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Our Ski Instructors have been teaching skiing in Courchevel for 25 years. A lot has changed over the years, but the resort remains one of the best in the world. Our team has shared their top tips and insider secrets in our guide to Skiing in Courchevel.
Why Choose Courchevel?
Courchevel isn’t just another ski resort. It’s a vibrant winter wonderland nestled within the world-renowned Three Valleys. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for challenging pistes, a beginner aiming to perfect your first turns, or a non-skier seeking a rich blend of relaxation and adventure, Courchevel has something for everyone.
With over 600 km of meticulously groomed pistes in the Three Valleys region, the skiing opportunities are endless. The terrain is diverse, featuring beginner zones, intermediate paradises, and thrilling black runs for the advanced. Plus, endless off-piste possibilities for those craving untracked powder. With fast, modern lifts, incredible snow cannon coverage and reliable snowfall throughout the season, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Vanoise national park.
Where to ski in Courchevel
The best pistes for beginners
Encompassing 18 green pistes and 40 blue pistes – including dedicated beginner areas in Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and La Tania – Courchevel is a great place for beginner skiers. If you’re starting out, these beginner zones are the best places to start, allowing you to develop skills and build confidence without faster skiers zooming past and with the benefit of easy-to-use magic carpet lifts.
In Courchevel 1850, the beginner area can be accessed via the Jardin Alpin bubble, getting off at the G3 mid-station. Courchevel 1650’s beginner area is at the top of the Ariondaz bubble. And, in La Tania, it’s conveniently situated at the foot of the piste in the centre of the ski resort.
Want more info? This guide gives a full rundown of great runs for beginners in Courchevel.
The best pistes for Intermediate Skiers
Courchevel is often considered an intermediate’s paradise, and rightly so. Intermediates can enjoy perfect corduroy on cruisey blues and gentle reds the whole week with wide-open slopes and impeccably groomed pistes.
If you’re an intermediate heading to Courchevel, here are some of our instructor’s favourites that you might want to check out
- Gentianes – a gentle and fun blue run in Courchevel 1650, perfect for carving with some rollers thrown in for good measure.
- Creux – previously a red run, but since re-categorised as blue, Creux sets off from the top of Courchevel, with a steepish top section, before it mellows out into a beautiful and playful little gully. It’s worth noting that this famous run is the preferred route back from Méribel, so it’s best to ski it early when conditions are at their best.
- Folyeres – winding through the trees leading down to La Tania, it’s a stunning and super fun blue piste, not to be missed.
- Chapelets – this gentle red includes a steeper section at the top before levelling out. It meanders down with an incredible backdrop taking in the Dent de Villard. Best of all, it’s often a great place to avoid crowds due to its location on the far side of the Piste map.
The best pistes for Advanced Skiers
With 12 black runs and endless off-piste routes, advanced skiers will have plenty of steeper terrain to explore and put their skills to the test. We think the best are:
- Suisses – a challenging black which heads down from the top of Saulire, often with a mogul section off to one side, if bumps are your thing. It’s best skied when it’s freshly groomed – especially when it’s the “Piste du Jour” (A name given to runs they’ve paid particular attention to while Piste Bashing).
- Eclipse – built for the 2023 World Ski Championship. Eclipse is an iconic run from the Col de la Loze to Le Praz. It should be on any experienced skier’s bucket list. It’s not for the faint-hearted, with some seriously steep sections averaging a 30% gradient overall.
- Piste M – after a gentle lead-in, Piste M quickly gets steeper, taking you from the top of Saulire to the plateau near the top of the Verdons bubble. A fast but challenging run, best skied when it’s freshly pisted.
The best off-piste
While often overlooked for some steeper resorts, Courchevel has incredible off-piste terrain. And the best thing about it? It’s less frequently skied than other resorts, meaning first tracks are possible for days after a fresh snowfall.
Some of our favourite off-piste routes include:
- Les Avals – the valley off to skiers right of Courchevel 1650. This stunning valley offers pillow lines and sections of different gradients for off-piste skiers of different levels and abilities
- Roc Mugnier trees – to the left and right of Roc Mugnier
- Saulire couloirs – from the top of Saulire several steep couloirs run parallel to the Grand Couloir
Check out our blog on off-piste skiing in Courchevel for more suggestions on routes to explore.
If you’re heading off-piste, ensure you have the necessary equipment, know how to use it and are accompanied by an Off-Piste Guide or someone who knows the local area. Our team can always help you find the best snow and ski it safely.
The best après ski activities in Courchevel
For many skiers, no skiing holiday would be complete without a little après ski thrown in for good measure. After all, it’s not just skiing that makes a ski holiday unique. It’s everything that comes with it – the stunning setting, delicious food which tastes all the better after a long day on the slopes, and yes, the après.
The term après ski usually refers to drinks after skiing. Still, if you want to add some variety to your holiday, many other options are on offer. To help you make the most of your week, we’ve listed a selection of après activities to enjoy in Courchevel below.
Traditional Alpine Après Ski in Courchevel
If you fancy a traditional après session, ending the day with a cold beer, glass of wine or a warming vin chaud, perhaps with some live music. Courchevel has plenty of great options. When the sun is out, our favourite is a late afternoon drink on the sun terrace at the Bel Air in Courchevel 1650.
Nothing beats a Vin Chaud at Le Peuplier in Courchevel Le Praz when the weather comes in and snow is falling. Their secret recipe tastes incredible but packs a punch, so we would stop at 3.
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Lively Party Apres Ski in Courchevel
If you’re looking for something more lively, you can ski over the top of Saulire towards Meribel, where you’ll find the world-famous Folie Douce. Every day they host their usual dance party, complete with cabaret-style dancing from lunch until the lifts close.
You’ll find it near the mid-station of the Saulire Express. Pedestrians or beginner skiers can also take this down to the bar.
Keep an eye on the time and get the last lift back up. Otherwise, it’s an expensive taxi ride back to Courchevel.
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Rest and Relax at Aquamotion.
Courchevel’s Spa and Sports Centre, Aquamotion, is an excellent option for either après or a rest day. For the young or young at heart, you’ll enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, the slides, the diving pool and the lazy river.
The outdoor pools are magical mid-winter. We could describe this, but pictures are worth a thousand words.
Or, if you’re looking for something more relaxing, their adult-only spa, complete with three saunas, two steam rooms, and a cold plunge pool, could be for you.
Scale new heights and go Climbing.
Aquamotion also has a great climbing wall. With a ropes area, including two self-belay set-ups for people climbing alone, and space for bouldering, it’s perfect for climbers of all ages and abilities. All equipment is provided, including shoe rental.
Enjoy the activities in Courchevel 1850’s Forum.
The Forum in Courchevel 1850 is a great place to while away a few hours after skiing or on a day off. They’ve got a large ice skating rink, open daily from 3–7 PM. As well as an 8-lane bowling alley, several bars, restaurants and snack bars.
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The 3 best restaurants in Courchevel
With 14 Michelin stars to its name and a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, Courchevel is a foodie’s paradise. So it’s a tough call to whittle it down to the best restaurant for a high, mid and limited budget. However, to help you choose the best places for your party to eat, we’ve listed three that are highly recommended.
The Azimut – Courchevel Le Praz €€€
With countless fine dining restaurants and many Michelin Stars in Courchevel, choosing a restaurant in this price bracket is incredibly tough.
There are many more expensive restaurants within the valley, some with more Michelin stars. But the Azimut makes the cut because of the combination of delicious food and knowledgeable, warm service. It also remains surprisingly affordable for a restaurant of its calibre.
With one Michelin star, the Azimut serve delicious and creative dishes with a Parisian flair and a local influence. The service is impeccable, without the stuffiness of more traditional establishments. Formerly one of Courchevel’s best-kept secrets, the word is now out, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
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Best for Local Specialities: Le Petit Savoyard – Courchevel 1650 €€
You’ll always get a warm welcome from Pascal and his team in this friendly restaurant, which serves all your usual Savoyard specialities like fondue, raclette, tartiflette and steaks, and delicious woodfired pizzas. Everything they do is beautifully prepared and served with a smile, making it a great setting to try the local cuisine and get your cheese fix.
Best for families: L’Elephant, Le Praz €
The Elephant is a relaxed and welcoming pizzeria-come sports bar specialising in woodfired pizzas topped using local produce. In addition to pizzas, they also serve your usual pub food – burgers, pasta, steak, and salads – done well and cooked from scratch. You can entertain the whole family with a pool table, table football table, darts board, and regular live music.
The 3 best mountain restaurants in Courchevel
Nothing says ski holiday like a meal on the slopes to refuel after a morning’s skiing. If you enjoy a spot of lunch to break up your ski day like us, we’ve shared some of our recommendations for mountain restaurants for different budgets.
La Cave des Creux €€€
Set on the slopes above 1850, running alongside the piste of the same name, La Cave des Creux is a popular and bustling restaurant with an ornate interior and a well-placed sun terrace, perfect for spring sunny lunches. While the setting is quite remarkable, the food and atmosphere are what make this place sing.
Focusing on local produce, they serve a mix of regional specialities, Asian-inspired dishes, and sharing platters. Meanwhile, the regular live music and the vibrant buzz keep diners returning, so you’ll definitely want to book. This is one of the more expensive options, but perfect if you want a bit of a splurge. Make sure you save some room for dessert – it’s worth a visit for their dessert counter alone.
The Bel Air
With a large south-facing terrace and a cosy interior, complete with a log fire, the Bel Air is perfect for sunny days and when the weather draws in. Their traditional, simple and tasty food ranges from a tartiflette to steak, pasta, and their roast chicken and chips with a cracking tarragon sauce are famous amongst locals.
The Bel Air is a Courchevel institution, so it gets busy, and booking is advised. It’s easily reachable on skis or on foot, situated at the top of the Ariondaz bubble above Courchevel 1650.
Le Bouc Blanc
Last, but by no means least, is Le Bouc Blanc, situated on a plateau at the top of the La Tania bubble. The Bouc Blanc is popular with locals, which is always a good sign. They serve large portions of hearty food, with super speedy and friendly service – all at a very affordable price. You can’t go wrong with their plat du jour, served with a starter of their house salad. Their café gourmand is also – in our opinion – one of the best on the mountain.
The top hotels in Courchevel
If you like the privacy and convenience of a hotel break, here is a selection of hotels to suit different budgets and various needs or wants.
Grandes Alpes, Courchevel 1850
Nestled on the slopes of Courchevel 1850 is the Grandes Alpes Hotel. As old as the resort, the Grandes Alpes opened its doors in 1948 and was Courchevel’s first hotel. This 5-star hotel offers a luxury stay with personalised service – putting guest satisfaction first. The hotel offers nine apartments with 30 luxury bedrooms and suites.
Fahrenheit Seven, Courchevel 1650
Ideally situated right at the foot of the piste in Courchevel 1650, Fahrenheit Seven is a stylish 4-star hotel a little different to most in the valley. Part of a small group of boutique hotels, they offer double, triple and family rooms. They’re very proud of their signature “XXL breakfast bar”.
Le Portetta, Courchevel 1650
Le Portetta combines traditional decor with boutique touches in what you could call Alpine Chic. Boasting 4 stars, it’s situated at the foot of the pistes in Courchevel 1650. It has a fabulous sun terrace and bar area, welcoming skiers home after the day on the slopes. It’s also perfect for families – with large family-sized rooms, a child-friendly games room, and just metres from the beginner area.
Hotel Olympic, Courchevel 1850
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Hotel Olympic is a good bet. This 2-star hotel is well situated, just a few minutes from the slopes in 1850, with comfortable rooms, free wifi and a buffet breakfast served. Staying in Courchevel is never cheap, but the Olympic offers excellent value in a great location.
The best chalet companies in Courchevel
Chalets are a popular option for people looking for a home away from home. With both catered and self-catered options and high-end luxury chalets to more affordable chalet hotels, there is a chalet option to suit every party. Here is a selection of some of our recommended chalet options in Courchevel.
Oxford Ski Company
Alpine ski specialists Oxford Ski Company, create tailored ski holidays, including luxury chalet breaks. They offer both catered and self-catered options, spanning all of the villages in Courchevel. Their experienced and knowledgeable team will help create the perfect holiday, including selecting the most suitable location and that all-important chalet setting to ensure you have a fantastic holiday.
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Le Ski
Family-run chalet company Le Ski has delighted guests in Courchevel for over four decades. They have 16 catered chalets in 1650, with options for parties of different sizes and budgets – from an intimate chalet for two to a 22-bed chalet, perfect for big groups. They offer the traditional chalet service synonymous with ski holidays in France, including breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course meal with unlimited wine, five nights a week. They do all the heavy lifting with flights from the UK and transfers included in their package. You just have to make it to the airport on time.
Skiworld
British tour operator, Skiworld, offers affordable catered ski chalet holidays. They’ve also been operating since 1982 and describe themselves as a company run by skiers for skiers – so you can be confident you’re in safe hands. They have four chalets to choose from in Courchevel – three in Courchevel Village (1550) and one in Courchevel 1650. They serve breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course meal six nights a week. Their package also includes flights and transfers, offering great value.
Chalet Celeste
If you’d prefer a self-catered chalet break in a picturesque mountain village, Chalet Celeste is another excellent option set in the pretty village of Courchevel Le Praz.
This 6-bed modern chalet boasts high ceilings and stunning views – perfect for families or small groups.
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The best time to go to Courchevel
Every season is different, but it’s worth considering your priorities to help you choose the best time to travel.
January is best if you’re looking for the best snow with the greatest chances of fresh powder. It’s usually the coldest, and the snowpack is generally pretty reliable by mid-January.
Pre-Christmas or January breaks are your best bet to dodge the crowds and make the most of good deals on travel and accommodation.
Or, if you’re after sunny, warmer conditions, making it more comfortable for children, or better suited for afternoons enjoying a little après on a sun terrace, then March and April are great months to ski in Courchevel. They also benefit from more daylight hours, making the days seem longer.
Lift passes in Courchevel.
With immaculately groomed pistes and a fast and efficient lift system, it’s little surprise that lift passes in Courchevel are among the most expensive in the Alps. Prices start at around 65€ a day for a Courchevel Valley pass or 75€ a day for a 3 Valleys pass.
However, there are some offers to be aware of that can save you some money:
- Under 5s and over 75s ski for free (You’ll need a photo ID to collect your pass).
- Family passes are available for families of two adults and two children, each paying the child’s price.
- Groups of three or more all buying a 3 Valley ski pass of the same duration will get a discount on their individual lift passes when they purchase them together.
- There are some free lifts situated at the base of each village, meaning beginners might choose to hold out on buying a pass for the first day or two. Or, you could buy a Courchevel mini pass, covering the lower level lifts for a reduced price (34€ in 22/23 vs 65€ for a complete valley pass)
- If you’ll be skiing in Courchevel for more than a week. You might consider the Liberty Pass, which offers free days and excellent flexibility, as you only pay for the days you ski.
You can find more information on the passes or buy them online here.
Ski hire in Courchevel
We recommend SkiSet for ski hire in Courchevel. They have shops in each village of Courchevel and offer an exclusive discount for New Generation guests. You can find Ski Set at the following locations.
- Hotel Courcheneige, Six Senses Hotel, New Solarium Hotel and Ski Service Chamois in Courchevel 1850
- Serge Sports and Les Cimes Blanches in Courchevel 1650
- Raymonde Sports and Regis Sports in Courchevel 1550
- Gormier Sports in Le Praz
Courchevel App
An interactive guide to Courchevel in your pocket. This brand-new app will be your guide to accompany you during your stay in the resort. Helping you find all of the must-see activities or events, no matter which village you’re in. It can provide real-time information to help you explore (webcams, weather forecast, opening of the slopes and ski lifts, shuttles…).
Download the Courchevel app for Apple or Android
For information on the whole Ski Area, The Les 3 Vallées App is an essential companion for your skiing adventure in Courchevel. Available for both iOS and Android, this user-friendly App provides a wealth of information and features to enhance your experience. Here’s what you can expect to find in the App:
- Interactive piste map: easily navigate the Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens ski areas.
- Lift status updates: stay up to date with real-time information about the status of the lifts, including any closures or delays.
- Weather forecasts: check the weather forecast to plan your days on the slopes and ensure you’re prepared for the different weather conditions in Méribel.
- Resort information: find details about restaurants, bars, accommodations, events, and other amenities within Méribel.
- Friends and tracking: connect with friends, track your skiing statistics, and share your Méribel adventures on social media.
Download the Three Valleys app for Apple or Android
Getting to Courchevel
Traditionally most people fly to Courchevel. There are several airports to choose from that are within reaching distance of the resort, and if all goes according to plan, it’s usually the quickest route. The closest airports are Chambery, reachable in 90 mins, or Lyon, Geneva or Grenoble, all about 2 hrs 15 mins. Unless, of course, you’re travelling by private jet. In this case, you could land at Courchevel’s airport in 1850.
Snowlinx offer Private and Shared transfers from all the major Airports, Transfer Hubs and local Cities.
Courchevel Airport Transfers | Snowlinx
There are public buses from the airport, but you’ll need to change at Moutiers, and they’re not cheap, so if there are a few of you, it’s often cheaper to share a transfer.
The train is the cheapest option from the airports, but again, this will involve several changes, and the trains are somewhat infrequent.
Another option, which can prove cheaper if a number of you travel, is driving. The motorways in France are usually quiet, which makes them fast and hassle-free. However, you have to factor in the cost of the tolls along the way. The other thing to consider if you drive is where to park. If your accommodation doesn’t offer parking, you’ll want to book a space in one of the paid underground car parks as there is very little free on-road parking available in the resort.
Travelling by train to the snowy mountains isn’t only a picturesque journey but also a top choice from an environmental perspective, helping to minimise your carbon footprint.
From London St Pancras International, you can take the Eurostar to Paris before switching trains to bring you closer to the resort. Depending on the season, you may need to complete the trip’s final leg via a shuttle bus or coach. For further guidance on adopting sustainable travel choices, visit the Snow Carbon website, a valuable resource to help you identify more environmentally friendly routes.
