The same journey, two difficulty limits
We tested public reference points near UCPA Val Thorens and Courchevel 1850 using Mountainmapper’s offline piste-and-lift graph. This is a calculation example, not a ski itinerary verified on the mountain. The full inputs and result are linked below.
Swipe the table horizontally to read all columns.
| Maximum piste difficulty | Computed result | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Green only | No route found | These reference points do not connect under this limit in the tested graph. |
| Blue allowed | Route found; five lift rides | The graph contains a connection using green and blue tagged pistes. It does not establish today’s access. |
The five lifts in the computed sequence
The successful result includes VT31 Cairn → VT3 Plein Sud → VT4 Funitel 3 Vallées → M22 Pas du Lac 1 → M22 Pas du Lac 2. These are the lift names stored in the tested data, in calculation order.
Named piste sections include Access UCPA, Cairn, Plein Sud, Lac de la Chambre, Bouvreuil bleu, Ours and Creux. The full result also contains other pistes, unnamed sections and transfer edges. This short list is not a complete set of directions; use the full result to inspect the calculation, not to follow it on snow.
Why the green-only result matters
A difficulty limit is a constraint on the complete route. Two places can be visible on the same linked-domain map without a route that stays below your chosen grade. In this example, the blue-tagged connection is excluded by the green-only setting.
If you only ski green runs, keep that limit. Ask resort staff about an appropriate destination or a suitable non-ski connection. The successful blue calculation is an explanation of the graph, not a recommendation to ski above your level.
Reproduce the question in Mountainmapper
Find the Les 3 Vallées area in the app and prepare the required downloads while connected. Set your own intended start and finish, choose a difficulty you can ski and review every step, including access and transfer legs. Exact points and map versions can change the result.
The downloadable example tests only the piste-and-lift graph. It does not validate the walk from a building, the full walking or transit planner, lift-pass entitlement, closing times or the return journey. There is no measured journey time or queue estimate in this case.
Check the day’s conditions separately
Compare the route with the official piste plan, the lift and piste opening report, local closing times and signs. The web overview helps locate names; it does not calculate or navigate this route.
Starting app guidance requires restriction information no more than 24 hours old. That operational check does not replace official live openings. The calculation was rechecked on 30 October 2026; it is not evidence that these lifts were operating on that date.
FAQ
Can I ski from Val Thorens to Courchevel using only green pistes?
This reference test found no green-only route in the tested graph. It does not prove that every possible start and finish is impossible; ask the resort about an option suited to your level.
Does the blue result mean the route is open?
No. It establishes connectivity in the tested map graph. Openings, local restrictions, lift hours and suitability need a separate check.
Why might my app return a different result?
Your selected points, downloaded data version, difficulty, avoidance settings and available walking or transit data can differ from this reference test.
