Off-piste skiing in Meribel offers unparalleled adventure among breathtaking landscapes. In this blog, we’ll delve into the magic of off-piste skiing in Meribel, uncovering the hidden gems of powder-laden slopes and exhilarating mountain adventures. From traversing untouched terrain to discovering secluded valleys, we’ll explore the top off-piste routes awaiting avid skiers.
Along the way, we’ll provide invaluable local insights, answer frequently asked questions, and offer expert guidance to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience on Meribel’s off-piste terrain. Join us as we uncover what makes off-piste skiing in Meribel truly unique.
What Makes Off-Piste Skiing in Meribel Unique?
Off-piste skiing in Meribel provides access to some unbeatable powder and mountain experiences. Offering a range of different terrains, forest and couloirs plus access across the entire, expansive Three Valleys area. It will come as no surprise that there’s no shortage of places to explore.
Traverse from nearby lifts or trek or skin uphill, for anywhere up to an hour, in exchange for pristine snow and empty downhill slopes. Depending on the snow and weather conditions, you might enjoy a picnic atop a breathtaking peak or dine at an incredible nearby savoyard restaurant, experiencing a variety of skiing conditions ranging from fresh powder to rough terrain or spring snow.
One thing is for sure, the unrivalled and world famous natural beauty teamed with the expansive ski area make off-piste skiing in Meribel a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Top Off-Piste Routes in Meribel
There’s almost too many incredible off-piste runs to choose from across Meribel and the surrounding The Valleys area but here are some of our top picks for you to enjoy.
- Petite Rosiére – Rive Droit
- Roc du Tougnes
- Marioland
- Olympic to La Raffort
- Loze Express to Dent du Burgin
- Cote Brune Area
Find out how to access them and more on what to expect below.
Petite Rosiére – Rive Droite
Getting there and making your way down:
- Begin at the start of the Mauduit Red Run, pausing briefly to locate a small mini peak on the left-hand side.
- The run commences from the top of this peak.
- Follow the South West Aspect, overlooking the mid-station of the Pas du Lac Gondola.
- Always avoid skiing towards the cable car; instead, it’s best to keep it comfortably on your left-hand side.
- You will encounter the Chardonerret run twice, crossing it quite close to the point where it meets.
- On your right, observe a wide gulley that runs straight to the valley floor, located roughly halfway between Mottaret and Meribel Centre.
- Finish your run at Petite Rosiére village.
Highlights:
- When you reach the end of the run at Petite Rosiére village, you will be right next to a bus stop so you can hop right on a bus and head back to town.
- If you do the run in deep powder, it will no doubt quickly become your favourite run ever
- The slope faces south west so it’s best to ski first thing in the morning, unless you’ve got Spring Snow, in which case, it’s best to give the sun a little time to warm and soft the snow.
Roc du Tougnes
Getting there:
- Start with a 45-minute climb to the summit of Roc de Tougnes from the top of the Roc de Tougne lift.
- Choose either ridgeline for the ascent, but be cautious of cornices.
- It’s impossible to miss the unmistakable Roc de Tougnes, a striking black peak, serves as your guide.
- Upon reaching the summit, head north towards a small col marking the beginning of the run.
- Long off-piste runs await on both sides of the drag track, with untouched snow accessible after a bit of traverse at the top.
Highlights:
- Ideal for novice off-piste skiers, offering a thrilling sense of adventure amidst breathtaking scenery.
- Advanced skiers can explore steeper and more diverse terrain further to the left or right.
- The latter part of the run offers flexibility and showcases some of the ski resort’s most beautiful areas.
Marioland
Getting there:
- Access the off-piste run with a 15-20 minute climb from the bottom of the Bouquetin Chairlift.
- Position yourself with your back to the base station of the lift, then follow the ridge ahead while keeping the snowpark to your left-hand side.
- Circle around to the north-facing aspect, avoiding the east-facing aspect due to significant cliffs and rocks posing serious danger.
Highlights:
- This off-piste run promises exhilarating fun right from the start, with a terrain covered in large rocks providing a playground for advanced skiers.
- Advanced skiers can enjoy unlimited drops, jumps, and features, while less experienced skiers can practise on smaller jumps or use the rocks for slalom skiing.
- Exercise caution, especially at the start and end of the season, as the rocks can present dangers despite making the run enjoyable.
Notes:
- Do not ski the east-facing aspect of the slope. The rocks here make is very dangerous and falling would result in serious injury.
- At the end of this run, you will find the Sizerin Trail, marking the boundary of the nature reserve. It’s important to stop skiing here and return to the piste. Continuing the run can result in losing your lift pass.
Olympic to La Raffort
Getting there:
- Begin the off-piste route from Olympic Express chairlift to Raffort Village.
- Upon exiting the Olympic Express chairlift, immediately veer right.
- Embark on a hike along the ridge until finding pristine slopes to the right.
- For those seeking more challenge, continue hiking for larger initial drops onto the slope.
Highlight:
- Enjoy the winding Villages piste downhill all the way to Les Allues.
Notes:
- Exercise caution to avoid skiing into the stream at the slope’s bottom.
- Once you reach the stream, locate a safe crossing point.
Loze Express to Dent du Burgin
Getting there:
- Head from Loze Express to Dent du Burgin for great off-piste skiing in Meribel.
- Take the Loze Express chairlift up.
- Ski along Boulevard de la Loze track towards the Dent du Burgin chair.
- Caution: Do not take the Dent du Burgin chairlift if closed due to avalanche danger.
- Halfway along the track, veer off to the right for expansive open plains with fresh tracks and powder.
- Underneath the Loze Express chairlift, find a popular off-piste run that gets tracked out quickly.
- Best enjoyed early on a fresh powder day; aim to catch the first lift.
- Experiment by cutting off to the right and skiing between the trees.
- On a good snow day, it’s possible to enjoy powder skiing between the trees all the way down to Meribel Village.
Highlights:
- Off-piste skiing from Loze Express to Dent du Burgin offers untouched snow and deserted descents.
- Ski through open plains and powder, and explore tree runs for added excitement.
- Early morning rides ensure the best experience before the slopes get crowded.
Cote Brune Chairlift Area
Getting there:
- Access the Cote Brune chairlift from Mottaret Centre by taking the Plattieres gondola.
- Ski down the Blue slope Bouvreuil, veering right to spot the Cote Brune Chairlift.
- Consider a short hike for access to incredible descents and pristine tracks.
Tip:
Visit the Ski Patrollers’ hut at the lift’s top to consult with experts on safe routes.
Staying Safe Off Piste Skiing in Meribel
Unless you are an experienced off-piste skier with knowledge of Meribel’s off-piste terrain and an advanced understanding of avalanche safety, snow and weather conditions, we would always recommend exploring Meribel’s off-piste with a local guide.
You can hire an experienced mountain guide to show you all the best sights safely, either on your own, with friends or as part of a wider organised group.
Whether you’re heading out with or without a guide, it’s important to follow the below steps to stay safe off-piste skiing in meribel:
- Complete an avalanche awareness course and practise the taught techniques. There are many providers like Henry’s avalanche talk to choose from.
- Check weather and avalanche forecasts for Meribel, assessing local avalanche risk levels.
- The FatMap app provides a reliable indication of slopes within the potential avalanche risk zone, though it doesn’t assure safety. Météo France offers regular avalanche bulletins, while the English website Pistehors.com frequently updates snowpack and avalanche data.
- Carefully plan routes, considering different options and evaluating potential dangers.
- Review timings for each route and inform others of your planned itinerary and expected return time.
- Always take your phone with you and ensure it is fully charged. If possible, take a portable charger so you can charge it if required.
- Double check you have all your avalanche safety gear and that your transceiver is properly attached and activated. Make sure to test its signal before you head off!
Local Insights to Off Piste Skiing in Meribel
Get ready for off-piste skiing in Meribel with exclusive tips from our local insider, boasting over 20 years of experience on these slopes.
Stay safe and hire a guide!
Firstly, they stressed the importance of hiring a guide for off-piste adventures. These experts not only enhance your skiing experience but also prioritise your safety in unfamiliar terrain. Guides are easily arranged through ski schools or trusted guiding companies.
Ensure your off-piste experience is safe and enjoyable by equipping yourself with the right gear. You can rent avalanche safety equipment from reputable ski hire shops or utilising gear provided by ski schools.
Check the forecast
You should always start your day by checking the morning weather and avalanche reports. This quick check gives you crucial insights into current conditions, helping you plan your day accordingly and stay safe on the mountain.
Give Ski Touring a go!
For those seeking a unique off-piste thrill, consider exploring ski touring. Rent equipment from specialised shops like Freeski in Meribel Centre and venture into untouched powder for an unforgettable experience.
Favourite Route: Olympique right down into St. Martin
Finally, our insider shares a favourite off-piste route suitable for intermediate skiers: skiing from the top of Olympique right down into St. Martin. After your descent, arrange for a convenient taxi pickup offered by one of the local restaurants such as Montagnard, after you’ve enjoyed a delicious lunch on their sun-drenched terrace, soaking in the stunning mountain views.
Local Guides for Off Piste Skiing in Meribel
There are many local off-piste guides to choose from in Meribel. Each will be able to give you an expert understanding and experience of the area. Here are some of the ones we recommend:
Parallel Lines – All Terrain Ski Course
These courses are ideal for good skiers looking to expand their horizons and ski the best the mountain has to offer. During the course, you will gain the knowledge and confidence in skiing on and off piste with expert instruction and guiding. Carving, steep slopes, off-piste and bumps, it’s all covered.
With Oxygene, you have the opportunity to choose either a 4 hour morning session or a full 7 hour day kicking off from 9am.
ESF’s off-piste guide experience will last from 4-5 hours. Whether you’re an off-piste beginner or an expert you will meet specialised instructors and mountain guides. They will answer any questions on safety and the Meribel ski area and suggest routes adapted to suit both your ability and what you’d like to get out of the experience.
Concluding Thoughts – Meribel Off Piste Skiing
So there you have it, our guide to off-piste skiing Meribel! In this guide, we’ve explored the hidden treasures of powder-laden slopes and exhilarating mountain terrain. From untouched snowfields to secluded valleys, Meribel’s off-piste routes promise unforgettable experiences and we hope you’re excited to enjoy all it has to offer.
As you embark on off-piste adventures, remember the importance of safety and local guidance. Never ski off-piste alone, and always use the expertise of a local guide who knows the terrain and can ensure your safety. Whether it’s carving down Petite Rosiére or conquering Roc du Tougnes, skiing with a guide enhances both enjoyment and safety.
Embrace the challenge, respect the mountain, and get ready for some unforgettable skiing. So, grab your skis, join a guide, and get out there!
If you haven’t yet booked your next trip to Meribel, why not take a look at our chalets and their availability. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of the Ski Basics team will be pleased to help you.
Off Piste Skiing in Meribel FAQs
How Do I Know If I’m Ready for Off-Piste Skiing in Meribel?
If you are an experienced skier who already has a good understanding of mountain and avalanche safety then the likelihood is you are ready for off-piste skiing in Meribel. However, you should always still head out with a guide when off-piste skiing in a new resort or area.
Can Beginners Try Off-Piste Skiing in Meribel?
Beginner skiers and snowboarders should not try off-piste skiing in Meribel or any other resort. You should only try off-piste skiing once you’re at an advanced ski ability and have experienced skiing on varied terrain in all weather conditions.
Is a Guide Necessary for Off-Piste Skiing in Meribel?
Yes. There’s nothing like skiing with someone who has an expansive knowledge of the local area from both an adventure and safety point of view. A local guide will know all the best places to ensure you experience the true magic of off-piste skiing in Meribel plus, they will be able to share years of experience when it comes to safety and snow conditions across the Three Valleys.
What Should I Do in Case of an Emergency While Off-Piste Skiing in Meribel?
Firstly, you should always follow the steps taught to you in your off-piste and avalanche safety training.
You can also raise a safety alert via the Three Valleys app. Be sure to download the app via the link below. If in danger, select SOS from directly within the app and it will pinpoint your co- ordinates and give you the safety number to call.
Three Valleys app for Android.