The best ski touring routes in Méribel, in the heart of the 3 Vallées

January 23, 2023

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For your next holiday in the mountains, it's decided: you want to discover new sensations.

The fresh snow covering the slopes of the 3 Vallées ski area makes you want to try another activity and leave the ski pistes behind. With the winter sun, wouldn’t it be a good time to try ski touring? Climbing the peaks without using the lifts brings personal pride and leads riders to overlook great views.

However, ski touring requires a certain amount of technical skill and knowledge of mountain risks. We recommend that you start with an instructor or guide.

Find the best ski touring itineraries to try in Méribel and the advice of the professional freerider, Jérémy Prevost.

We asked Jérémy Prevost

Professional freerider and former competitor of the Freeride World Tour in 2011

How do you prepare before a ski touring session?

For an off-piste ski touring session, I start by looking at the weather forecast, the BERA (bulletin of avalanche risk estimation), I also sometimes call friends who are mountain professionals to get their feedback on the current conditions. I can also look at the Iphigénie and Topo applications, to familiarise myself with my route.

I then pack my gear, including ski and off-piste safety equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel and probe). I put water, food and a change of clothes in my bag (e.g. gloves and a small down jacket). I generally make sure that I tell someone close to me about my itinerary.

What does ski touring bring to the person who practices it?

Quite simply a feeling of freedom. You go hiking to find peace and solitude. The aim is to get away from it all and the whole outing should be seen as a journey. If you want to eat up negative altitude changes and focus on the amount of downhill, don’t go. But if you want to enjoy and find beautiful, unspoilt corners, then this is more for you!

After all, some people see hiking as a sport activity such as running or trail running, with the objective of climbing as fast as possible and sweating a lot!

To each his own practice and his desires, there is something for everyone.

What are your favourite ski touring routes in Méribel?

I often say it but it depends on the weather conditions and also on the snow cover. The mountain changes every season and the outings can be different.

To warm up, or when the weather is bad, I can do simple climbs such as the marked itineraries of the resort for example. In fact, in Mottaret, there is an itinerary of 370m of positive difference in altitude and 2 km. A good way to start without getting lost in the mountain.

On a good day, the Borgne glacier is a magnificent place with a 600m climb, but it is really only recommended for those with an expert level. Beware, the area is wild and far from the marked slopes. You head into this area at your own risk.

As to timing, it is very variable depending on the people, the equipment and the snow conditions. For me, I have a cruising pace of about 600 metres per hour. I like to look at the mountain, take pictures and enjoy the moment.

I’m a beginner and I want to try ski touring, what do you recommend?

Simply surround yourself with professionals such as instructors or guides. They will always be able to give you good advice and accompany you as you progress. Moreover, they are on the skis every day and so know the good places that will correspond to your expectations. They will also explain the use of the touring and safety equipment, which is essential.

An ideal itinerary to start with: Le Roc in Méribel-Mottaret

Discover ski touring on a marked route, complete with a giant hammock to relax and contemplate once you've reached the summit of the itinerary. A cabin by the lake, freely accessible upon arrival, is also available.

For 2 km and with 370m of D+, this itinerary allows you to take your first steps with skins.

From the Chalets gondola at the Hameau in Méribel-Mottaret, head towards the Chalet du Lac. When you get to the top, take a break and admire the view, before heading back down the slopes.

The panoramic route: Meribel Village – Pic Bleu

After the ROC track (2km/370m elevation gain) inaugurated last winter in Méribel-Mottaret, Méribel is enhancing its offering for ski touring, allowing everyone to engage in this increasingly popular activity safely.

Around a 5.5km route with 600m positive elevation gain starting from the snowfront of Méribel Village, practitioners have the opportunity to access a course alternating between open sections offering incomparable views of the valley and sections in the Altiport forest. This route, designed to reach the widest audience, can be divided into three sections.

The first, titled “lower part,” from the starting point of Méribel Village to the Altiport, is of easy difficulty; 3km with 300m positive elevation gain; the descent to Méribel Village is directly on the Lapin blue slope.
The second, titled “intermediate part,” from the Altiport to TSD Loze, is suitable for beginners; 1km with 100m positive elevation gain; the descent is on the Blanchot green slope.
The last, titled “upper part,” from TSD Loze to the Pic Bleu relaxation chalet, is 1.5km with 200m positive elevation gain; the descent is on the Pic Bleu blue slope.

Climbs are systematically on a dedicated route, shared with pedestrians on some sections, and descents are on the ski area.

Safety Instructions:

The Méribel Village ski touring route is marked but not secured; you use it at your own risk.
The ski touring route is only accessible during the ski area’s opening hours (including ascent and descent).
Before starting, inquire about snow conditions, weather, and avalanche risks from the relevant services.
Wearing an Avalanche Victim Detector, a shovel, and a probe is recommended.
Ensure you have the appropriate equipment.
Make sure you have the necessary level in alpine skiing to practice ski touring (especially downhill skiing).
In case of doubt, professionals (guides, ski schools) offer initiations. Contact them!
Descending on the ascent route is prohibited! Upon arrival, descend via alpine ski slopes.
Some sections are shared (pedestrians, cross-country skiing); respect other users and stay on the sides.
Ski touring uphill is prohibited on alpine ski slopes!

Introduction to ski touring

Now you have several ski touring route ideas to try during your next stay in Méribel.

To guarantee that your first outings will rhyme with safety, confidence and pleasure, book a guide or an instructor.