Ski Holidays in Courchevel, France
Courchevel is a cluster of four villages at the northern tip of the 3 Valleys ski area. The Courchevel villages include Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel Village (1550), Courchevel Moriond (1650), and Courchevel 1850 (1850).
All 4 villages are linked by a free bus service which runs frequently from early morning until late at night. Known as a glamorous ski holiday destination, Courchevel is where the royal family have been spotted on their holidays, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The resort has the highest level of luxury accommodation, restaurants and designer shops (notably in Courchevel 1850). It boasts 12 Michelin-starred restaurants and two 6-star hotels, however it is possible to enjoy a holiday here on a much more reasonable budget.
Courchevel is a great option for all levels of skiers and there is plenty for non-skiers to do too. The local Courchevel ski area has a great selection of runs from gentle greens to the Grand Couloir, graded black, and of course the vast areas of off-piste. Experienced skiers will want to upgrade to the full area pass so they can explore Meribel and Val Thorens but the local area with 150km of pistes, snowparks and a boardercross area offers more than enough to keep most entertained.
Resort Statistics
| Level | Rating | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 27 | |
| Intermediates | 82 | |
| Advanced | 10 | |
| Snowboarders | ||
| Total Runs | 119 |
- Off piste
- Families
- Non-skiers
- Groups
| Resort Altitude | 1850m |
| Highest Lift | 2740m |
| Total Piste | 150km |
| Longest Run | 9km |
| Directions of Slopes | N, E, S/E, W |
| Total Lifts | 67 |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 12 |
| Chairlifts | 17 |
| Drag Lifts | 29 |
| Snow Parks | 1 |
Skiing in Courchevel
The immediate skiing in Courchevel is hard to beat and offers slopes for all abilities; anybody who tires of it during their ski holidays in Courchevel always have the rest of the 3 Valleys at their disposal. Courchevel is the northern gateway to the 3 Valleys offering the most varied terrain from long gentle blues to steep couloirs, and superb skiing both above and below the tree line. The lift system is also very modern, fast and efficient. Ski schools abound and offer classes in 8 languages for every standard and discipline, from snowboarding to telemark.
Best runs in Courchevel
1. Creux
The creux run is a long blue run which takes you down to the Aiguille Du Fruit and Roc Mugnier chairlifts. It starts off wide and can be quite crowded but as the run progresses, it narrows slightly and is less busy.
2. Suisses
You can access this run at the top of the Vizelle gondola above Courchevel 1850. It’s a wide black run that is not too steep and has great snow conditions when it has been freshly groomed, so even intermediate skiers can tackle this one. If you’re looking for a challenge, get off at the top of the Suisse’s chairlift and take a right as if you are going to take the piste M. Off the side of this piste, there is an off-piste mogul section. It’s a real leg burner which leads back into the Suisse piste.
3. Indians
This gentle tree run is a great one to ski with children as at the top of the run there are Red Indian tepees. Inside them, listen to stories from the chief and dress up in the Red Indian costumes. Take the Marquis run afterwards and ski into Courchevel 1650.
4. Grand Coulior
Not for the faint hearted, this run has been listed as one of the most frightening runs in the French Alps. Accessed at the top of the Saulire gondola, riders have to walk down a narrow path to get to the start of the run. From here it’s a short but steep and narrow section and leads into the cruising red Saulire run.
Snow Conditions in Courchevel
With 700 snow cannons in The Three Valleys, the pistes are always immaculately groomed and snow is more reliable than the rest of the 3 Valleys as most of the slopes are North facing. Courchevel resort and The Three Valleys assures they will deliver “more snow than any other ski area”. This season sees it doubling its snow making capability.
Courchevel Ski Chalets
Separated into 4 villages, Iglu Ski has a wide selection of Courchevel chalets to choose from. Book a luxury Courchevel chalet in the exclusive resort of Courchevel (1850), enjoy a family skiing holiday in Courchevel Le Praz or discover the buzzing nightlife of Courchevel Moriond with a group chalet, whatever your choice Iglu Ski has a Courchevel chalet to suit you.
Family Skiing in Courchevel
Courchevel is a fantastic resort, especially for beginners. There are lots of smooth wide blue runs which are perfect for new skiers or snowboarders and children. Courchevel is a family friendly resort with many non-ski activities, including bowling, ice skating, hot air balloon rides, shopping and sledging. There are many ski schools to keep children well looked after during the day and to help them progress through their first turns.
Après-ski, Restaurants and Activities in Courchevel
There are dozens of bars across the villages for lively après ski, after dinner drinks or late night dancing. Adults will enjoy the varied boutiques and shops while children will love the play areas and exciting activities to do in resort. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, its Michelin star restaurants such as Le 1974, Courchevel’s first 3 Michelin star restaurant.
Other activities include:
- Big Air Bag
- Bowling
- Cookery Courses
- Fat Biking
- Gym and Fitness
- Hand Gliding
- Heli-Tours
- Hot-Air Balloon
- Ice-Skating
- Language Courses
- Library
- Micro-lighting
- Paragliding
- Private Functions
- Sightseeing
- Skydiving
- Sledging
- Snow Cat Driving
- Snow-Scooter
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Themed Evenings
- Torchlight Decent
- Wine tasting
- and so much more!
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