Challenge and thrills, the Grand Couloir piste awaits you in Courchevel!
Publié le 20/11/2024 - Rédigé par Elsa
Every year, millions of skiers come to Courchevel to enjoy the resort's slopes. Working alongside a qualified instructor, or by yourself in the powder, you're guaranteed to get a thrill out of your holiday in Savoie.
For the most experienced skiers, who are looking for a new challenge, we present the Grand Couloir black run, a must-see in Courchevel.
The Grand Couloir: discovering the famous black run
You've probably already heard of it: the Grand Couloir is the most difficult black run in the 3 Vallées area and beyond. There are few equivalents in the world in terms of difficulty, which is why sports enthusiasts from the four corners of the globe are ready to make the trip.
A few words about the Grand Couloir run in Courchevel. A black piste, this run is situated at an altitude of 2700 metres and offers an exceptional panorama to those who have reached the top.
The reputation that precedes the Grand Couloir run can be explained by its astonishing nature: a steep couloir wedged between two boulders.
A few words about the Grand Couloir run in Courchevel. A black piste, this run is situated at an altitude of 2700 metres and offers an exceptional panorama to those who have reached the top.
Once at the top, you have to cross a narrow ridge that can be very impressive. But there's more to come, because at the end of this ridge, you'll find the starting point for this legendary descent.
The reputation that precedes the Grand Couloir run can be explained by its astonishing nature: a steep couloir wedged between two boulders.
With 692 metres of piste and no less than 340 metres of vertical drop, this run is sure to test even the most skilled skiers. To top it all off, the route ends with an 85% gradient, requiring a certain mastery of your skis or snowboard.
Take on a new challengePreparing for the Grand Couloir in Courchevel
As you will have gathered, the Grand Couloir piste in Courchevel is reserved for very high-level skiers. With its particularly steep slopes and surprising bumps, you need to be both calm and skilful to reach the end without a scratch.
Unlike some of the resort's other runs, there's no escape here. Once you've started your descent, you have to follow it to the end. There are no secondary routes.
So before you set off in search of this legendary descent, it's a good idea to prepare yourself properly. While it's essential to have a high level of control, you also need to warm up, and be ready both physically and psychologically.
Unlike some of the resort's other runs, there's no escape here. Once you've started your descent, you have to follow it to the end. There are no secondary routes.
So before you set off in search of this legendary descent, it's a good idea to prepare yourself properly. While it's essential to have a high level of control, you also need to warm up, and be ready both physically and psychologically.
It's not a good idea to venture down this run after a long break from sport.
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How do I get to the Grand Couloir in Courchevel?
Feeling ready to descend the Grand Couloir? Here's how to get there. It's not a slope you'll stumble across by chance; to find it, you have to look for it!
To get to the top of the famous black run, you need to go to the top of the Saulire. At the end of the cable car's route, you'll find yourself facing a three-metre-wide ridge that could make the most fearful turn back.
It's perfectly possible to climb up just to admire the view; only the most daring sportsmen and women will be able to take to the powder if they wish.
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