What makes the Three Valleys ski area in France stand out? Is it the 335 varied ski runs on offer throughout the area? Or is it the fact that it’s the largest linked ski area in the world?

We think it’s a combination of stunning alpine views, thrilling on and off-piste runs for all abilities and the proximity to the luxurious ski resorts of Courchevel and Meribel.

With so many runs to choose from, it’s hard narrowing it down to the top few. However, we’ve done our best to make a list of the top five ski runs in the three valleys so you can make the most of the mountain.

Intermediates Will Love Venturon in Meribel

Commencing from the top of the Cote Brune chair lift, this red run starts off steep. But don’t let that put you off. The run eases off towards the bottom where the sharp curves turn into meandering turns down to the bottom of Mont Vallon.

Thanks to the North facing slopes, snow conditions here are excellent, meaning this run is accessible all season long.

The best thing about Venturon is the quiet slopes which will make you feel like you’re the only one on the mountain! We recommend heading out early to make the most of the wide, empty piste.

Meribel itself is a great ski resort for beginners and intermediates. Known for having one of the prettiest villages in the Three Valleys, the traditional wooden chalets and alpine setting look like something from a fairy-tale! Meribel’s central position, nestled within in the Three Valleys is also a big draw for seasoned skiers.

Take in the View At Park City in Courchevel

Another great option for intermediates, park city is a red run that starts at the Vizelle gondola. Breath-taking panoramic views of the Glaciers de la Vanoise and l’Aiguille du Fruit greet you before you glide down the steeper section.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, reward yourself with a fortifying chocolat chaud at the well-known La Cave des Creux restaurant.

The south facing terrace makes a great spot for relaxing after a vigorous run. The sweet treats are tempting too!

Ski Through the Trees At Folyéres, La Tania

The Folyéres run begins in the forests above the ski resort of La Tania, near Courchevel and Meribel village. Skiing through the trees is a great way to immerse yourself in this alpine setting. Natural rollers and fresh powder make this run particularly fun, and the sense of adventure it brings is unparalleled!

The trees lining this route also provide protection when the weather isn’t at its best and the blue rating will please beginners and intermediate skiers.

Experience the Challenge of the Grand Couloir in Courchevel

Not for the faint hearted, this black run is for experts only. Reached by the Saulire cable car, this is the widest of the three couloirs. The hardest part is getting to the top.

The narrow, bumpy ridge with steep drops either side is the scariest section! However, once you’ve made it past the entrance, you’ll be welcomed with excellent snow and wonderful mountainous views.

We advise taking safety equipment with you, and whatever you do – don’t attempt the Grand Couloir without some serious experience behind you!

Courchevel itself is a world-famous resort known for attracting the odd celebrity or two. Excellent après ski, great restaurants and the best of the Three Valleys at your feet- this is what a ski holiday is all about.

 

Pick up the Speed on the Jerusalem Run in Saint-Martin de Belleville

From the top of the Meribel ridge, this long run is a joy for intermediate skiers. Due to the lack of crowds, you can really work up the speed here and enjoy hurtling down this magnificent piste. When you reach the end of Jerusalem you can continue on to the blue run Biolley and down into the picturesque village of St Martin. St Martin is home to traditional buildings and has a relaxed vibe.

Explore the Three Valleys in Style

Now you know what’s on offer, you’re probably keen to get out on the slopes and experience the Three Valleys for yourself.

The ski resorts of Meribel and Courchevel are well connected to the multitude of pistes in the area and offer first class accommodation and entertainment. What’s better than returning to a fabulous ski chalet at the end of a long day on the mountain?

Alpine Infusion provide luxury catered chalets in Meribel and stylish five-star chalets in Courchevel for you to choose from. The perfect finishing touch to any ski holiday in the Three Valleys.

Guest post by Alpine Infusion

Ski and snowboard instructor positions are some of the most sought-after jobs in the industry despite the large number of employment options available at ski resorts.

It’s imperative to choose the best and most straightforward pathway to get your ski instructor’s jacket as the competition is fierce and there is less demand for instructors compared to 10 years ago. This post will explore what it takes to become an instructor, how you can become one and what to expect from a career as an instructor.

But First… Passion

As with any hobby you love and want to turn into a full-time career, you need passion. Passion is what makes a ski or snowboard instructor. If you’re passionate from the beginning it’ll show in your progression through training levels and ultimately through your teaching.

Money should not be your sole motivator. A newly qualified snowsports instructor shouldn’t expect to riches in their first season, but it can be a career that brings huge satisfaction to those that pursue it.

By teaching and continuing ongoing training you’ll naturally improve your own technical ability as well as increasing your wage (and don’t forget incredibly generous gifts from clients from time-to-time).

 

Qualifications and Examining Bodies

Different countries have different standards and levels of training required to be an instructor. However, the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) has worked hard to bring a level of consistency to the snowsports instruction industry and now maintains a minimum level of certification across 39 different countries and states.

These include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, USA, and Switzerland, among others.

The ISIA is the world body for snowsports instructors and brings instructors of alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemarking and cross-country skiing together under one umbrella. The common objective of any training administered by the ISIA is to enable all candidates to give professional snowsport lessons.

Within the ISIA you will find members from:

  • APSI (Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors Inc)
  • NZSIA (New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance)
  • BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors)
  • CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance)

If you receive a qualification from a membership organisation of the ISIA, you are entitled to work within any of the other ISIA countries. This gives you huge flexibility to travel, find work, and do enviable back-to-back winters.

There are some exceptions, such as France and Austria which have their own instructor education systems. France, in particular, requires (by law) a considerable amount of training and examination to qualify as an instructor. This makes it a very difficult country to start your instructor career in as it involves years of training.

 

Ski and Snowboard Instructors

Photo: these guys look happier than most to be heading to work don’t they?

 

Levels of Certification

Across the board there are different levels of certification under the ISIA.

Level 1

This is the fundamentals course for anyone wishing to enter the snowsports instruction industry. Level 1 training takes you right back to the necessary basics to teach clients who have never before been on snow.

It can be eye-opening! You’ll cover guest service elements, safety, emergency situations, class handling, and overall improve your own skiing and riding ability. Once completed, you’ll be able to competently teach beginner through to intermediate skiers or snowboarders.

The Level 1 exam is generally over three to five days and has two components: your own skiing or riding ability; and on-hill teaching ability.

Level 2

Level 2 training builds on the fundamental skills learnt in level 1 with the aim of teaching intermediate to advanced clients. You’ll progress to teaching and riding on varied levels of terrain and also start building up a ‘toolbox’ of methods to assist when instructing. The exam format varies but will include both teach and riding components.

Level 3

Level 3 training is for instructors who want to progress to teaching advanced and expert clients and in all-mountain situations.

Level 4/Trainer Certification

Considered the highest level of certification under the ISIA, level 4 is for those who wish to train staff and candidates going for their Level 1 and 2 certifications.

Other Certifications

It’s possible to add different certifications to your portfolio each year to assist in increasing your employability. Other certification options include Children’s Teaching certificate, Race certificates, Freestyle, Adaptive, and Telemark. A dual certification is a consideration when increasing your teaching capacity and employability, if you are already able to ski and snowboard.

Niseko's volcano, JapanPhoto: Niseko, Japan – a popular place for ski and snowboard instructors

 

Choosing a Course

How do you choose the right course for you? With so many options to choose from it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Particularly difficult is choosing a course suited to where you want to be at the end or in a few years’ time.

There are two main ways to gain your snowsports instructor certification:

  • Instructor training programs
  • Instructor internship programs

An instructor training program is a course put on by a ski school which consists of all the training and tuition required, followed by an examination. These vary in length from three to five weeks meaning they’re a great option if you’ve already used your working holiday visa, are above the age limit for a working holiday visa or are a career-breaker.

They’re also a cool option if you wanted to gain a qualification from a winter ski holiday. (This would enable you to teach back in your home country on a dry slope or similar).

An instructor internship program works similar to this, but also includes an element of employment for after you finish your course. Getting your first instructor job can be challenging so the internship model helps increase your employability and gives you some practical work experience which is vital in the highly competitive snow sports instructor industry.

Training Providers

There are many different training providers who organise instructor training programs. Each company services one or more resorts and will help you join other like-minded trainees to gain your qualifications. Here are some of the biggest names:

An alternative method for people who already live and work at a ski resort is to look for weekend or intensive instructor training programs direct from the ski school – some of the larger resorts will run programs throughout the winter.

 

Working as an Instructor

Being a snowsports instructor isn’t for everyone. It requires hard work, a proactive nature and an ability to sell yourself to people in need. Experience is key to becoming a successful ski or snowboard instructor, which means the first few seasons may be tough, but worth it!

There will be times when you will be expected to go out when the wind is howling and visibility is so poor you can’t see your own hand in front of your face.

There will also be times when it’s a bluebird day, you’re up to your knees in fresh powder and are teaching a group of ‘never-ever’ beginners. It’s a small price to pay for such a great job with so many perks.

Salaries and Wages

Wages for instructors vary considerably between different countries and resorts. Bottom line is pay isn’t great at entry-level instructing and no one is going to get rich in their first season instructing. Of course, as you acquire more experience and qualifications your wages will increase.

Over the years you will find clients that return year on year and may even book you for their entire holiday. This is where passion and perseverance come in. If you sell your services to your current clients you could end up having them request you for their holiday next season. Building up a good returning client base is a great way to secure work for the next season.

Resorts and Finding Jobs

The higher qualified you are as an instructor, the easier it is to find a job. There are fewer highly qualified instructors meaning you can teach a larger range of clients.

You are most likely to find a job if you are already at a resort. This is particularly the case for bigger resorts as they generally have a greater need for instructors. The easiest way to do this is to apply directly to the ski and snowboard school you are interested in through their website.

Never underestimate the power of networking and word-of-mouth. Anyone you meet on your course or within the resort will potentially have links to other ski schools. The work you put in while you’re gaining your instructor qualification could stand you in good stead when looking for employment for the next season.

With all the benefits that come with the job, it’s no wonder ski and snowboard instructing is one of the most popular jobs at ski resorts!

Choose your option

Ski / Snowboard Instructor roles

Ski / Snowboard Instructor roles

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Turn your passion into a career by becoming a qualified instructor at an award-winning ski resort on the WE ARE SNO internship programme.

  • Guaranteed paid instructor job offer
  • Expert Instructor training and qualification/s
  • Accommodation, season lift pass and loads more
  • No prior instructing experience needed
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