Ski resorts in France: Three Valleys news

One of the most famous ski areas of France - Three Valleys - is going to be fully prepared for the new season. Such resorts as Courchevel and Meribel, which are parts of the region, will offer its guests updated lifts and new elements of ski infrastructure.

The most important opening of this ski season is awaited in Meribel. Here in December 2011 is planned to be launched new Saulire Express lift. With the new lift the time for delivery to the tracks on the slopes of the Saulire top will be reduced from 20 to 12 minutes. The lift will be operated by the Méribel Alpina company. Cabins of the lift will be able to carry up to 8 people each.

The new lift from Meribel will arrive at the same point as the cable car from Courchevel. It will greatly simplify communication between the two resorts. At the same time the lift from Meribel will be situated some meters above, which will allow the resort guests to try the Grand Couloir – the famous black track, as well as off-piste skiing on the Saulire slopes.

It is expected that the lower section of the lift will be launched in summer 2012. Therefore, during 2011-2012 season Meribel guests will use the outdated version of the lift - Saulire 1 to reach the new Saulire Express 2 and then continue climbing to the top.

In addition to the lift, one of the Meribel slopes - Lac de la chamber - will also be reconstructed. The narrow track sections will be expanded and excessively steep sections made more sloping.

Near the Saulire Express 2 lift station will also appear a new green track. It will become a kind of continuation of the existing Blanchot green track, reports merinet.com.

Courchevel slopes and lifts will also be upgraded. Thus, Plantrey 4-chair lift will be replaced by the 6-chair. Thus, the capacity of the lift will increase from 2,300 to 3,000 people per hour.

Along the Murettes track in Courchevel 1300 will be installed 13 new snow guns. Thus, a track with snow guarantee will be opened in the other part of the resort.
Also in Courchevel will be created fan zones in the villages of Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1650.

In addition, the lifts of both resorts will be equipped with new Magnestick security systems, which can ensure lock security in many chairlifts and prevent its accidental opening in the middle of the road.

In Val Thorens the main opening of the season is Funitel lift, which will serve the tracks of les Asters and le Chocard. Travel time will be only 2 minutes.