Imagine for a moment: the mountains still asleep, the slopes untouched, and you among the first to tread on this immaculate snow, even before the resort awakens.

Getting first tracks is a rare, almost surreal experience, where the silence is broken only by the gliding of skis and bursts of shared laughter. It’s an opportunity to experience the mountains in a truly exceptional way, to savour every turn on perfectly groomed slopes, to stop and admire the breathtaking scenery, and to share unique moments with a handful of other enthusiasts.

We tried it for you: the unique thrill of skiing down the first snow!

The opening First Track

After months of dreaming and patient anticipation, a single melody haunts our minds: the sound of skis on freshly groomed pistes, snow-covered panoramas and shared laughter. Today, the season begins.

7:50 a.m., rendez vous with the extraordinary

At the foot of the Tougnète cable car, a handful of privileged individuals gather, vibrating with the same passion and impatience. There are about twenty of us, brought together to experience the indescribable: hitting the slopes before the world wakes up. The cable car comes to life especially for us, and at 8 a.m. sharp, the doors open.

At the top, the ski patrollers welcome us with a knowing smile. Their briefing is clear and reassuring: this first descent should be synonymous with pleasure, but also caution. Then comes the Tougnète chairlift, which takes us to the summit, where the excitement comes to life. The thrill is palpable, almost tangible: soon, the first tracks of winter.

The magic of the first turns

Once we reach the top, the Faon slope lies before us, immaculate and inviting. A respectful silence descends, then… we set off. The first turns are tentative, almost clumsy. But very quickly, muscle memory kicks in. The skis glide, the snow crunches, and suddenly, everything makes sense: freedom, the certainty that the season has well and truly begun.

At the foot of the chairlift, smiles light up faces. Eyes meet, knowing glances are exchanged. No one needs to speak to understand: this moment is sacred.

The second descent

We don’t stop there: a second ascent, a second descent, as if to make this timeless moment last. This time, there’s no hesitation. Our muscles are warm, our spirits light. The perfectly groomed slope becomes our playground. Every turn is a celebration, every curve an ode to winter.

At the bottom, time seems to stand still. We gather together, sharing our feelings and our dreams for the season. These stolen moments, offered by the Tourist Office to the lucky winners of a competition, are much more than just a descent: they are a unique experience, a rare privilege. Then it’s time to say goodbye. The resort awakens, the slopes come to life, and everyone goes their separate ways, their hearts light.

La First Track Ski Atout Prix

There are moments when the mountains seem to wake up just for you. For this second First Track of the season, I am delighted to share this rare moment with the winners of the competition reserved for Ski Atout Prix pass holders. These privileged individuals, like me, answered the call of the peaks before dawn.

There are about forty of us, gathered at the foot of the Plattières cable car, our breath visible in the icy air of the early winter. At the top, the ski patrollers are waiting for us for a safety briefing. Around us, the snow groomers are finishing their night-time choreography, grooming the slopes for the day’s skiers. There’s no question of crossing their path: the mountains, as bountiful as they may be, demand caution and respect.

An inaugural ski run

A few warm-up turns, and we’re at the start of the brand new Côté Brune high-speed gondola lift, inaugurated just a few days ago. It’s a revolution for the ski area: faster and more comfortable, it now connects Méribel to Val Thorens, making the magic of the 3 Vallées even more palpable.

Once at the top, the view is breathtaking. The crystal-blue sky blends with the immaculate snow. The majestic 3 Vallées ski area spreads out before us, and in the distance, Mont Blanc peaks out, a surprise guest on this exceptional morning. One last briefing from the ski patrollers and it’s time to set off.

The Descent from Lac de la Chambre

We hurtle down the Lac de la Chambre slope, a white ribbon winding its way towards the Plan des Mains refuge. Every turn is an invitation to stop and admire the view. Mont Vallon, bathed in the golden light of dawn, rises up before us. We take break after break, cameras click away, smiles widen. Here, time has a different value.

A gourmet break before setting off again

When we arrive at the refuge, a sweet reward awaits us: crispy pastries, fresh juice and steaming hot drinks. There’s nothing like it to celebrate this descent and prepare for a day of skiing. Between bites, conversations flow and plans for the slopes take shape. Then, everyone sets off again, their souls already conquered by the mountain.

La First Track “Roc de Fer”

Is there a more beautiful way to turn the page on a year than to set off on pristine slopes, carried by the magic of dawn? On 31 December, I had the chance to experience a rare moment, surrounded by around twenty enthusiasts gathered at the foot of the Legends chairlift for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve. There was no champagne here, but rather the pure exhilaration of a mountain that lay before us, silent and majestic.

At the summit, the ski patrollers welcomed us for the safety briefing, an immutable and reassuring ritual. Then we took the top of the Gélinotte slope to reach the Olympic chairlift, which would take us up to Roc de Fer.

Here, everything is larger than life: the 360° panorama takes in the Méribel and Belleville valleys, while the sky, tinged with pink and gold, nestles on a sea of clouds. We pause for a moment to etch this spectacle into our memories.

The iconic descent

Let the action begin! We tackle the Roc de Fer slope, an iconic run that saw athletes compete in the 1992 Olympic Games and, more recently, the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Once at the bottom, it’s impossible to resist: we head back up for a second ascent. This time, the sky is a gradient of blue, as if to remind us that every moment is unique.

The descent is fluid and exhilarating: Roc de Fer again, then Gélinotte, down to La Chaudanne. Some speed down, eager for speed, while others linger, savouring the last rays of dawn. Whatever the pace, one thing unites us all: an unconditional passion for skiing.

A breakfast to end the year on a sweet note

Once we reach the bottom, the brand new Saulire lounge opens its doors to us. Over hot drinks and pastries, we share our impressions, ambitions and resolutions for the coming year. What a joy to end 2025 this way, with a light heart and a soul filled with lasting memories. A thought for the year that is ending, a silent toast to the one that is beginning.

Why not try it for yourself?

The First Track ‘Roc de Fer’ is waiting for you! Treat yourself to this exceptional experience every Wednesday until 1 April. Because a year that starts on skis is a year that starts under the best possible circumstances.

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