Coeur Blanc founders – Pierre Taylor & Rory Tapner

ABOUT THE COEUR BLANC

This ski event was established in 2008 for the purpose of raising funds for charity and is held every other year. The challenge, as a team, is to complete a full journey on every one of the 52 lifts in the Méribel Valley in a single day skiing from lift to lift. This will comprise around 85 kilometres, 8.5 hours skiing, and the equivalent of travelling up and down Mount Everest twice. Méribel, in the French region of Haut Savoie, is part of one of the world’s largest ski domains, Les Trois Vallées.

Each team consists of 4 or 5 skiers or snowboarders, accompanied by an ESF guide, and picks its own route for the challenge. Before the start, all team members will receive a Coeur Blanc badge — which, for those who complete the challenge, will be exchanged at the after-party for our valuable commemorative silver-and-diamond badge. In 2024 we are aiming to get over 100 skiers to participate with a maximum of 22 teams.

It’s a long weekend of fun activities – think tobogganing, torchlit descent, social events… with a very serious fundraising side to it. Since its inception in 2008 the Coeur Blanc has raised over £2.25m in the 7 times it has taken place. Every team undertakes to raise a minimum amount of money with 100% of funds raised going to the charity.  All those coming to Méribel not only pay their own way but also give very generously. Those taking part in the Coeur Blanc come mainly from the UK, though teams compete from America, Canada, Europe and Africa.