the ultimate sunrise skiing experience

Imagine: you are alone on a freshly groomed slope, bathed in the first golden rays of the sun. No sound, except for the crunch of your skis on the immaculate snow. This special, rare and magical moment has a name: the First TrackAn experience that transforms a simple descent into an unforgettable memory.

Find out exactly what First Track is and where to practice it in renowned ski areas such as the 3 Valleys et Paradiski, the conditions to enjoy it, its many advantages, as well as other activities and ideas that will perfectly complement a stay in luxury chalet in the Alps.

What is First Track?

Le First Track, or "first track" in French, is an activity offered by certain ski resorts allowing skiers to enjoy the slopes before the official opening of the ski area. Generally accompanied by ski patrollers or guides, participants gain early access to ski lifts and set off on freshly prepared slopes, without any tracks.

It is an experience at the same time exclusive and immersive, which gives a completely different face to the mountain. The silence of the morning, the crystal clear air, the sun rising over the peaks… A true luxury for skiing enthusiasts.

Where to practice First Track in the 3 Valleys?

The domain of 3 Valleys, one of the largest in the world with more than 600 km of linked slopes, offers several formulas of First Track in its most emblematic stations:

Courchevel

First Track at Courchevel with trackers and security professionals.
Discover the work of grooming and preparing the slopes.
Exceptional view of Mont Blanc on clear mornings.

Meribel

First Track Exits at Meribel offered punctually depending on weather conditions.
Mountain safety awareness.
A friendly moment around a hot coffee in a mountain restaurant.

First Track at Paradiski: another atmosphere, just as magical

The domain of Paradiski connects Les Arcs, Peisey Vallandry et La Plagne, for a total of 425 km of slopes. Here too, the First Track is a well-established tradition, especially in Les Arcs:

Les Arcs

First Tracks Les Arcs every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
Access to legendary slopes such as the Aiguille Rouge or the Cachette.
Breakfast in the refuge included.
Presence of trackers to discuss the management of the domain.

La Plagne

Le First Track at La Plagne is often practiced on Thursday mornings, depending on snow conditions. The meeting point is in front of the Grande Rochette cable car.
Outings often combined with off-piste or avalanche safety initiations.
The pleasure of skiing on groomed slopes even before the other skiers have breakfast !

Conditions for practicing First Track

First Track is an activity framed et accessible to all levels of intermediate to advanced skiers. Here are the usual conditions:

Booking required, often limited to a small group (10-20 people max).
Adapted equipment : skis or snowboard, warm clothing, helmet recommended.
Morning hours : often meet between 7:15 and 7:45.
Weather Dependence : some sessions may be cancelled due to wind or poor visibility.
Valid ski pass required (sometimes a supplement for the activity).

The advantages of First Track

Practicing First Track is giving yourself a VIP experience on the snow. Here are some of its many benefits:

Virgin tracks : no bumps, no tracks, just the velvet of packed snow.
Calm and intimate atmosphere : a silent mountain, reserved for a privileged few.
Exceptional photographs : sunrise on the peaks, panoramas without crowds.
Meetings with the trackers : understand what goes on behind the scenes at the world's largest ski area.
Breakfast at altitude : tasty and well-deserved after the effort.

If you like First Track, you might also like…

Ski touring at dawn : for fans of climbing using their legs and descending alone.
The snowshoe outings : gentler, and just as magical for non-skiers.
Le paragliding in the mountains : flying above the peaks at sunrise… pure adrenaline.
An igloo construction : to prolong the alpine magic after the day.
The torchlight descent in alpine skiing : night version of the track exclusive.

First Track and the chalet experience: the perfect combination

What could be better than returning from a First Track and finding the warmth of a alpine chalet This morning experience pairs perfectly with a cozy stay in a typical mountain accommodation. Here's why:

1. A gentle awakening

In a chalet, no stress, no queues. You are often close to the slopes, sometimes even with skis on. Just get up, put on your clothes, and off you go: head to the First Track.

2. A comfortable return after exercise

After your morning session, head to the fireplace, a hot chocolate, or even a Nordic bath on the terrace. The contrast between the icy exertion and the cozy relaxation is simply perfect.

3. A tailor-made stay

The luxury chalets offered by Pointe de sel offer personalized services: private chef, massages, transfers... You can transform your ski vacation into a true wellness retreat.

3 other ideas to enhance your stay in a chalet in the Alps

1. Organize a fondue party around the fire

Nothing beats a good Savoyard fondue (or raclette) after a day of skiing. Whether your chalet has a private chef or you prefer to prepare dinner yourself, make this meal a friendly, local ritual.

2. Enjoy wellness treatments at altitude

Many chalets offer spa, hammam, jacuzzi or saunaOr swimming pools insuranceThese relaxation devices are ideal for relaxing muscles after a First Track session.

3. Invite a guide for a private outing

A mountain guide or ski instructor can take you off the beaten track: freeride or off-piste skiing, snowshoeing. A 100% alpine adventure, departing from your chalet.

Experience the mountains differently thanks to First Track

Le First Track offers you an unforgettable skiing experience. It reconnects the skier with nature, the mountains, and silence. Whether in the 3 Valleys or Paradiski, this activity will leave you with unforgettable memories.

And if you combine this morning adventure with a stay in chalet in the Alps, you access a version of the mountain that is at once authentic, comfortable and deeply human.

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