The best off-piste spots are waiting for you in the 3 Vallées!
Published on 07/04/2026 - Written by Nadège
From Courchevel to Méribel, via Val Thorens, the various resorts in the 3 Vallées ski area are often close to splendid off-piste skiing. If you're used to going off the beaten track, or if you're planning to book an off-piste session with an esf instructor, you should know that some of the best off-piste spots are to be found in the heart of the 3 Vallées.
To help you find your way around, we've selected some of the best spots below. Discover them all and make the most of your stay in the mountains!
To help you find your way around, we've selected some of the best spots below. Discover them all and make the most of your stay in the mountains!
Lac du Lou, in the Belleville vallée
To begin with, we suggest you venture to Lac du Lou, just outside the Val Thorens ski resort. Situated far from the ski lifts, this extraordinary off-piste run has excellent snow conditions, a wild atmosphere and a 1,400 m vertical drop from the cime Caron.
To reach the summit, take the Boismint chairlift and head for the wide valley. On your descent, you can stop off at the Lac du Lou refuge for a well-deserved gourmet break (Savoyard specialities, etc.), at an altitude of 2,035 metres.
To reach the summit, take the Boismint chairlift and head for the wide valley. On your descent, you can stop off at the Lac du Lou refuge for a well-deserved gourmet break (Savoyard specialities, etc.), at an altitude of 2,035 metres.
The Saulire couloirs in the Courchevel vallée
Another legendary off-piste run in the 3 Vallées is the Saulire couloirs, near Courchevel 1850. To enjoy them, take the eponymous cable car to the summit of La Saulire at an altitude of 2738 metres. Once up there, take the couloirs of your choice from the various itineraries available (slopes from 35 to 40°): couloir du Curé, the Y, the KL, etc.
The powder snow and sunshine over there are just as popular with the locals as they are with holidaymakers. Note: several well-known runs can be found on site, including the Combe de la Saulire and the Grand Couloir.
The powder snow and sunshine over there are just as popular with the locals as they are with holidaymakers. Note: several well-known runs can be found on site, including the Combe de la Saulire and the Grand Couloir.
Discovering the ski areaUnforgettable skiing sessions in the 3 ValléesLa Grande Rosière and le Raffort, in the Méribel vallée
Finally, we suggest you head to Méribel and Mottaret for off-piste skiing in the 3 Vallées. The area boasts a number of well-known spots, including Grande Rosière and Le Raffort. Grande Rosière is an off-piste run with wide, gentle slopes dotted with light vegetation and uninterrupted views over the Méribel vallée. Take the Pas du Lac gondola or the Saulire Express.
The Raffort is a very demanding off-piste run. However, it offers a 1,000-metre descent through a variety of landscapes (forests, clearings, etc.). It also gives you a great view of Mont Blanc and the Vanoise massif.
Now that you know a little more about some of the best off-piste spots in the 3 Vallées, all you have to do is plan the mountain holiday of your dreams and choose your next sporting challenge. Lac du Lou, couloirs de la Saulire, Grande Rosière... there's no shortage of choice!
The Raffort is a very demanding off-piste run. However, it offers a 1,000-metre descent through a variety of landscapes (forests, clearings, etc.). It also gives you a great view of Mont Blanc and the Vanoise massif.
Now that you know a little more about some of the best off-piste spots in the 3 Vallées, all you have to do is plan the mountain holiday of your dreams and choose your next sporting challenge. Lac du Lou, couloirs de la Saulire, Grande Rosière... there's no shortage of choice!