Landed in Val Thorens and want to get over to Courchevel? Here are the best routes to get there the fast way, or the fun way!
If you’re keen to explore beyond Val Thorens, skiing over to Courchevel is one of the most rewarding day trips you can take in the Three Valleys. With varied terrain and stunning scenery, Courchevel offers a totally different experience from Val. From the tree-lined runs above 1850 to the relaxed blues of the Altiport sector, there’s something for everyone.
The direct route
For a straightforward trip from Val Thorens to Courchevel, the direct route is quick, scenic, and doesn’t pull any punches. Start your day by riding either the VT2 Pionniers or VT3 Plein Sud chairs, then hop onto the 3 Vallées chairlift (VT4 or VT5) to reach the Col de la Chambre at 2850m.
From there, ski the long blue Lac de la Chambre run, keeping your speed through the flat sections, and link into Ours to descend into Méribel Mottaret. Once in Mottaret, take the Pas du Lac 1 and 2 gondolas to reach the Saulire summit at 2740m. From the top, you’ve got two fast options into Courchevel 1850—either the blue Creux or the red Combe Saulire.
After a few laps or a bite in 1850, getting back is just as easy. Take the Verdons gondola and the Saulire cable car (téléphérique) back to the summit, ski Niverolle into Aigle back to Méribel Mottaret, then ride the Plattieres gondola and Cote Brune chair to Col de la Chambre. From there, it’s a quick cruise back into the Val Thorens Valley.
The easiest way to get there
If you’re sticking to greens and blues, this is the easiest and most beginner-friendly way to get from Val Thorens to Courchevel. Start by riding either the VT2 Pionniers or VT3 Plein Sud chairs, then hop onto the Funitel 3 Vallées (VT4 or VT5) to reach the Col de la Chambre at 2850 m. From here, ski the Lac de la Chambre blue run into the Ours trail, taking you into Méribel Mottaret.
Next, hop on the Pas du Lac 1 and 2 gondolas to reach the Saulire summit. From the top, stick to the gentle blues—either take the long Creux blue run or follow Lac Creux into the tree-lined Altiport sector, which offers a mellow cruise all the way down to Courchevel 1850.
To return, take the Verdons gondola and the Saulire cable car (téléphérique) back to the summit. From there, cruise Biche into Marmotte, linking into Doron to reach Méribel Centre. Take the Tougnete 1 gondola up, ski Perdrix down to the Plattieres gondola, ride it to Cote Brune, and finally descend Pluviomètre back to Val Thorens.
The most challenging path
If you’re looking to spice up your journey, this more advanced route uses reds and blacks to make the most of the terrain between valleys. Start by skiing down to Les Menuires and taking the Bruyères 1 and 2 gondolas. From the top, ski Venturon and detour to the Mont Vallon gondola. It’s worth it.
Ride up and tackle the iconic Combe du Vallon—one of the best descents in the area. It drops you back into Ours, which leads into Méribel Mottaret. From here, ride Pas du Lac 1 and 2 to Saulire, then either ski the ‘M’ black or Saulire red into Courchevel 1850. Alternatively, you can take the Creux red, catch the Chanrossa chair, and descend via Chanrossa or Jean Pachod for a bit of extra vertical.
For the return trip, take Verdons and Saulire up again. Experts can drop in via the Couloir or Tournier blacks, which are steep and challenging. Otherwise, follow the blue Mauduit and keep left for a long descent into Méribel Centre. Ride Tougnete 1, ski Perdrix to Plattieres, then ride to Cote Brune. From Col de la Chambre, it’s a quick cruise via Pluviomètre into Plein Sud, which takes you straight back into the Val Thorens valley.
Conclusion
The trip from Courchevel to Val Thorens and back is a true Three Valleys classic. Whether you’re chasing fresh snow, hunting down scenic runs, or just want to say you did it, it’s a ski day you won’t forget. With a bit of planning and an early start, you can tailor the route to suit your skill level and pack in a huge amount of terrain. It’s one of the best ways to explore the vastness of the 3 Vallées — and a bucket-list ride for any skier.
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