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Resort Guide

Courchevel

France | 3 Valleys

World-class skiing with variety, vast terrain and more than a hint of luxury

As part of the vast 3 Vallées ski area, Courchevel offers some of the most extensive and varied skiing in the Alps, with access to an incredible 600km of slopes.

With its distinct villages and perfectly groomed pistes, it’s a resort that balances world-class skiing with different atmospheres depending on where you stay from relaxed and family-friendly to exclusive and high-end.

Whether you’re building confidence or exploring further afield, Courchevel makes it easy to get the most out of every ski day.

Courchevel Quick Facts

  • Ski area: 3 Valleys
  • Resort height: 1850m
  • Resort top height: 3230m
  • Km piste: 600
  • Snow cannons: 2634
  • Distance from Calais: 580 miles (approx. 9h)
  • Lift pass: ££££
  • No. of slopes: 336
  • Green slopes: 55
  • Blue slopes: 141
  • Red slopes: 117
  • Black slopes: 36
  • Beginners:
  • Intermediate:
  • Expert:
  • Boarders:
Highlights

Access to the vast 3 Vallées with 600km of ski terrain

A choice of village bases from traditional charm to luxury living

Exceptional skiing for intermediates with near-limitless exploration potential

High-quality lift system and immaculate piste preparation

Strong family offering with excellent beginner areas and facilities

Premium reputation but that can mean higher prices in parts of the resort

Resort

Everything you need to know about Courchevel

Get to know Courchevel beyond the glitz and glamour, from the best slopes to ski to après activities.

  • Best for those looking for luxury, high-end shopping and facilities, and a village feel

  • Courchevel has more Michelin starred restaurants that anywhere in France outside of Paris!

  • Lively and cosmopolitan overall, with quieter pockets available

A collection of villages, each with its own feel

Courchevel is made up of several villages, ranging from Le Praz at 1300m through to Courchevel 1850, as well as Courchevel La Tania. Each offers something slightly different, from traditional Alpine charm to purpose-built convenience.

Courchevel Moriond (at 1650m) strikes a balance with sunny slopes and family-friendly skiing. Higher up, Courchevel (at 1850m) is known for its ski-in/ski-out convenience and polished atmosphere.

More than just a luxury resort

The resort began with the village of Saint Bon, the first hotel there welcomed guests in 1925.  From these humble beginnings the resort grew and now Courchevel is often associated with high-end chalets, designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, which attract the rich and famous who fly into the resort’s own mini-airport in the middle of the slopes (the Altiport).

While that side is very much present, there’s far more to it as access to a wide range of accommodation and an incredible ski area mean you enjoy the skiing without being fully immersed in the high-end scene.

Easy to get around and well connected

The villages are linked by an efficient lift system and free shuttle buses, making it easy to explore different areas.

This flexibility means you can choose where to stay based on your priorities, while still having access to everything the resort offers.

  • One of the best-connected ski areas in the world with high altitude links

  • Exceptional for mixed-ability groups with superb terrain for all levels

  • Courchevel has snow-sure north / north-east facing slopes

Beginners

Courchevel is a reassuring place to learn, with over 50 green/blue runs, wide, gentle slopes and dedicated beginner areas across several villages.

Special ‘Zen’ zones and themed fun areas allow you to build confidence in a safe, supportive environment. There are two in Courchevel (1850) and one in Courchevel Moriond (1650). There are also free lifts for beginners, making it easy to practise without committing to a full lift pass straight away.

The gentle tree-lined slopes that bring you back to Courchevel (1850m) and the blues towards the Altiport are a great place to progress. Beginners will also love the nursery slopes in Courchevel Moriond (1650), which also has a tree lined skiing ideal for when it’s snowing or visibility is poor.

Intermediates

This is where Courchevel truly stands out. With access to the 3 Vallées, intermediates can explore an enormous network of blue and red runs across multiple valleys. Courchevel Moriond (1650) has some of the best slopes for early intermediates.

It’s possible to ski incredible distances in a single day, linking resorts like Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens (at the opposite end of the 3 Vallées. The pistes are immaculately maintained, and the lift system makes moving between areas seamless.

Advanced

Advanced skiers are equally well catered for, with a mix of challenging black runs and extensive off-piste terrain.

Iconic descents like the Grand Couloir and runs created for the World Championships such as the Eclipse (a 3.3km long black run that starts at the top of the Col de la Loze, with a vertical descent of 970m) offer serious challenge, while freeride zones provide a more natural, ungroomed experience for confident skiers.

The whole Saulire/Creux sector has an impressive network of red and black runs (many of the best of these start from the top of the Saulire cable car); renowned red runs include Saulire, Marmottes and Jean Pachod, for brilliant black runs look out for M, Suisses and Chanrossa. There are also beautiful black runs towards the lower village of Courchevel le Praz. Jockeys and Jean Blanc are particularly good runs for when visibility is poor.

Mountain fun zones

There are numerous fun areas throughout the resort, from family-friendly snowparks and themed runs to boardercross and speed zones, where you can challenge your friends on a timed slalom. These add variety and make the resort particularly appealing for families.

Nordic skiing

Courchevel offers 66km of cross-country trails. Most start from Courchevel (1850) but there are some that start from every village, all vary in distance between 2.5km and 17km. These provide a quieter way to enjoy the mountains and they are all free to access. The sunniest trail, La Boucle du Belvédère, is 5km long with stunning panoramic views over the Mont Charvet ridges.

  • Particularly strong for families and groups with varied interests

  • Blend of high-end experiences and accessible activities

A wide choice beyond skiing

Courchevel offers an impressive range of activities, whether you want to stay active or take a break from skiing.

Highlights include ice skating, toboggan runs, including a 3km racing track, and night skiing sessions that give a different perspective on the slopes.

Family-friendly experiences

Families are particularly well served in Courchevel, with dedicated play areas and sledging zones. From Courchevel (1850) there’s an impressive 2km long sledging run that takes you all the way down to Courchevel 1550 from where you can take the Grangettes bubble back up to the start in Courchevel (1850). The run has a 300m vertical drop and an average incline of 15%.

The Aquamotion centre (situated in Courchevel Moriond (1650)) is a standout, offering pools, slides and a spa, making it an easy choice on days off the slopes or in the evenings.

Something a little different

For a memorable experience, you can try a panoramic helicopter flight. Or, Courchevel Le Praz has an Olympic ski jump (90m and 120m) that was used in the 1992 Albertville Olympic games. If you’re feeling brave, you can try the smaller jumps next door (25m and 60m). Inside the tower there’s a fascinating exhibition about the sport’s history.

Another unique experience is having an aperitif in the trees, sitting at a suspended table, for a magical unusual experience to share with family or friends.

There are also quieter options including restorative yoga sessions and there are 22 groomed, marked walking trails and 9 snowshoeing routes, allowing you to slow things down and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

  • Extensive choice from casual dining to Michelin-starred restaurants

  • Lively après-ski scene with options for all tastes

  • Wide range of shops from essentials to luxury boutiques

A destination for dining

Courchevel is known for its food scene, with over 120 restaurants across the resort, including the highest concentration of Michelin-starred options, more than other destination in France outside of Paris!

On the mountain, you’ll find everything from relaxed picnic spots to high-end restaurants with panoramic views. Bel Air above Courchevel Moriond has a large terrace and friendly service but can be a little pricey. Above La Tania is the Bouc Blanc which is another good choice. Ski over to Les Menuires, to find great value resort restaurants.

Après-ski to suit every mood

Après-ski ranges from relaxed drinks on sunny terraces to lively bars and late-night venues.

It’s easy to keep things low-key or step into something more energetic depending on the evening.

Everything you need, and more

The resort offers an extensive range of shops, from bakeries and supermarkets to high-end fashion boutiques. For local colour, visit the weekly markets in Courchevel (1850) and Courchevel Moriond (1650).

Location

Courchevel resort PDF maps

Courchevel location map

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Accommodation
FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Courchevel

Is Courchevel good for beginners? plus icon minus icon

Yes, Courchevel is very good for beginners. There are wide, gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas across the resort, including beginner-friendly ‘Zen’ zones. These are designed to help you feel comfortable and progress at your own pace. Many lifts in beginner areas are free, making it easier to practise without committing to a full ski pass straight away.

Is Courchevel good for intermediate skiers? plus icon minus icon

Courchevel is excellent for intermediates. The local area alone offers a wide range of blue and red runs, but the real advantage is access to the 3 Vallées. This means you can explore hundreds of kilometres of linked pistes, with endless variety and the opportunity to ski between multiple resorts in a single day.

Is Courchevel suitable for advanced skiers? plus icon minus icon

Yes, Courchevel offers plenty for advanced skiers. There are steep black runs and extensive off-piste terrain to explore. Challenging descents like the Grand Couloir and the Eclipse piste provide a real test, while freeride areas allow for a more natural skiing experience when conditions are right.

How big is the Courchevel ski area? plus icon minus icon

The local Courchevel area offers around 150km of pistes. However, it is part of the 3 Vallées, which gives access to around 600km of linked slopes, making it the largest linked ski area in the world.

Are lift passes in Courchevel pre-bookable? plus icon minus icon

Yes, lift passes can be pre-booked with us, including both the Courchevel area and the full 3 Vallées domain. This helps you avoid queues on arrival and ensures everything is ready for your first day.

Can I pre-book ski hire in Courchevel? plus icon minus icon

Yes, ski and snowboard hire, boots and helmets can be pre-booked with us. This makes your arrival smoother and is particularly helpful during busy periods, when in-resort availability can be limited.

Is childcare available in Courchevel? plus icon minus icon

Yes, Courchevel offers excellent childcare and holds the Famille Plus label. There are facilities for young children, including daycare from around 18 months and dedicated children’s areas linked to ski schools. Childcare cannot be pre-booked with us, so we recommend contacting providers directly before your trip, especially during peak weeks when spaces fill quickly.

Can I pre-book ski school in Courchevel? plus icon minus icon

Yes, we can pre-book group ski school lessons with the ESF French ski school. These start with children from the age of 3-5, who join club Piou Piou classes, and go right up to adult lessons. We can also pre-book private lessons. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during peak periods.

What is the après-ski like in Courchevel? plus icon minus icon

Après-ski in Courchevel is varied. You’ll find relaxed bars for a drink after skiing, as well as lively venues and nightclubs if you want a more energetic evening. The atmosphere depends on where you are staying, with quieter options in lower villages and a more vibrant scene higher up.

Is Courchevel only for the super rich? plus icon minus icon

Not at all. While Courchevel is known for its palace hotels and high-end services, our range of beautiful premium accommodation offers a luxury base with a more relaxed atmosphere; enjoy incredible skiing, Michelin-starred restaurants and special experiences.

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Peak Retreats

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15th May, 2019

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