Morillon Ski Resort Guide | Grand Massif
Quiet and unassuming, Morillon is a perfectly placed village that offers an escape from the grandeur and excess associated with some French ski resorts. Those looking for a more relaxed vibe and a friendly village should consider Morillon as a base to access the 265km of Grand Massif Pistes. The village of Morillon is split into two, the accommodation at the base of the gondola and Morillon Les Esserts at 1100m.
MORILLON FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My first day in Morillon was accessed from Samoëns where I skied down the wide pistes to the base of the gondola. Morillon grabbed my attention immediately with the ability to just cruise and carve your way without interruption. Morillon offers a good mix of beginner and intermediate terrain but with fantastic access to the rest of the Grand Massif where you can find more challenging runs.
MORILLON SKI AREA
Morillon village is the lowest base in the Grand Massif at 700m which can mean the slopes closer to the gondola base station are patchy in early and late season. It was possible to ski to the base in April but I wouldn’t say the conditions were enjoyable.
On my most recent trip, Dec 23/Jan 24 - skiing back to the village at 700m was not possible. throughout.
The Morillon ski area is small with 22 local runs, consisting of 5 green, 12 blue, and 5 red pistes. The local area is therefore well suited to intermediates and beginners with some beautiful wide pistes to help inspire some confidence. This however wouldn’t put me off booking accommodation in Morillon as a more advanced skier or snowboarder as the links to the rest of the Grand Massif are well-established. You will be required to take the Morillon gondola and then the Sairon chairlift which opens up the rest of the ski area.
From Morillon, you have easy access to the Coulouvrier chair, which at 2.9 km is the longest in Europe! This is one of my favourite chairs in the whole of the Grand Massif as it makes the whole Grand Massif accessible. From the top of Coulouvrier, it is possible to ski back to Morillon, down into Samoëns, across into Les Carroz or over to Flaine.
MORILLON FOR BEGINNERS
In Morillon 1100 you will find the beginner’s area which is well-positioned close to some restaurants and the ski-in ski-out village. From nearby you can take Les Esserts chair which will access some green terrain for when you fancy exploring for the first time. Morillon is also home to the green Marvel slope which is a 7km green trail that runs through the Morillon trees.
INTERMEDIATES IN MORILLON
Intermediates will love Morillon with a selection of blues available from the top of the Biollaires chairlift, Sairon is a particular favourite due to its 3km length and 600m vertical drop. Morillon is also home to several nice red pistes with Paccoty being an enjoyable route to the Coulouvrier chair. A much overlooked route is the short Freres blue route which can be lapped using the Vielle drag lift. This blue is tucked away near the start of the green Marvel run so is often overlooked.
Outside of Morillon, intermediates can explore the whole of the Grand Massif with some beautiful trails spread throughout the neighbouring resorts of Samoëns, Les Carroz and Flaine. If intermediates would like to experience a big day out… they should consider heading to Flaine and taking the 14km blue trail Cascades that runs to Sixt. From Sixt, you can return to Morillon using the free Navettes bus service.
ADVANCED SKIERS MORILLON
There isn’t much for advanced skiers and snowboarders in Morillon ski resort but with easy access to Samoèns and Les Carroz, you will be able to find a challenge. Head to Les Carroz which offers some fantastic tree-skiing. Like most people in the Grand Massif, you will also want to explore Flaine which offers brilliant off-piste within its large bowl.
Within Morillon, the excellent Stade Morillon red is an opportunity to open the lungs and get some speed, when it isn’t reserved for the race kids. Morillon is also a good spot to find uncontested freshies on a powder day.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN MORILLON
Morillon has a small but fun terrain park that runs alongside a drag lift Vielle. The run has several banked turns, flat boxes and small jumps. The Morillon Ze KidzPark is aimed at a blue level of run and is intended to provide an intro to freestyle.
Morillon is sheltered from the wind so the lifts here remain unaffected when the resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz and Samoëns need to close their upper installations.
On a bluebird ski day, Morillon is one of my favourite resorts. The slopes here get ample sun coverage and there are a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a beverage on the sun terrace.
LIFTS MORILLON
Morillon has a total of 9 lifts in the resort with the longest being the Coulouvrier. From the village of Morillon, you will need to take the Morillon Gondola that will drop you at the satellite village of Morillon 1100 Les Esserts. From Morillon 1100 you have the option of Sairon or the shorter Les Esserts chairs. The Les Esserts chair only serves the lower part of Morillon so if you want to reach the summit you will need to take Sairon chair.
From the top of the modern Sairon chair, it is possible to ski across to Les Carroz and the Gron chair and Le Kedeuze gondola. Alternatively, you can ski towards Coulouvrier and the links to Samoëns and Flaine.
The lifts in Morillon could do with some updating but actually, this is part of the appeal of staying in Morillon. The slower lifts can make Morillon less popular than some of the other Grand Massif villages so is a fair price to pay for quieter runs.
@geoffreyarduini Biollaires Chairlift
SKI SHOP RECOMMENDATION
Located in Morillon 1100 next to the Les Esserts chairlift is the shop Ski One. During my stay, I received fantastic service from the store which repaired quite a bad core shot in my snowboard. Morillon doesn’t have many great ski shops with some of the equipment being quite dated across the other stores. Therefore if you are looking for ski rental, repairs or to pick up some gear I would recommend Ski One.
You can book rental online by using this link. This is NOT an affiliate link but a recommendation based on fantastic service.
SEASON DATES
The ski season in Morillon opens in December and closes in late April. Early season conditions have been variable over the past couple of seasons so be aware the whole area may not be open in December. If this is the case, skiing will still be possible above 1100m and in the nearby Grand Massif resorts.
MORILLON VIDEO
MORILLON GALLERY
GRAND MASSIF PISTE MAP
GETTING AROUND THE GRAND MASSIF FROM MORILLON
MORILLON TO SAMOËNS
Getting from Morillon to Samoëns is possible via skiing between the resorts or taking the local Navettes (free shuttle service). Information and timetables on the Navettes can be found by clicking the picture below.
Using the buses between the ski stations is not a necessity as all resorts can easily be skied between however they can be a lifesaver if you have tired legs and can’t face the ski commute back.
TRAVEL TO MORILLON
Most international guests to Morillon will arrive at Geneva Airport where a short transfer to the village is possible. Depending on traffic and weather conditions your transfer should take no longer than 1 hour.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Geneva to Cluses whether you will then need to take a local bus service.
NEARBY SKI RESORTS
MORILLON ACCOMMODATION
As previously mentioned Morillon has two main bases; the village of Morillon at 700m and Morillon 1100 Les Esserts.
MORILLON VILLAGE
Staying in Morillon 700m will mean that you need to make the morning commute up the gondola however this could be well worth it. Although Morillon village is a quiet village, staying at Morillon 700m does give you access to several restaurants, bars and other amenities. I enjoy staying in Morillon village as it also provides flexibility in case you would prefer to take a Navette and start your ski day in another ski resort.
Morillon Village is also nice if travelling with family or pets. A short walk from the main street you can be down by the river where there are footpaths between Morillon and Samoëns. This area is also home to a lake, pump track, mini golf and children’s high ropes climbing area.
MORILLON LES ESSERTS
The satellite village of Morillon Les Esserts is a ski-in-ski-out village for those who would like to be as close to the action as possible. Staying at Morillon 1100 gives you more direct access to the slopes and you can avoid the morning gondola commute, however, there are fewer amenities in this part of the village.
BOOK MORILLON ACCOMMODATION
MORILLON PROS
Morillon is an affordable base for your Grand Massif ski holiday providing access to 265km at a fraction of the cost of Flaine accommodation.
The local area of Morillon has some fantastic pistes that are normally in great condition.
The Morillon ski area is fantastic for intermediates with numerous blue and red trails.
Morillon is home to Marvel a 7km long green run fantastic for beginners.
Morillon has great access to the other Grand Massif resorts and from the top of Sairon you can be straight into Les Carroz, one lift from Samoëns and two lifts from Flaine.
MORILLON CONS
Morillon has been suffering in the early season meaning its lower slopes have not been open. The resort run back to the base of the gondola is fantastic so this has been a real shame.
The lifts in Morillon are slower than in other parts of the Grand Massif and could do with updating.
The village of Morillon is small and quiet, for me this can be a positive, but many would prefer Samoëns or Les Carroz for their busier towns.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I feel that Morillon offers a good option for a holiday in the Grand Massif. Getting from Morillon to the other Grand Massif ski areas is not a problem and the local area has enough to offer. However, I can see why many would prefer to base themselves in a busier village and visit Morillon on a ski day.
I am fond of Morillon however the issues it has faced over the past couple of seasons with early season snow would make me think twice about basing myself here for a Dec-Jan trip.
AROUND THE GRAND MASSIF
Is the Epic Pass worth it for European skiers and snowboarders?
The Epic Pass is an incredible product that comes from the company that owns Vail Resorts. The Epic Pass has been pretty controversial as the company has taken ownership of numerous ski resorts across the USA. What cannot be argued about is the value an Epic Pass represents to a US-based skier or snowboarder with unlimited skiing across Vail-owned resorts including; Heavenly, Breckenridge, Stowe and over 30 more. The Epic Pass also has many additional partner resorts allowing for up to 7-days access per winter. As a European-based snowboarder, I have taken advantage of the Epic Pass owned and partner resorts across four continents so I feel uniquely positioned to discuss whether this pass is in fact worthwhile for European skiers and snowboarders.
WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THE EPIC PASS?
In the winter of 2023/24, the Epic Pass retails for 949 USD for its all-access pass. This pass offers access to 41 ski resorts on an unlimited basis with no blackout dates. The Epic Pass includes some of the biggest names in world skiing with Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Heavenly, & Park City alongside a number of partner resorts.
PARTNER RESORTS
As a European snowboarder, although I have used my Epic Pass in the US, it is the Partner Resorts in Europe that drew me into purchasing the pass. The Epic Pass is partnered with ski resorts in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland which means you can still get your fill of resort access without the flight across the pond.
GOOD VALUE ACCESS
3 VALLEYS
For a number of years, Epic Pass has been partnered with some of the best ski resorts in Europe including the world’s largest combined ski area Les Trois Vallées. Access to the 3 Valleys with Epic Pass is limited to 7 days but includes all 600km of pistes across 7 French ski resorts. I’ve enjoyed making the most of the access to the 3 Valleys with Epic Pass and have been able to visit resorts across the region. If like me you are budget savy consider staying in Orelle or Les Menuires for cheaper accommodation with good access to the rest of the 3 Valleys ski area.
SKIRAMA DOLOMITI
The Skirama Dolomiti comprises eight ski resorts across the Dolomites including the chic Madonna Di Campiglio. A week’s Skirama Dolomiti lift pass is included with the Epic Pass which means access to some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the Dolomites. A personal favourite is Pejo 3000 which has high-altitude skiing with long descents back to a traditional Italian Alpine village.
ANDERMATT - SEDRUN - DISENTIS
Andermatt ski resort in Switzerland brings incredible value to the Epic Pass with unlimited skiing and snowboarding available at this Epic Pass Europe resort. Since its introduction to the Epic Pass Andermatt has become one of the main reasons why European skiers and snowboarders would purchase this lift pass. Skiing in Andermatt offers 120km of pistes including the Gemsstock which is home to some epic freeride routes.
ACCESS THAT COULD BE BETTER
VERBIER 4 VALLEES
Verbier and the 4 Vallees encompasses six ski resorts and 410km of pistes with some of the best freeride terrain in Europe. Epic Pass holders can get up to five days of access to this combined ski area, however, there are lodging requirements. Staying in partner lodging grants you a day’s pass for a maximum of 5 days. You get a one-day pass for each day of your lodging (up to a maximum of 5 days).
SKI ARLBERG
Ski Arlberg in Austria is the country’s largest connected ski area with over 300kms of pistes. To use your Epic Pass to ski in Ski Arlberg you need to stay in the partner lodging where you can gain 3 days of access the ski area.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a European-based snowboarder, I would recommend the Epic Pass to skiers and snowboarders who are interested in taking multiple trips per winter. The Epic Pass allows skiers to visit some of the best ski resorts in Europe with lots of diverse terrain set amongst some beautiful alpine villages. I was able to save money and have some great experiences along the way.
Orelle Ski Resort Guide
Orelle is a small village in the Maurienne Valley that is linked to the world’s largest ski area the Three Valleys. From Orelle, the new Orelle gondola whisks you to high-altitude skiing and snowboarding above 2,000 m. Direct links between Orelle and Val Thorens ensure the local area has access to 150km of pistes to keep you occupied.
Referred to as the Fourth Valley, Orelle has an exceptional snow record with the ski area base really starting at 2350m. In addition to an excellent snow history, Orelle has 870m of vertical drop between the top of Bouchet chair and Plan Bouchet. There is a limited number of pistes in Orelle however the area has plenty of opportunity for off-piste and easy access to Val Thorens with a more extensive piste map.
ORELLE IN VIDEOS
ORELLE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Orelle is strange for French skiing because you arrive at the bottom of a gondola not close to the ski area. The area around the gondola has a car park, ticket office and small ski shop where ski and snowboard hire is possible.
View from the 3 Vallees Express gondola.
The Orelle gondola, formerly the 3 Vallees Express gondola, takes you to the base of the Orelle Ski Resort at 2350m. This journey takes 13 minutes and has some incredible views. Within 20 minutes from the car park, you can be on top of the Cime Caron at 3200m where you see the real beauty of skiing in the Three Valleys. Orelle feels small, but within minutes you can be skiing in the world’s largest ski area, this is a small ski area with a Mary Poppins bag full of surprises.
Ticket office in Orelle, next to the now replaced 3 Vallees Express gondola.
ORELLE SKI AREA
Locally the skiing in Orelle is based around Plan Bouchet your arrival point in Orelle. From Plan Bouchet it is possible to take two lifts, the Rosael or the Peyron. Both lifts access brilliant intermediate terrain with some fantastic blue trails leading back to Plan Bouchet. You can also continue to the Cime Caron using the new Orelle - Cime Caron gondola.
Taking the Rosael chair you can opt to remain in Orelle and descend via blue or red trails from the Col de Rosael. Alternatively, you can use this chair to drop into nearby Val Thorens where between the two resorts 150km of trails are shared.
The Peyron chair and trail are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Those looking for more challenge are encouraged to take the Bouchet chair to the highest point in Orelle, Sommet des 3 Vallees at 3230m. From the top of Bouchet, you can access two stunning red trails, however the more adventurous can also find great off-piste in this area.
Finally, the new Orelle-Cime Caron gondola links the village of Orelle with the Cime Caron at 3200m. From here it is possible to ski over to Val Thorens or take the Combe Rosael black trail back towards Orelle.
The ski area of Orelle is small in terms of pistes with 8 runs listed on the trail map. This doesn’t really do a good job of explaining the appeal of snowboarding in Orelle with plenty of fantastic off-piste options, links to Val Thorens, and high altitude snow-sure skiing.
ORELLE FOR BEGINNERS
A green nursery slope awaits at the top of the Orelle gondola, which is also the meeting place for the local ski school. Orelle does have nice wide blue trails that will be good for skiers and snowboarders developing the confidence to ski around the mountain.
On my trip to Orelle, a few of my friends were beginners and they found the area a good place to progress with blues to explore.
ORELLE FOR INTERMEDIATES
Orelle is perfect for intermediates, especially with the wide selection of blue and red runs shared between Orelle and Val Thorens. As an intermediate Orelle is a ski area where you can clock up the miles as you nail down that technique and gain confidence linking your turns.
For the more advanced intermediate, Orelle is a good place to explore to the side of the piste getting confidence in riding in changing snow conditions. My pal Mark made the best of the fresh snow making his first forays into the off-piste within the Orelle ski area.
ORELLE FOR ADVANCED
Snowboarding for the more advanced in Orelle is centred around the off-piste that is available. Yes, the reds from Bouchet and the Col de Rosael are excellent but the best terrain is found between the pistes. At every point of the resort you can look to the side of the piste and see something fun to ride. If you manage to combine your trip to Orelle with fresh snowfall, there is little need to head into the rest of the Three Valleys.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE ORELLE
There is no terrain park specifically in Orelle, however, the VT Park in Val Thorens is within an easy ride from the Col de Rosael. Within Orelle, you will find a boardercross track.
VT Park Val Thorens
OFF-PISTE ORELLE
Between Orelle and nearby Val Thorens there are many options to explore the off-piste. I enjoyed the off-piste from the Cime Caron and Bouchet chair specifically. From the Bouchet chair, the adventurous may want to attempt the Pierre Lory itinerary that you can read about here.
LIFTS ORELLE
As discussed previously, Orelle has recently upgraded the 3 Vallees Express gondola to a two-stage gondola between Orelle and the Cime Caron. This major lift investment is reflected across the Three Valleys where you will find excellent lift infrastructure throughout.
Besides the new gondola taking skiers from the village of Orelle to the Cime Caron in 20 minutes, there are three other lifts in Orelle; Rosael, Bouchet, and Peyron. I can not remember standing in a lift queue in Orelle and this is down to the quality of lifts.
Orelle Chairlifts
One issue that I had during my visit to Orelle was that the weather closed the resort for one and a half days. For me this wasn’t an issue as I was able to drive to another part of the Three Valleys that was open. It is worth noting that this can happen anywhere so maybe my timing was unlucky in this regard.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER ORELLE
As mentioned above the weather can greatly affect your experience during a ski trip and sadly my first trip to Orelle was hit by wind closures. Orelle is also way above the treeline so there is little in the way of places to hide out during whiteout conditions. This is similar for nearby Val Thorens so if you are in Orelle during a whiteout consider heading down to St Martin de Belleville.
ORELLE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Orelle
ORELLE GALLERY
ORELLE VILLAGE
Orelle is located in the Maurienne Valley and can make for a quieter more affordable base to access the Three Valleys ski area. Orelle’s location is fantastic as a gateway to Val Thorens and the wider Three Valleys.
The village itself is divided into 10 hamlets that are spread between 880m and 1200m. The hamlet of Francoz is where you will find the gondola access and most tourist activity with the ticket office, ski rentals and more. The village of Orelle offers a different type of holiday to the purpose-built villages of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel. In Orelle, you will find narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses set amongst a mellow atmosphere which is perfect for that more chilled ski trip vibe.
ORELLE SKI SEASON DATES
Orelle joins Val Thorens with having one of the longest ski seasons in Europe closing around three weeks after Courchevel and Meribel. Access to Val Thorens and Orelle is from Nov 25th and the ski area remains open until the first week of May.
TRAVEL TO ORELLE
WHERE IS ORELLE SKI RESORT?
Orelle is very accessible by car, rail and plane. The closest airports to Orelle are Lyon and Chambéry however access is still possible from Geneva. Geneva Airport is popular with British skiers who appreciate it for the regular flight schedule during the winter season, and the numerous ski resort transfer companies.
GETTING TO ORELLE
If your plan is to fly and self-drive, you can reach Orelle within one hour from Chambéry and two hours from Geneva. Fly and drive arrivals are also possible from across the border in Italy with Turin under two hours from Orelle. One benefit of self-drive holidays to Orelle is that the parking at the Orelle gondola is free!
Visiting Orelle via train is possible with connections via Paris and Milan on the TGV. The nearest train stations to Orelle are St Michel/Valloire and Modane. Train tickets can be purchased on RailEurope and are not cheap. However, travel by train does offer a certain freedom and is a fantastic way to travel to a ski resort.
Self-drive direct from the UK is possible with the most popular channel crossings via Dover and Folkestone to Calais. From Calais, the drive to Orelle takes around 9 hours when utilising the French toll roads. Driving to French ski resorts is great for when travelling in groups and wanting to bring extras for self-catering accommodation.
ORELLE LIFT PASS OPTIONS
There are multiple ski pass options for Orelle and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Orelle/Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes, this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area. Using this pass from Orelle can account for some long ski safaris between Orelle and the resort of Courchevel at the far end of the Three Valleys.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to the ticket office in Orelle where you will be given your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Orelle should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Orelle and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
ORELLE PROS
Orelle offers cheaper accommodation than Val Thorens but has quick access to the epic terrain shared between the two resorts. The new gondola ensures you are close enough to the action in Orelle.
Orelle is quieter than Val Thorens meaning you can often have no rivals for freshies on those powder days.
Orelle has access to 600km of pistes depending on your choice of lift pass, meaning that you can access the largest combined ski area in the world.
ORELLE CONS
Orelle is not central within the Three Valleys, therefore it can take a while to ski to the resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. Orelle however does have good access to Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
Orelle doesn’t have the amenities of Val Thorens or Apres scene…. actually for me this is a positive but some will rate this as a negative.
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ORELLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU SKI FROM ORELLE TO VAL THORENS?
Yes, the resorts of Orelle and Val Thorens are linked from the top of the Cime de Caron. From here, you can ski between the two resorts. Orelle and Val Thorens share 150km of pistes and are accessible on the same lift pass.
WHAT IS THE SKI ALTITUDE IN ORELLE?
Although the village of Orelle sits below the ski area, within minutes you have access to high-altitude skiing via the new gondola. The ski area in Orelle is situated between 3,230m and 1,100m offering 2,130m of vertical drop. The ski area of Orelle is very snowsure with the majority of its skiing above 1,800m.
ORELLE FINAL THOUGHTS
When heading to Orelle for the first time I made the decision to stay in Orelle due to budget constraints. Honestly, I was worried that I would be heading to the Three Valleys but wouldn’t get the proper experience. I can say now from experience that I would happily base myself in Orelle again as it delivered on so many levels.
The recent improvements with an upgraded gondola ensure that links to Val Thorens are seamless and efficient. Add to this some of the best off-piste areas in the Three Valleys and Orelle has to be high on most skiers and snowboarders watch-list.
Les Menuires Ski Resort Guide
Les Menuires is often overshadowed by its neighbours within the Three Valleys. With nearby Val Thorens being the highest ski resort in Europe, Courchevel being the playground of the rich and famous, and Meribel being the centre of the world’s largest combined ski area, Les Menuires can often be an afterthought. Honestly, that is a MASSIVE mistake and overlooking Les Menuires could just hurt your experience and your wallet.
Les Menuires is a fantastic family ski holiday destination with affordable ski-in-ski-out accommodation in a major ski area. Locally the 150km of local pistes combine with some excellent off-piste snowboarding to ensure Les Menuires has enough to entice visitors on its own. Les Menuires combines a great local ski area with excellent connections to Val Thorens, Meribel and St Martin de Belleville that help it pack a punch for skiable terrain and value.
WATCH THE FULL REVIEW
LES MENUIRES FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Driving to Val Thorens I passed through Les Menuires and was impressed by what I could see of La Masse from the road. This was reason enough to make Les Menuires one of my first stops on my most recent trip to the Three Valleys ski area.
LES MENUIRES SKI AREA
The ski area of Les Menuires is split across both sides of the Valley de Belleville with the village at 1850m. This lower base makes for a shorter season than nearby Val Thorens but there are plenty of areas in the resort that have great snow throughout the season with skiing possible to above 2800m.
The layout of Les Menuires offers a good variety of skiing and scenery with everything from wide-open pistes, to freeride zones, and high alpine skiing at Pointe de la Masse.
The area between the village at 1850m and the Col de la Chambre at 2850m offers 1000m of decent via mostly mellow beginner and intermediate terrain. The runs on this side were really fun, however the closer to the village you got crowds formed, especially close to the Sunny Express lift.
On Pointe de la Masse, you will find the more challenging terrain, including the Liberty Ride Zone and Dame Blanche. The terrain on both the La Masse side and closer to the village offers 1000m of vertical drop so Les Menuires is fantastic for long descents.
Within Les Menuires, there are 150km of pistes locally that combine with Val Thorens and St Martin de Belleville to form 300km of pistes within the Valley de Belleville. Further aside, the Les Menuires ski area also combines with Meribel, Courchevel, and Orelle to form the world’s largest combined ski area Les Trois Valley (3 Valleys).
LES MENUIRES FOR BEGINNERS
Les Menuires caters really well for beginners with a number of magic carpet learning areas dotted around the village. Dedicated beginner’s pistes help to make the process of learning easier for first-time skiers and snowboarders in Les Menuires, but beware these can be busy during peak weeks. Beginners in Les Menuires will appreciate the mellow green trails around the village, as well as the opportunity to progress onto the wide blues that spread across the eastern side of the Valley de Belleville.
LES MENUIRES FOR INTERMEDIATES
Les Menuires comes into its own for intermediates, especially those who have either the Valley de Belleville lift pass or the Three Valleys lift pass. Both locally and throughout the Three Valleys there is an extensive selection of blue and red terrain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders to explore. I particularly enjoyed the runs beneath the Bruyeres 1 and Bruyeres 2 gondolas that link together forming 1000m of vertical drop towards the village.
LES MENUIRES FOR ADVANCED
More experienced skiers and snowboarders visiting Les Menuires should head straight for La Masse. Pointe de la Masse, offers some of the best and most challenging terrain in Les Menuires and if you avoid the blues on La Masse you should also avoid the crowds.
View from Pointe De La Masse
FREESTYLE LES MENUIRES
In Les Menuires, there are a few freestyle areas. The Pixel Area Snowpark is the most traditional style terrain park in Les Menuires with features sized XS to L. Snowboarders and skiers can choose features in this area to suit their ability and progress accordingly. Les Menuires also has a boardercross track which can be found at the top of the Becca Chairlift. Finally, the Friendly Natural Park on La Masse offers a slalom alongside ski games.
OFF-PISTE LES MENUIRES
In Les Menuires, the off-piste snowboarding is a real draw to the area. The freeride areas known as the Liberty Ride Zones are perfect for finding untracked snow. There are two of these within Les Menuires, La Masse and Les Pylônes. La Masse is accessed via the Pointe de al Masse gondola and can be seen in my Les Menuires Ski Resort Review here (2.25). Les Pylônes Liberty ride zone is accessed from the Sunny Express chairlift.
If venturing off-piste in Les Menuires, the Park des Menuires AVD gives you the opportunity to practice search and rescue and check that your beacons are working. This can be found via the Roc 1 gondola.
LIFTS LES MENUIRES
Les Menuires lift infrastructure blends modern gondolas and fast chairlifts with some older installations like Croisette that serve their purpose. The new gondola to Pointe de la Masse is fast and quick rising 1000m in around 8 minutes. Similarly, the Bruyeres two-stage gondola is modern but can have serious queues during peak times at Bruyeres 1.
The lifts at Les Menuires ensure swift connections to the rest of the Three Valleys meaning skiers and snowboarders can be in Val Thorens or Meribel within a couple of lifts.
Network of Ski Lifts in Val Thorens.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LES MENUIRES
The majority of the skiing in the Belleville valley is treeless due the high altitude of Val Thorens and Les Menuires. In whiteout conditions, consider skiing down into St Martin de Belleville or taking the links to Meribel where the trees will provide greater context.
LES MENUIRES PISTE MAP
LES MENUIRES GALLERY
LES MENUIRES VILLAGE
The villages in Les Menuires are renowned for being unattractive eyesores that blight it as one of the ugliest ski resort villages. What the village at Les Menuires 1850 lacks in looks it makes up in convenience with ski-in-ski-out accommodation throughout the village.
Photo Credit @yannallegre
Les Menuires has 5 districts or villages that are served by free shuttle buses allowing easy travel between the villages. La Croisette is as described, the ugly purpose-built village that is the centre of Les Menuires. Below Croisette is Preyerand, which is a good shout for finding affordable accommodation. If you are looking for some charm then the Grand Reberty area has nice accommodation on the slopes with good access to the pistes of Les Menuires. Bruyères has good access to Val Thorens via its gondola that departs from the village.
LES MENUIRES SEASON DATES
Les Menuires opens in December and closes in April but that shouldn’t limit your visit to these months only. Val Thorens is open for longer and can be accessed by bus or self-drive when Les Menuires is closed for the winter. This can make Les Menuires an affordable base for a Nov or May trip to Val Thorens.
TRAVEL TO LES MENUIRES
WHERE IS LES MENUIRES SKI RESORT?
Les Menuires is in the Vallèe de Bellevilles in the Savoie region of France. Located between the villages of Val Thorens and St Martin, Les Menuires is a central location to explore the Vallee de Belleville.
Les Menuires is easy to access within France’s Savoie region which is cluttered with world-class ski areas. The high proximity of ski resorts in the Savoie ensures that many facilities and businesses are geared around travel to the ski areas.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY AIR
Flying to Les Menuires is the fastest and easiest way to get to Les Menuires from the UK. Flying into Geneva airport represents your best bet with regular flights and many transfer operators in the terminal building. Alternative routes into Lyon are also possible.
From both Geneva and Lyon airports you can then either self-drive, take a transfer or continue your route by train towards Moutiers.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY TRAIN
Taking the train to Les Menuires is possible with trains from London via Paris arriving at Moutiers which is within an hour from Les Menuires. Arriving in Moutiers by train you can connect to Les Menuires via local bus services. Train and bus journeys to Les Menuires are great for minimizing your carbon footprint.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. Driving to Les Menuires is straightforward although cumbersome driving long distances down motorways. Having driven to nearby Val Thorens when travelling with my dog, I found the journey really simple. The car journey to Les Menuires will be slightly shorter than the journey to Val Thorens.
Driving to Les Menuires will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Les Menuires, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY COACH
Travelling from London to Les Menuires by coach is an affordable option but is probably most people’s least favourite method of transport. Operating from London Victoria Coach Station Snow Express operates weekly departures to Les Menuires throughout the winter season.
The coach to Les Menuires travels through the night until arriving in Moutiers where you will change onto a public bus service (included in your ticket) to arrive into the resort.
LES MENUIRES LIFT PASSES
There are multiple ski pass options for Les Menuires and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - LES MENUIRES/ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE
The local area pass for Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville allows access to the 150km of runs within these ski areas. Purchasing the local pass will save you around €10 each day when compared to the Three Valleys Pass. I would recommend this lift pass if you are a beginner or early intermediate, as 150km is plenty of terrain to get started with.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes, this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area. This is a great option for those looking to explore further than Les Menuires but without the need to ski in every Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €10 per day more expensive than a local Les Menuires lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to La Croisette (under Roc 1 gondola) to collect there free 7-day Three Valleys lift pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Les Menuires should consider purchasing the local pass. The local area is more than big enough for beginners and early intermediates.
The more able will want to escape Les Menuires and explore the rest of the Three Valleys as it has so much to offer.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Les Menuires and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas. The connections between Les Menuires and the resorts of Meribel and Val Thorens are fantastic, this makes the Three Valleys pass worth having.
LES MENUIRES PROS
Les Menuires has skiing above the village at 1800m-2850m making it a snow-sure ski area.
The new Pointe de la Masse gondola gives fantastic access to high-altitude skiing with a quick ride (8 mins) to 2800m.
As with the whole Three Valleys, Les Menuires is continuing to invest in its lift infrastructure ensuring that connections within Les Menuires and between the resorts of the Three Valleys remain excellent.
The area around the village of Les Menuires is great for learning to ski and snowboard with wide trails and mellow gradients.
The village of Les Menuires is perfect for ski-in-ski-out accommodation… even if it is a bit ugly.
The area at the top of La Masse in Les Menuires has some great off-piste.
LES MENUIRES CONS
The area around the village can be busy with lift queues at key times of day. The slopes around the village can feel overcrowded. Once away from the village this is less of an issue.
The pistes around the village can have much different conditions to those at the top of the resort. The higher traffic and lower elevations can make village runs slushy and bumpy.
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LES MENUIRES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS LES MENUIRES FOR BEGINNERS?
Les Menuires is perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The slopes close to the village are mellow and there are a number of beginner areas with magic carpets to help you learn. The majority of the terrain on the village side of Les Menuires is suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders with plenty of long blues and some green runs close to the village.
IS LES MENUIRES EXPENSIVE?
Les Menuires is one of the more affordable places to stay within the Three Valleys. The village of Les Menuires offers ski-in-ski-out apartment-style accommodation within easy access to the rest of the Three Valleys making it a great base for those on a budget.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO LES MENUIRES?
The closest airport to Les Menuires is Chambery but it is more likely that you will fly to Geneva airport which has a more regular flight schedule than Chambery. Chambery Airport however offers the closest access and, therefore the shortest transfer journey to Les Menuires.
HOW LONG TO SKI FROM LES MENUIRES TO COURCHEVEL?
Skiing between Les Menuires and Courchevel is possible although it is the longest commute from Les Menuires. Expect to spend a couple of hours skiing between the resorts depending on your ability level.
IS LES MENUIRES CONNECTED TO VAL THORENS?
You can ski between Les Menuires and Val Thorens via Mont de la Chambre. From Val Thorens, it is possible to ski back into Les Menuires, simply continue to head down the valley.
LES MENUIRES FINAL THOUGHTS
Les Menuires remains a fantastic base for your Three Valleys ski holiday. As someone who always has an eye on the budget staying in Les Menuires appeals for good value accommodation without sacrificing access to the Three Valleys ski area. I enjoyed the skiing on La Masse and would opt to spend the majority of my time in La Masse when returning to Les Menuires.
Val Thorens Ski Resort Guide
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort and as such has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps. The extensive local terrain in Val Thorens (150km) is made better by its links to the rest of the Three Valleys and a total of 600km of pistes! Whether you are heading to Val Thorens for guaranteed snow, the endless variety of pistes or to dance the night away, Val Thorens has you covered.
Locally Val Thorens links to neighbouring Orelle to form what is commonly referred to as ‘the fourth valley’. This part of the 3 Valleys ski area offers an exceptional snow record with enough terrain to keep everyone happy. Furthermore, the resorts across the 3 Valleys are constantly improving the lift network and Val Thorens is no exception.
WATCH THE FULL REVIEW
VAL THORENS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
If you will allow me, I have two very different first impressions of Val Thorens. Initially, as a beginner I made my first turns on a snowboard in Val Thorens. On that first trip, I considered Val Thorens to be a tough experience. I struggled with the crowds and my instructor dragging me onto button lifts… there were better places to learn.
More recently returning as a snowboarder who has visited resorts across the globe I was impressed by the facilities and terrain at Val Thorens. Noticeably from my earlier visit, the beginner’s areas had received an update with new magic carpet lifts running alongside the learner’s slopes. Similarly, the impressive Cascades chair moves crowds away from the village efficiently. Val Thorens had improved its facilities and I was excited to explore more around the resort.
VAL THORENS SKI AREA
Forming a key part of the world’s largest combined ski area, Val Thorens is a big reason why people visit the Three Valleys. The ski area is about as snow-sure as can be with the majority of its terrain (99%) above 2000m and skiing possible on two local glaciers.
Val Thorens is spread between its highest lift point, Cime De Caron (3200m) and its lowest point, Plan de L’eau (1800m) offering 1400m of vertical descent within the resort. Taking the Cime de Caron allows for skiing down to Pan Bouchet in Orelle. The Orelle Valley is one certainly worth exploring on your trip especially after fresh snowfall as there is less competition for freshies.
Throughout the resort, you will find your fair share of reds (35%) and blues (43%) which make Val Thoren’s ideal for intermediates. The quality of the snow in Val Thorens ensures that the pistes stay in exceptional condition making them really confidence building.
Val Thorens sits above the treeline so can be a tough place to ski on those bad weather days. The lack of context during a whiteout can become quite challenging. If the visibility is poor consult the webcams, as a real benefit of skiing the Three Valleys is that the sun is likely to be shining somewhere. Meribel and Courchevel offer more tree-lined runs which can be a godsend in adverse conditions.
VAL THORENS FOR BEGINNERS
Half of the pistes across the Three Valleys are graded as green or blue which goes some way to explaining why this mega-resort is popular with beginners. I personally learnt to snowboard in Val Thorens however the situation has changed greatly. Consider watching the below video which explains the learning experience in Val Thorens.
The beginner's areas in Val Thorens are located in the village with the main trail being quite crowded. Personally, I found this quite daunting when learning, however, it now seems there are more segregated areas off the main trail. Beginners will appreciate the investment in magic carpets across the resort which certainly improve the beginner experience.
When venturing away from the beginner area there are a number of mellow green runs that skiers can head to. The Cascade and 2 Lacs chairs will probably be your first choice. Similarly, the Pionniers chair marks a good place for progression onto blues with Plein Sud and Corniche leading back to the village.
The Magic Carpets in Val Thorens are free of charge which again is a major positive for beginners heading to VT.
VAL THORENS FOR INTERMEDIATES
Val Thorens is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with plenty of terrain to explore. I loved the trails of the Boismint chair that were nice and wide and tended to avoid crowds. The long red that links trails Boismint and Plan de L’eau was great for picking up some speed.
Elsewhere the pick of the intermediate terrain can be found of the three main gondolas, Peclet, Grand Fond, and Cime Caron. Each gondola accesses some long red trails that provide a good amount of challenge for the advancing intermediate skier.
Intermediates looking to get off-piste after snowfall will find pockets of great snow and mellow gradients to the side of the Peclet pistes. Similarly Grand Fond had some nice areas beside Variante and Falaise. Again Boismint offers good terrain for these conditions with nothing steep to the sides of the pistes.
The pick of the lot could be blue run Jerusamlem which has been voted amongst the Top 10 ski runs in the world. The area to the side of Jerusalem can be great for those looking for a mellow entry into off-piste snowboarding.
Photo Credit @judithgirardmarczak
VAL THORENS FOR ADVANCED
Although the piste map is dominated by blue and red trails, Val Thorens is a great place to snowboard for the more experienced. Val Thorens. The obvious run is Combe de Caron where you can pick your way down the slope which on my trip remained ungroomed. In reality, there is so much more in Val Thorens with the opportunity to find great off-piste across the whole mountain.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE VAL THORENS
There are two terrain parks in Val Thoresn, the VT Park and the Family Park. The VT park has its own surface lift which means you can effectively lap it, rather than doing a longer loop utilising the Grand Fond. The Terrain Park was still under construction during my visit but there was a good series of entry-level freestyle features and the jump line was being shaped.
The Plateux area where the park is located is normally found in shade during the morning meaning landings can be hard and icy. Consider delaying your visit until the afternoon until the sun has softened the snow.
The family park is found off the 2 Lacs chair and has a mellow boarder cross track with hoops to ride through. Again I can see them developing upon this throughout the season.
OFF-PISTE VAL THORENS
Getting off-piste in Val Thorens is possible across the resort with lots of options depending on the weather. Turning left at the top of Boismint chair will take you into some interesting terrain with a huge bowl and chutes leading back to the pistes. The Cime Caron offers options both back towards Val Thorens and down into Orelle and easy access is possible across to Meribel and Les Menuires where your options increase further. La Masse in Les Menuires is amongst my favourites with the Liberty Ride or Freeride Zone.
If you are interested in ski-touring or splitboarding then Val Thorens offers a number of interesting options within the resort or accessible by resort lifts. Amongst the most popular routes and the Lac du Lou or The Pierre Lory.
LIFTS VAL THORENS
What can not be argued is the quality of the ski lift infrastructure in Val Thorens. Across the resort and the wider Three Valleys ski area the the lifts are fast and modern, but more importantly well placed to navigate the resort. I was impressed by the ability of the lifts close to the village to move crowds quickly away from the resort. Cascades in particular loads and moves skiers effectively preventing crowds even at peak times.
Network of Ski Lifts in Val Thorens.
Being a high-altitude ski resort, Val Thorens can get those bad weather days when high winds can threaten closures. Luckily the ski lifts in Val Thorens are able to keep turning and the resort can keep running in all but the most adverse weather conditions.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER VAL THORENS
Sadly when the weather does get bad in Val Thorens there is little shelter or context to be found. Heading into Meribel or down into Les Menuires provides better shelter and more context from the tree-lined slopes. If you are restricted to Val Thorens then sticking to the runs closest to the resort will provide some context from the large apartment complexes.
VAL THORENS PISTE MAP
VAL THORENS GALLERY
VAL THORENS VILLAGES
Val Thorens combines with Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville to form the Belleville Valley. From each of the villages, it is possible to explore the Val Thorens ski area with ease. Similarly, basing yourself in nearby Orelle can also reflect a great base for a Val Thorens ski holiday. All of this could make it confusing when deciding where to stay for your Val Thorens ski trip. In this section, I look to provide you with information about each village to make an informed choice.
VAL THORENS
The most obvious choice for your Val Thorens ski holiday is of course Val Thorens. Staying in the highest ski village in Europe comes with its advantages including direct access to the slopes and ski-in-ski-out accommodation. Val Thorens now a bustling ski town with everything you would need not just for a ski holiday but for life in general. The large sports centre, a great selection of restaurants and activities for kids make Val Thorens an easy choice for your ski accommodation.
The accommodation itself varies from large hotel chains like Club Med to self-catering apartments on the side of the piste. Whatever your requirements or budget Val Thorens will have something for you. Personally, for one of my trips to Val Thorens, I stayed in the worst-rated apartment on booking dot com and had a great time. Fair the apartment was naff, but it was central, ski-in-ski-out and budget-friendly.
If staying in Val Thorens it is worth noting that the village is not car-free but you have to park in the designated parking garages. Cars left at the side of the road will receive penalty tickets and possibly be towed. The garages vary in price and you can save money by parking further from the village centre. Free shuttle buses run between the car parks and the village regularly.
LES MENUIRES
A resort in its own right, Les Menuires represents a great base for your Val Thorens ski or snowboard holiday. Locally there are 150km of pistes, but with easy access by road or chairlift to Val Thorens this skiable area doubles. Staying in Les Menuires will save you cash but not at the expense of your experience. Les Menuires is referred to as the ‘Ugly Duckling’ of French ski villages but it provides a practical base for your ski holiday.
Photo Credit @yannallegre
The Village of Les Menuires is lower down the Belleville Valley at 1850m which certainly makes it a less reliable base during early and late season.
SAINT MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE
St Martin de Belleville is like a little brother to Val Thorens. Often overlooked as it is lower in the valley, St Martin has connections straight into the heart of the Three Valleys. At 1450m St Martin de Belleville is less snow-sure than Val Thorens but its links mean this isn’t really an issue. The village itself is quieter which can offer a more chilled alternative to a Val Thorens ski holiday.
ORELLE
Another cost-effective village to explore Val Thorens from is Orelle. Orelle is more traditional and less a ski village but more actual village. From Orelle, you will need to take the 3 Vallees Express and then Peyron and Bouchet chairs to ski into Val Thorens but this is all due to change with plans for an updated gondola.
The Village itself had a really nice vibe and felt like a quieter Samoëns, with a classic stone village centre and enough shops to fulfil your needs. Orelle is a combination of budget-friendly and quieter Val Thorens ski holiday base.
VAL THORENS SEASON DATES
Val Thorens regularly has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps with the opening of the ski resort in November and closing in May. Therefore it is possible to ski for nearly six months in Val Thorens, longer than any of the other Three Valleys ski areas. The long ski season in Val Thorens makes it a fantastic choice for early and late season ski holidays to the Three Valleys.
TRAVEL TO VAL THORENS
WHERE IS VAL THORENS SKI RESORT?
Val Thorens is in the Vallèe de Bellevilles in the Savoie region of France. Located at the top of the Valley you will pass St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires en route to Val Thorens.
Val Thorens is easy to access within France’s Savoie region which is cluttered with world-class ski areas. The high proximity of ski resorts in the Savoie ensures that many facilities and businesses are geared around travel to the ski areas.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY AIR
Flying to Val Thorens is the fastest and easier way to get to Val Thorens from the UK. Flying into Geneva airport represents your best bet with regular flights and many transfer operators in the terminal building. Alternative routes into Lyon are also possible.
From both Geneva and Lyon airports you can then either self-drive, take a transfer or continue your route by train towards Moutiers.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY TRAIN
Taking the train to Val Thorens is possible with trains from London via Paris arriving at Moutiers which is within an hour from Val Thorens. Although Val Thorens itself does not have a train station arriving at Moutiers and then taking a bus/transfer to the resort is a fairly simple process.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. Driving to Val Thorens is straightforward although cumbersome driving long distances down motorways. Having driven to Val Thorens when travelling with my dog, I found the journey really simple.
There is no need for a car within the resort and you will have to factor in the cost of using the underground parking areas in Val Thorens, but driving to Val Thorens was a stress-free travel method.
Driving to Val Thorens will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Val Thorens, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY COACH
Travelling from London to Val Thorens by coach is an affordable option but is probably most people’s least favourite method of transport. Operating from London Victoria Coach Station Snow Express operate weekly departures to Val Thorens.
VAL THORENS LIFT PASSES
There are multiple ski pass options for Val Thorens and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to either Forum Joseph Fontanet or the Funitel de Pèclet ticket offices to receive your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Val Thorens should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
Remember if you are a never-ever, then you may not need to purchase a lift pass initially as the Magic Carpets are free to use. Liaise with your instructor to discuss whether you will be venturing further than this.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Val Thorens and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
VAL THORENS PROS
Val Thorens offers guaranteed skiing between Nov and May making it one of Europe’s longest ski seasons.
As part of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens has access to 600km of pistes across multiple French ski resorts.
Being a high-altitude village the Val Thorens ski area mostly sits above 2000m ensuring snow quality is great.
Val Thorens has 150km of local terrain which is well suited to intermediates.
Val Thorens has an exceptional lift system with modern lifts transporting skiers quickly and efficiently around the mountain.
Purpose-built village of Val Thorens has numerous accommodation options.
VAL THORENS CONS
The learner's areas in Val Thorens are busy with the main village run being a bit of a nightmare at peak times.
Val Thorens lacks context in trees due to its altitude meaning the resort can have bad visibility days which are not fun.
Limited on-piste terrain for the more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
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VAL THORENS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS VAL THORENS FOR BEGINNERS?
As someone who learnt to snowboard in Val Thorens and subsequently taught snowboarding across various continents I wouldn’t say that Val Thorens is an ideal place to learn. The positives are that Val Thorens offers free use of the Magic Carpets to beginners which is a nice touch and there are plenty of ski schools available. My main issue are the crowds which can feel daunting, so if you are set to learn in Val Thorens avoid the peak weeks.
WHAT IS VAL THORENS FAMOUS FOR?
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe making it famous for exceptional skiing conditions and a long winter season.
IS VAL THORENS A PARTY RESORT?
Val Thorens is a party town but you don’t need to feel like you are in the thick of it. If you are after Après ski well Val Thorens does it superbly with a number of bars and nightlife throughout the village. Nightlife in Val Thorens stays open until the early hours so be prepared to dance away the hangover so you can still make first lift.
IS VAL THORENS EXPENSIVE?
Val Thorens is a premium ski resort in the largest combined ski area in the world so yes it can be expensive. Within the context of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens represents great value when compared to Courchevel and Meribel which are advertised towards the more affluent clientele. There are always ways to budget and reduce costs for your ski holiday from accommodation to bringing your lunch with you on the slopes.
IS VAL THORENS HARD TO SKI?
The resort runs of Val Thorens are suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders with the majority of terrain rated as blue or red. There are a few black graded slopes within the resort however the main challenge is found away from the pistes.
WHICH AIRPORT DO YOU FLY TO FOR VAL THORENS?
The airport of Chambery is the closest airport to Val Thorens but the choice of flights is limited. Flying into Geneva or Lyon will result in longer transfers but cheaper and more regular flight services.
VAL THORENS ACTIVITIES
Val Thorens has plenty to keep skiers and non skiers entertained when visiting for a winter ski holiday. There are a number of activities available throughout the resort which will add to your on snow experience. Below is a selection of my favourites.
BEE FLYING VAL THORENS
Bee Flying was incredible and certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Val Thorens. The journey back to the village takes on 1800m of zip lines in three stages, where you will hover 65m above the ground. Check out the video below for a POV of my experience at Bee Flying Val Thorens.
ICE RINK
In the village of Val Thorens, you will find an Ice Rink where beginners through to experts are welcomed to put on their skates and head out onto the ice. The rink is 400m2 and is only open during the winter season.
ICE DRIVING
Ice Driving Val Thorens is exactly what it sounds like! These go karts on ice race around the 225m ice track at the base of the village in this incredible mountain setting. Check out the Ice Driving Experience here.
BEST SKI SHOP IN VAL THORENS
When visiting a ski resort I always try to find the best ski and snowboard shops to recommend to others. After spending time looking for snowboard boots in most of the Val Thorens ski shops I can highly recommend Zenith Ski Shop.
Although I didn’t purchase anything in Zenith, the assistance I was given was exceptional. Zenith is ideally located in the centre of the village and has an excellent selection of ski and snowboard gear to buy and rent. I took my board in for a service and they did a great job with a quick turn-around.
VAL THORENS FINAL THOUGHTS
Val Thorens is always going to be one of the best options for ski holidays in Europe. When you combine the highest resort village, with terrain above 2000m, and a large connected ski area Val Thorens packs a punch. The village and local area have everything you require in a ski resort base and it is hard to argue against returning to the resort year after year.
Cerro Catedral Ski Resort Guide
If you are looking for a well-developed ski resort in South America, well Cerro Catedral is your best option. The largest ski area in South America, Cerro Catedral has it all. A one-stop-shop for experiencing the best of the Argentine ski scene. At Cerro Catedral ski resort you will not only find some incredible terrain but you will find the views to match. Catedral’s location looking over Lago Nahuel Huapi is stunning and firmly cements its place amongst the most scenic ski resorts in the world.
Views from @ Cerro Catedral Across Lago Nahuel Huapi
CERRO CATEDRAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Flying into the local town of Bariloche it is easy to see what draws not only mountain lovers but tourists to this area. The Andes are spectacular and the location of Bariloche on the banks of Lago Nahuel Huapi is something extra special. You will need to leave the town of Bariloche and drive just over 16km to reach the resort and village base at Cerro Catedral. Now known as Catedral Alta Patagonia, the resort and village are about as modern as it comes in South America. You will find a fully functioning ski town, with accommodations and ski shops lining the pathways to the lifts. A particular highlight is the smell coming from Rapanui, a delightful chocolatier you will find both in Catedral and Bariloche.
CERRO CATEDRAL SKI RESORT
Catedral Alta Patagonia is huge and offers the largest lift accessible ski area in South America. There are over 30 lifts to transport you uphill around the 3000 acres of ski area here. There is an expanse of off-piste and sidecountry terrain at Cerro Catedral and this can make the skiable terrain seem endless. Inbounds you will find 120km of pistes that are most suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Snowboarders who love to cruise the blues will really enjoy Cerro Catedral and if you are a competent red rider then Panorama will be a favourite. Panorama is a beautiful red run that winds its way from the top of Nubes chair offering (yes you guessed it,) panoramic views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the Andes mountains.
Beginners will be happy enough at Catedral with a designated beginners area at the base and at mid-mountain. If you are learning for the first time whilst visiting Catedral aim to visit outside of the holiday season as the resort can get swarmed by Brazilian tourists making the learner slopes pretty hectic.
La Laguna Off-Piste @ Cerro Catedral
Where Catedral Alta Patagonia comes alive is in the advanced terrain. When conditions are good at Catedral this is one of the best resorts you can be at. The short hike into La Laguna is well worth it and offers up a good range of off-piste options. In La Laguna, you can hike to the imposing granite towers that give Catedral its name. This area is where we had our best days at Cerro Catedral ski resort, exploring the terrain and finding new ways to snowboard back down into the resort. Advanced skiers and boarders will also appreciate the lift accessible turns you can get straight from the Nubes chairlift. Directly under the chair, there are some steep runs lined with rocks however, these can get tracked quickly during the peak periods.
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CERRO CATEDRAL FOR BEGINNERS
Beginner skiers and snowboarders will find a few areas to learn at Cerro Catedral with magic carpets and beginner’s lifts right outside Plaza Amancay and at the top of both Princesa 1 and Amancay gondolas. The beginner areas at Catedral can be really busy during holiday periods with an influx of Brazilian tourists learning to ski for the first time. Away from the never-ever slopes, Catedral ski resort has some interesting greens on the lower mountain. In the right conditions, beginners can ski from Esquiadores chair back to the base via a winding green trail 1200.
The main greens at Cerro Catedral are on the lower mountain meaning that they can be subject to poor conditions late in the season or during a lean snow year.
CERRO CATEDRAL FOR INTERMEDIATES
Intermediates will find no shortage of blue and red trails at Catedral Alta Patagonia. The reds and blues link together nicely across the mountain to ensure that intermediates can pick their preferred route down to the base.
The area underneath the Condor 1,2, & 3 chairs link together some long trails that head down to the base area. Beware, the Condor chairs are pretty old-school and not known for their speed. Elsewhere the Nubes chairlift accesses not only one of the prettiest runs on the mountain, Panorama, but also some interesting blues, Nuber and Paralela, which run alongside the Cerro Catedral terrain park.
CERRO CATEDRAL FOR ADVANCED
Although Cerro Catedral ski resort caters well to intermediates it is for the advanced skier that it comes into its own. The Nubes area was amongst my favourite hangouts with some great off-piste routes which pick their way between the rocks and are lift-accessible.
If you do not mind a short hike, then the La Laguna area is of absolute interest. It is here following the hike to 2180m and standing amongst the granite peaks that I enjoyed some of my most memorable days at Catedral.
CERRO CATEDRAL FREESTYLE
Cerro Catedral has a decent terrain park with its own quad chairlift making it simple to lap. The park has a number of freestyle features that progress in difficulty. The terrain park is located under Nubes and is well-maintained with regular staff ensuring that features are safe and fun.
CERRO CATEDRAL PISTE MAP
Catedral Alta Patagonia Piste Map
LIFTS AT CERRO CATEDRAL
The quality and speed of lifts at Cerro Catedral vary greatly. The Sextuple will be your fastest and most direct way to access the centre of the resort. Alternatively, you can take the arduous journey up the three old Condor chairs. This route is sometimes worth it when the crowds swamp the Sextuple. There is also an old gondola, Amancay, which accesses some of the beginner terrain and will get you closest to La Laguna. My favourite lift in the resort is the Nubes chair which takes you to some of the best views and runs on the mountain.
CERRO CATEDRAL SNOW RECORD
The snow at Cerro Catedral can be hit or miss and although the average snowfall in the resort is 6m per season it can be wet and heavy. The snow towards the base tends to worsen throughout the day and the season and it is possible you will be required to down lift. The upper slopes tend to stay in good condition and this is where the majority of the challenging terrain is found.
CERRO CATEDRAL SEASON DATES
The season at Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia runs between June and October. The early and late season conditions can be fairly average so we would recommend visiting between August and early September.
CERRO CATEDRAL LIFT TICKTS
When buying your lift tickets for Cerro Catedral it is best to look in advance at the weather forecast. Patagonia is prone to some pretty serious weather systems that can cause down days. Cerro Catedral offers Flexi pass options which are great for this purpose.
For prices and the most up-to-date information on lift tickets for Cerro Catedral click here
TRAVEL TO CERRO CATEDRAL
GETTING TO ARGENTINA
Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world so getting around can involve long journeys. You will most likely enter via plane into Buenos Aires EZE or Ministro Pistarini Internation Airport. From here if you intend to take an internal flight you will need to transfer to AEP or Jorge Newbery Airport. From AEP you can fly directly to Bariloche.
WHERE IS CERRO CATEDRAL?
Cerro Catedral is the closest ski resort to the town of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina’s Lake District. Set within the area of the Nahuel Huapi National Park and near Lago Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Catedral is in a stunning location. To get to Bariloche from Buenos Aires the quickest route is to take a flight into Bariloche airport which will take around 2 hours. The airport is outside of Bariloche and you will need to either take the bus or a taxi into the town.
CERRO CATEDRAL ACCOMMODATION
The town of Bariloche is bustling with activity and would be a great place to base yourself during your stay at Cerro Catedral. There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from hostels to boutique hotels. If you stay in Bariloche you will need to take the bus to Cerro Catedral, hitchhike, or hire a car.
Alternatively, it is possible to stay in the village base area at Cerro Catedral. The village has a wide selection of accommodation and amenities. Most accommodation is a short walk from the slopes and the restaurants or bars in the village.
I opted to stay at a hostel halfway between Bariloche and Cerro Catedral called Alaska Hostel. We found this location great for both ease of getting to Cerro Catedral and also trips into town.
CERRO CATEDRAL PROS
Cerro Catedral has incredible lift-accessed side-country that offers plenty of challenges.
Modern lifts can be found at Catedral although the slow ones also remain… The offer is good though when compared to other South American ski resorts.
At Catedral Alta Patagonia you have the option of flexible lift passes which are a good choice with variable weather.
The resort of Cerro Catedral is stunning with some of the best views of any ski resort I have visited.
CERRO CATEDRAL CONS
July can be busy at Catedral with it being a busy holiday season. This results in queues on the lower mountain. Once up the mountain, crowds tend to spread.
Early and late season can require down lifting to the base area due to poor snow conditions.
Catedral can be expensive to visit when you factor in the cost of international flights.
CERRO CATEDRAL ACTIVITIES
There is a range of local ski schools at Cerro Catedral but if you want a proper adventure look into booking a trip with SASS Global Travel. SGT offers some intensive guided programs to help you make the most of the Cerro Catedral backcountry.
CERRO CATEDRAL GALLERY
CERRO CATEDRAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW HIGH IS CERRO CATEDRAL SKI RESORT?
The highest lift-accessible point at Cerro Catedral is Nubes at 2100m. You can reach higher peaks by ski-touring into La Laguna where the peak is 2180m. With Nubes standing at 2100m there is a 1070m vertical drop back to the base area.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO CERRO CATEDRAL?
The closest airport to Cerro Catedral is San Carlos de Bariloche which is located in the nearest town. International visitors will need to enter Argentina via either of the two main Buenos Aires airports before catching a connection to Bariloche.
HOW DO YOU GET TO CERRO CATEDRAL SKI RESORT?
From Buenos Aires, you have two main options… the long coach journey or the two-hour flight to Bariloche. Once in Bariloche, you will still need to travel to the resort. You can do this by hiring a car or travelling by public bus, though the buses can be extremely packed. It is also possible to hitchhike in Argentina and we always tried our luck whilst waiting for the bus.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO SKI IN ARGENTINA?
The answer to whether Argentina is an expensive location to ski in isn’t simple. Ultimately, the cost of your trip to Cerro Catedral will depend on how and where you exchange your cash. I know this is true for most countries but none quite like Argentina. In Argentina there are two currency rates, the bank rate and the black market rate, with the latter offering up to 33% more for your money. Changing money on the streets in Argentina is easy and for the most part safe. If in doubt, I used a company called Azimo which provided the black market rate with currency collection from a bank.
IS BARILOCHE SAFE?
Our experience of Bariloche is that it is a safe place to visit. As with most places, beware of normal tourist crimes such as; pickpocketing or thefts of unattended bags. In general, the people in Bariloche were very kind and welcoming.
WHEN CAN YOU SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN BARILOCHE?
The ski season in Bariloche runs between June and October although the optimal months to visit would be August and September. July can be extremely busy and the early and late season snow is unpredictable.
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RECENT RESORT GUIDES
Paradiski Ski Area Guide
A combination of three ski resorts; La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry make up the third largest ski area in the world with a huge 425km of pistes awaiting you when visiting this mega ski resort in Frances Tarentaise Valley. Paradiski is an amalgamation of high altitude skiing with slopes to suit all abilities making it a firm favourite with families.
Skier enjoying what is left of the fresh snow in Les Arcs
PARADISKI AREA GUIDE
If you are looking for a ski area that has guaranteed snow then the Paradski area could be an awesome choice. With the majority of its skiable terrain above 2000m and glaciers in both Les Arcs and La Plagne you cant do much better. Skiing and snowboarding are possible to 3250m on the glacier Bellecôte with reliable snow-fall and good snow cannon coverage complenting each other throughout the five month season. The ski area of the Paradiski opens in mid December and closes in April.
The combination of three resorts is more likely two resorts with Peisey-Vallandry blending well into the Les Arcs infrastructure. Across the 425km of pistes you will find 260 pistes and well over 100 lifts in what is a fantastic infrastructure. The lifts across the Paradiski are mostly modern with the Vanoise Express holding the world record for speeds.
It is fair to say that the resorts within the Paradiski can feel less ski resort and more individual villages with many accommodation bases spread across the mountain. This contributes to the Paradiski having villages with their individual charm and feel. As such there is no real base for Après ski across Les Arcs or La Plagne although Arc 1800 and Belle Plagne do a good job of throwing a party.
The Paradiski is one of the most visited ski resorts in the world which is in some part down to its accessibility. Train routes run from London into Bourg St Maurice and regular flights/transfers are available from Geneva.
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SNOWBOARDING IN THE PARADISKI
Both the Paradiski resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are renowned for being beginner/intermediate accessible with the majority of the terrain-wide cruisey blues. From 260 slopes there are nearly 140 blue pistes which go some way to demonstrate this point, with blue routes available across the Paradiski. This ensures that the entire Paradiski is accessible to everyone which is perfect for skiers and snowboarders looking to explore the whole area.
Beginners will also appreciate the free beginner zones that are available with nursery slopes in some Paradiski villages. Consider basing yourself in Arc 1800 or Plagne Centre if you are a never ever heading to the snow for the first time.
For those of you who struggle to wait to get your Après on, then a unique run in La Plagne is the disco tunnel. The tunnel which connects the resorts of Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte features disco lights and music. This isn’t something I have experienced elsewhere so it definitely makes for a unique experience.
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the terrain parks across the Paradiski with large multi-line terrain parks in Les Arcs 1800 and Belle Plagne. The freestyle scene is significant in the Paradiski so expect big jumps galore. If you are looking to experience freestyle skiing and snowboarding for the first time then do not worry as there are designated beginner terrain parks and fun-cross runs across the resorts.
LEARN MORE IN-DEPTH INFORMATION ABOUT THE SKI RESORTS IN THE PARADISKI BY CHECKING OUT THE FULL RESORT REVIEWS BELOW
OTHER FRENCH SKI AREAS
La Plagne Ski Resort Guide
Situated in the Tarentaise Valley, La Plagne forms part of the Paradiski area with the neighbouring resort Les Arcs. Combined these two popular French ski resorts offer 425km of pistes with La Plagne boasting the majority of this terrain. La Plagne offers skiers and snowboarders snow-sure pistes with 70% of the Paradiski terrain above 2000m. Add to this modern lift infrastructure and a varied selection of pistes and you can see why La Plagne is a popular destination among visitors to the French Alps.
Photo Credit cj580 - Chris Johnson
La Plagne is a purpose-built ski resort that opened in the 1960s, originally with a handful of slopes and two surface lifts. Over the last 60+ years, La Plagne has developed into a full-blown mega-resort with 74 ski lifts accessing over 130 runs within the local La Plagne ski area. In 2003 the Vanoise Express gondola was installed to link La Plagne to a further 200kms of ski runs in Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry forming the Paradiski.
LA PLAGNE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I visited La Plagne whilst staying in neighbouring Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express gondola. The Vanoise Express gondola is an incredible piece of engineering that moves the largest cable car in the world between the two resorts. The Vanoise Express can accommodate 200 people per journey and was an experience in itself. Once in La Plagne I was impressed by the amount of wide intermediate pistes around the resort. I can see why La Plagne is popular amongst skiers and snowboarders who wanted to explore a large area.
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LA PLAGNE SKI AREA
Forming part of the world’s third largest combined ski area Paradiski, La Plagne is a massive ski resort. Located in the Savoie, La Plagne is a combination of villages that provided high altitude access to an extensive ski resort. Across La Plagne and the further Paradiski area, skiers and snowboarders will be able to explore over 140 ski lifts and 260 trails across its 425km expanse.
La Plagne and the Paradiski is well suited to intermediates with a combined 212 blue and red pistes across the Paradiski. La Plagne is however suited to the entire family/ability range as beginners will enjoy La Plagne for its wide blue slopes and advanced skiers will enjoy the variety of terrain and off-piste bowls.
Locally in La Plagne skiers and snowboarders will find 132 pistes with 104 marked blue or red. The limited black runs on offer (under 10) should not deter advanced skiers and snowboarders who will be able to find challenges off-piste and in the terrain parks.
What may deter more able skiers and snowboarders from visiting La Plagne are the crowds! La Plagne is popular for a reason but this may frustrate those in search of runs without crowds that you can just bomb.
Similar to Les Arcs nearby La Plagne has a 2000m of vertical drop between the highest point Chiaupe (3250m) and the lower village of Montchavin (1250m). From Chiapue there are a number of interesting black and red trails in addition to some great off-piste after good snowfall.
LA PLAGNE FOR BEGINNERS
La Plagne is well suited for beginners with low-gradient blue trails across the whole resort. A few green trails can be found on the map with Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800 hosting most of these. This makes La Plagne a fantastic ski resort to visit as a beginner as you can pretty much go anywhere and find a number of suitable trails.
La Plagne has made an effort to improve the learning experience for its skiers and snowboarders with new Magic Carpet lifts replacing former surface lifts in Plagne Centre. In Plagne Centre, you will also find the Buffalo Kids Park with lots of small features to spice up the run for your little ones.
The best area for beginners in La Plagne is focused around Plagne Bellecôte where those new to skiing and snowboarding will find blue trails occupying the majority of the area here. The blue graded terrain in Plagne Bellecôte is mellow and a few in reality are more likely green runs.
LA PLAGNE FOR INTERMEDIATES
La Plagne is well suited for intermediates with the majority of runs in the local area and Paradiski being mellow blue graded trails. The area in Plagne Bellecôte is perfect for those looking for easier intermediate terrain with good snow conditions.
Intermediates looking for more challenge or adventure should looks to the area atop Roche De Mio. From the top of the Roche De Mio gondola and Inversens chair there are a number of interesting options. The tunnel run is exactly what it sounds like, a run that cuts underground and makes for an interesting trail. Sources and Inversens will appeal to intermediates looking to get out onto red trails with the later more challenging as it remains unpisted. Plagne Montalbert also makes an interesting option for intermediates with a number of reds and blues interlinking through this area.
Photo Credit @judithgirardmarczak
LA PLAGNE FOR ADVANCED
There are only a few black trails throughout La Plagne and the Paradiski but that doesn’t mean the area is not of interest to more experienced skiers and snowboarders. A number of ‘Natur’ (unpisted) trails can be found in Plagne Aime which are great fun and of varying difficulty. The mix of blacks and reds here will ensure you keep coming back.
The Bellecôte Glacier is also host to a number of fantastic black trails and a huge mogul field for those interested in skiing bumps.
FREESTYLE LA PLAGNE
La Plagne has a combination of terrain parks, half pipe and boarder cross tracks spread across the resort. The main park was moved to Montchavin in 22/23 and offers a variety of lanes which have small (Green) through to large (Black) features..
The Buffalo Park kids area in Plagne Centre is a nice intro to freestyle for kids with the Western themed fun area.
For those looking for their first foray into freestyle skiing and snowboarding then heading to Belle Plagne and the entry-level park will serve you best.
OFF-PISTE LA PLAGNE
Although La Plagne has a reputation as a bit of a beginner/intermediate paradise there are a number of interesting areas to get off-piste and away from the crowds. Even better is that as La Plagne mainly caters to beginners and intermediates the freshies seem to last longer here. It is the off-piste in La Plagne that particular makes the resort more interesting to experienced snowboarders.
LIFTS LA PLAGNE
There are 74 lifts across the La Plagne ski area with most of them modern and fast. One downside to the ski lifts in La Plagne is the lack of chairs with a weather bubble for those bad weather ski days. There are however a number of gondolas where you can find shelter from the elements.
Photo Credit cj580 - Chris Johnson
The most famous lift in La Plagne is the Vanoise Express gondola which not only links the ski area to the rest of the Paradski but also holds a number of world records. The Vanoise Express has the largest capacity (200 people), fastest speed (45km/hr) and highest distance from the ground (380m) when compared to lifts around the globe.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LA PLAGNE
La Plagne like all ski resorts will receive its fair share of bad-weather ski days. Whiteout days can kill the fun for many skiers and snowboarders so finding areas of the resort where you have greater context and contrast is key. One good bit of advice is to head to the trees in areas like La Plagne Montalbert where the pistes run through the woodlands which makes visibility a lot easier.
LA PLAGNE PISTE MAP
Click the LA PLAGNE piste map below to visit the interactive piste map.
LA PLAGNE VILLAGES
MONTALBERT
The village of Plagne Montalbert is a more traditional setting lower down in the valley. Founded in 1980, Montalbert offers direct access to the La Plagne ski area from a 1350m elevation. Staying in Montalbert however, bases you at the furthest point from the Vanoise Express and access to Les Arcs.
PLAGNE 1800
Plagne 1800 is lovingly referred to as La Plagne’s nest due to its location with easy access to the whole ski area. The former mining settlement of Plagne 1800 is home to a good range of accommodations from private apartments, catered chalets or the all-inclusive UCPA. Basing yourself in Plagne 1800 ensure that you are well placed to explore the whole of the Paradiski.
Photo Credit @nicolasmichot
PLAGNE BELLECÔTE
Plagne Bellecôte has a modern base area that is well situated to discover the La Plagne and Les Arcs in a pedestrian only resort. At a 1930m elevation Plagne Bellecôte has fantastic access to some of the more advanced terrain on the Bellecôte Glacier. The village of Plagne Bellecôte has a good shopping centre and ice-rink and two escape rooms, to keep everyone occupied.
PLAGNE CENTRE
Plagne Centre is great for ski-in-ski-out accessibility in the true centre of the ski area. Using Plagne Centre as a base it is possible to head in all directions to explore the wider La Plagne ski area. At night, Plagne Centre is also well-linked to the surrounding villages of Plagne 1800 and Plagne Bellecôte by shuttle bus.
BELLE PLAGNE
Another car-free village is Belle Plagne at 2050m above Plagne Bellecôtte. The village is therefore pedestrian only with the upper and lower villages connected by a series of covered staircases and lifts. The accommodation in Belle Plagne is dominated by ski-in-ski-out apartments and chalets which make it a really convienient base for your La Plagne ski holiday. Access to the Bellecote Glacier from the Roche de Mio gondola. Belle Plagne is also ideally suited to explore the rest of the Paradiski.
PLAGNE AIME 2000
Plagne Aime 2000 is the highest village in La Plagne sitting at 2100m altitude. The resort of Plagne Aime 2000 was established in the 1960s but more recently has added Club Med as an accommodation option. The village of Plagne Aime 2000 has a ski-in-ski-out location that provides good access to Montalbert as well as Plagne Centre.
LA PLAGNE SEASON DATES
The ski season in La Plagne normally operates between mid-December and late-April although connections to Les Arcs will start later and finish earlier. The ski season in La Plagne and the Paradiski is reliable with 70% of the ski area above 2000m meaning snow cover is maintained across the season. La Plagne has a historical snow record of 4.6m on average during the course of the winter season. In addition to the annual snowfall, La Plagne supplements the natural stuff with snowmaking. The are 600 snow cannons spread around the resort to ensure that all slopes have ample coverage during the winter season.
TRAVEL TO LA PLAGNE
La Plagne situated in the Tarentaise Valley is a very accessible ski resort in the southeast of France. The main routes to La Plagne from the UK would be to fly, drive, or take a train. Below I will discuss the practicalities of each transport method.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY AIR
La Plagne is 200km from the International Airport of Geneva on the border of Switzerland and France. Throughout the winter many budget and mainstream airlines operate flights into Geneva making it the most affordable route by Air. Geneva Airport is also fantastic for connections/transfers to the resorts of the French Alps and getting to La Plagne is no exception. Many transfer companies out of the arrivals area at Geneva and the journey to La Plagne will take around 2 hrs 30 mins.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY TRAIN
La Plagne is accessible within an hour of the Bourg St Maurice train station which receives daily arrivals via the Eurostar from London’s King Cross Station (via Paris). Transferring to La Plagne from Bourg St Maurice isn’t quite as simple as taking the Funicular into Les Arcs with a longer transfer time. From Bourg St Maurice you can take the bus to La Plagne.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. When in La Plagne you shouldn’t need your car to get around as free local shuttle buses run within the resort villages.
Driving to La Plagne will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to La Plagne, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY COACH
By far my least favourite way to travel to a ski resort is by coach however, it can be the most cost-effective way to reach your destination. From the UK regular coaches run to Bourg St Maurice from London Victoria throughout the winter. Coach trips can be arduous but with travel through the night, coaches can be the best way to maximise your time on the slopes on a budget.
LA PLAGNE LIFT PASSES
When skiing in La Plagne you will have two choices of lift pass; a local area pass which covers the 225km of pistes in La Plagne or the Paradiski pass which covers the 425km of Les Arcs and La Plagne combined area. Your choice of lift pass may depend on a few considerations.
ABILITY
Honestly if you are a beginner or even an intermediate visiting La Plagne for the first time then consider saving money and getting the local area pass. Within La Plagne there will be plenty of runs for you to explore. If you feel the need to explore further you can upgrade your lift pass for one day of skiing in the Paradiski area.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then skiing within the La Plagne ski area will still offer you an incredible experience. 225kms of pistes is loads so save some money and stay with a La Plagne local area pass.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are a more able skier or snowboarder returning to La Plagne then it is certainly worth investing in the Paradiski lift pass. The upgrade will cost €50 more based on a 6-day pass in the 22/23 season and will open up over double the available terrain.
LA PLAGNE LIFT PASS COST
As with most lift passes, a ski pass in La Plagne will vary in price depending on; the duration of your trip, the skier’s age and whether you are visiting in or out of the peak period. The good news is that in La Plagne there are plenty of opportunities to save on your lift pass with offers throughout the season. There are even free lift passes available to skiers who are under 5 or over 75 years of age.
LA PLAGNE PROS
La Plagne is a large resort with access to 400+Kms of pistes that have a great snow record.
The ski season in La Plagne offers guaranteed snow with most terrain about 2000m.
The vertical drop in La Plagne means that there are plenty of longer runs across the resort.
La Plagne caters well for beginners and intermediates with a majority of blue trails.
The different villages across La Plagne offer a good range of accommodation and budget options.
LA PLAGNE CONS
La Plagne has a lot to offer so is often crowded during peak weeks especially on the pistes and lifts that are close to the villages.
The suitability for beginners relates to mellow runs which can have deadly flat spots which aren’t always fun on a snowboard.
Lack of enough advanced pistes across the Paradiski.
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LA PLAGNE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS LA PLAGNE LIKE AS A SKI RESORT?
La Plagne and the extended Paradiski area is a huge ski area linked to nearby Les Arcs. The ski area of La Plagne is ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders who will make the most of the blue and red runs around the resort. The local area of La Plagne has 225km of pistes that cater to all abilities.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO LA PLAGNE?
The closest airport to La Plagne is Chambery but this actually isn’t the best access point. Flights into Chambery are infrequent meaning that Geneva and Grenoble are probably better bets. The transfer time from Geneva is longer but its international airport has regular flights from across Europe with operators including budget airlines from the UK.
WHAT MAKES LA PLAGNE SO POPULAR?
La Plagne is one of the most visited ski resorts in the world with visitors drawn from far and wide. La Plagne has many positives that make it a popular place to visit with its high altitude and extensive terrain being a real draw. Over 70%I of the Paradiski sits above 2000m ensuring the La Plagne is snow-sure, this is a big factor in bringing visitors to La Plagne. La Plagne also attracts beginner skiers and snowboarders as many people know La Plagne for its mellow blue runs that spread across the mountain.
IS LA PLAGNE BEGINNER FRIENDLY?
Yes, La Plagne caters well for beginners despite the very few green trails on the piste map. La Plagne’s terrain is dominated by entry level blue pistes from all villages ensuring that beginners can have a nice time in La Plagne regardless of where they book their accommodations.
IS LA PLAGNE A GOOD PLACE TO SKI?
La Plagne can be considered a good place to ski for all-abilities and budgets. The expansive terrain in La Plagne and the Paradiski caters to all-abilities ranging from gentle blue-runs to challenging off-piste terrain. The variety makes it a great choice for families and groups of varying abilities.
DO I NEED SNOW CHAINS WHEN DRIVING TO LA PLAGNE?
When driving to any ski resort in France you should always carry snow chains which are a legal requirement now. Driving without snow-chains could put yourself and other drivers in danger and result in spot fines if searched by the Police.
IS LA PLAGNE SNOW SURE?
La Plagne and Les Arcs in the Paradiski are a good bet for snow-sure conditions throughout the season. The higher elevations and glacier skiing ensure that La Plagne maintains a good snow base. With a good snow record and 600 snow cannons, La Plagne is a safe bet for your ski or snowboard holiday.
LA PLAGNE FINAL THOUGHTS
La Plagne and the Paradiski would make a fantastic choice for your next ski holiday with snow-sure skiing and plenty of on snow accommodation. For me the decision whether to ski or snowboard in La Plagne or Les Arc would come down to access. If travelling via train I would stay in Les Arcs with better access via funicular from Bourg St Maurice. Whether driving or flying there isn’t much in it and I would decide between the two Paradiski resorts based on the best accommodation deal. Both La Plagne and Les Arc are well suited to all abilities and offer access to a large ski area.
Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide
Les Arcs ski resort is popular with skiers across Europe with a sizeable local ski area (200km). Forming part of the Paradiski with La Plagne, Les Arcs provides skiers and snowboarders access to 425km of pistes across the two French ski resorts. Visiting Les Arcs ski area allows for plenty of versatility with seven ski resort bases to choose from with a range of accommodations and amenities to suit every budget.
Les Arcs has a great combination of high-altitude skiing with diverse terrain. The library of ski runs across Les Arcs varies from extensive cruisey intermediate terrain along red and blue pistes with some steeper black trails as well. Les Arcs has some fantastic areas to learn to ski making it popular amongst beginners and families. Les Arcs provides snow-sure skiing, excellent transport links and a fantastic range of accommodations making it a popular choice for a French ski holiday. In this Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide I will explore what makes Les Arcs a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
LES ARCS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Visiting Les Arcs for the first time I was lucky to be accompanied by skiers who knew the area well, ensuring that I was able to make the most of the substantial terrain available throughout the resort. The resort itself is fantastic and I really enjoyed waking up in the purpose-built village a few steps from the nearest slope. Les Arcs is a ski destination that has everything on your doorstep making it a worry-free ski holiday.
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LES ARCS SKI AREA
Forming part of the world’s third largest combined ski area, Paradiski Les Arcs is a sizeable ski resort. Les Arcs is massive, demonstrated by the huge 2000m vertical drop between the Aiguille Rouge (3226m) and the village of Villaroger (1200m). In total 258 pistes and over 100 lifts make up the Les Arcs ski area, with the majority of that terrain (70%) above 2000m. With that in mind, Les Arcs is incredibly snow sure which can make it popular with visitors looking for early-season or spring snow.
Considered a benchmark ski resort in the Savoie, Les Arcs’ 200km of pistes are mostly suited to beginners (51%) and intermediates (35%). Advanced skiers will still appreciate the more challenging terrain that is available alongside the areas outside of the piste which are great for freeride.
LES ARCS FOR BEGINNERS
With the four main village bases in Les Arc; Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, beginners will be happy that each base caters to beginner skiers and snowboarders. The villages offer a number of free lifts that beginners can use to learn from.
Over half of the Les Arcs pistes are suitable for beginners which is fantastic for first-timers looking to explore different runs. There are however only three green pistes spread throughout the resort, two in Arc 1800, so beginners will have to learn on the various blue runs around the resort.
LES ARCS FOR INTERMEDIATES
Les Arcs has a number of wide cruisey blue pistes which spread throughout the ski area. This makes Les Arcs really fun for intermediates who are excited to get around the whole mountain. In Les Arcs you can pretty much head up any lift (except Grand Col and Aigulle Rouge) and find a decent blue to ride down. A particular favourite were the combined Vallée de l’Arc 3 and Vallée de l’Arc 2 which are found at the top of Varet.
Advanced intermediates may want to challenge themselves on the short reds found at the top of Plagnettes chairlift. Similarly, the area around Plan Peisey is a good combination of red and blue trails.
LES ARCS FOR ADVANCED
Looking at the piste map you can be forgiven for believing that Les Arcs doesn’t cater for the advanced skier or snowboarder. Although the black trails do not dominate the piste map, there is enough to keep even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders entertained. Head to Aiguille Rouge for a fantastic 7km descent back to the village of Villaroger. Les Arcs also has a number of un-pisted trails that are left to develop bumps throughout the season, if you like moguls you will like Les Arcs.
FREESTYLE LES ARCS
Les Arcs has two terrain parks in the resort; Apocalypse and Mille 8. Both parks have a good mix of freestyle terrain. Apocalypse is best suited to intermediate and advanced freestyle skiers and snowboarders with a good jump progression ending with some rather large kickers. Mille 8 has a little something for everyone with an entry-level green line and some more advanced features.
OFF-PISTE LES ARCS
Off-piste skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the area atop the Grand Col which ensures snow stays fresh due to its higher elevation. In cloudy weather, consider heading into the forest runs near the Derby chairlift.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LES ARCS
Les Arcs is a fantastic resort even on those bad weather days. The lower resort villages are lined by trees which can add contrast in whiteout conditions.
LES ARCS PISTE MAP
Click the Les Arcs piste map below to visit the interactive piste map.
LES ARCS VILLAGES
Les Arcs has four main villages each has its own charm and appeal.
ARC 1600
Arc 1600, the earliest of the villages, feels quaint and tranquil in atmosphere. Developments in Arc 1600 began in the late 60’s and can be considered the original and centre of the resort. This feeling of being the centre of the resort is continued in Arc 1600 with regular shuttle buses linking Arc 1600 to the other Les Arcs villages. Arc 1600 is also linked to the valley and Bourg St Maurice with its international train station. The short funicular ride from Arc 1600 will take you directly into Bourg St Maurice with links to London.
ARC 1800
Conversely, Arc 1800 is known for its vibrant après-ski scene, boasting a lively feel with numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The largest of the Les Arcs villages you should head to Arc 1800 if you want an activity-packed holiday. Arc 1800 is very central within the wider context of the Les Arcs ski area and it has great access to the other Les Arcs villages.
ARC 1950
Arc 1950, a relatively newer addition, is a picturesque alpine village designed with a more upscale feel. It features luxurious accommodations and a pedestrian-friendly layout. The village itself can be a fantastic base for your Les Arcs ski holiday with ski-in-ski-out accommodation throughout the village.
ARC 2000
Arc 2000, the highest in elevation, provides direct access to high-altitude skiing and stunning panoramic views. This appeals to avid skiers and snowboarders seeking challenging terrain. The village of Arc 2000 is well designed allowing excellent access to the pistes in a compact ski village.
OTHER VILLAGES
VILLAROGER
Villaroger is not only the finishing point for one of the best runs in Les Arcs (Aiguille Rouge), but it is also the lowest of the villages in Les Arcs. At 1200m Villaroger is a quieter more relaxed base for your Les Arcs ski holiday. Villaroger has a good reputation for maintaining snow despite its lower altitude due to its shaded location in the valley. Villaroger can be a good base if you are looking to explore other local resorts such as Tignes - Val d’Isere and Les Rosière in addition to your Les Arcs ski days.
PEISEY - VALLANDRY
Plan Peisey and Vallandry are two separate villages that are essentially one. The villages of Peisey - Vallandry are not only a great base from which to explore Les Arcs, but equally have exceptional access to the La Plagne via the Vanoise Express. Plan Peisey and Vallandry would appeal to skiers looking for access to both La Plagne and Les Arcs, alongside those looking for a quieter evening base.
BOURG ST MAURICE
Bourg St Maurice will be the arrival point of many international skiers and snowboarders to Les Arcs with direct Eurostar access to London. A town, not a village, Bourg St Maurice is a great link between Les Arcs and other local ski resorts. It is possible staying in Bourg St Maurice to catch connections via bus to La Rosière, Tignes, La Plagne and others. Staying in Bourg St Maurice can offer easy travel as well as the ability to ski at a variety of resorts from the same base.
LES ARCS GALLERY
LES ARCS SEASON DATES
The ski season in Les Arcs normally operates between mid-December and late-April although connections to La Plagne will start later and finish earlier. The ski season in Les Arcs is a reliable one with 70% of the ski area above 2000m meaning snow cover is maintained throughout. Les Arcs has a historical snow record of 4.6m on average during the course of the winter season. In addition to the annual snowfall, Les Arcs supplements the natural stuff with snowmaking. The are 600 snow cannons spread around the resort to ensure that all slopes have ample coverage during the winter season.
TRAVEL TO LES ARCS
Les Arcs is one of the most accessible ski resorts in the Alps with international access by plane, train and automobile. Located in Frances Savoie, Les Arcs is a combination of mountain villages above the town of Bourg St Maurice.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY AIR
Les Arcs closest airport is Chambery (CMF) which is 140 km from Les Arcs. Flights into Chambery are aplenty during the winter season with many transfer and private hire drivers operating out of the terminal. If you intend to fly it is worth considering heading to Geneva as flights tend to be cheaper and more frequent then those into Chambery. The trade-off for flying to Geneva is an extra hour on the transfer time but it could be a more budget-savvy option. Other possible airport entrance points for your Les Arcs ski trip are Lyon and Grenoble.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY TRAIN
By far the most environmentally friendly way to get to Les Arcs is via train to Bourg St Maurice. Heading to the international train station in Bourg St Maurice uses Frances's electrified rail network and can save on your carbon footprint. The station itself is only a 7-minute funicular ride away from Arc 1600 meaning you can be in the resort within minutes of stepping off the train. Throughout the winter special services are operated by Eurostar for the SkiTrain.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. When in Les Arcs you shouldn’t need your car to get around as free local shuttle buses run within the resort villages.
Driving to Les Arcs will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to Les Arcs. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Les Arcs, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY COACH
By far my least favourite way to travel to a ski resort is by coach however, it can be the most cost-effective way to reach your destination. From the UK regular coaches run to Bourg St Maurice from London Victoria throughout the winter. Coach trips can be arduous but with travel through the night, coaches can be the best way to maximise your time on the slopes on a budget.
LES ARCS LIFT PASSES
When skiing in Les Arcs you will have two choices of lift pass; a local area pass which covers the 200km of pistes in Les Arc or the Paradiski pass which covers the 425km of Les Arcs and La Plagne combined area. Your choice of lift pass may depend on a few considerations.
ABILITY
Honestly if you are a beginner or even an intermediate visiting Les Arcs for the first time then consider saving money and getting the local area pass. Within Les Arcs there will be plenty of runs for you to explore. If you feel the need to explore further you can upgrade your lift pass for one day of skiing in the Paradiski area.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then skiing within the Les Arcs ski area will still offer you an incredible experience. 200kms of pistes is loads so save some money and stay with a Les Arcs local area pass.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are a more able skier or snowboarder returning to Les Arcs then it is certainly worth investing in the Paradiski lift pass. The upgrade will cost €50 more based on a 6-day pass in the 22/23 season and will open up over double the available terrain.
QUEUE JUMPING
Consider purchasing the Paradiski passes if you want to use priority lift lines. The Paradiski pass not only provides you with an extended ski area but also the ability to use dedicated queue jumping lines.
LES ARCS LIFT PASS COST
As with most lift passes, a ski pass in Les Arcs will vary in price depending on; the duration of your trip, the skier’s age and whether you are visiting in or out of the peak period. The good news is that in Les Arcs there are plenty of opportunities to save on your lift pass with offers throughout the season. There are even free lift passes available to skiers who are under 5 or over 75 years of age.
LES ARCS PROS
Les Arcs is a huge combined ski area with an extensive piste network.
Finding accommodation to suit your needs in Les Arcs should be possible with a range of villages to choose from. Staying in Les Arc gives you the opportunity to choose a village that suits your budget and vibe.
Les Arc has some awesome runs within its 2000m of vertical drop, consider taking the Augille Rouge trail for a long descent into Villaroger.
There is plenty of interesting off-piste in Les Arcs with bowls and tree runs for those poor weather days.
Les Arcs is well suited to beginners and intermediates with a large proportion of blue trails throughout the resort.
There are fantastic transport links to Les Arcs, with the hub of Bourg St Maurice a short funicular away.
LES ARCS CONS
Les Arcs has lots of positives going for it; large ski area, great transport links, reliable snow… all of which combine to draw crowds to Les Arcs.
Lift queues can be common in Les Arcs during peak weeks.
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LES ARCS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS LES ARCS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes, over 50% of Les Arcs terrain is suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Another positive to using Les Arcs for your beginner’s ski holiday is that there are a number of beginner lifts that are free to use without a lift pass. Les Arcs has also introduced a slow speed zone which will make beginners feel more comfortable when learning to ski.
IS LES ARCS LIVELY?
One downside to Les Arcs is the layout across various villages can make it feel like there is no real centre or hub to Les Arcs. Depending on whether you are looking for nightlife will depend on where you base yourself around Les Arcs with Arc 1800 being the best known for its Après scene.
WHICH RESORT IS LES ARCS CONNECTED TO?
Les Arcs is connected to La Plagne to form the Paradiski area. The resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are joined by the Vanoise Express gondola which means skiing across 42km of pistes is possible. Les Arcs is also connected by funicular to Bourg St Maurice where it is possible to catch buses to La Rosiere and Tignes.
IS LES ARCS A HIGH RESORT?
Les Arcs ski resort has the majority of its terrain above 2000m which ensures a long ski season with a fantastic snow record. Consider basing yourself in Arc 1950 or Arc 2000 during the early and late seasons for the best snow conditions throughout Les Arcs.
IS LES ARCS ONLY POPULAR FOR SKIING?
While Les Arcs is undoubtedly famous for its ski slopes and winter sports, it has become a year-round destination. The summer season offers a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities, making it a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts.
IS LES ARCS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED SKIERS?
Yes, Les Arcs caters to skiers of all levels. Each village has a variety of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. The resort is also linked to La Plagne via the Paradiski area, offering a vast terrain for all skill levels.
CAN I PURCHASE MY LES ARCS LIFT PASS IN ADVANCE?
Yes, it's recommended to purchase lift passes in advance online. This can save you time, money and ensure you're ready to hit the slopes upon arrival. Various options are available including; day passes, multi-day passes and season passes.
WHICH RESORT IS HIGHER LES ARCS OR VAL THORENS?
Both the ski resorts of Les Arcs and Val Thorens are high-altitude resorts in the French Alps. Val Thorens is home to the highest ski resort village in the Alps which at 2300m offers an extra 300m altitude versus Arc 2000.
LES ARCS FINAL THOUGHTS
Les Arcs is an incredible ski area with a substantial link to the nearby resort of La Plagne. Les Arcs itself is a great option for those looking for guaranteed snow throughout the season. For me, I enjoyed Les Arcs for the intermediate terrain and cruisey blues that can be found right across the resort.
Which Ski Resort Is Better: Thredbo or Perisher?
If you are going skiing or snowboarding in New South Wales the main question is, shall we head to Thredbo or Perisher? Both of these Australian ski resorts are known worldwide and should be considered key stops on an Australian ski trip. Thredbo and Perisher offer more than just skiing and as fantastic resorts with a range of off-snow activities, both resorts can be considered worthy of a visit. They are however different and are set apart by their unique characteristics. In this post, I will delve into the key facts that differentiate Thredbo and Perisher so that you can decide which ski resort is more suitable for you!
Skiing amongst the Gum Trees
GETTING TO THREDBO AND PERISHER
It is unlikely that travel to the resorts will influence your decision between Thredbo and Perisher as they are fairly close to each other. The resorts sit in the Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains, a short drive (by Australian standards) from major cities. The trip will take you two-hours from Capital city Canberra and five from the popular international destination of Sydney.
Depending on where you plan to stay you will pass through Jindabyne where you will have the option to stay in the valley, drive to the resort, or if heading to Perisher take the SkiTube.
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THE STATS
Thredbo ski resort has been voted as Australia’s best ski resort for the past five years. The ski resort of Thredbo is substantially smaller than Perisher in terms of acreage with only 1,186 acres but this doesn’t mean that Thredbo is lacking in pistes. Thredbo has 52km of pistes throughout its resort, only short of Perishers 65kms. Thredbo also now offers a backcountry pass which opens more terrain outside of the resort boundary.
Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort and as such dwarves Thredbo in terms of skiable terrain. Perisher has 3,080 acres of terrain with 65km of slopes within the resort. This terrain is spread across Perisher’s four mountains, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega.
Thredbo has a much more significant vertical drop 672m than Perisher 355m, meaning that Thredbo can boast the longer runs throughout it’s resort. The base area at Perisher is higher than Thredbo’s meaning the snow quality can be more consistent at Vail owned Perisher, especially on the lower slopes.
Perisher also offers over double the amount of runs that can be found at Thredbo with a larger variation of pistes across the resort. These shorter runs offer more variety but you can feel like a run is over in a flash. Thredbo’s longer runs can ensure that you spend more time skiing and less time sat on a chairlift.
THREDBO
ALPINE ADVENTURE AND CHARM
Nestled in the heart of the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Thredbo is renowned for its alpine village atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Here are some key features that make Thredbo a standout choice:
Thredbo Ski Resort
TERRAIN DIVERSITY
Thredbo offers a great variety of ski runs suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. With over 50 runs spanning across wide groomers, challenging moguls, and exciting terrain parks, there's something for everyone. The split of runs at Thredbo is 16% beginner, 67% intermediate, and 17% advanced.
VILLAGE VIBE
The charming alpine village of Thredbo is a major draw for visitors. It boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with restaurants, bars, and shops, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day on the slopes. The village has some decent shops to pick up new gear and can be great for families with the sports centre a real draw.
THE ICONIC THREDBO CRUISER
Thredbo's Kosciuszko Express Chairlift takes skiers to Australia's highest lifted point. From here, you can access a range of runs, including some of the resort's most challenging terrain.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Thredbo is also a popular choice for families. The resort offers childcare services, kids' programs, and beginner-friendly slopes, making it an excellent destination for families looking to introduce their children to skiing. Thredboland is a great place for kids aged three and older with a number of programs designed to get your little ones out on the mountain.
As a former member of the Thredbo ski and snowboard school, I can vouch for the incredible service they provide for family ski lessons.
Known for its varied terrain and having the largest vertical drop in Australia, Thredbo is Australias best ski resort.
Renowned for its excellent freestyle terrain, Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort
PERISHER
Perisher, located in the Kosciuszko National Park, is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. With an extensive range of slopes and facilities, Perisher stands out for several reasons:
SIZE MATTERS
Perisher's vastness is one of its most significant advantages. The resort encompasses four interconnected ski areas—Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow—providing an extensive playground for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
SNOW RELIABILITY
Due to its size and elevation, Perisher often benefits from better snow coverage, ensuring a longer ski season and more consistent conditions.
TERRAIN FOR ALL
With a wide variety of slopes and terrain parks, Perisher caters to beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. This makes it an attractive option for groups with varying skill levels.
NIGHT SKIING
Both Perisher and Thredbo offer night skiing two nights a week which is an exciting experience. At Thredbo night skiing is on Thursdays and Saturdays whereas Perisher opens their evening lifts on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Perisher opens Front Valley for night skiing so is probably the better destination for night skiing with the terrain park and beginners runs open.
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THREDBO VS PERISHER BEGINNERS
THREDBO BEGINNERS
Beginners at Thredbo will start their learning journey on Friday Flats. This Thredbo beginner’s trail is a perfect pitch to learn on and is serviced by its own chairlift. Riding the chairlift from an early stage of learning helps alleviate any of the stress that some skiers and snowboarders can feel as they progress around other mountains. Friday Flats can become crowded during peak weeks and in bad snow years can be difficult to navigate.
In addition to Friday Flats, Thredbo could just be one of the best resorts to learn at. There is green terrain from Australia’s Highest lifted point, with the Village Trail providing a long mellow run back to the village base. From Cruiser Chair Squatters Run and Walkabout mean that beginners can get off the beginner’s hill and around the mountain.
PERISHER BEGINNERS
Beginners are Perisher will likely start their day at either Perishers Front Valley or the Blue Cow Terminal. Both Front Valley and Blue Cow have a number of mellow runs for beginners to cruise.
It is more likely that beginner skiers and snowboarders at Perisher will have to ride a combination of T-bars and chairs to access the runs.
One benefit to Perisher’s shorter terrain for beginners is that runs may look less intimidating allowing regular stops of breaks and a good sense of achievement.
IS THREDBO OR PERISHER BETTER FOR BEGINNERS?
The answer to whether Thredbo or Perisher is better for beginners is quite close and will depend on what you are looking for. In terms of terrain, both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner runs with Thredbo have 16% and Perisher having 22%.
Although there is slightly more beginners terrain at Perisher the runs will be shorter so it can be argued that Thredbo’s runs offer more flow and a chance to build your confidence. Ultimately, both resorts will offer beginners a good experience.
THREDBO VS PERISHER FOR SNOWBOARDERS?
As a snowboarder I have a clear preference in terms of which resort out of Thredbo or Perisher is best for snowboarders. THREDBO. Although both resorts offer a good variety of runs and terrain parks, I personally feel that for my riding I prefer Thredbo. At Thredbo the runs are longer, which means you spend less time strapping in and more time riding. Perisher is also a victim of its layout with many flat spots that can cause snowboarders a headache.
If freestyle is your thing than both resorts have great terrain parks however I believe that Perisher has the best freestyle offer.
THREDBO VS PERISHER EXPERIENCED SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS?
The ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher both have lots to offer the more able skier and snowboarder. Perisher is a hit due to its variety of terrain. The sheer number of runs available across Perisher’s four mountains ensures that it is impossible to get board. Thredbo however has the longer runs and the more serious freeride terrain. Thredbo and Perisher are both well-suited to snowboarders and skiers who enjoy freestyle with some of the best terrain parks in the Southern Hemisphere. Thredbo stands alone in terms of off-piste with the more interesting out of bounds and slackcountry areas.
DOES THREDBO OR PERISHER HAVE THE BEST SNOW?
Both Thredbo and Perisher have fairly modest snow records compared the resorts in Europe, North America and Asia. That being said the 2m+ of snow that regularly falls in these Snowy Mountain ski resorts is enough to sustain a four-month season with the help of snow cannons. Regardless of whether you ski at Thredbo or Perisher, it is worth noting you will be riding on a mix of natural and man-made snow.
Perisher ski resort has the highest base area so can be your best bet for early or late-season snow. Thredbo does still operate a four-month ski season however it can be forced to move its operations to the top of cruiser chair with down lifting on high-noon in lean snow years.
Ultimately, a trip to the Australian snow should not be treated as a hunt for powder (although it can deliver!!! ) but instead, an opportunity to ski or snowboard in a new part of the world.
If you want to be snow-sure, consider heading to Thredbo or Perisher in July or August as this is when the snow is the most reliable.
IS THREDBO OR PERISHER BETTER?
Ultimately, whether Thredbo or Perisher is the better ski resort depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're drawn to a charming alpine village atmosphere with a focus on après-ski activities and diverse terrain, Thredbo might be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking vastness, extensive slopes, and a wide range of skiing opportunities in a family-friendly environment, Perisher could be your ideal destination.
Both resorts offer their own unique charm and attractions, so your decision should be based on factors such as the type of skiing experience you want, your skill level, whether you're travelling with a family, and your preferences for village ambience or resort size.
No matter which resort you choose, both Thredbo and Perisher promise an unforgettable winter getaway in an incredibly beautiful part of Australia. The real win here is that you do not need to decide between Thredbo or Perisher… due to their proximity you can visit them both!
The Remarkables Ski Resort Guide
The Remarkables ski resort on the outskirts of Queenstown is one of two resorts in the town. Set in the Remarkables mountain range and with views back towards Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu it is an awesome setting for skiing and snowboarding on New Zealand’s South Island. Despite not receiving high amounts of annual snowfall The Remarkables is the go-to resort for locals to explore off-piste and with easy access hiking earning your turns is how you make the most out of a trip to The Remarks.
Curvey Basin Chair At The Remarkables Ski Area
THE REMARKABLES FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As you approach Remarks the first thing you see is the modern lodge at the base of the resort. Entering this area and heading up the stairs to the lifts you will pass everything you need from a ski resort. There are ski-hire, retail and ticket offices on the ground floor with a large restaurant on the upper floor. The lodge has some pretty great views so be sure to get a seat outside for lunch or your coffee break.
Heading out the doors of the lodge and onto the slopes, you are met by the purpose-built beginner’s area, serviced by a covered magic carpet. You will also see the Curvey Basin chair, a fast six-seater lift that takes snowboarders from the base area to the top of the resort. Everything at The Remarks seems ultra-modern from the lodge to the lifts.
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THE REMARKABLES SKI RESORT
Similar to other New Zealand ski resorts don’t be put off by the mountain stats. A vertical drop of just over 350m and a small amount of skiable terrain doesn’t really paint the right picture. The fun at The Remarks is found outside of the pistes within short hikes of the chairlifts. Whether taking The Lookout hike from Shadow Basin before dropping down into some chutes or heading up Curvey Headwall you will find adventure at The Remarks.
If hiking isn’t for you then don’t write The Remarks off yet. The Remarks Parks are some of the best in New Zealand, ranging from a beginner’s hike park with ride-on boxes up to huge kickers and rail features. That’s not even mentioning The Stash, which unfortunately was closed during our extended visit. The Stash is a terrain park that is left year-round with features made from wood. All of the terrain parks can be found at the top of the Sugar Bowl Chairlift. This is a popular area so expect bottlenecks at the lift line on busy days.
Freestyle is massive at The Remarkables and its terrain parks draw a huge crowd. There are often park clinics running which can be a great way to progress your riding. In Queenstown, The Remarkables is the place to go for freestyle snowboarding with Coronet Peak not offering anywhere the same level of terrain parks.
First-time skiers or snowboarders will find the beginner’s area serviced by magic carpets and the Alta Chairlift a good place to learn. That being said, during peak weeks The Remarkables is a popular area and the learning slopes can become crowded.
The highest lift point at The Remarks is 1943m so it tends to keep the snow in good condition. The runs at The Remarkables are split fairly evenly between beginners, intermediate and advanced pistes with a 30:40:30 ratio. When you consider the runs that are possible outside of the pisted trails this increases the runs available for advanced riders at The Remarks.
View from the top of The Remarks
If you want to make the most of the pistes at The Remarkables consider booking onto Remarkables ‘First Tracks’ program which grants you access to the lifts for one hour before the resort opens.
THE REMARKABLES FOR BEGINNERS
Beginner skiers and snowboarders will enjoy The Remarkables as once turning you have the opportunity to explore away from the base area. Most peoples first lift as a beginner at The Remarks is Alta chair. Alta chair offers a couple of options for new skiers with Turquoise Run leading back to Alta chair with alternatives leading to the Sugar Bowl.
Sugar Bowl is home to Remarks Parks, but beginners don’t threat you are here for Casterway a long green trail that will give you the change to hone those turns.
THE REMARKABLES FOR INTERMEDIATES
Remarks is a great mountain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with plenty of long blue trails to explore. A particular favourite is Calypso at the top of Shadow Basin as it draws less crowds than the runs on Curvey Basin.
Intermediates looking to push away from the blues will find some good red trails such as Fall Line, although be wary as Fall Line can attract accidental skiers from Casterway who have taken a wrong turn.
If you are looking to push your off-piste then the traverse into Shady Lady and even the blacks of Homeward Run make fairly mellow off-piste outings.
THE REMARKABLES FOR ADVANCED
Getting away from the trails is the aim of the game for advanced skiers and snowboarders at The Remarkables. In the right conditions, The Remarks has some fantastic short hikes that lead into more challenging terrain.
From the top of Shadow Basin Chair head into the Chutes where Elevator and Escalator lead down towards Lake Alta. Alternatively, traverse into Shadow Basin where the bowl provides plenty of decent options.
THE REMARKS PARKS
Freestyle snowboarding at The Remarks is huge. The Sugar Bowl chair accesses the terrain parks with access to The Stash and the main Remarks Parks possible from this chair. The Remarkables has a short hike pike above the Sugar Bowl chairlift which is great for practicing those initial tricks before taking them to bigger features.
THE REMARKABLES PISTE MAP
The Remarkables trail map shows three distinct areas of the resort; Curvey Basin, Shadow Basin, and Sugar Bowl. Each area of The Remarks is different and offers a unique experience.
Curvey Basin is where the main resort runs lie and you will find some extensive blue terrain. In addition, the base of Curvey basin is home to the beginner’s area where you will find The Remarkable ski lessons. Shadow Basin is where you will find the advanced terrain at The Remarkables with some really interesting trails. A favourite of ours is Homewards Run at Remarks where you can ride back down to the car park. Sugar Bowl is the third area at The Remarkables and this is home to the freestyle terrain.
The Remarkables Piste Map
LIFTS AT THE REMARKABLES
There are four chairlifts at The Remarkables and a few ground lifts.
The Curvey Basin chair is a fast six-seater chairlift that heads from the base of the resort to some interesting blue terrain. It is possible to hike from the top of Curvey Basin chair to some decent off-piste trails.
Also at the base, you will find Alta chair which only really serves The Remarkables beginner runs.
Shadow Basin chair is fairly slow but accesses The Remarkables advanced trails and some of the more interesting sections of the resort. Shadow Basin opens up hikes to Escalator, the LookOut, and Homeward Runs.
Sugar Bowl express is the lift that accesses The Remarks Parks area. From Sugar Bowl Express you can ride through the Small, Medium, or Large terrain parks.
THE REMARKABLES SNOW RECORD
The Remarkables is not blessed with an impressive snow record and relies heavily on snow-making to ensure resort runs are well-covered. A measly 3-4m of snow can be expected throughout the season at The Remarks so don't dust off your powder board just yet. When it does snow, be sure to make the most of all that off-piste terrain.
THE REMARKABLES SEASON DATES
The ski season at The Remarkables ski resort runs between June - October conditions depending. The best time to visit is between mid-July to early Sept when you will find the best snow coverage.
THE REMARKABLES LIFT TICKETS
The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboarding trip to The Remarkables is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. If bought in advance the 3-peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
THE REMARKABLES OFF-PISTE
The Remarkables has some of the best resort slackcountry or off-piste in New Zealand with easily accessible off-piste from each chairlift. Short hikes and traverses will take you to some interesting off-piste terrain.
SHADOW BASIN
Shadow Basin chair is popular on powder days as it provides access to the Shadow Basin and the Chutes at The Remarkables. The Chutes are a short hike from the top of Shadow Basin chair and you can access Elevator and Escalator from this point. The Chutes are great runs that head down towards Lake Alta, snowboarders beware of your exit route as it can be a long walk out.
Alternatively from Shadow Basin chair you can take the traverse along The Highway which takes you to Shadow Basin Bowl. The Bowl is great in fresh snow and there are multiple routes down to the base of the chair.
In good conditions it is possible to traverse over to Homeward Run which will lead you back to the road. From the road you can catch the free shuttle bus which will return you to the lodge at the base of the resort.
CURVEY BASIN
Curvey Basin is the main express chair at The Remarkables and opens up hiking options above the chair. Short hikes are possible to 1900m with a choice of runs towards Lake Alta or Back into the resort.
SUGAR BOWL
Sugar Bowl at The Remarkables is best known for its terrain parks, however there are some nice hikes into the off-piste available in this area of the resort. From the top of the chair take Water Race Trail, where you will be able to hike towards Anzac Trail. This area of the resort has some of the more challenging runs such as the Gallipoli chutes.
SKI TOURING/SPLITBOARDING
Uphill touring is possible at The Remarks with the main uphill route running from the base of Curvey Basin past the Alta chair and towards Lake Alta. From here you can head into the Remarkables Backcountry. It is important to know. that if you are outside of the ski area boundary The Remarkables will not send Ski Patrol to your aid, instead dial 111. Stay Safe.
TRAVEL TO THE REMARKABLES
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, we would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something we will not forget in a hurry.
Where is The Remarkables?
The Remarkables ski resort is on New Zealand’s South Island in the Remarkables mountain range. The resort is a short drive from the major tourist hotspot of Queenstown and is within 40 -60 minutes of Queenstown international airport.
Accessing The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown and if possible driving is the best option. The road can experience delays if there has been fresh snow and chains need to be carried at all times. The upper road from just before Car Park 4 is not tarmacked so can be a bit bumpy.
If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but we thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
THE REMARKABLES ACCOMMODATION
On our trip, we made the most of the freedom camping regulations in New Zealand and hired a van for most of the trip. The freedom camping site at Kawarau Bridge is a decent location but comes with some restrictions. You can stay on this site for a maximum of 4 days per month. If you are in a van you may have to stump up for a campground. We did spend some time staying in an Air BnB at the end of the trip. The location was excellent and we would highly recommend it. You can find it here
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Coronet Peak area.
THE REMARKABLES PROS
Offers more for the advanced rider than nearby Coronet Peak
The Remarks Parks are well maintained and offer great progression
Great beginners area with magic carpets, not rope tows
The view from the lookout hike across Lake Wakatipu is incredible
The Remarkables off-piste offers easy hiking to some nice chutes
Part of the 3 Peak Pass
Close proximity to Queenstown means there is plenty to keep you busy away from the slopes
THE REMARKABLES CONS
The Stash terrain park wasn’t open during my extended visit
The access road is not great and can have long cues after fresh snow
Limited pistes mean you could get bored if you're not prepared to hike
Crowds during peak weeks especially around the beginner’s area and Sugar Bowl Chairlift
THE REMARKABLES ACTIVITIES
Being only 45 minutes from Queenstown opens up lots of opportunities for those bad weather days. If the lifts are closed at Remarks why not head over to Coronet Peak to see the other Queenstown mountain? If a day in Queenstown is more for you, then consider taking the Shotover jet boat, a bungee jump, or any of the other amazing Queenstown activities.
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THE REMARKABLES GALLERY
THE REMARKABLES FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Can You Drive Up To The Remarkables?
Yes, the road up to the Remarkables is long and winding but it is a great drive to take. Be aware that on days during or after a snowfall it is likely that you will be required to carry or use snow chains. Depending on conditions the drive from the base car park at The Remarkables should take around 20-40 minutes.
Is Coronet Peak or The Remarkables Better?
Well… that is just going to be an opinion. Both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski resorts have a lot to offer and one of the best things about Queenstown is that you can ride them both on the same day. The Remarkables has a better terrain park and off-piste in our opinion, whereas the pistes at Coronet Peak are better and offer night skiing.
Why Is It Called The Remarkables?
The Remarkables ski resort takes its name from the New Zealand mountain range The Remarkables. The Remarkables mountain range is found on New Zealand's South Island.
How Much Does It Cost To Ski In Queenstown?
Ski Passes in Queenstown are not cheap and will cost over $120NZD per day. You can make some pretty good savings if you intend to purchase tickets for a few days and buy in advance.
Australia Snowboarding Guide
When planning a trip to Australia it’s fair to say most people are more concerned with which beach to visit rather than where to find the snow. Australia is a country that is synonymous with the sunshine which probably does the ski industry down under a disservice. But skiing and snowboarding in Australia is a real thing and more than that… it can be excellent. The snowboarding in Australia will be found in the south with resorts spread between the states of Victoria and NSW.
VICTORIA
The state of Victoria is home to three incredibly popular ski resorts; Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buller. All three resorts are accessible from Melbourne and represent some of the best Australia has to offer.
Buller is a short drive from Melbourne (around 3 hours) and is the busiest ski resort in Victoria. It is worth a midweek trip to avoid the weekend crowds but if you need to go at peak times no worries Mount Buller has a large village to accommodate the visitors.
Falls Creek is a pretty interesting resort due to its abundance of ski-in-ski-out accommodations. This is the closest you will come to that European-style village in Australia. Snowboarding at Falls Creek mostly suits intermediates but as with most Aussie ski resorts they build some great terrain parks too.
Mt Hotham offers the most challenging snowboarding in Victoria with a number of steeps, although these are rather short. Hotham also has terrain to suit most abilities which makes it a great all-rounder or family resort.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Snowboarding in New South Wales is popular with the Sydney and Canberra crowds which can make weekends busy. Luckily for NSW, it is home to two of the best Australian ski resorts.
Thredbo is a place that is dear in my heart having worked and lived in Thredbo. Thredbo is a ski resort that has a lot to offer. Thredbo is often thought of as the more expensive bigger brother of nearby Perisher but this does it a disservice. Thredbo has a great village which offers a great Après scene as well as a sports centre to keep you occupied post-snowboarding. The resort itself has the largest vertical drop in Australia at 672m. This leads to Thredbo having a number of longer runs that are just not found at other Australian ski resorts. Thredbo has a good mix of trails and some exceptional terrain parks although like most resorts down under Thredbo can rely heavily on snow-making in the early and late season.
Perisher is a bit of an enigma. It is huge with terrain spread across 4 mountains but despite this, it can feel like you spend more time in lift queues than snowboarding. Perisher is popular due to its incredible terrain parks and a good range of beginner and intermediate terrain. Professional athletes often are spotted making use of the Perisher Parks for off-season training which goes some way to demonstrate the quality of facilities on offer.
Charlotte Pass is a pretty cool resort with a unique selling point. The village at Charlotte Pass is only accessible via snowcat which adds another dimension to a visit. The resort of Charlotte Pass is well-suited to families and those looking to avoid the crowds at Thredbo or Perisher.
Selwyn Snowfields is ideal for beginners but more experienced snowboarders will probably get bored here. Selwyn is the perfect place to learn away from the crowds of the larger resorts. Selwyn would make a good destination for your first time on snow as lift tickets/lessons are cheaper than at other Aussie resorts.
WHAT TO EXPECT
It is important to approach an Australian snowboard trip with an open mind. This is summer snowboarding and is not to be compared to the large scale resorts found in Europe and the US. That doesn’t mean it cant be as good as when the conditions are right Australia can be exceptional. Australian resorts tend to take the rough with the smooth making the most out of low snow seasons with extensive snowmaking. When it dumps in Australia it tends to really dump with large storms dropping 80cm not unheard off.
At Australian ski resorts, you are unlikely to find the level of challenging steep terrain you can find in other parts of the world. Similarly, long runs are hard to find due to the lower elevations nut Australia does a great job of making a challenge and this is reflected in their love of the terrain park. Australia is home to some of the best freestyle set-ups in the world and terrain parks can be found at most Aussie ski resorts.
The landscapes at Australian ski resorts can feel quite unique. There is a lack of large and daunting peaks however there is a certain charm to snowboarding down through the Australian gum trees.
WHY SNOWBOARD IN AUSTRALIA
When it comes to summer snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere you have plenty of options, so why choose Australia?
The first reason to choose an Australian snowboard trip would be if you are an Epic Pass holder at your Northern Hemisphere ski resort. The Epic Pass for resorts like; Heavenly, Vail or Park City will also cover your Australian skiing at three resorts. That’s right unlimited snowboarding at; Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek on your normal ski pass, bargain!
If you are not an Epic Pass holder don’t worry there are more reasons to head to Australia in search of summer turns. Snowboarding in Australia is great for those who want to spend time improving their freestyle. The terrain parks in Australia are well-maintained and offer features of all sizes to suit everyone. Pretty much all resorts in Australia invest time and money in producing awesome terrain parks.
The weather in Australia can be pretty brutal but when it plays ball Australia can be an awesome place to snowboard. The sun is often shining at Aussie ski resorts which can mean t-shirt weather and enjoyable spring riding conditions.
AUSTRALIAN SKI SEASON DATES
The ski season in Australia can vary quite dramatically year on year. Typically the start date for Australian ski seasons is in June with a best-case scenario of the season finishing in early October. We would recommend airing on the side of caution.
AUSTRALIAN SKI RESORT GUIDES
AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND
The question of whether to head to New Zealand or Australia for your summer ski trip is asked a lot and in our opinion, they are both great. That might come across as sitting on the fence but genuinely both are worth visiting. They can be compared in terms of terrain, facilities, and cost.. so here we go.
Cost
New Zealand is more affordable than Australia in every way. Lift pass prices in Australia are extortionate outside of the Epic Pass which offers unlimited snowboarding at three major Australian resorts. The cost of day passes is a rip-off, so if Australia is on your mind plan and look into season pass options as these often work out cheaper. The extra you spend on your lift pass probably contributes to better facilities with access roads being well-maintained at Australian resorts.
In general, the cost of living in New Zealand is cheaper with food and drink costs less although accommodation can be at a premium. Depending on where you are travelling from affordability can depend on the exchange rate at the time. Many Australians fly to New Zealand for their ski trip so this should indicate which offers better value for money.
Facilities
Australian ski resorts tend to have more European-style resort villages at the ski resort base. Thredbo has a great village to stay in that would make an Aussie trip hassle-free and this is not something that is found in New Zealand. If you prioritize convenience then Australia may win your vote.
Snow-making is pretty decent in both Australia and New Zealand because… well it has to be. In the bad snow years, both Australia and New Zealand rely heavily on snow-making to ensure their resorts can stay open.
Infrastructure in both New Zealand and Australia is pretty good with resorts having high-speed chairs and decent lodge facilities. Most commercial resorts across both countries will offer a ski school, rental, and dining facilities.
Terrain
New Zealand will have more advanced terrain with steeper runs and better off-piste than their Australian counterparts. Australia is known for its terrain parks with many professionals heading to Perisher or Thredbo to train during the summer months. Both New Zealand and Australia have small resorts by European standards with vertical drops often below 600m.
AUSTRALIAN VISAS
As it currently stands British nationals do not need a visa to holiday in Australia but will require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). You will be allowed 90 days of visa-free travel as a tourist. `If you intend to work for the season you will need either a Working Holiday Visa or a Sponsored Visa.
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AUSTRALIA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can You Snowboard In Australia?
Australia has a number of interesting places to snowboard. Ski resorts in Australia have great facilities including high-speed lifts and extensive snow-making.
What Is The Best Ski Resort In Australia?
This is really down to personal opinion and what you are looking for from a resort. Below are some of our thoughts…
Best For Vertical: Thredbo
Best For Freestyle: Perisher
Best For Steeps: Hotham
Best Village: Thredbo/Falls Creek
Is Snowboarding In Australia Any Good?
Snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere can be pretty brutal and weather dependant and Australia is no different. When conditions are right a snowboarding trip to Australia can be incredible, with large snow dumps possible.
Which Is Better Thredbo or Perisher?
Perisher has more runs and more skiable terrain however Thredbo has a larger vertical drop. There is more to explore at Perisher although it can feel like you spend a long time riding lifts. Thredbo has longer runs meaning it feels like you are riding for longer. Due to the lower vertical drop at Perisher snow conditions can feel more consistent with Thredbo’s snow varying a lot between the higher and lower elevations of the resort.
AUSTRALIAN SKI RESORT GUIDES
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Guide
Mt Hutt has consistently been voted New Zealand's best ski resort and I can certainly see why. That being said Mt Hutt is a frustrating place to snowboard and needs to be approached with a degree of flexibility. A real positive to an Mt Hutt ski trip is the people who make this resort. The staff here do an exceptional job in tough conditions and ultimately I feel this is why Mt Hutt continues to earn accolades. Mount Hutt is a more laid-back approach to a snowboarding trip and it is possible to find affordable lodging in nearby Methven.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort
MT HUTT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Mt Hutt is a top-notch ski resort but it’s fair to say that isn’t necessarily the first impression. The town of Methven has nowhere near the glitz or the glam of Queenstown or Wanaka but we kind of like that. It is a quiet town with good people and this is reflected in the staff at Mt Hutt. The road up to Mt Hutt is … well not ideal. The whole of the road from the base car park is unsealed and rather bumpy and driving up in a campervan was possible but not great fun, especially in snowy conditions. There was even a time when we received a helping push from the Mt Hutt site team in their range rover. Once at the resort, there is a nice base lodge and some modern lifts. Sadly our first day here was cut short by strong winds and this is something you will have to factor into any trip to Mt Hutt.
MT HUTT SKI RESORT
Mt Hutt Ski Area seems bigger than the other New Zealand ski resorts I visited. This could be due to its greater vertical drop of 600m+ resulting in longer runs from the summit to the base area. Beginners and intermediates will love that you have mellow terrain from the summit meaning they can head to the top of the resort to take in the views of surrounding Canterbury. From here beginners and intermediate skiers will have the option of taking blue runs back to the base. The more advanced will enjoy the pitch of Upper Fascination, however, this run can become icy in adverse weather conditions.
There is easy access hiking that opens up more terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders with The Towers accessing a range of chutes. Visible from the base area there is a pitch of off-piste that looked great fun but sadly the conditions didn’t allow for riding. If hiking doesn’t appeal then Mt Hutt has terrain parks dotted around the resort to keep you occupied. Mt Hutt refreshes the set up regularly which is great for those who enjoy freestyle.
Snowboarding at Mt Hutt is mainly suited to intermediates who pretty much have their pick of the whole mountain. There is a designated beginner area near the lodge with its own magic carpet which is an ideal place for those first turns. Advanced riders will like that pretty much everywhere there is a line to hike or explore although the lack of trees can mean no cover from the conditions on those bad weather days.
Mt Hutt is prone to receiving high winds and adverse weather conditions which can lead to regular lift closures. This has led to Mt Hutt receiving the nickname of Mt Shut. The staff at Mt Hutt do a fantastic job to keep punters occupied and often have alternative activities set up. During my visit to Mt Hutt, they organised a rugby match, a rail jam, and various other activities.
WHEN MT HUTT IS CLOSED
There is plenty to do around Mt Hutt should the resort be closed. Head to Rakaia Gorge to take a jet boat or hike around the beautiful trails. The local town of Methven has some great bars with the local Irish Pub serving incredible food. Methven cinema is also good for whiling away the hours. Like most places in New Zealand, there is plenty to explore outdoors in the local area.
Bad Weather Days At Mt Hutt
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MT HUTT PISTE MAP
Mt Hutt ski area is great for families as pretty much all runs lead back to the lodge at the base. This makes it easy for families to head down runs of varying ability and meet right back up at the chairs. The most challenging terrain at Mt Hutt is found on skiers right. It is here where you will find a number of interesting black diamond runs. The hike to the Towers is quick and from here you can access Chute 3 and Dog leg. A further traverse will take you to 1st Chute, Main Chute and Saddle Face.
Virgin Mile is an interesting run for those competent on reds. Virgin Mile winds its way around the top of Mt Hutt offering panoramic views across Canterbury. Along Virgin Mile, there are plenty of places to drop into on a powder day to get some freshies.
Beginners will probably make their first exploration of Mt Hutt on the Quad chair and take Inside Leg back to the base. Broadway is one of the more popular blue runs at Mt Hutt and can be crowded on the weekends.
Mt Hutt Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT MT HUTT
Mt Hutt has three chairlifts; The Summit Six is the main chair at Mt Hutt ski resort and reaches the top of the resort at 2086m. Taking the Summit Six chair will give you access to all of the terrain at Mt Hutt. Beginners will enjoy the run-down Morning Glory whereas intermediates will love Upper Fascination a wide groomed red which is fantastic after the first chair. The Summit Six is a high-speed six-seater that ensures you can get plenty of vertical in a day. Sadly due to the high winds at Mt Hutt ski resort, the Summit Six is prone to wind closures.
The Quad chair is popular as it accesses the terrain parks and the green terrain. The Quad chair is quick and can sometimes operate when the Summit Six has closed due to wind hold. Mt Hutt doesn’t have much in the way of beginner terrain but Highway 72, a long winding green is popular with learners. From the Quad Chair, there is access to the terrain parks which a range of features from the progression park through to large jumps.
The Towers Triple Chair is the final chair at Mt Hutt ski fields and returns skiers into the resort from below the car park. This chairlift is crucial to advanced riders at Mt Hutt as it is located at the runout point for some of the more challenging terrain. The runs from The Towers such as; Main Chute and Saddle Face all run out here along with International, a challenging red run.
In addition to the chairs at Mt Hutt, there are two magic carpets in the beginner’s area at the base.
MT HUTT SNOW RECORD
Mt Hutt ski resort has one of the longest seasons in New Zealand thanks to extensive snow-making and a 4m seasonal average for snowfall. Mt Hutt, therefore, is one of the best places to head for off-piste as the coverage can be substantially better than other New Zealand ski fields. Mt Hutt is prone to high winds which can lead to snow being blown into pockets which when found can make for a great powder day.
MT HUTT SEASON DATES
Mt Hutt offers a longer ski season than most New Zealand ski resorts. Normally opening in early June and running into mid-late October. This makes up for the regular wind closures throughout the season.
MT HUTT LIFT TICKETS
The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboarding trip to Mt Hutt is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. When brought in advance the 3 peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
TRAVEL TO MT HUTT
GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, I would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something we will not forget in a hurry. That being said if Mt Hutt is your only ski goal then Christchurch makes more sense.
Check the latest flight prices here.
WHERE IS MT HUTT?
The nearest major city to Mt Hutt is Christchurch and as it is within a 2-hour drive you often see people flock from the city towards Mt Hutt on the weekends. It is possible to fly into Christchurch from both internal and international destinations so this may be the most suitable gateway to Mt Hutt. Closer to Mt Hutt is the town of Methven which is around a 15-20 minute drive from the Mt Hutt base car park.
ACCESSING MT HUTT
Coach transport is available from both Christchurch and Methven although self-drive is also another option. Should you choose to drive to Mt Hutt be aware that the access road is awful. I made it up regularly in a large camper van so it is not something to be worried about however treat it with caution especially after a snowfall. The ever-helpful Mt Hutt staff are on hand to help you fit snow chains and assist you on the roadside.
Be prepared to arrive at Mt Hutt early especially on weekends and holidays as the car parks fill up fast meaning you may need to park at Rakaia Saddle Car Park instead.
MT HUTT ACCOMMODATION
Mt Hutt is the only ski resort out of the 3 Peak Pass resorts that allow overnight freedom camping in its car park. This was a major factor in why I spent so much of my trip at Mt Hutt as it was much more affordable than my weeks in Queenstown. If you are not camping you will still be able to find lots of reasonably priced accommodation in nearby Methven.
MT HUTT PROS
Mt Hutt has a larger vertical drop than other New Zealand ski resorts
Accommodation and eating out is cheaper in Methven than in Queenstown or Wanaka
There is plenty of opportunities to explore the off-piste at Mt Hutt with easy access hiking.
Mt Hutt has a range of terrain park features, a progression park, and a large park.
The chairlifts at Mt Hutt are modern and fast.
Mt Hutt has incredible views across Canterbury on a clear day.
The ability to freedom camp at Mt Hutt helps make this a budget-friendly resort.
New Zealand’s highest hot tub alpine spa is free to use at the top of the summit chair.
MT HUTT CONS
Adverse weather conditions leading to many closures of Mt Hutt
Poor condition of the access road leading to Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt charges for assistance fitting snow chains.
MT HUTT ACTIVITIES
Consistently being voted New Zealand’s best ski resort is of course a lot to do with the skiing and terrain available at Mt Hutt, however, our experience is that Mt Hutt is more than that. The service received on bad weather days is exceptional and unlike anywhere else we have snowboarded. Mt Hutt made an effort during every closure to run activities to keep everyone entertained. Here is what you can do to keep entertained on and off the slopes at Mt Hutt.
Bad Weather Activities
Mt Hutt was great at organizing activities when the lifts couldn’t spin. Everything from a community rugby match to a treasure hunt around Methven for the kids. Keep an eye on the website for their latest activities.
Methven Cinema
Methven cinema is another great down day activity. The cinema is tiny but shows the latest releases at reasonable prices. The cinema is an independent business so it also feels great to know your ticket money is going back into the community.
Rakaia Gorge
Rakaia Gorge is a short drive from Methven and is well worth the visit. There is a 7km track that can take you to some brilliant scenic lookouts. The Rakaia Gorge is also home to the Discovery Jet Boat that will propel you down the Rakaia river as a great down-day activity.
Helicopter Flights
Methven Heli Ski is a great alternative to riding in the resort. You will be taken on the flight of your life and dropped at the top of some of New Zealand’s best backcountry runs.
Pubs and Bars
There is nothing directly at Mt Hutt in the way of restaurants and bars however Methven itself has a number to choose from. Our favourite was The Dubliner Irish Bar as the food was incredible.
MT HUTT GALLERY
MT HUTT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Mt Hutt Open?
This is a question you will have to stay on top of. Mt Hutt is prone to weather closure but the latest information is always posted here. Mt Hutt is a year-round resort that is open between 9 am - 4 pm daily.
How Far Is Mt Hutt from Christchurch?
The drive from Christchurch to Mt Hutt takes 1 hour 30 minutes and is pretty easy. Once at Mt Hutt base car park, the adventure begins, as the access road is not the best. The road is unsealed and bumpy however we regularly made it up in our campervan. It is important to carry chains when driving up to Mt Hutt. If you do not feel confident in driving the road there are buses that run from Christchurch and Methven.
Do you need chains for Mt Hutt?
You are required to carry chains to drive up to Mt Hutt. Whether you need to fit your chains is posted at the bottom of the access road to Mt Hutt. Mt Hutt offers a snow chain rental and fitting service at their base area car park.
How Far Is Mt Hutt From Queenstown?
Skiers and snowboarders taking advantage of the NZ Ski Pass will want to visit both Mt Hutt and the Queenstown resorts; The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. The drive from Queenstown to Mt Hutt is around 300km and can be done in one day. We would advise stopping along the way as New Zealand has some great scenic spots to visit.
How Tall Is Mt Hutt?
Mount Hutt has a summit of 2190m above sea level.
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Guide to the Perisher Terrain Parks
Perisher, located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, is one of the Southern Hemisphere's premier ski and snowboard resorts. Among its many attractions, the Perisher Terrain Parks stand out as a haven for freestyle skiers and snowboarders seeking an exhilarating experience. With a variety of features catering to different skill levels, these parks offer an exciting playground for riders of all abilities. Here's a comprehensive guide to the Perisher Terrain Parks:
Perisher Front Valley Terrain Park
The Perisher Terrain Parks are designed to provide a diverse range of freestyle features, including jumps, rails, boxes, and other obstacles. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or an experienced rider wanting to progress your skills, the parks at Perisher have something for everyone.
In total, Perisher has seven terrain parks and boarder cross areas spread across the four mountains that combine to make Perisher ski resort. Let’s take a closer look at each of the different Perisher Terrain Parks.
PIPER TERRAIN PARK - SMALL
The Piper Terrain Park is an entry-level park perfect for freestyle beginners and first-timers. The Piper Terrain Park is made up of a combination of small features including rollers, dancefloors and ride-on boxes and rail features. The Piper Terrain Park is the perfect place to either grow your confidence in the park or try new tricks on smaller features.
YABBY FLAT MINI TERRAIN PARK - SMALL
Another fantastic terrain park for beginners is the Yabby Flat Mini Terrain Park next to the Perisher Quad Express Chair. This terrain park is popular as it is home to the Perisher Jump Cam which takes photos of riders showing of their air-time grabs. The Jump Cam is just one of a number of features in the Yabby Flat Mini Terrain Park which includes boxes and rails.
LEICHHARDT TERRAIN PARK - MEDIUM TO LARGE
This park is situated in the Leichhardt area it's a great place for intermediates to develop their freestyle skills before progressing to more advanced setups. Over recent years the Leichhardt Terrain Park has got bigger ensuring longer runs, with more lanes of freestyle features. Perisher brand the Leichhardt Terrain Park as an intermediate/advanced terrain park with both jumps and rails much bigger than those found in Piper and Yabby Flat. In the Leichhardt Terrain Park you will find jumps of up to 30ft.
BLUE COW TERRAIN PARK - MEDIUM TO LARGE
Located at Blue Cow, this park offers a mix of intermediate and advanced features. It's ideal for riders looking to challenge themselves with larger jumps and more technical rail setups. The Blue Cow Terrain Park is a progression from the Leichhardt Terrain Park. Blue Cow has a number of varied features including; hips, boxes, jumps and rails. Blue Cow Terrain Park draws less crowds than the other parks as it is away from the main resort runs.
FRONT VALLEY SLOPESTYLE TERRAIN PARK
This is the primary park area, easily accessible from the Front Valley ski lifts. It features a variety of jumps and rails, suitable for all skill levels. The features are arranged in a progressive manner, allowing riders to build their confidence and skills.
Front Valley Slopestyle Park is world-class and attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the globe, with many professionals using it as their summer training base. Front Valley Terrain Park has a good mix of features and can be lapped either by the parallel T-Bars of the 8-Person Express Chairlift.
Front Valley Terrain Park is where you want to be if you are intending to hit the largest features in the resort.
CENTRE VALLEY RIDER-CROSS - MEDIUM
Perfect for after you have dialled in the Yabby Flats beginner course, the Centre Valley Boarder Cross track and a longer track with more bank turns and rollers. The Centre Valley Rider Cross is a great place to build your confidence riding variable terrain.
SUN VALLEY RIDER CROSS - LARGE
If mastering the boarder cross track is your main aim then the Sun Valley track is the one for you. Sun Valley has the longest rider cross area at Perisher ski resort combining some of the most interesting features. Head to the Sun Valley rider cross to take on steep banked turns, rollers and jumps.
FEATURES
Perisher Terrain Parks offer a wide range of features, including:
Jumps: From small tabletop jumps for beginners to large kickers for advanced riders, Perisher has a variety of jumps to suit different skill levels. Jump lines are often labelled according to their size, making it easy for riders to choose based on their comfort level.
Rails and Boxes: The parks feature an array of rails and boxes of various shapes and sizes. These are perfect for practising tricks, spins, and slides. Beginners can start with simple flat boxes, while more experienced riders can take on more challenging features like kinked rails and rainbow boxes.
Progression Parks: Perisher has designed certain areas specifically for progression. These parks provide a controlled environment for riders to learn and refine their freestyle skills on smaller features before moving on to larger setups.
SAFETY
Safety is paramount in any terrain park. Here are some safety tips:
Always wear appropriate protective gear, including helmets.
Start with features that match your skill level and gradually progress to more advanced ones.
Observe other riders before attempting a feature to understand the proper approach and technique.
Respect the park rules and guidelines. They are in place to ensure the safety of all park users.
LESSONS AND COACHING
Perisher offers lessons and coaching sessions for riders looking to improve their freestyle skills. Professional instructors can provide valuable guidance, helping you learn new tricks and refine your technique in a safe and controlled environment.
EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS
Throughout the snow season, Perisher hosts various freestyle events and competitions in its terrain parks. These events provide an opportunity for riders to showcase their skills, learn from others, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie within the freestyle community.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Perisher Terrain Parks offer an exciting and dynamic freestyle experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With well-designed features, dedicated progression areas, and a commitment to safety, these parks provide a platform for riders to push their limits, learn new tricks, and enjoy the thrill of freestyle snow sports. Remember to always prioritize safety, respect park rules, and have fun exploring the diverse features the parks have to offer.
The Difference Between Sintered And Extruded Snowboard Bases?
When choosing a snowboard the base should be one of your considerations. The base will determine how fast you can go and how often you need to wax your board. Choosing whether to opt for a sintered or extruded base can come down to cost or the type of riding you like to do. The aim of this post is to provide you with the information needed to make the right decision on the base of your snowboard.
Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer to the question, ‘Which snowboard base is right for you?’ as it depends on your circumstances. You will want to consider the following; your budget, how often you snowboard, your ability, and where you spend the most time riding.
EXTRUDED VS SINTERED SNOWBOARD BASES
Let’s do a direct comparison between Extruded and Sintered snowboard bases.
PRICE
Extruded bases will always be cheaper than sintered bases. The manufacturing process is cheaper therefore the board overall is cheaper when using an extruded base. If budget is your main concern then definitely consider going for an extruded base. An extruded base is one of the reasons that the Yes Basic is such a popular board, as it makes an affordable all-mountain option.
Sintered bases are more expensive to make so tend to go into higher-end more costly snowboards. Sintered bases are graded with a higher grade of the base being more expensive. A low-grade sintered base will still be faster than an extruded base (both waxed and in the same conditions) which is why the Korua boards are proving popular. They allow you to access a sintered base at a much lower price. If you are looking for a top-end sintered base and don’t mind paying for it, then consider Jones. Jones snowboards use sintered bases right through their whole line-up.
MAINTENANCE AND DURABILITY
Sintered bases will require more maintenance than extruded bases and are more expensive to repair. Sintered bases will hold wax better than an extruded base but an extruded base requires waxing less often. Waxing both bases will help ensure the base stays in good condition for longer and will influence its speed.
Sintered bases are more durable than extruded bases but when damaged a sintered base will be more expensive to repair. This is one reason that Jib or Urban snowboards are regularly accompanied by an extruded base. Yes, the extruded base may get damaged on a rail but it will be easier and cheaper to fix.
SPEED
Linking to maintenance, a well-looked after sintered base will be faster than an extruded base. Similarly, a higher-grade sintered base will be faster than a lower-grade sintered base. This is because sintered bases are more porous than extruded bases so in effect hold more wax. You probably won't notice this if you are a beginner which is why most beginner boards have extruded bases with advanced boards normally having a sintered base.
ABILITY AND HOW OFTEN YOU SNOWBOARD
It is worth considering your ability when choosing which type of base for your snowboard. If you are a beginner you will not notice the difference and could save money buying an extruded base. As you progress you will want to go faster and that will mean looking for a sintered base snowboard.
Similarly, if you take a one-week holiday every year then opting for an extruded base could be a good option. They are easy and cheap to repair whilst requiring less maintenance. This means you can sling your board into a board bag and not worry about it until you next need it. If you snowboard more than a couple of times a year then a sintered base is going to offer you the most performance.
PARK OR PISTE
The type of riding you like to do the most could also be an important factor in determining whether you should ride an extruded or sintered base. If you enjoy riding rails then it is likely you are going to get some scratches on your base that will need repair. An extruded base will make this cheaper. On the other hand, if you stick to the pistes it is less likely you will damage your board so opting for a sintered base can offer you more performance.
SINTERED VS EXTRUDED SNOWBOARD BASES BY RIDING STYLE
FREERIDE
Snowboarders looking to charge pistes or slash pow lines will be better suited to a sintered base. It is rare for freeride boards not to have sintered bases as freeriders require the extra performance that comes with a sintered base. An extruded base would feel sluggish and hold you back.
FREESTYLE
Freestyle snowboarders have a little more choice when it comes to the sintered v extruded base. Freestyle boards are varied and will come with both sintered and extruded bases. If you ride rails an extruded base will allow you to repair damage more easily and for a lower cost. Alternatively, if you like to hit jumps than a sintered base will give you more speed on the run-in. Urban/Jib boards would normally have an extruded base, as would lower-end park boards. A number of high-end park boards will have sintered bases but these will incur higher purchase prices.
ALL MOUNTAIN
Depending on your all-mountain preferences you could be ok with either an extruded or sintered base. If your an all-mountain rider who likes to spend most of their time outside of the park but will occasionally ride through then a sintered base would work well. If your preference is park and you opt outside on some days then maybe an extruded base would be preferable. Ultimately for all-mountain riders, this choice could come down to budget. If you are worried about the cost then opt for extruded whereas if performance is your main concern then opt for sintered.
SINTERED VS EXTRUDED BASES BY ABILITY
BEGINNER
There really is little point in a beginner buying a sintered base. It will cost more money and you will not feel any benefit from it. Being a beginner you will also have had less experience when it comes to snowboard maintenance and waxing so having an extruded base means less hassle. The only reason a beginner should buy a sintered base is if they intend to keep that board for years. If this is the case the sintered base will not hold them back as they progress.
INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate riders will be looking to progress their riding and explore the mountain. It is likely that intermediate snowboarders will be looking to try new terrain and ride faster around the hill. If this sounds like you then opting for a sintered base would be best. If you are a more casual intermediate, happy to stick to the Green and Blue terrain then an extruded base would suffice.. just bear in mind that extra speed may help out on those flat sections.
EXPERT
Most top-end snowboards will come with a sintered base, even high-end park boards. Unless the only thing you are interested in is hitting rails in the park a sintered base really will be your best option.
FINAL THOUGHTS SINTERED VS EXTRUDED SNOWBOARD BASES
A sintered base will always be the best for speed and performance, as long as it is waxed! You will have to pay more for the privilege. An extruded base is pretty much the lazy person’s answer. They are great for people who ride only a couple of times a year or who can’t be bothered to regularly wax their board.
STILL UNSURE?
As always thanks for reading and if you are still unsure feel free to get in touch via the socials or the comment section. Make sure to check out our Snowboard Buyers Guide where you will find all the information regarding how to buy a snowboard.
Perisher Ski Resort Guide
Comprising of four mountains; Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow, make Perisher Australia’s biggest ski resort. Perisher boasts about having the largest skiable terrain, the most amount of lifts and some of the best terrain parks in the world.
Perisher Ski Resort
PERISHER FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When arriving at Perisher you need to put a few things in perspective. It is easy to look up at the resort and think, that’s tiny. The vertical drop at Perisher is a mere 355m which is nearly half that of neighbour and long-time foe Thredbo, but what it lacks in height Perisher makes up for in facilities.
Now owned by Vail Resorts and skiable on the Epic Pass, a trip to Perisher means access to world-class facilities, quality snow-making, and incredible terrain parks.
PERISHER SKI RESORT GUIDE
Formerly known as Perisher Blue, Perisher ski resort is spread across four mountains and seven peaks. Perisher is widespread, which can sometimes give the strange feeling of riding a chairlift horizontally to the slopes. Across the four mountains, there is a total of 65km of pistes with the majority suited to intermediate skiers (60%). There is something for everyone at Perisher with plenty of beginner terrain (22%) and even some interesting advanced terrain (18%) such as Kamikaze and Rock Garden over on Mt Blue Cow.
Perisher Ski Resort
Perishers’ layout isn’t without its issues for snowboarders. The somewhat spread-out resort does lead to some notable flat areas that can be tougher to navigate on a snowboard. Getting to know the resort is key to ensuring that you navigate it effectively making use of the 47 lifts around the resort.
Perisher ski resort has over 100 trails with 65km of pistes spread across the four distinct areas.
PERISHER VALLEY
Perisher Valley is the most substantial part of the resort home to Perisher’s famous Front Valley, which is home to a main terrain park and some beginner’s runs. Perisher Front Valley has a decent base area with options for food and rest stops. The Perisher Valley area has over half of the resorts lifts, 26, and over 40 ski trails. Head to Mt Perisher if you are looking for longer descents.
BLUE COW
Blue Cow is home to the ski tube and as such is a starting point for many ski days at Perisher. Blue Cow has a good mix of terrain with Greens, Blues and Blacks all accessible on Blue Cow Mountain. Blue Cow remains a popular spot with 5 of the 8 lifts being chairlifts giving good access to the 32 runs on Blue Cow mountain.
SMIGGIN HOLES
Smiggins is a smaller area with only 16 trails, half that of Blue Cow. Smiggins is short with only 150m of vertical drop meaning that in this area you will be lapping the T-bars quite often. Due to being a smaller area it is less popular so Smiggin can be the place to go to avoid crowds on busier resort days.
GUTHEGA
Guthega is one of the prettiest parts of the resort with tree-lined runs being a highlight of skiing at Guthega. The 19 trails on the Guthega mountain offer little in the way of vertical drop but do allow for some interesting Blue slopes. The Screw and Parachute are an offer for advanced skiers who visit Guthega.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT PERISHER
Beginners will find enough to keep them occupied and with a great ski school progression at Perisher is optimistically possible. Lessons at Perisher tend to start by Front Valley, The Blue Cow Ski Terminal or Smiggins.
Starting from Blue Cow Terminal beginners will appreciate Easy Rider which runs alongside the Pleasant Valley Quad chair. Similarly, the Pleasant Valley Quad also gives beginners plenty of options to ski down to Perisher Valley, with the Perisher Valley Run, Winter Way, and Copperhead Road all leading towards Perisher Valley.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT PERISHER
With the majority of Perisher’s terrain geared towards intermediates, you can pretty much head to any of the four mountains and you will find something suitable to ride.
Mt Perisher, home to Australia’s highest chairlift, is a great place for intermediates with plenty of Blue graded terrain accessible via a combination of chairs and surface lifts. Mt Perisher is home to Shifty’s which runs alongside the ski resort boundary. Also on Mt Perisher is the Sun Valley Rider Terrain Park.
Elsewhere in the resort intermediates will enjoy Outer Limit on Blue Cow and may want to head to Smiggins for some quieter T-bar serviced laps.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT PERISHER
Perisher has a number of decent black-graded runs for advanced riders however there is nothing particularly long. Advanced skiers and snowboard terrain at Perisher are likely to be short and sweet. I enjoyed the terrain on Blue Cow with The Wall making for a short burst of excitement.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT PERISHER
Perisher ski resort is well known for its Terrain Parks with five freestyle parks spread across the resort. The terrain parks at Perisher ski resort are world-class and there was even a rumour of Perisher building Shaun White a private half-pipe in the backcountry during Olympic preparations. There are half-pipes in bounds as well and the Perisher Parks have everything from the entry-level to the insane!
Front Valley is home to the largest of 5 Terrain parks that are so good they attract professionals from around the globe to train in the summer season.
NIGHT SKIING AT PERISHER
Perisher has a night-skiing operation twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Front Valley area is illuminated between 6 pm and 9 pm.
PERISHER PISTE MAP
Perisher Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT PERISHER
In total Perisher has 47 lifts spread across the resort and even an additional ski train that can take you between the different mountains at Perisher. The newer modern 8-person express chair at Perishers Front Valley does a great job of moving crowds away from the main car park and around the resort.
In addition to the quads, doubles and triples, there are 33 surface lifts at Perisher, the most notable of which is alongside the Front Valley terrain park.
PERISHER SNOW RECORD
Perisher ski resort does not get huge amounts of snow but it does really well in maintaining good quality snow throughout the season. The base area at Perisher is higher than rival Thredbo so the lower slopes often remain in good condition. The 2+m of average seasonal snowfall combined with great snow-making make Perisher a good bet for your Australian ski and snowboard holiday.
PERISHER SEASON DATES
The ski season in Perisher is a 16-week season that runs between June and October but in reality, the early and late season openings will only be partial openings with some terrain closed on the lower slopes.
PERISHER LIFT TICKETS
Perisher lift tickets are available with the Epic Pass including unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Perisher. This is amazing for North American or European Epic Pass holders heading to Perisher for a week or two.
Lift tickets in Australia can be expensive so plan ahead as deals are often available with buying early saving you up to 35%. At Perisher you can buy single or multi-day lift tickets with regular pricing updates appearing here.
GETTING TO PERISHER
WHERE IS PERISHER?
Nestled in the breathtaking Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and in the Kosciuszko national park, Perisher is a haven for skiers, snowboarders, and all-around winter lovers. In this section I’ll discuss the various transportation options to ensure your journey to Perisher is as smooth as freshly groomed slopes.
FLYING TO PERSIHER
The nearest major airport to Perisher is Canberra Airport (CBR), which is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away. To get to Canberra you will likely have to fly into Sydeny and connect. This route was genuinely exciting with the plane between Sydney and Canberra being one of the smallest i’ve ever flown on.
Upon arrival at the airport, you have the option to rent a car, book a shuttle service, or even take a bus to reach your snowy destination. The drive from Canberra Airport to Perisher is not only picturesque but also gives you a taste of the stunning Australian alpine landscapes.
DRIVING TO PERISHER
Driving to Perisher is a popular choice, especially for those who prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle. The journey is an experience in itself, with scenic routes winding through charming towns and lush forests. From Sydney, the drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, covering approximately 470 kilometres (292 miles). Make sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, as the Snowy Mountains region can experience varying conditions during the winter months.
When driving to Perisher be aware that native animals such as Kangaroos and Walibis live near the roads and can often run out into traffic. This is nearly as much of a hazard as local drivers who fly down the roads at vast speeds.
If driving to Perisher, it is the law that 2WD vehicles carry snow chains as they may be required on the road. In all-honestly having spent a season living in Jindabyne and driving to the resorts, there were very few occasions when these were needed, it does however remain a legal requirement.
COACH OR BUS TRAVEL TO PERISHER
For those looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery, coach services provide a convenient option. Several companies offer coach services from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, directly to Perisher. These services often include comfortable seating, storage space for your winter gear, and some even offer onboard entertainment to make the journey part of the adventure.
PERISHER SKI TUBE
Once you've reached Bullocks Flat, which is about a 20-minute drive from Jindabyne, you can hop on the Skitube Alpine Railway. This unique train takes you directly to Perisher Valley or Blue Cow, allowing you to avoid the need for additional road travel. The Skitube provides a quick and efficient way to access the slopes, especially during snowy conditions.
In conclusion, getting to Perisher is an exciting part of the journey that sets the stage for your winter adventure. Whether you opt for air travel, a scenic road trip, or a combination of transportation modes, the options are plentiful. Plan ahead, consider the weather, and choose the mode of transportation that aligns with your preferences and schedule.
PERISHER ACCOMMODATION
With its stunning alpine landscapes and world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities, Perisher offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. This guide will help you navigate through the different types of accommodations available within the Perisher area, including staying in the nearby town of Jindabyne, New South Wales.
ACCOMMODATION IN PERISHER
Perisher offers a range of accommodations right at the heart of the snow action. Here are some options to consider:
1. Lodges and Hotels
Perisher boasts a selection of lodges and hotels catering to various needs. From luxury lodges with spa facilities to cosy hotels with easy slope access, you'll find options that provide comfort and convenience. Consider a stay at The Man From Snowy River Hotel, which is recommended by TheSkiPodcast.
2. Apartments and Chalets
For those seeking more space and the ability to prepare their own meals, apartments and chalets are a great choice. Many of these accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens and living areas, making them ideal for families or groups.
STAYING IN JINDABYNE, NSW
Jindabyne is a popular nearby town that serves as a gateway to the Perisher ski resort. It's situated about a 30-minute drive from Perisher and offers a wider range of accommodations for visitors.
1. Hotels and Motels
Jindabyne offers a variety of hotels and motels that cater to different budgets. Whether you're looking for a cosy budget motel or a more upscale hotel with lakeside views, you'll find options that suit your needs.
2. Holiday Parks and Cabins
For a more relaxed and rustic experience, consider staying in one of the holiday parks or cabins around Jindabyne. These often provide self-contained units with cooking facilities, making them suitable for families and groups.
3. House Rentals
Jindabyne has a selection of vacation rental homes available. These are perfect for larger groups or families looking for more space and privacy. Renting a house allows you to have a home-away-from-home experience while exploring the area.
4. Hostels and Lodges
If you're travelling on a tight budget or prefer a social atmosphere, Jindabyne has a few hostels and lodges where you can meet fellow travellers and enjoy a more communal experience.
PERISHER PROS
Vast Terrain: Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, offering an extensive range of ski slopes and trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Snow Reliability: The resort's location in the Snowy Mountains of Australia provides relatively consistent snowfall during the winter season, ensuring good skiing conditions for most of the season.
Modern Facilities: Perisher has invested in modern infrastructure, including high-speed chairlifts, well-maintained lodges, and updated snowmaking systems, enhancing the overall skiing experience.
Terrain Diversity: The resort boasts a variety of terrain types, from groomed beginner slopes to challenging expert trails, making it appealing for families, casual skiers, and those seeking more adventurous runs.
Snowsports School: Perisher offers excellent ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners looking to learn the basics and for intermediate/advanced skiers aiming to improve their technique.
Terrain Parks: The resort features well-designed terrain parks catering to freestyle enthusiasts, including features like jumps, rails, and halfpipes, providing opportunities for snowboarders and skiers to practice tricks.
Spectacular Views: The Snowy Mountains offer breathtaking alpine scenery, and skiing at Perisher provides the chance to enjoy stunning panoramic views while navigating the slopes.
PERISHER CONS
Crowds: Perisher's popularity can lead to crowded slopes, particularly during peak seasons, which may result in longer lift lines and more congested trails.
Weather Variability: While the resort generally receives consistent snowfall, weather conditions can be unpredictable, affecting the quality of skiing and visibility at times.
Distance from Major Cities: Perisher is situated several hours' drive from major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, making it less accessible for day trips and potentially requiring longer travel times.
High Costs: Skiing at Perisher can be expensive, with costs including lift passes, equipment rental, accommodation, and dining. This might make it less budget-friendly for some visitors.
Beginner Concentration: Despite the range of trails, a significant portion of Perisher's terrain is designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain might find fewer options compared to some international resorts.
Snow Conditions: While Perisher invests in snowmaking, the snow quality and coverage can still be affected by weather conditions, potentially leading to variable snow conditions on certain runs.
PERISHER SKI RESORT FAQs
Planning a trip to Perisher Ski Resort? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your winter adventure.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Where is Perisher Ski Resort located?
Perisher Ski Resort is located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. It's situated approximately 5-6 hours' drive from Sydney and around 2.5 hours' drive from Canberra.
2. When is the ski season at Perisher?
The ski season at Perisher typically runs from June to October, depending on snow conditions. The peak of the season usually falls between July and August when the snow cover is most reliable.
3. How do I get to Perisher Ski Resort?
You can reach Perisher by car, bus, or by flying to nearby airports like Canberra Airport or Cooma-Snowy Mountains Airport. Shuttle services and buses operate during the ski season, providing transportation from airports and major cities.
4. Do I need to book accommodations in advance?
It's highly recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak ski season. Perisher offers a range of lodging options, from lodges and hotels to apartments and chalets. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred choice.
LIFT PASSES AND EQUIPMENT
1. How do I purchase lift passes?
You can purchase lift passes online through the Perisher Ski Resort website or at various ticket outlets in the region. Buying online in advance often provides discounts compared to purchasing on-site.
2. Do I need to book ski or snowboard equipment in advance?
While it's not mandatory, booking your equipment rental in advance is a good idea, especially during busy periods. Pre-booking ensures you have the right gear ready for your arrival and can save you time at the rental shop.
3. Can I rent ski or snowboard clothing?
Yes, many rental shops offer clothing rental, including jackets, pants, and accessories. If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, renting clothing can be a cost-effective option.
4. Is there a ski school for beginners?
Absolutely! Perisher has excellent ski and snowboard schools for beginners of all ages. Lessons are available for various skill levels, and professional instructors will guide you through the basics and help you build your confidence on the slopes.
ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES
1. Are there activities for non-skiers?
Yes, Perisher offers a variety of non-skiing activities, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, scenic chairlift rides, snow play areas, snow tubing, and more. See the "Non-Skiing and Snowboarding Winter Activities" section of this guide for details.
2. Are there facilities for children and families?
Perisher is family-friendly and offers facilities like kids' clubs, dedicated children's learning areas, and family-oriented accommodations. Childcare services and programs are also available for young children.
3. What are the dining options at Perisher?
Perisher has a range of dining options, from casual cafés and restaurants to on-mountain lodges. You'll find a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes and budgets.
4. Is there Wi-Fi available at Perisher?
Wi-Fi is available at various lodges, restaurants, and designated hotspots across the resort. However, due to the remote mountain location, the quality and availability of Wi-Fi may vary.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Do I need travel insurance for skiing at Perisher?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for any ski trip. It can cover unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost equipment.
2. Are there medical facilities at the resort?
Yes, Perisher has medical facilities and first aid centres on-site. In case of injuries or medical issues, trained personnel are available to provide assistance.
3. What is the altitude of Perisher Ski Resort?
The base elevation of Perisher Ski Resort is around 1,720 meters (5,643 feet), while the highest lifted point is approximately 2,054 meters (6,739 feet).
PERISHER FINAL THOUGHTS
In summary, I like Perisher for what it is, an opportunity to get on snow in the summer. There are things that would annoy me about Perisher if it was the only place I skied; it can be busy, the layout of the resort can be frustrating… but overall Perisher makes for a great ski destination. There is plenty of terrain, especially for intermediate skiers, the freestyle set up is incredible so if thats your thing I would highly recommend Perisher.
Thredbo Ski Resort Guide
Having lived and worked at Thredbo it is fair to say that I have plenty of fond memories. As Australian ski resorts go, Thredbo offers the most variety with the largest vertical drop and a European-style village. Thredbo has a reputation for attracting an exclusive clientele but in reality, it is a down-to-earth ski community with lots to offer.
Views @ Thredbo Ski Resort
THREDBO FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s fair to say I didn’t get the best first impression of Thredbo. Arriving in early June to begin the interview process there was very little snow on the hill. My first trip to Thredbo was in 2013 which also happened to be one of Australia’s worst seasons for natural snowfall which didn’t help matters. That being said as the days rolled on and the snowmaking got started it was clear to see that Thredbo does a pretty good job of getting terrain open. The village itself is really nice and would be a good place to stay for on-snow accommodation. The village has a number of good bars and restaurants as well as a sports centre with pool and squash courts.
THREDBO SKI RESORT GUIDE
Thredbo has the largest variety of terrain out of the Australian ski resorts. With over 670m vertical drop Thredbo is also the place to go in search of those longer runs. Its big rival and neighbour Perisher has half of that… Still, 670m is much less than major European ski resorts but it opens up enough terrain to keep things interesting.
Thredbo has a good mix of terrain that is well suited to a mix of abilities. Beginners will find Friday Flats and the runs from Crusier chairlift a good place to learn to turn. Intermediates will love Thredbo with a good range of Blue and Black terrain available. High Noon is a particular favourite and is great first thing in the morning. There are some interesting Blue runs at the top of The Basin and in Central Spur.
Friday Flats @ Thredbo Ski Resort
Advanced riders will find little in the way of steeps however, the terrain parks should keep you occupied. The Black graded terrain consists of relatively short runs but I liked Cannonball and Bushwhacker. If you are looking to avoid the crowds heading to Sponars or Anton’s T-Bars is a great place to start. The trail stats are pretty heavily biased towards intermediates with 67% of pistes dedicated to intermediate trails. The rest are evenly distributed between beginner and advanced terrain.
Outside of the resort boundary, you can find some interesting backcountry at Thredbo but be sure to know where you are going as it is easy to get yourself into trouble. Thredbo has opened up the backcountry terrain and you can now purchase a Thredbo backcountry ski pass.
THREDBO PISTE MAP
Thredbo Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT THREDBO
The lifts are Thredbo are pretty decent with 13 spread across the mountain. The most recent is the Merrits Gondola which replaces the Merrits chair that used to take around 30 minutes to reach Cruiser from the Valley terminal. Lifts at Thredbo are sometimes prone to closure due to high winds which is why the upper lifts are mainly T-bars so they can keep spinning for longer on those windy days.
THREDBO SNOW RECORD
Thredbo is similar to most Australian ski resorts in that it is not blessed with copious amounts of snowfall. An average of 2m per season is normal and Thredbo heavily relies on its snow-making. This is particularly true of its lower slopes where the resort staff work tirelessly to keep the terrain open. The upper slopes at Thredbo fair fine throughout the season with conditions cold enough to ensure the snow coverage remains. Powder days are rare at Thredbo but when they do come they are very enjoyable. In 2020 Thredbo received 85cm in one dump so powder days remain a rare possibility.
THREDBO SEASON DATES
The ski season in Thredbo runs between June and October but in reality, the early and late season openings will only be partial openings with some terrain closed on the lower slopes. Check here for the latest season opening dates.
THREDBO LIFT TICKETS
7 days of lift passes are included in the IKON Pass which may encourage some to make the journey to Thredbo. Similarly, Mountain Collective holders will benefit from 2 days of lift tickets for Thredbo.
Purchasing your lift pass for Thredbo can cost upwards of $100Aus per day. Up-to-date lift pass information can be found here.
GETTING TO THREDBO
Where is Thredbo?
Thredbo ski resort and village are in the Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. Popular with locals from Sydney and Canberra the most popular way to access Thredbo is by car. The drive from Sydney airport is around 500km whereas Canberra is 215km from Thredbo. If you are looking for airport parking consider using Flyparks.com.au. It is possible to arrive at Thredbo via shuttle bus from Cooma but this route is less often used.
The drive to Thredbo is fairly simple with roads being pretty unremarkable when compared to the windy roads found in Europe or neighbouring New Zealand. If you choose to drive you are required to carry chains with pretty large fines for failing to do so. Beware of the kangaroos, that call the fields close to Thredbo home, as it’s not unknown for them to dart out in front of your car.
THREDBO ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Thredbo village is possible, as is staying in nearby Jindabyne. Jindabyne is more affordable but will require a 30-minute drive to the resort each morning. Thredbo village is home to a range of accommodation options with a hostel, apartments, and hotels all available.
THREDBO PROS
Thredbo has the largest vertical drop of Australian ski resorts meaning longer runs
Thredbo has a great village with a range of restaurants, shops, and accommodation
Thredbo has a new gondola making resort access even quicker from the village
Thredbo has the highest accessible lift point in Australia
THREDBO CONS
Thredbo’s lower slopes can be prone to poor snow in early and late season
Thredbo is a popular Australian ski resort and can become very crowded on weekends and during holiday periods
Thredbo has expensive lift tickets so try to book early!
THREDBO ACTIVITIES
Thredbo resort has plenty to offer away from the snowboarding. There are a number of snowshoe tracks for those looking to explore the mountains at a slower pace. Thredbo also has a mountain coaster (toboggan track) which is great fun. The leisure centre at Thredbo has a swimming pool with inflatables for the kids whilst offering a range of sports and fitness classes. Yoga is a popular way to recover after a day out on the snow. Thredbo Alpine Hotel also has an outdoor heated pool with a bar.
THREDBO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Much Does It Cost To Ski At Thredbo?
A lift ticket to Thredbo will cost over $100Aus per day although discounts are available for multi-day or pre-purchased online tickets. The most economical way to ski at Thredbo is using the Thredbo 365 pass that offers year-round access to the resort. If you plan to snowboard for more than one week throughout the season you should save money.
When Can You Ski In Thredbo?
Peak season for snowboarding and skiing at Thredbo is Late June through to the end of August. You can ski and snowboard either side of these dates from the start of June until the beginning of October however snow conditions can vary heavily.
Is Thredbo Good For Beginners?
As a former Thredbo instructor, I think Thredbo is a great place to learn. There are purpose-built beginner areas and a great progression of runs. Lessons at Thredbo happen in both the morning and afternoon so you can fit them around your other commitments.
Do I Need Chains To Drive To Thredbo?
It is a legal requirement to carry chains whilst driving to Thredbo in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. The road to Thredbo can become covered in snow and there are plenty of chain fitting bays along the route.
How Far Is Jindabyne From Thredbo?
The town of Jindabyne is 30km from Thredbo. The road is a nice drive and mostly has clear conditions. On heavy snow days, be prepared for queues along the road.
Best Summer Snowboarding Destinations
With American Ski Resorts recording record snowfalls and European resorts having epic powder days in April, maybe, like us you are not quite ready to apply the storage wax. If you are not ready to put that snowboard in storage for summer then you are in luck. Here is our list of some of the top places you can head when most lifts have stopped turning.
TIME TO GET EPIC
Australia might not be the first place to come to mind when you are dreaming of heading to the snow, but it should definitely be on your list. None more so than if you are an Epic Pass holder as you will get unlimited slope time at three of Australia’s best-known resorts; Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek. Be prepared to rub shoulders with some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world who often use Perisher as a summer training base.
It is also worth considering a trip to Thredbo. Thredbo has the largest vertical drop in Australia meaning that it offers some of the longest runs down under. A trip to Thredbo means more time snowboarding and less time riding lifts. That coupled with a great park set-up and some easy access backcountry makes Thredbo a viable option for some summer snow.
HEAD SOUTH FOR WINTER
South America is on pretty much every skier and snowboarder’s bucket list with Argentina and Chile offering a number of top-quality resorts to choose from. To this day, Cerro Catedral remains the most scenic place I have snowboarded and would recommend the experience to everyone. Cerro Catedral also has some incredible lift-accessed backcountry. A short walk accesses La Laguna area, which is memorable and the inbounds chutes of Nubes chair are incredible for a powder day.
Other notable resorts to consider in Argentina would be Las Lenas for some pretty extreme lines and great snow quality due to its high altitude and Cerro Castor on the southern tip of Patagonia. Once you have filled yourself with as much Argentinian steak as possible you should also consider heading to Chile where Valle Nevado and Portillo rank extremely high on the list.
EUROPEAN ALPS
Europe is home to some fantastic summer snowboarding options with the possibility to snowboard 365 days per year. With glacier snowboarding possible in; France, Switzerland and Italy and longer seasons in Scandinavia, there are plenty of options to extend your season.
Les 2 Alpes is a major base for European summer skiing and its 11 glacier runs make it one of the largest summer ski areas in Europe. Les 2 Alpes is the perfect place to practice freestyle through the summer months and it boasts a slopestyle course, big air as well as a half-pipe and parks suited to all abilities. The summer season runs from June through August.
Zermatt is a year-round resort and can be accessed from Switzerland or the Italian resort of Cervinia. The glacier offers over 20km of summer slopes that are mainly intermediate-focused. Of course, as with most summer options, Zermatt offers a terrain park but unlike most, it offers incredible views of the Matterhorn.
Saas-Fee is another European resort that keeps the lifts turning throughout the summer months. With 20km of pistes open, a terrain park with features suited to beginners and professionals alike, it’s easy to see why so many athletes base themselves on the Saas-Fee glacier during the summer months. The Glacier opens in July and closes in October.
Passo Stelvio in Italy sits at the top of a high mountain pass which remains closed throughout the winter. Because the area is inaccessible during the main winter ski season, the snow piles up and the resort opens in May when the road re-opens. Snowboarding at Passo Stelvio remains one of the most unique ski experiences in Europe.
NEW ZEALAND
With internationally renowned resorts and smaller ski fields accessible on both the North and South Islands a New Zealand ski trip presents plenty of variety.
The South Island has some really interesting options with the parks at Cardrona, the steeps of Treble Cone or the multi-access lift pass that gives access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. When a season pass for three resorts sets you back £335 there is very little to consider. New Zealand lends itself to adventure and road-tripping this incredible country is a great way to see the resorts during the summer months.
NORTH AMERICA
North America had to have somewhere that would stay open through the summer and there are two big hitters.
Whistler is a destination on many hardened ski and snowboarders’ wish list. But did you know they are open for summer shredding? Although a relatively short season when compared to the European resorts on this list, Whistler will be open from June 8th to July 14th in 2019. Another benefit of being in Whistler during the summer months is the plethora of other activities on offer. A visit to the Whistler Bobsleigh where you can ride the Olympic track should not be missed!
The PNW looks for all intents and purposes to be an incredible place to live. Those lucky enough to call this home get the pleasure of snowboarding year-round in addition to; forests, coastline and huge lakes. Mt Hood will be the destination with the longest US ski season running into September! A trip to the Pacific North West will have you throwing a method in the morning and barbecuing by the lake as the sun goes down.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There really are so many options that can keep you on snow throughout the summer months. A summer snowboarding experience can be a much more rounded experience with mornings spent shredding before relaxing in nature throughout the afternoon.
I would love to hear from you! What is your favourite summer snowboard destination? Do you have a favourite month of the year to ride? Let me know in the comments and on my socials.
Japanese Snow Monkeys Experience
Nestled in a serene ravine in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture lies Jigokudani Yaen Koen, the Snow Monkey Park, where a troop of Japanese macaque monkeys has been captivating visitors since 1964. This unique attraction allows you to observe these playful primates up close, especially during the winter months when they indulge in the comforting warmth of the natural hot springs.
GETTING TO THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
Although the monkeys inhabit remote mountainous areas, reaching the Snow Monkey Park is feasible with the convenience of buses running from popular destinations like Nagano (40 minutes), Nozawa Onsen (30 minutes), Shiga Kogen (30 minutes), Yudanaka, and Shibu Onsen (10 minutes) to Kanbayashi Onsen. From there, embark on a picturesque 25 to 40-minute forest trail walk to the park, which remains accessible year-round.
My journey started in Hakuba where I took a bus 2 hours directly to the start of the walk to the snow monkey park. The bus journey cost 3900 YEN which is equivalent to around £27. The bus departed from the Happo Bus Terminal and tickets could be purchased inside the bus station.
WALKING TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK
Regardless of your journey’s origin, you will be dropped at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop in the village of Kanbayashi Onsen. From the bus stop, you will walk uphill towards the start of the trail to the snow monkey park.
In total, the walk to Snow Monkey Park will take 30-40 minutes and cuts through beautiful woodland. Due to the popularity of the Jigokudani monkey park, this path is well trodden, although depending on your footwear you may wish to hire spikes (1350YEN) in winter at the bottom of the trail.
The trail from the car park is 1 mile in length and winds through the forest. The path is mostly flat although may be covered in snow. To access the park, the path leads to a steep staircase which is inaccessible to wheelchair users.
During the winter, the path will be covered in snow and ice. Heavy snowfall is a regular occurrence in this region of Japan so dressing appropriately should be a high priority. Temperatures can drop below -10°C and if required snow suits can be hired from the gift shop at the start of the trail.
Rental from the gift shop can not be booked in advance and are therefore subject to availability and demand. Renting boots will cost 800YEN whereas a warm winter jacket will cost 500YEN.
Japanese macaques, fondly known as snow monkeys, boast the northernmost range of any non-human primates in the world. The park is also called the Jigokudani Monkey Park or the Jigokudani Yaen Koen.
JAPANESE WILDERNESS
The Jigokudani Monkey Park is an escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Japanese cities. Situated along the Yokoyu River in the Shiga Kogen foothills, Jigokudani is a welcome change to the pace of life in Japan. The woodland and park are draped in snow throughout the winter and the rugged terrain and geothermal activity combine to make this a unique landscape. Here, amidst the lush forests and towering mountains, multiple troops of monkeys, totalling in the hundreds, call this enchanting place their home.
Established as a facility in 1964, Snow Monkey Park offers a unique opportunity to observe Japanese macaques in a natural environment without cages or fences. Beyond this, it serves as an educational platform, allowing visitors to learn about primate behaviour while contributing to keeping the monkeys away from neighbouring farmlands. The park staff provides daily meals to the monkeys, ensuring they frequent the area year-round.
JIGOKUDANI SNOW PARK ETIQUETTE
For the protection of the monkeys and their habitat, it is important to follow the park's rules during your visit. It is requested that you do not feed the monkeys. The more that visitors feed the monkeys this can lead to unwanted encounters or monkeys trying to steal food from visitors. You should keep your distance from the monkeys allowing them space and ensure you avoid eye contact. Eye contact to the monkeys can be seen as an act of aggression so should be avoided.
MONKEY BATH TIME
The highlight of Snow Monkey Park is witnessing the monkeys bathing in the soothing hot springs during winter. The best time to witness this captivating sight is between December and March. The macaques follow their own rhythms and bathe freely, moving between the different baths ensuring everyone can get a good view.
On my visit, I was blown away by the amount of monkeys present in the baths. A good rule of thumb for me was to move to an area where no monkeys were currently bathing. This meant you could find a prime position for when they eventually left the crowded pools and opted for a more secluded experience.
Observing the monkeys bathing, you could see clearly the hierarchy and family grooming processes that the Japanese Macaques abide by.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For me, this visit was a highlight of my trip to Japan. Despite being a two-hour bus ride away from Hakuba I would say the visit is very much worth it. Jigokudani Yaen Koen promises an unforgettable encounter with the snow monkeys, offering a glimpse into the beauty of their natural habitat. Witnessing these macaques soaking in the hot springs amidst picturesque surroundings is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Hakuba 47 Ski Resort Guide
Hakuba 47 ski resort is a year-round resort that offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter and mountain biking during the summer months. Hakuba 47 is one of the few linked ski areas in the Hakuba Valley and you can ride via chairlift between Hakuba 47 and the nearby Hakuba Goryu ski resort. Hakuba 47 offers more advanced terrain than its neighbour with some steep runs but most impressive is its well-maintained terrain park.
HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Snowboarding between Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu is a nice change of pace. Normally in the Hakuba Valley, you will need to take shuttle buses to ride between the resorts, but not here. Linked via shared runs and lifts, it is possible to ski both of these resorts in one day. The Hakuba 47 side of the ski resort has a beautiful red run that runs from the top of Quad Chair C, back to the base of the gondola. From the gondola, you can see why Hakuba 47 is so popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The terrain park here has a small half pipe as well as a large, medium and small line of jumps and features.
HAKUBA 47 SKI AREA
Japanese ski resorts are not known for having lots of skiable terrain but when considering Hakuba 47 without its neighbour you are left with 8 trails and a half-pipe. The skiable terrain at Hakuba 47 increases when you consider the interconnected trails shared with Hakuba Goryu. The terrain at Hakuba 47 will appeal to intermediates and experts more than beginners. Beginners should consider the runs near the base of Goryu ski resort which has mellow beginner-friendly pistes.
The main draw to Hakuba 47 is the terrain park. Located next to the top station of the Hakuba 47 gondola, the terrain park is serviced by its own chairlift. The terrain park is probably the best in the Hakuba Valley with three distinct lines of features that have something for all abilities.
The features were incredibly well maintained and there was a clear progression of ride-on boxes to larger rail features. As with most terrain parks the kickers are placed adjacent to the chair lift so you can watch in awe as you plan your next lap from the chair.
The jewel in the crown for Hakuba 47 is the half pipe which was one of two that I came across in Hakuba (the other at Norikura). The half-pipe is at the top of the park and leads down into some more mellow features. This area of the resort can become busy during peak days so be prepared to queue to get your park laps in.
Away from the terrain park, Hakuba 47 has some fantastic tree skiing. To ski in the trees at Hakuba 47, you must visit the ski school to sign a waiver and collect a bib which must be worn whilst in the tree skiing zones. This is so that it is visible to ski patrol that you have taken the course and are permitted into the area. This seems overkill to me but at least the zone is open and available should you wish to partake. Entry into these zones without completing this process can result in having your ski pass confiscated.
There are further tree zones at Hakuba 47 and neighbouring Goryu that are strictly prohibited. These zones have an avalanche history so go at your own risk. If you ride in these zones you will lose your lift pass if caught by ski patrol but that could be the least of your worries.
The longest run at Hakuba 47 is 6.4km allowing skiers and snowboarders to make use of the 794m of vertical drop. The snow quality at Hakuba 47 is exceptionally good with regular dumps of Japow amounting to around 12m per season!
BEGINNERS TERRAIN HAKUBA 47
Hakuba 47 ski resort is not the best choice for beginners heading to the Hakuba Valley. The limited green terrain on offer means that beginners may find the runs at Hakuba 47 repetitive. The highlight for beginners at Hakuba 47 is the long winding green run from the top of the gondola back to the base area.
INTERMEDIATES TERRAIN HAKUBA 47
The stand-out run for intermediates at Hakuba 47 is the long red run down to the base area. This run is great and offers the chance to open up your turns and get some speed. Sadly, once you have skied it a few times it is no longer that exciting. That is why Hakuba 47 being linked to Goryu is great. This allows skiers and snowboarders to mix up their run choices a bit more throughout the day.
Intermediates looking to get into freestyle will appreciate the terrain park at Hakuba 47. The terrain park offers plenty of opportunity for progression with well-laid-out lines of features.
ADVANCED TERRAIN HAKUBA 47
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the Adventure Course at Hakuba 47. This course heads back towards Hakuba Goryu ski resort and consists of some rather large moguls. If bumps are not your thing then consider getting a bib from the ski school and head into the trees. Like with most of the Hakuba Valley, the trees at Hakuba 47 are well spaced and the masses of snowfall doesn't hurt the fun factor.
TREE SKIING HAKUBA 47
The attitudes to off-piste skiing and snowboarding vary depending on which country you are riding in. If unsure you can check this post on where the boundary lies depending on the country. In Hakuba 47, they are becoming more open-minded to the idea of tree-skiing and allowing entry into dedicated tree zones after you have attended a safety course. The safety course is similar to the one at Tsugaike Kogen ski resort and is known as the DBD or Double Black Diamond Club.
I am all for increasing knowledge and safety awareness, especially given the amount of snowfall and avalanche-prone terrain in the Hakuba Valley but here are a couple of thoughts. Once you have attended the safety course you are free to ride the tree areas but there is no requirement to wear a beacon or ski with a buddy. These two steps are essential in dangerous terrain as I am not sure that the bib will save your life should you run into a problem.
HAKUBA 47 TREE RIDING ZONE (TRZ)
Below is a map of the dedicated TRZ or Hakuba 47 Tree Riding Zone. To enter the areas designated for member tree-riding you need to collect an armband (cost 200 yen).
To ride in the TRZ you must do meet the following requirements
Attend the TRZ safety Briefing and sign the waiver
Be older than 13 years old and taller than 150cm. (U18 must ride with parents)
Agree/be able to pay for rescue if required.
Wear the TRZ armband at all times when riding in the TRZ.
Hakuba 47 also has some open tree zones listed on the above TRZ map. Any purple open tree zone does not require TRZ.
HAKUBA 47 PISTE MAP
HAKUBA 47 LIFTS
Hakuba 47 has 5 lifts and a gondola which in my opinion were some of the quickest among the Hakuba Valley ski resorts. This meant that getting laps in was pretty quick unless riding the terrain park where crowds are prevalent and the lift is run slower. There is also a short magic carpet which runs in the kid’s park. There is a lodge at the base and at the top of the Gondola which has eateries and all the usual ski resort facilities.
HAKUBA 47 GALLERY
HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT PROS
Hakuba 47 has some of the steeper runs in the Hakuba valley which is great for expert skiers and snowboarders
The link between Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu opens up more terrain and this makes spending a couple of days at Hakuba 47 more interesting
The terrain park at Hakuba 47 was the best maintained out of the resorts I visited in Hakuba
Hakuba 47 is very accessible with regular shuttle buses running throughout the day.
HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT CONS
With only 8 trails Hakuba 47 has a limited skiing area.
The terrain park can become crowded with long cues at the chairlift possible.
LIFT PASSES
Hakuba 47 is included on the same lift pass as Hakuba Goryu allowing you to ski both ski resorts on the same day. If you are buying your lift passes on the day, these are cheaper than purchasing the Hakuba Valley Pass. The Hakuba Valley pass however will provide you with greater flexibility should you wish to explore other ski resorts in the area. During my Hakuba stay I used the Hakuba Valley pass as this also includes all the available inter-resort shuttle buses.
HAKUBA 47 SNOW RECORD
Hakuba 47 is more central with the Hakuba Valley so receives less snow than the resorts of Cortina and Tsugaike further north. Hakuba 47 still gets its fair share of snowfall with ample left over for tree skiing. The ski resorts in the Hakuba Valley receive on average 11m-12m of snowfall per winter!
TRAVEL TO HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT
Free shuttle buses run to Hakuba 47 from both the train station and Happo bus terminal. The buses to Hakuba 47 are really frequent and it is possible to visit Hakuba 47 and other Hakuba resorts on the same day. The buses to Hakuba are free if you buy a Hakuba Valley lift pass and this can represent good value if skiing at more than one resort.
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA 47
There is no accommodation available at the base area of Hakuba 47 although you could stay near the base of Goryu ski resort. Alternatively, there are lots of accommodation options in Hakuba village and really depends on your preferences and budget. I stayed in a guesthouse which was fairly basic but provided a space to cook, wash and sleep.
HAKUBA 47 VIDEOS
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA 47
Hakuba 47 is a must-visit for me for any trip to the Hakuba Valley. The terrain park is one of the best in Hakuba and the ability to ski at both 47 and Goryu is a real bonus. Absolute beginners should avoid Hakuba 47 as there will be little of interest here.