@@Alexskiing you should also try Couloir Emile Allais next time you go there (starts from the same cab but on the other side of it and is considered off-slope), it's shorter and if I remember correctly it has no moguls but it's slightly steeper (been a while, used to go there when I was 12 to 15, 35 years ago :P). I tended to prefer it because less tiring but steeper and deeper snow (much less skied) :).
Depends on how you define hard. It’s definitely looks physically very challenging, particularly in the condition that it’s in. But it’s pretty wide with an even fall line, and the snow conditions are consistent, which are all things that (for me at least) up the difficulty level.
Hi Merek I agree with everything you said. Lots of people think it's the hardest I am off to do the swizz wall next week so it will be interesting to compare!
Never mind the fact that all of Europe considers this one of the most challenging in-bounds ski runs with 350m of descent and 1000m length with a max gradient of 85% at the top, Merek here, says it is wide open with a good fall-line and he would't consider it fits the definition of hard. Funny! Nice video, you did good up there with the wrong skis on, 1st time on the run. Damn, just getting to the couloir looks like an ass pucker and I have read expert skier accounts of getting butterflies looking into it at the top. Sure, competent skiers can do it, but it will get your attention, for sure.
For me, the feeling is like night and day: it always looks and feels ten times more steep and challenging when you are actually skiing down the mountain, rather than when watching the recording. GOOD JOB! You made it look easy. Hope one day I could do something this challenging.
Look how fast he is going, when it's steep you go way faster because every turn slides you down 20ft+. His little baby turns were small so not that steep.
@@ClaesN1973 interesting, I wonder how the ice compared to the US east coast. I'll definitely add this to the list of places I'm going whenever I can ski in Europe.
I remember going down this slope when I was 14... There were lots of moguls and it was super icy, which made it horrible. The start of it, on top of the mountain didn't scare me at all but once I got to the steep part I started regretting my life choices. I'm afraid of heights this is the only time I can recall being scared because of the steepness of a ski slope. I hate that it looks so flat on the video, even though it really isn't. Anyways, great video!
Last time I did this run it had snowed 40cm over night, spent most the morning moving across that ridge for some fresh stuff. Shame the main lift from courchevel isn't running this year 😔
i’ve been on this run so many time and i love it so much! it’s challenging, yes, and you can’t get very fast but it makes skiing and snowboarding just that much more rewarding and not to say extremely exiting and makes you think more about what to do and what next! i strongly strongly recommend courchevelle and val thorens ( le 3 vallées ) (méribel is good too however keep in mind it’s very slushy especially during the summer seasons) in the lower area in france for absolutely everyone, beginner to expert of all styles!!
You guys are mistaking hardest run with hardest terrain. In terms of marked runs this is probably up there, but yeah if you go off trail you’ll definitely get into some crazier stuff.
@@juliaalvarez537 Haha I wasn't 100 % sure that's why I am looking around a little bit. The black marker poles tell you were to go but it wasn't that clear to be honest!
That was awesome I live in France and I'm always impressed by those skilled riders when I go to the Alps. Had a great time watching your vids, I appreciated the infos like the altitude and speed too!
Never considered it a hard slope when I did it like 10y ago while being a kid so kinda surprised it's referred to as one of the hardest :p . The only thing that makes it stand out from other blacks is the ledge you have to ski on at the start which is terrifying when there isn't as much snow (like around April) as there is now. In the end the difficulty of a slope just comes down to how the moguls are, how narrow/steep it is and when it's icy or not, here there are no moguls, wide slope and the snow is hard but you see and hear that the snow is perfect. One that does have the narrowness and steepness is the top part of Les Coqs in La Plagne just after you turn into the trees, but a lot of people miss the initial way onto the top part (since it's just a single track into the trees and it looks more natural to ski down towards the black next to it) and only go onto it a bit lower where you can get on it from the other black next to it called the Palsembleu where it's already a bit wider and less steep. But again, conditions are day and night, done it with fresh snow and no moguls, nothing to it, but with big icy moguls and trees on both sides, it makes you question life choices and murmur a prayer or two before you take the first turn xD
Haha, enjoy, I just got back a week ago :) Was pretty ideal with 6 sunny days right after a snowdump during the weekend but some lower slopes were already about to close cause it's way too hot for this time of the year. Had to open my jacket and undo my gloves on top of the glacier at 3000m, seemed like April during January.. :p
Did that in fairly fresh snow way back when. The track along the ridge at the top was one skier wide and you basically had to ride it to the end as the rut wouldn't allow you to turn. That was the scariest bit of it. Couldn't see much of the way down as it whited out. Never thought about it again until now, thanks for sharing.
For many skiers, getting down it is their ambition, and not falling on it is unachievable. All my skiing mates had done this, but none without falling. For 15 years it was closed every time I went to the start. Then I went Courchevel with my family, teaching them to ski, and on the last day they wanted to try the Snow Ride (it starts where this video ends). I looked up, and the piste was OPEN! I told my wife, I had to go! The arrête is very exposed but beautiful, and I skied across the little bowl at the end and paused on its rim at the top of the steepest part - just like the skier in the video - and planted a pole down-slope to launch... only to realise that my left boot strap had broken. Oh pooh! I had a think, visualised how the turns should feel, and jumped into the first turn. What followed was the most joyous ski of my life - perfect short swings all the way down to that broad piste at the bottom, and riding the moguls down its edge in style and the biggest of grins. Where the video ends, I had arranged to meet my wife. At the instant we met, my children showed up. My son called "Follow me" and without pause we all headed off down the Snow Ride. He'd followed some guided skiers earlier, and went off-piste through a quarry and into the trees, slaloming then out over a jump to rejoin the piste. It was the perfect end to our holiday, an ambition fulfilled, with our family skiing back to our chalet together for tea... and with a story of a loose ski boot, no falls and no stopping - just continuous flow - to tell over dinner. I remember every detail, it was skiing as I had always dreamed it could one day be. Perfect. How did THAT happen? Thanks for bringing this memory back after 25 years. That grin is back on my face.
Hey, I was in Courchevel as well last week and I just took some random skilifts. Then I was on top of that mountain and did the same run. It was really hard and scary. And you did really great. I was lucky that the circumstances where ok. I’m 13 btw and I went with snowboard…
The entrance looks terrifying in real life. I looked at it about 25 years ago from the top and watched lots of people going along the knife edge at the top.
Awesome !! Notice how there were no skiers on the steepest section on top with him, then all of a sudden they appeared at the base. Wonder what degree that upper part was?
Grand couloir is down as a black run but it's never groomed so it's a bit of a grey area, it rejoins the main red run Saulire further down that's why the other skiers appeared just off the side. That's why the last bit was pisted.
As someone who has skied the east and midwest that squeaky snow sounded very familiar. It was always a treat to get out west once a year where the snow was a little softer.
That had me holding my breath. I started a few years ago learning to ski at 55. I just enjoyed getting onto blues at VT last month after a few lessons. Seing this just made me realised I should have started skiing at 5.5 not 55 :-)
My instructor at Ackers in Birmingham, Midlands Ski Club only started skiing 8 years ago and is about 46. Deb Armstrong here on RUclips is a good coach. Good technique is really important to confident skiing. Im 55.
I didn't start snowboarding till I was about 54 and 4 years later I can do black runs and a bit of freestyle stuff - it is never too late provided you stay fit and healthy.
I did this run in 1985. I still tell the story, because there are 3 Couloirs. I did it with two others on our first day in Courchevel. I thought the grand couloir would be easier since it would be wider. Ha ha! I seem to remember that the cable car lift up to Les Trois Couloirs was then the record holder with 169 people. It was INCREDIBLY steep and very narrow. Much narrower than your video portrays. With moguls, it was extremely difficult. The most difficult piste I’ve ever skied. I’ve skied since 1969. When I was 3. I have instructed.
Haha thanks for your comment Christopher it great to hear other people experiences of skiing holidays. I will defiantly not forget this run in a hurry!
You should watch the video and keep an eye on your skis. You are not on your downhill ski for much of the run, probably from being in the back seat on the skis. You also make your left leg work more than your right. It would be great to see another run now that you have skied it and know where you are headed.
I've got the skis you wearing - those are power-consuming beasts, demanding speed! Doing the run with these in the backseat is a thigh-killer! Well done!
Then dont sit in the backseat :) Thats definitely not required in those conditions. It hinders you to have proper form for the turns. Keep a nice central position over the skis. You have much better control.
It's always so hard to see gradient on camera. Only thing telling me how steep it acrually is is how much you have to control speed. That would be a mad run on fresh powder!
It is not the hardest run. It may or not be the hardest black run but there are masses of more difficult ‘itineraires’ and of course off piste routes. The system for marking pistes and what is on or off piste is very different in US and Europe.
Given my fear of heights, that first ledge would be terrifying. The rest seems doable, although the rocks in the snow make it dangerous if you fall, especially in icy conditions. But the snow looked very good.
What annoys me the most are crowded skiing slopes....even though this one looks very steep, the fact that you don't have to avoid other skiers makes it easier
@@ProLeopardx1 lol That was not icy at all at my poiont of view,but looked very interesting though. For the most icy part of ski you can only slip it over , no way of speed control. An icy bump could be helpful.
I used to ski host in Courchevel and the goal was always the Grand Coulior by the end of the week. Not all clients were good enough or brave enough to go but conditions like this make it reasonable. It was my least favourite, and easiest, of the 4 main couloirs along that ridge. The Emile one is the best...
@@Alexskiing I feel privileged to have done 3 seasons in the alps - two as a ski 'host' - despite starting late. Subsequently, 17 years living in French pyrenees. I remember the feeling and the day (22 Jan 2004) I first skied along the ridge with wobbly legs and a sense of trepidation. It's like the Tunnel, the Face, Pic du midi, Swiss Wall.... Doing seasons were a life defining period and one sadly that youngsters now won't get the same opportunities for various reasons...
I have never skiied there, and am aware that camera angles make slopes look easier... But I am shocked that this is counted as one of Europes "Most difficult inbounds runs". I would relate this run to a non-complicated single black diamond off piste run at Kicking Horse (B.C. Canada). regardless, glad you had fun and got your heart pumping, thats what counts!
@@adammacer relative to this terrain it is, I'm not saying that there aren't harder trails in Europe but the guy lied his face off labeling the video as "the hardest ski run in Europe"
Looks good - steep but short. Good work on the rescue half way through - for a moment I thought you were gonna stack! Beautiful scenery and could tell you were working those legs !! 🎉
I think that the first Couloir on the left (Tournier?) is worse as the entry is so very committing. Once you are at the Grande Couloir the entry is really quite wide and inviting.
Cool Run Alex, Glad you finally found some conditions that weren't complete Hard-Pack or Ice. That run would have been brutal otherwise. Quick favor for next video, when you get close to the bottom of a steep run, please stop and look back up the hill...it gives us a much better perspective of the pitch...Thanks for the posts!
Congratulations Alex! Your skiing has rocketed. No more flat skis. You look so much safer now. Traveling in nice linked turns. Obvious body dynamics. Narrow stance facilitates balance transfer. Next try increasing your tipping and flexing to the next level. Add some complimentary upper body skills (counter balance and counteracting will help greatly now). Its been fun to watch your videos and see your skiing progress.
The speedometer is really blowing my mind right now, i snowboard but i never thought that there are times where i could merge into traffic at the speed im goin
Not sure if they would count or exactly how hard they were, but there are a couple of yellow runs in zermatt, I think lower down the valley around the tree line and basically parallel to each other, that could get pretty choppy and might be worth a look!
Looks like a lot of fun - especially that last smooth and fast part. Nice video :) What did you use to measure, calibrate, and superimpose the speed and other stats?
You did well! I have not skied outside of the USA and that does look quite steep, but the conditions of the terrain were not bad and it did not seem that it would be hard. Strenuous, yes, but not technically extreme difficulty. With some powder maybe even not too bad except for the incline. Ice and moguls could really up the difficulty but still there are not cliffs, rocks or trees to deal with and no moguls that are of any size to mention. I would guess there must be harder inbound runs.
Thanks for the comment. Inbound runs are classed different in Europe in Europe you inbound runs would be classed as off-piste and there are defiantly harder off-piste runs with the conditions you mention. This would translate to a double dimond black in the USA.
@@misterclean7570 watching videos like this...I know. My friends and I have a yearly ski trip to Colorado. We have decided to boycott Vail next year due to their employee treatment and forty five minute lines. Our trip starts tomorrow for this year. We will be discussing a trip outside the country. See if it makes any kind of financial sense.
@@udailey Well have fun, Been only to breckenridge, and parts of southern california. A skiing Trip Outside of the US doesnt have to be pricey, but it definitly can! Anways, have a great Trip!
I’ve been down it, it would be a bit much for me to say I skied it though tbh 😂 It hadn’t snowed in a while when we hit it and the moguls were the size of cars down the narrowest but of the chute! Looks lovely and really shows how steep it is when you look back up the hill
@@Alexskiing as you head across the ridge there’s a run to the left, I think it was called the GoPro couloir last time I was there but has changed name now. I’ve never seen a single person go down it. It runs sort of parallel to the chair that comes up from the meribel direction. It looked a bit bare at the top as you skied past but it’s something I’ve always wanted to have a go at
@@ShalomBrother the grand couloir is way funnier to do, better snow most of the times and wider. The Gopro one is steeper at the top and quite narrow, it gets icy faster than grand couloir due to its exposition. But it's perfectly doable (did it a few times) if you control your speed correctly. If the snow is not too bad (if there is some semblance of transformed pow still), you can actually charge at the top since it opens up quite a bit down the way, quite a thrill but you can't fail.
@@LeDore38 I couldn't agree more the first few turns are really tricky on the Gopro one then it opens up. I did make a video of that which I will post soon it's a great run to the bottom of Meribel!
The steepest we’ve done is the Swiss Wall from Morzine into Switzerland. Day 1 was whiteout + moguls but day 2 was sunny day with fresh pow. I zoomed all the way down & it was amazing
Accidents on the mountain are tragic there are rules governing how you conduct yourself on the mountain. Having watched the video with instructors and mountain guides there is consensus that there isn't a time stamp that broke the rules below. I understand however its a sensitive topic so I thank you for your comment. I. Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders FIS has since many decades published guidelines to assist in the promotion of skiing and snowboarding, such as the rules for the conduct of skiers and snowboarders. These are to be used for guidance only and are subject to and do not replace the specific rules applicable to any given ski area, course, park or competition. The following document is the latest version of those guidelines. 1. Respect for others A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others. 2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic. 3. Choice of route A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead. 4. Overtaking A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement. 5. Entering, starting and moving upwards A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others. 6. Stopping on the slope Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the slope in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move and clear of the slope as soon as possible. 7. Climbing and descending on foot A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the slope. 8. Respect for signs and markings A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings. 9. Assistance At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist. 10. Identification Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
Looks fun. I always wanted to do those couloir but both times I went to Courcheval, they were closed. Try the 'Tunnel' run at Alpe d'Huez and Mt Gelé & Tortin at Verbier if you like steep black runs.
Hey Brain, I have a video on my channel of the tunnel run in Alpe D'huez I am really looking forward to skiing Tortin at Verbier but it's likely to be next year now.
Conditions vary so much, what is hard one time can be easy another. Conditions looked a bit iffy; hope you were wearing a transceiver! Exciting telemarking it!!!. Thanks for the video, and well done. You will like Verbier (Mont Fort) and off piste moguls down to Nendaz. Plenty if trouser fillers in Chamonix, & La Thuile has some steep, icy blacks.
Yep I have all the normal off piste equipment with me (apart from the skis). Thanks for your comment I am in Chamonix in two weeks going to Tignes first. Then hopefully to Verbier so it looks like your advice tallies up with were I have been told to go.
@@Alexskiing Good man Alex.! My brother has a place in the valley. If you have a car, it is pretty straightforward to drive to Verbier (good wuick access from Les Chables bubble. Siviez quieter with good itineries off Col de Gentianes (gigantic mogul field). I really like Chandolin/ St Luc very quiet & high, but very good too! Verbier a bit blingy, In Chamonix I think the best skiing is on the Grand Montents, lots of easily accessible off piste from pistes (have a transceiver, don't ski alone!). Accessible quiet skiing in Le Tour from Vallorcine (no queues usually), also easy access ski tours into Switzerland. Look forward to your uploads, be safe.
wow ! that was awesome, was a bit concerned when you went to 53 mph that you may hit someone but that part of the ride was fast as well as smooth. Cool!
Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel is a fantastic skiing area. We went to Val Thorens back in 2000 and I've been longing to get back there for over 20 years now.
@@Alexskiing Yes, I remember that we weren't able to cover the whole ski area in one week even if we tried to. We mostly spent our time in Val Thorens, with a couple of runs in Meribel every day. I particularly remember Mont Vallon as a nice run. Hope to get back there soon as the kids are a bit older now. 👍
This is making me nervous just watching! I have a significant fear of heights so I will stick to easier runs. Thank you for sharing places I will never go with the world.
Well, it was the hardest I have ever skied (only once). I got more moguls at the time and I took long time to do it hehe. That 100 meter by 3 meter wide entrance really made my heart speed up :) . You did great job, woop woop.
Nice Video Alex and well done. These two runs are the only blacks in the three valleys that I have not attempted. I have been in the valleys at least 8 times and never found the bottle to go for the drop in over those rollers. Maybe this year (looking forward to going in March) I will practice the rollers on the side of normal pistes to try and get some sort of skill on them. Hopefully it will make me feel more confident to attempt the Couloir rollers and then all good to go.
Hey Darren, its certainly an amazing ski area to visit that many times! That sounds like a good plan to prepare you can also ski the red at the bottom of the run and have a look up at the conditions. Good luck comment back in March to let me know how you got on!
This might be quite early in the season as moguls look quite small/non existent. Worked in Courchevel for 2 ski seasons in 2011 & 2012. Fantastic ski area. Looks like a beautiful day.
I'm watching it thinking to doesn't look too difficult but also realising how old I've gotten recently that it really doesn't appeal at all. I used to love runs like this but now I much prefer steep fast reds and blacks that are a lot easier but allow me to get up to some silly speeds. A few years back I made it my mission to get over 100kph and since then the speeds have just been going up and up each time I go.
Does Europe ever have good snow? Like 4” (10cm) of fresh dry light pow or more? Does it ever snow? (That’s a joke). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a vid of fresh 12” - 24” (30 to 60 cm) powder or one where it’s snowing hard. The snow always looks like mediocre groomed hard snow you find at US/Canadian resorts where it hasn’t snowed for 2 weeks.
Haha some parts of Europe get a lot of snow but like the rest of the world it can be hit or miss. When I filmed this run it had been two weeks without fresh snow.
I think you should have turned left sooner after the narrow ridge at the top to get to the actual top of the couloir, but well done you made it to the bottom in one piece! It's a tough run and now I'm older I'll just keep it as a tick on the list.
Looks pretty hard! But I’d say most double blacks on big resorts in the American west would be tougher than that. Look at Kiwi Flats at Mammoth, Elevator Shaft at Alta/Snowbird, The Fingers at Squaw Valley, or Corbet’s Couloir at Jackson Hole and many more.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and examples-it’s always interesting to compare the difficulty of runs across different regions. It’s true that certain double black diamonds at big resorts in the American West can be notably tougher, with steeper pitches, more extreme terrain, and legendary chutes like the ones you’ve mentioned. Difficulty can be quite subjective and heavily influenced by local conditions, snowfall patterns, and how the runs are maintained. I appreciate you highlighting these iconic spots; it really shows how varied and challenging the world’s slopes can be.
@ This was an old comment - I realize now that there are some equally tough runs in Europe that would give many American double blacks a run for their money. The only issue is that they’re all off-piste sidecountry runs that aren’t officially marked by the resort even if they’re directly lappable by chairlifts.
To be honesti sky since i was 5 and did a lot of slobes. Now im 25 and honestly i couldn't understand the stiffness of thr slobe but it looks amazing. Great snow .
Nicely done. It's the hardest marked run I've done in Europe. That was years ago with an instructor in similar conditions to when you skied it, I found it pretty challenging. Part way down one of our group managed to break the binding on a ski. The instructor swapped skis with him and continued to lead us down on one ski, carrying to broken one.
I was "lured" into Grand Couloir by my friend some 10 years ago. The approach to the actual descent is very small and icy (+/- the first minute of the clip), mentally very upsetting if you're no accomplished skiër. From a list of 10 toughest ski slopes in Europe I did 7 - against my will (thx Steven haha) - and definitely this is the scariest and hardest.
Hi Daniel, your totally correct. I do ski quite a bit by myself but there was somone coming about 10 minutes behind on this run. If I am by myself someone will be waiting on another run ect.
C'mon, absolutely no reason to get wider skis. This snow depth is easy to handle with any kind of slalom or race skis. In contrary, the first part would be more challenging with wider skis actually.
This kind of terrain was normal for us in Eastern Europe before the Berlin wall collapsed. We had ski lifts but not fancy snowmobiles and snow cannons making slopes flat. We were used to it. These days they make it perfect like a mirror.
Well done 💪🔥🔥
Such a great resort really looking forward to visiting again!
Un domaine skiable exceptionnel, j'ai vraiment hate de revenir a l'occasion !
Noice
@@Alexskiing you should also try Couloir Emile Allais next time you go there (starts from the same cab but on the other side of it and is considered off-slope), it's shorter and if I remember correctly it has no moguls but it's slightly steeper (been a while, used to go there when I was 12 to 15, 35 years ago :P). I tended to prefer it because less tiring but steeper and deeper snow (much less skied) :).
Depends on how you define hard. It’s definitely looks physically very challenging, particularly in the condition that it’s in. But it’s pretty wide with an even fall line, and the snow conditions are consistent, which are all things that (for me at least) up the difficulty level.
Yeah, for a novice even a blue slope will seem hard
Hi Merek I agree with everything you said. Lots of people think it's the hardest I am off to do the swizz wall next week so it will be interesting to compare!
@@Alexskiing I look forward to watching that video!
Never mind the fact that all of Europe considers this one of the most challenging in-bounds ski runs with 350m of descent and 1000m length with a max gradient of 85% at the top, Merek here, says it is wide open with a good fall-line and he would't consider it fits the definition of hard. Funny! Nice video, you did good up there with the wrong skis on, 1st time on the run. Damn, just getting to the couloir looks like an ass pucker and I have read expert skier accounts of getting butterflies looking into it at the top. Sure, competent skiers can do it, but it will get your attention, for sure.
@@Alexskiing have you ever tried patchavanette in the porte du soleil
For me, the feeling is like night and day: it always looks and feels ten times more steep and challenging when you are actually skiing down the mountain, rather than when watching the recording. GOOD JOB! You made it look easy. Hope one day I could do something this challenging.
Unfortunately, GoPro's and all other action cameras, tend to flatten the view quite a lot!
Look how fast he is going, when it's steep you go way faster because every turn slides you down 20ft+. His little baby turns were small so not that steep.
Thanks for the encouragement everything you said is spot on. Hope you get to the mountains this year!
@@ryan39584 Look at the pieces of snow/ice that start moving and continue falling. You can tell it's quite steep from that.
So true, and plus he's wearing the wrong pair of skis lol
I love how many options there are for going down... Its not just a straight forward run that takes you from point A to point B
To be honest, this doesn’t seem that hard. Just scary at the top of the mountain.
You are right. it's not hard, but the top section is a bit narrow and can be icy :)
@@ClaesN1973 interesting, I wonder how the ice compared to the US east coast. I'll definitely add this to the list of places I'm going whenever I can ski in Europe.
Looks like a standard off piste black diamond run in Colorado.
@@Guy-hd5lx your best bet is to stay in Val Thorens and ski over to courchavel. Most the stuff in courchavel is easy
Yeah, this is only a blue on the East Coast US
I remember going down this slope when I was 14... There were lots of moguls and it was super icy, which made it horrible. The start of it, on top of the mountain didn't scare me at all but once I got to the steep part I started regretting my life choices. I'm afraid of heights this is the only time I can recall being scared because of the steepness of a ski slope. I hate that it looks so flat on the video, even though it really isn't.
Anyways, great video!
Where is it ?
This is the kind of slope that I’d just go straight down lol. It’s probably a miracle I haven’t had a life threatening injury yet but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think I did this about the same age. It wasn't technically challenging if my memory serves me but physically my legs were on fire.
Where is it?
courchevel (le 3 vallées) i did it when i was 9 lol
Last time I did this run it had snowed 40cm over night, spent most the morning moving across that ridge for some fresh stuff. Shame the main lift from courchevel isn't running this year 😔
That sounds like an amazing day! Yep definitely it was a bit of a pain to get back around to go down the other side. 👍
What? I’m sure it would be running if they still had hundreds of Russians heading up to the restaurant on Saulire!
i’ve been on this run so many time and i love it so much! it’s challenging, yes, and you can’t get very fast but it makes skiing and snowboarding just that much more rewarding and not to say extremely exiting and makes you think more about what to do and what next! i strongly strongly recommend courchevelle and val thorens ( le 3 vallées ) (méribel is good too however keep in mind it’s very slushy especially during the summer seasons) in the lower area in france for absolutely everyone, beginner to expert of all styles!!
You guys are mistaking hardest run with hardest terrain. In terms of marked runs this is probably up there, but yeah if you go off trail you’ll definitely get into some crazier stuff.
Absolutely. There are no marked runs in Europe that are close to even mid-level off-piste stuff.
Looks like it would be great on a powder day…
I bet it would be!
How do you even know where to go? I’d be so lost bc wouldn’t see the marks in the snow and stuff.
@@juliaalvarez537 Haha I wasn't 100 % sure that's why I am looking around a little bit. The black marker poles tell you were to go but it wasn't that clear to be honest!
Skiing this run on a powder day is one of the best experiences I've ever had
That was awesome I live in France and I'm always impressed by those skilled riders when I go to the Alps. Had a great time watching your vids, I appreciated the infos like the altitude and speed too!
Hi Hanska thanks for the comment! Really pleased you liked the videos.
Doing this on a set of Redster x9’s is a chad move. Well done!
Haha thanks
It definitely looks like you scooted right on past some much more difficult runs.
There’s some much better and less skied couloir’s is you traverse further along the ridge
bro these people need to go to like any where good in Canada, big white shits on that hill
There is the petit couloir right under the lift. That’s narrower and steeper.
couloir Emile Allais is right before grand couloir on the right and even more difficult. A lot narrower
you joking right?@@evanlloyd2870
Never considered it a hard slope when I did it like 10y ago while being a kid so kinda surprised it's referred to as one of the hardest :p . The only thing that makes it stand out from other blacks is the ledge you have to ski on at the start which is terrifying when there isn't as much snow (like around April) as there is now. In the end the difficulty of a slope just comes down to how the moguls are, how narrow/steep it is and when it's icy or not, here there are no moguls, wide slope and the snow is hard but you see and hear that the snow is perfect.
One that does have the narrowness and steepness is the top part of Les Coqs in La Plagne just after you turn into the trees, but a lot of people miss the initial way onto the top part (since it's just a single track into the trees and it looks more natural to ski down towards the black next to it) and only go onto it a bit lower where you can get on it from the other black next to it called the Palsembleu where it's already a bit wider and less steep. But again, conditions are day and night, done it with fresh snow and no moguls, nothing to it, but with big icy moguls and trees on both sides, it makes you question life choices and murmur a prayer or two before you take the first turn xD
I know the one in la plange yeah bloody gnarley, I found it tight and not very forgiving. Went into this well over 25 years ago.
Hey belgiaht thanks for the comment. I am skiing in La Plagne next week so I will let you know how I get on!
Haha, enjoy, I just got back a week ago :) Was pretty ideal with 6 sunny days right after a snowdump during the weekend but some lower slopes were already about to close cause it's way too hot for this time of the year.
Had to open my jacket and undo my gloves on top of the glacier at 3000m, seemed like April during January.. :p
Love a content creator that takes time to answer to comments. Subscribed brother, keep it up!
Did that in fairly fresh snow way back when. The track along the ridge at the top was one skier wide and you basically had to ride it to the end as the rut wouldn't allow you to turn. That was the scariest bit of it. Couldn't see much of the way down as it whited out. Never thought about it again until now, thanks for sharing.
For many skiers, getting down it is their ambition, and not falling on it is unachievable. All my skiing mates had done this, but none without falling.
For 15 years it was closed every time I went to the start. Then I went Courchevel with my family, teaching them to ski, and on the last day they wanted to try the Snow Ride (it starts where this video ends). I looked up, and the piste was OPEN! I told my wife, I had to go!
The arrête is very exposed but beautiful, and I skied across the little bowl at the end and paused on its rim at the top of the steepest part - just like the skier in the video - and planted a pole down-slope to launch...
only to realise that my left boot strap had broken. Oh pooh!
I had a think, visualised how the turns should feel, and jumped into the first turn. What followed was the most joyous ski of my life - perfect short swings all the way down to that broad piste at the bottom, and riding the moguls down its edge in style and the biggest of grins.
Where the video ends, I had arranged to meet my wife. At the instant we met, my children showed up. My son called "Follow me" and without pause we all headed off down the Snow Ride. He'd followed some guided skiers earlier, and went off-piste through a quarry and into the trees, slaloming then out over a jump to rejoin the piste.
It was the perfect end to our holiday, an ambition fulfilled, with our family skiing back to our chalet together for tea... and with a story of a loose ski boot, no falls and no stopping - just continuous flow - to tell over dinner. I remember every detail, it was skiing as I had always dreamed it could one day be. Perfect. How did THAT happen?
Thanks for bringing this memory back after 25 years. That grin is back on my face.
Hey, I was in Courchevel as well last week and I just took some random skilifts. Then I was on top of that mountain and did the same run. It was really hard and scary. And you did really great. I was lucky that the circumstances where ok. I’m 13 btw and I went with snowboard…
Lmfao kid you were just in a life threatening situation 😂🤟
good job then :D
Nice, I’m 13 and I could barely even get on blue lol
@@3.0l8pro8 it's experience, not age, that matters. I know a seven year old that could smi this like nothing based off the slopes I've seen her do.
Where is this run? Courchevel?
Looks pretty easy, but it is always way harder when you’re the actual skiing it. Nice job.
The entrance looks terrifying in real life. I looked at it about 25 years ago from the top and watched lots of people going along the knife edge at the top.
Thats for sure!
Awesome !! Notice how there were no skiers on the steepest section on top with him, then all of a sudden they appeared at the base. Wonder what degree that upper part was?
Grand couloir is down as a black run but it's never groomed so it's a bit of a grey area, it rejoins the main red run Saulire further down that's why the other skiers appeared just off the side. That's why the last bit was pisted.
Looks about 45 degree at parts specially when he looked back up.
Id love to do it.
More like 70-80 degrees.
Google search says 35 then reduces to 30 degrees. Steep for sure, but not insane.
Out of all your videos I've watched, that seems to be the real tough one.
The fact you were the only one on it says it all too.
Well done!
Looks bloody epic! It's been a fair while since i skied this and it doesnt even look familiar anymore 😂😂
Sorry but im an american and seeing someone say bloody is funny as shit for me to say that in an english accent
The gopro does not do this run justice. Every ski video I'm like looks easy. Then I get there and am like weellllll f that. Great video my man!
Haha this is so true I hate the GoPro effect
As someone who has skied the east and midwest that squeaky snow sounded very familiar. It was always a treat to get out west once a year where the snow was a little softer.
Cool run! Thanks for sharing. Where is it?
The three vallys!
That had me holding my breath. I started a few years ago learning to ski at 55. I just enjoyed getting onto blues at VT last month after a few lessons. Seing this just made me realised I should have started skiing at 5.5 not 55 :-)
You've still got time!
My instructor at Ackers in Birmingham, Midlands Ski Club only started skiing 8 years ago and is about 46. Deb Armstrong here on RUclips is a good coach. Good technique is really important to confident skiing. Im 55.
I didn't start snowboarding till I was about 54 and 4 years later I can do black runs and a bit of freestyle stuff - it is never too late provided you stay fit and healthy.
This is a a walk in the park, or better said a carve in the snow. lol
You should check out the Streif in Kitzbühel/Austria. Thats a hell of a ride
That’s really good skiing! Especially with the icy choppy terrain, what a workout, legs gotta be burning 🔥.
Thanks F P I appreciate the comment. I hope you got to get out to the mountains this year. Definitely a leg burner lol 👍
I did this run in 1985. I still tell the story, because there are 3 Couloirs. I did it with two others on our first day in Courchevel. I thought the grand couloir would be easier since it would be wider. Ha ha! I seem to remember that the cable car lift up to Les Trois Couloirs was then the record holder with 169 people. It was INCREDIBLY steep and very narrow. Much narrower than your video portrays. With moguls, it was extremely difficult. The most difficult piste I’ve ever skied. I’ve skied since 1969. When I was 3. I have instructed.
Haha thanks for your comment Christopher it great to hear other people experiences of skiing holidays. I will defiantly not forget this run in a hurry!
You should watch the video and keep an eye on your skis. You are not on your downhill ski for much of the run, probably from being in the back seat on the skis. You also make your left leg work more than your right. It would be great to see another run now that you have skied it and know where you are headed.
Thanks for the tips!
@@Alexskiing thanks for the video, it is now on my list of 2022 places to ski.
Heard some snowboarder was doing it faster that very same day 🤔
Haha do you know Pip as well?
@@Alexskiing pip? What's his surname? Can't be the one I know, surely.
@@keithgrainger8797 Coe everyone knows pip right?
@@Alexskiing small world. He's usually in chamonix .
The snow conditions are what really make a run hard, the same run can be very enjoyable to unskiable, even on the same day!
I've got the skis you wearing - those are power-consuming beasts, demanding speed! Doing the run with these in the backseat is a thigh-killer! Well done!
Haha I love them great skis but would have loved the powder ones on that day. Thanks for the comment!
Then dont sit in the backseat :) Thats definitely not required in those conditions. It hinders you to have proper form for the turns. Keep a nice central position over the skis. You have much better control.
Well done. That looked tough especially considering how chopped up and heavy the snow evidently was. How long are your skis out of interest?
HI Jiros00 Thanks for the comment my skis are 175.
It's always so hard to see gradient on camera. Only thing telling me how steep it acrually is is how much you have to control speed. That would be a mad run on fresh powder!
I didn't realize how steep it was until I heard how much you were breathing
Nice video!!
Thanks! It is really steep but that could also be a reflection on my fitness haha
No doubt that was hard for someone of your skill and fitness level given the conditions.
But that can't be the hardest actual run . .
Totally agree seems pretty easy
Everything looks easier through a GoPro lens, as it distorts the steepness.
It is not the hardest run. It may or not be the hardest black run but there are masses of more difficult ‘itineraires’ and of course off piste routes.
The system for marking pistes and what is on or off piste is very different in US and Europe.
Nice flex.
@@VideoAmericanStyle still just a normal double in colorado maybe even a single
Given my fear of heights, that first ledge would be terrifying. The rest seems doable, although the rocks in the snow make it dangerous if you fall, especially in icy conditions. But the snow looked very good.
some people walk to the top of the slope. That's what I do when the snow is too hard pack
Looked and sounded gnarly. Makes my run down the green slopes this morning look pretty tame. Bit nicer up here in Cham, I thought you were coming up?
Hopefully soon wish I had a plan for what I am doing from one day to the next! Getting there though. Hope the weather is as nice there as it is here!
The Meribel Couloir under the Saulire Express is the harder one of the two marked from that ridge IMO, not saying that the Grand isn't a tough run
Can't imagine that this would be the hardest run, looks like a solid blue
hahahaha then you haven't been there.
@@_pjd mmmm yeah still not impressed, I mean it's a little chunky, but to say it's the hardest is ridiculous
Holy shÿt. There is practically no piste, just black poles put on the mountainside. That ridge at the beginning is insane.
What annoys me the most are crowded skiing slopes....even though this one looks very steep, the fact that you don't have to avoid other skiers makes it easier
Bonjour à tous, la piste "Le Grand Couloir" est-t-elle la plus dangereuse à Courchevel ?
Merci cordialement, Johan.
That looked like the most icy, bumpy horrible run ever. Only a skier would enjoy this...😉
hahah
Man if you think that's icy you've never been skiing in US east coast 😁
How was that icy?
@@ProLeopardx1 lol That was not icy at all at my poiont of view,but looked very interesting though. For the most icy part of ski you can only slip it over , no way of speed control. An icy bump could be helpful.
Ya boarders need not apply. No ice just hard pack very cold.
I used to ski host in Courchevel and the goal was always the Grand Coulior by the end of the week. Not all clients were good enough or brave enough to go but conditions like this make it reasonable.
It was my least favourite, and easiest, of the 4 main couloirs along that ridge. The Emile one is the best...
I bet you had an amazing season being a ski guide!
@@Alexskiing I feel privileged to have done 3 seasons in the alps - two as a ski 'host' - despite starting late. Subsequently, 17 years living in French pyrenees.
I remember the feeling and the day (22 Jan 2004) I first skied along the ridge with wobbly legs and a sense of trepidation. It's like the Tunnel, the Face, Pic du midi, Swiss Wall....
Doing seasons were a life defining period and one sadly that youngsters now won't get the same opportunities for various reasons...
I have never skiied there, and am aware that camera angles make slopes look easier... But I am shocked that this is counted as one of Europes "Most difficult inbounds runs".
I would relate this run to a non-complicated single black diamond off piste run at Kicking Horse (B.C. Canada).
regardless, glad you had fun and got your heart pumping, thats what counts!
This would be the bunny slope in America
@@xp7575 Sure, cos everything is more hardcore in 'America'..🙄
@@adammacer relative to this terrain it is, I'm not saying that there aren't harder trails in Europe but the guy lied his face off labeling the video as "the hardest ski run in Europe"
Looks good - steep but short. Good work on the rescue half way through - for a moment I thought you were gonna stack! Beautiful scenery and could tell you were working those legs !! 🎉
Thanks so much for the comment really appreciate it
Well, you certainly made it LOOK hard.
You should go right at the beginning, underneath the big elevator. I did that a couple of times, crazy steep.
I've seen much harder than that ! The only issue with that run was the snow was very chopped up and hard .
I think that the first Couloir on the left (Tournier?) is worse as the entry is so very committing. Once you are at the Grande Couloir the entry is really quite wide and inviting.
Cool Run Alex, Glad you finally found some conditions that weren't complete Hard-Pack or Ice. That run would have been brutal otherwise. Quick favor for next video, when you get close to the bottom of a steep run, please stop and look back up the hill...it gives us a much better perspective of the pitch...Thanks for the posts!
Congratulations Alex! Your skiing has rocketed. No more flat skis. You look so much safer now. Traveling in nice linked turns. Obvious body dynamics. Narrow stance facilitates balance transfer. Next try increasing your tipping and flexing to the next level. Add some complimentary upper body skills (counter balance and counteracting will help greatly now). Its been fun to watch your videos and see your skiing progress.
The speedometer is really blowing my mind right now, i snowboard but i never thought that there are times where i could merge into traffic at the speed im goin
Not sure if they would count or exactly how hard they were, but there are a couple of yellow runs in zermatt, I think lower down the valley around the tree line and basically parallel to each other, that could get pretty choppy and might be worth a look!
Looks like a lot of fun - especially that last smooth and fast part. Nice video :)
What did you use to measure, calibrate, and superimpose the speed and other stats?
When there are cliffs so close is dangerous. Congrats!!!!
You did well! I have not skied outside of the USA and that does look quite steep, but the conditions of the terrain were not bad and it did not seem that it would be hard. Strenuous, yes, but not technically extreme difficulty. With some powder maybe even not too bad except for the incline. Ice and moguls could really up the difficulty but still there are not cliffs, rocks or trees to deal with and no moguls that are of any size to mention. I would guess there must be harder inbound runs.
Thanks for the comment. Inbound runs are classed different in Europe in Europe you inbound runs would be classed as off-piste and there are defiantly harder off-piste runs with the conditions you mention. This would translate to a double dimond black in the USA.
Your Missing Out.
@@misterclean7570 watching videos like this...I know. My friends and I have a yearly ski trip to Colorado. We have decided to boycott Vail next year due to their employee treatment and forty five minute lines. Our trip starts tomorrow for this year. We will be discussing a trip outside the country. See if it makes any kind of financial sense.
@@udailey Well have fun, Been only to breckenridge, and parts of southern california. A skiing Trip Outside of the US doesnt have to be pricey, but it definitly can! Anways, have a great Trip!
did they finally reopen it?
Nope it was closed Unfortnalty
I’ve been down it, it would be a bit much for me to say I skied it though tbh 😂
It hadn’t snowed in a while when we hit it and the moguls were the size of cars down the narrowest but of the chute!
Looks lovely and really shows how steep it is when you look back up the hill
Hi Ryan, runs this steal definitely change so much due to the conditions. Fair play for getting down it in one piece that's the main thing 🤣
@@Alexskiing as you head across the ridge there’s a run to the left, I think it was called the GoPro couloir last time I was there but has changed name now. I’ve never seen a single person go down it. It runs sort of parallel to the chair that comes up from the meribel direction. It looked a bit bare at the top as you skied past but it’s something I’ve always wanted to have a go at
@@ShalomBrother the grand couloir is way funnier to do, better snow most of the times and wider.
The Gopro one is steeper at the top and quite narrow, it gets icy faster than grand couloir due to its exposition.
But it's perfectly doable (did it a few times) if you control your speed correctly.
If the snow is not too bad (if there is some semblance of transformed pow still), you can actually charge at the top since it opens up quite a bit down the way, quite a thrill but you can't fail.
@@Alexskiing oh and hey, you certainly had a better week than mine since last weekend at Isabelle's friend :)
@@LeDore38 I couldn't agree more the first few turns are really tricky on the Gopro one then it opens up. I did make a video of that which I will post soon it's a great run to the bottom of Meribel!
Woow It is very difficult and any mistake is punished harshly. Well done ✌️✌️👏👏😋😋
Thank you so much 😀
Great video, Alex, thanks. Cool slope and looks like really the hardest! 💪🎿 But frankly, I don't like such slopes.
Hey Happy skier, Happy new year! I see you have managed to the mountains this year as well!
The steepest we’ve done is the Swiss Wall from Morzine into Switzerland. Day 1 was whiteout + moguls but day 2 was sunny day with fresh pow. I zoomed all the way down & it was amazing
I have this video on my channal! You are right its very hard!
I watch things like this and I can feel all my muscles reacting to the terrain 🤣 I'm virtually skiing it myself 😆
Haha glad you like the video! 🤣
It looks like it's a good piste for powder-day, but in concrete frozen snow - it a big challenge to ride it
Very true.
More than 45mph, close to others, no wonder so many accidents and death (2 in 4 days).
Accidents on the mountain are tragic there are rules governing how you conduct yourself on the mountain. Having watched the video with instructors and mountain guides there is consensus that there isn't a time stamp that broke the rules below. I understand however its a sensitive topic so I thank you for your comment.
I. Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders
FIS has since many decades published guidelines to assist in the
promotion of skiing and snowboarding, such as the rules for the conduct of
skiers and snowboarders. These are to be used for guidance only and are
subject to and do not replace the specific rules applicable to any given ski
area, course, park or competition.
The following document is the latest version of those guidelines.
1. Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not
endanger or prejudice others.
2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding
A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed
and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the
prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density
of traffic.
3. Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such
a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
4. Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above
or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough
space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or
involuntary movement.
5. Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after
stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the
slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
6. Stopping on the slope
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping
on the slope in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in
such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move and clear of the slope as
soon as possible.
7. Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to
the side of the slope.
8. Respect for signs and markings
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
9. Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
10. Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or
not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
The whole on-piste part he looked in control to me, enough room
Looks fun. I always wanted to do those couloir but both times I went to Courcheval, they were closed.
Try the 'Tunnel' run at Alpe d'Huez and Mt Gelé & Tortin at Verbier if you like steep black runs.
Hey Brain, I have a video on my channel of the tunnel run in Alpe D'huez I am really looking forward to skiing Tortin at Verbier but it's likely to be next year now.
Its not hard, the slope is just in a poor condition.
Nice run Alex, thanks for great video :)
Thanks so much!
Conditions vary so much, what is hard one time can be easy another. Conditions looked a bit iffy; hope you were wearing a transceiver! Exciting telemarking it!!!.
Thanks for the video, and well done. You will like Verbier (Mont Fort) and off piste moguls down to Nendaz.
Plenty if trouser fillers in Chamonix, & La Thuile has some steep, icy blacks.
Yep I have all the normal off piste equipment with me (apart from the skis). Thanks for your comment I am in Chamonix in two weeks going to Tignes first. Then hopefully to Verbier so it looks like your advice tallies up with were I have been told to go.
@@Alexskiing Good man Alex.! My brother has a place in the valley. If you have a car, it is pretty straightforward to drive to Verbier (good wuick access from Les Chables bubble. Siviez quieter with good itineries off Col de Gentianes (gigantic mogul field).
I really like Chandolin/ St Luc very quiet & high, but very good too! Verbier a bit blingy,
In Chamonix I think the best skiing is on the Grand Montents, lots of easily accessible off piste from pistes (have a transceiver, don't ski alone!). Accessible quiet skiing in Le Tour from Vallorcine (no queues usually), also easy access ski tours into Switzerland. Look forward to your uploads, be safe.
wow ! that was awesome, was a bit concerned when you went to 53 mph that you may hit someone but that part of the ride was fast as well as smooth. Cool!
53mph past those other skiers isnt cool, it's stupid. Stay off the piste and out of the way
@@andrewcarroll875American?
Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel is a fantastic skiing area. We went to Val Thorens back in 2000 and I've been longing to get back there for over 20 years now.
Hi Palle, this was my first time and I loved it the ski area is massive! I hope you get the chance to go back!
@@Alexskiing Yes, I remember that we weren't able to cover the whole ski area in one week even if we tried to. We mostly spent our time in Val Thorens, with a couple of runs in Meribel every day. I particularly remember Mont Vallon as a nice run. Hope to get back there soon as the kids are a bit older now. 👍
This is making me nervous just watching! I have a significant fear of heights so I will stick to easier runs. Thank you for sharing places I will never go with the world.
Haha love this comment
Well, it was the hardest I have ever skied (only once). I got more moguls at the time and I took long time to do it hehe. That 100 meter by 3 meter wide entrance really made my heart speed up :) .
You did great job, woop woop.
Haha thanks for the comment I can imagine to gets even harder with big moguls. Hope you got out skiing this year!
If it's skied out or low snow conditions getting to the run is far more nerve racking than skiing it.
The run itself is fantastic!
Nice Video Alex and well done. These two runs are the only blacks in the three valleys that I have not attempted. I have been in the valleys at least 8 times and never found the bottle to go for the drop in over those rollers. Maybe this year (looking forward to going in March) I will practice the rollers on the side of normal pistes to try and get some sort of skill on them. Hopefully it will make me feel more confident to attempt the Couloir rollers and then all good to go.
Hey Darren, its certainly an amazing ski area to visit that many times! That sounds like a good plan to prepare you can also ski the red at the bottom of the run and have a look up at the conditions. Good luck comment back in March to let me know how you got on!
@@Alexskiing yep ski the reds many times and always take a look up to see who was more courageous than me. This year........
@@darrenlloyd8355 haha love this!
This might be quite early in the season as moguls look quite small/non existent. Worked in Courchevel for 2 ski seasons in 2011 & 2012. Fantastic ski area. Looks like a beautiful day.
I'm watching it thinking to doesn't look too difficult but also realising how old I've gotten recently that it really doesn't appeal at all. I used to love runs like this but now I much prefer steep fast reds and blacks that are a lot easier but allow me to get up to some silly speeds.
A few years back I made it my mission to get over 100kph and since then the speeds have just been going up and up each time I go.
Does Europe ever have good snow? Like 4” (10cm) of fresh dry light pow or more? Does it ever snow? (That’s a joke). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a vid of fresh 12” - 24” (30 to 60 cm) powder or one where it’s snowing hard. The snow always looks like mediocre groomed hard snow you find at US/Canadian resorts where it hasn’t snowed for 2 weeks.
Haha some parts of Europe get a lot of snow but like the rest of the world it can be hit or miss. When I filmed this run it had been two weeks without fresh snow.
My friend's 7 year old son has skied it a couple winters back.. Although he is an instructor.
Nice that helps especially if you grow up in the mountains!
I don’t think I have ever heard you sound scared in a video before. This was pretty nuts, great job 👍
Haha thanks for the comment! I was a little nervous droping in without off piste skis! 👍
Looks a fun run Alex, but I bet the legs were burning after this?
For sure lol Good luck with your residency in Canada!
I'd say there are some unregistered powder runs in verbier that are steeper.
HI E S thanks for the comment. Yep I am referring to inbound runs hear. I am going to Verbier soon and really looking forward to it.
I think you should have turned left sooner after the narrow ridge at the top to get to the actual top of the couloir, but well done you made it to the bottom in one piece! It's a tough run and now I'm older I'll just keep it as a tick on the list.
Looks pretty hard! But I’d say most double blacks on big resorts in the American west would be tougher than that. Look at Kiwi Flats at Mammoth, Elevator Shaft at Alta/Snowbird, The Fingers at Squaw Valley, or Corbet’s Couloir at Jackson Hole and many more.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and examples-it’s always interesting to compare the difficulty of runs across different regions. It’s true that certain double black diamonds at big resorts in the American West can be notably tougher, with steeper pitches, more extreme terrain, and legendary chutes like the ones you’ve mentioned. Difficulty can be quite subjective and heavily influenced by local conditions, snowfall patterns, and how the runs are maintained. I appreciate you highlighting these iconic spots; it really shows how varied and challenging the world’s slopes can be.
@ This was an old comment - I realize now that there are some equally tough runs in Europe that would give many American double blacks a run for their money. The only issue is that they’re all off-piste sidecountry runs that aren’t officially marked by the resort even if they’re directly lappable by chairlifts.
@@waltysalamander Ah yep this is very true we have some pretty crazy off-piste run in Europe. Looking forward to skiing in North America soon!
To be honesti sky since i was 5 and did a lot of slobes. Now im 25 and honestly i couldn't understand the stiffness of thr slobe but it looks amazing. Great snow .
Nicely done. It's the hardest marked run I've done in Europe. That was years ago with an instructor in similar conditions to when you skied it, I found it pretty challenging.
Part way down one of our group managed to break the binding on a ski. The instructor swapped skis with him and continued to lead us down on one ski, carrying to broken one.
What a boss skiing this down with one ski
Lucky they both ahead the same size boots on
Ok that's some pretty next level skiing! Both my legs were burning coming down skiing that run! Need some super human strength to do that on one ski!
Thats crazy
I was "lured" into Grand Couloir by my friend some 10 years ago. The approach to the actual descent is very small and icy (+/- the first minute of the clip), mentally very upsetting if you're no accomplished skiër. From a list of 10 toughest ski slopes in Europe I did 7 - against my will (thx Steven haha) - and definitely this is the scariest and hardest.
Do you have the list you used I would like to see it!
how maximum degree on this slope?
55-60 i think
avevi fatto la forcella del Sasso lungo?
Alex, just one advice - change the equipment with Head Supershape i.Magnum an you will feel the difference
Did you go by yourself. Its always good to have someone doing the slopes just in case
Hi Daniel, your totally correct. I do ski quite a bit by myself but there was somone coming about 10 minutes behind on this run. If I am by myself someone will be waiting on another run ect.
@@Alexskiing great. I know how it is to wait hours in the snow. No fun! Great video
Didn’t look too bad until the second half where I realized every time you made a turn you were descending like 40 friggin feet lmao. Nice job!
Hazlenuts thanks so much for the comment really appreciate it.
I think the one on the Méribel side looks harder, I've never done the one in Courchevel though
I hope you get a chance to get out there and give it a go.
Flypaper at Glencoe in Scotland seems steeper.
You did that on a 65mm ski ??? Damn, that's impressive! :D
C'mon, absolutely no reason to get wider skis. This snow depth is easy to handle with any kind of slalom or race skis. In contrary, the first part would be more challenging with wider skis actually.
So wie das aussieht ist das keine präparierte Piste sondern eine Tiefschnee-Abfahrt bzw. Skitouren-Route.
This kind of terrain was normal for us in Eastern Europe before the Berlin wall collapsed. We had ski lifts but not fancy snowmobiles and snow cannons making slopes flat. We were used to it. These days they make it perfect like a mirror.