Some of the best secret ski slopes in France

Starting off in La Plagne, we have the Esselet piste! The what? I hear you say, never heard of it… You’ll find this wonderful hidden red run off the Pierre Blanche slope as you head down towards Montchavin. It wavers through the forest of La Plagne and has fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s one of La Plagne Natur’ runs, which means it’s not bashed every day. Julien, director of Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School, loves this slope, it’s nearly always empty because not many people go here (for some silly reason!). La Plagne is part of the massive Paradiski area and you can learn more about the Paradiski ski area here!

We’re heading over to Tignes now where we’re going to visit the Sache piste and revel in its magnificent landscape. It’s a beautiful long black run from the top of the Aiguille Percée chairlift down to Brévières. This slope is not used that much, (we think) because it is not easy to see, so most people don’t know it’s there. It’s also quite steep so not a place for the average skier, but if you are confident and already comfortable on blacks then this is a great secret gem. Sache in English also means ‘know’, and you’re definitely in the know when you know the Sache. Read more about the super ski area Tignes Val d'Isère here.

In Val Thorens, we’re turning our favourite colour for around 4 kilometres and joining the Lory blue run. Starting at 3000 metres from the top of the Funitel de Thorens, Yohann, director of Oxygène Ski School in Val Thorens, says this piste is a beauty and is (thankfully) accessible to lots more skiers thanks to its blue stamp of approval. The panorama views over the Maurienne mountain range are pretty impressive! As you slide on down you enter a world of calm. Finishing when you arrive in Orelle (the hidden valley), a quaint mountain ski area made up of 10 hamlets. This piste is also known as the secret gateway to Val Thorens and the Three Valleys. 

Moving on over to Méribel, we’ve had inside info that the Crêtes is a real sight for sore eyes. Take the right from the top of the Tougnet 2 lift and ski along the top of a short but sweet mountain ridge. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? But don’t worry, it’s a blue run and easily accessible. This time the view overlooks the entire Méribel valley and onto the Belleville valley too. You even have a fantastic glimpse of the famous Mont Blanc. So make sure you look up, open your eyes, you can’t miss it! Méribel is part the 3 Valleys, the biggest ski area in the world. You can learn more about the skiing or snowboarding in Méribel, Val Thorens, Courchevel, Les Menuires here.

We're taking a trip down to the Southern Alps now, and we’re in Serre Chevalier. Adrien, our Oxygène Ski School director here has let us into his little secret, a piste that definitely deserves a mention… The Tabuc black run! It is often closed due to conditions, however when it is open, you have to do it (as long as you have a good level of skiing or snowboarding!). It’s a long snaking black that winds away from the main ski area of Monetier. Starting at the summit of Bachas you’ll love the journey through the larch forest. It is beautiful! But don’t be perceived, you must be ample on your feet... There are moguls, steep slopes, narrow tracks, areas you need to schuss and tight turns. Once you arrive at the bottom, you 100% deserve that hot chocolate (or vin-chaud). Read more about the ski area of Serre Chevalier her!

Heading back to the largest ski area in the world, the Trois Vallées! We're in Les Menuires and we’re staying on the black theme. I would like to present to you the Lac Noir, classified as very difficult, we understand why. This is a hidden secret that not many people know about. If you are an advanced skier or snowboarder then you have to do it! Starting at 2800 metres, you’ll find this slope sliding down from the Pointe de la Masse. It is often forgotten as many prefer the more accessible blue or red ski slopes that run just next to it.  

Scooting off over to the beautiful ski resort of Le Grand Bornand, Jérôme Baud, director of StarSki Ski & Snowboard School explains there is a little unknown red run called the Fenil hidden just above the Vallée du Maroly. This ski slope is only accessible by the L’Almet drag lift and joins onto the Col des Annes. Located opposite the highest point of the Aravis mountain range, expect incredible views. And even better, there is nearly no one ever there. For more info on the ski area of the Grand Bornand click the link...

We're in Megeve now, and we have a fantastic black run called the Voltigeurs, that yet again has nearly no one ever there. You may find a few paragliders who use it for take-offs due to its steep gradient, but if not you will be at one with yourself (and Megeve). As you slide down expect super panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains! Our tip of the day, this is a great piste to do after a snowfall because it is not often groomed you can enjoy the fresh powder in all safety. Read more about skiing in Megève and the Evasion Mont Blanc here!

We’re cheating a little with our next one, as it’s not really a piste but more a ski area. In Val d’Isère we have the Valley Perdue, translated to the Lost Valley, which drops down into La Daille. This is an off-piste area, but not a hardcore fresh powder hunting type of off-piste, no, more a cool winding canyon adventure. They say a good intermediate can navigate their way down but one thing we do highly recommend is you do this with a professional guide (we can help you with that!). What’s great about this area, which is highlighted on the Val d’Isère piste map, is you never know what to expect and it changes all the time. 

We're coming to the end, but we want to finish with a good’un for the children! If you are in Courchevel this winter, we have a secret passage that takes you to La Tania, one that many holidaymakers do not know exists. It’s not one run but in fact 2 blue runs... the Arolles and Folyères. Starting at the top of the Plantrey chairlift take the right past the Jean-Blanc black run and continue down. This great adventure winds through the enchanted forests of Courchevel! Make sure you keep a lookout for wild animals, sometimes you can even see deer.