Tutorial: a beginner’s guide to ski touring
Les 3 Vallées provides trails reserved for ski tourers so you can discover the largest ski area in the world in another way and experience a different form of skiing. Far from the crowds, this is a wonderful way to get back to nature. If you choose to make use of the lifts in addition to your own efforts, ski touring can be way of relaxing. Or if you choose to yomp up the mountain at speed, it becomes a real challenge. Discover our ski touring tutorial...
UP...
1. Putting your skins on
Place your ski upright in the snow in front of you!
Put the clip or insert (depending on your skis) at the top of your ski tip!
Slowly stick the skin down the length of the ski.
Clip to the tail of your ski.
2. Put your bindings and boots into "climb" mode
3. Step into your ski bindings on the flat
4. Start going uphill
Place your skis firmly on the snow and try not to lift the ski up
Go at a comfortable pace
Admire the scenery
...DOWN
5. Removing the skins
Place your ski upright in the snow in front of you!
Unhook the tail clip (if you have one)
Unstick the seal skin off from bottom to top
Do the same thing for the 2nd skin!
6. Folding the skin up
Once you’ve taken it off, you’ll need to carefully fold the skin in half!
Do the same thing for the 2nd skin!
7. Put your bindings and boots into «ski» mode
8. Put on your jacket and helmet and enjoy the descent!
Want to try it out for yourself?
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The 3 most beautiful off-Piste
Off-piste skiing is a dream for skiers who love the freedom of wide-open spaces, seeking to surpass themselves, discover something new, or simply recharge their batteries... Here are 3 of them, classified as off-piste by gravity, and shared with us by our ambassador, Timy Théaux.Discover
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Ski touring : 5 ideas made in Les 3 Vallées
A vast high-altitude expanse combined with a huge network of ski lifts : that’s the winning formula that makes Les 3 Vallées an extraordinary playground for off-piste skiing !Discover
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Winter Refuge in Les 3 Vallées, French Alps
It’s your chance to seek refuge in winter in Les 3 Vallées. With family, friends, or individually… Meet up with loved ones, reconnect with yourself or with the surrounding natural environment. A unique experience.Discover
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Sk'E-Bike: Les 3 Vallées, all year round!
Les 3 Vallées year-round, summer and winter, on skis and by bike: yes, it can be done. Life with Timy THÉAUX and his crew of friends, who steer their skis just as well as their bikes…Discover
An easy plan
Les 3 Vallées has created a whole range of skipasses to meet every need: you can ski on your own or with a group or family, for one day, a weekend, a week’s holiday or for the entire season.
Buy your skipass online before you arrive to gain time: buy your 3 Vallées skipass online to be the first on slopes, easy and comfortable. Less wait, more ski!
To enjoy this exceptional itinerary and the entirety of Les 3 Vallées ski area in the best possible conditions.
WEATHER FORECAST
Knowing the snow conditions and weather forecast for the next 3 days in the seven 3 Vallées ski resorts is a real help when organising an unforgettable holiday in the heart of the largest ski area in the world.
WEBCAMS
Here you will find all the webcams in Les 3 Vallées ski area. These cameras are situated at strategic points in each of the ski resorts and provide a mine of useful information so you can prepare and make the most of your ski outings!
SKI RUN AND LIFT OPENINGS
Each day, you can check what Les 3 Vallées has to offer you by viewing live information on the opening conditions and the times and state of the lifts, ski runs and links.
To prepare for your off-piste skiing day, consult the Avalanche Risk Estimate Bulletin. These information are essential in order to evaluate your off-piste outing. If you decide to do off-piste, think about to be accompanied by a mountain professional.
Check Les 3 Vallées app for access to live info when you’re on the ski area (ski run and ski lift opening times, opening times for links between Les 3 Vallées, weather forecasts…)
Freeriding checklist
Ski instructor and Les 3 Vallées ambassador, Timy Théaux specialises in freeride and freerando. He's giving us his "equipment checklist" for an off-piste session.
EQUIPMENT
Skis equipped with specific touring bindings
Sealskins adapted to your skis
Poles with wide baskets to help you push properly against deep snow
Ski helmet
Ski goggles for the descent, sunglasses for the climb
Neck warmer
AVD, Avalanche Victim Detector charged up and with you (must-have items for going off-pistes)
Waterproof, breathable ski clothing
RUCKSACK
Shovel & probe (must-have items for going off-pistes)
Fully charged mobile phone
Survival blanket
Area map & Piste map
Water & Snacks (cereal bar, dried fruits...)
Dry, warm clothes to change into at the summit
Spare pair of gloves
Sun cream
Sticky tape, string, Swiss army knife