And to finish off this collection of long, steep itineraries in the 3 Valleys, here's a route that will take you to the very edge of Courchevel's ski area. This route is on the "red" side. But as we have nothing to hide from you, we might as well admit it: it's a little red. While the wild, alpine atmosphere of this itinerary may intimidate some, the runs on it are two reds and three blues. So it's a route that's accessible to anyone who knows how to ski a red run. This itinerary will take you from an altitude of 2,540 metres down to 1,600 metres (a difference in altitude of 940 metres). You'll cover 6.862 km of descent!
To get you in the mood, head for the Col de Chanrossa. On the way up by chairlift (via Chanrossa or Pyramides + Roc Merlet), you'll soon realise that you're heading into the wildest part of the Vanoise Park. In fact, this is where ski touring enthusiasts go to enjoy nature, away from the crowds of skiers.
When you get off the chairlift, you'll be delighted to find a pass that's virtually untouched, with only two chairlifts serving it. Take a moment to admire the panorama: Roc Merlet close by, Pointe Emilienne and La Saulire a little further on. Then head off in the direction of Le Signal, on your right as you face the slope, taking the red Roc Merlet piste.
This rather steep and hilly track will reveal the mountain known as "Pyramide" on your left. This will allow you to continue on the blue trail of the same name. This rather playful track will give your thighs a rest from the long turns.
After this rest, you'll return to a red run called "Grandes bosses". Slightly steeper but not too difficult, you can get your thighs back into shape before heading for "Indiens", then "Marquis" to finish at the bottom of Courchevel Moriond.
These last two runs will take you through the Yepa canyon and the 'Indian' piste: while this pretty canyon is natural, the 'Indian' atmosphere is really something we've created to amuse budding young skiers!
Access: via the Chanrossa chairlift (which can be reached via the Aiguille du Fruit on the Courchevel side, or via the Creux and Lac Creux runs from Méribel). Or via the Pyramides and Roc Merlet chairlifts (you'll be riding over the route you're about to take, by the way).