selon votre forme du jour.

Conditions et infos sur valthorens.com.

The 2 Lacs trail is another magnificent option: 3.6 km and 204 m of elevation gain from the Chalet du Cosmojet to the top of the 2 Lacs chairlift.
An enchanting route that winds through magical winter landscapes, accessible to all levels. Perfect for a discovery outing or a gentle workout.
Other footpaths are also accessible for ski touring uphill only: La Moutière (6.1 km, 286 m elevation gain), Montagnette 1 (3.3 km, 110 m elevation gain) and Montagnette 2 (2.5 km, 78 m elevation gain).

This variety allows you to enjoy different experiences throughout the winter.

Val Thorens opens the doors to the glaciers and the Vanoise for the more adventurous. The Dôme de Polset, the Pointe du Borgne, the Col de la Chambre: all these legendary peaks are accessible from the resort. For those who love altitude, a special ‘ski touring’ pass (around £25-30) gives you access to the 2 Lacs and Moraine cable cars, taking you directly to the glaciers - see current prices. Put on your skins at the Moraine arrival station and you're ready to start your ascent.

These challenging high-mountain excursions require a solid technical level, complete equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) and, ideally, the accompaniment of a guide. Local guide offices offer tailored packages - check out their offers.