Experience the dreamy scenes of gorgeous après vistas and adrenaline pumping descents that Courchevel offers.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know before visiting this incredible ski destination, so stick around and discover this one of the best skiing place in Europe before you go on your ski trip.
Location, Weather, and Climate at Courchevel
Courchevel is located in Savoie, France, and is a French Alps resort which forms a part of Les Trois Vallées. This resort poses exceptional views and offers access to Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world.
| Month | Temperature (High) | Temperature (Low) | Snowfall (inches) |
| November | 4° | -5° | 7.4 |
| December | 0° | -8° | 9.8 |
| January | 0° | -9° | 12.2 |
| February | 2° | -9° | 9.4 |
| March | 7° | -5° | 9 |
| April | 10° | -2° | 5.5 |
Check out the average weather each month here
.
It gets incredibly cold, so visitors will need to ensure that appropriate winter gear and clothing is worn. Proper gear such as skiing helmets and goggles will provide protection while skiing, and sunscreen should be worn as well.
Additional measures such as umbrellas are advised while participating in non-ski activities or traveling during snowfall.
Getting to and around Courchevel
Courchevel ski resort can be reached by flying into Courchevel Altiport International, the International Airport of Geneva, Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport, Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport, or Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport.
Visitors can use trains, buses, carpooling, and shuttles to reach Courchevel, which can be easily navigated with Tictactrip, Moûtiers, Lyon airport, and Lyon. Check out more details on traveling to Courchevel here. Details on parking areas once patrons have arrived at the area can be found here.
Accommodation at Courchevel
With the world undergoing an array of twists, turns, and changes in 2020, Courchevel has made a few adjustments in order to accommodate and manage the number of individuals on-site at any given moment.
It’s essential to ensure that all persons visiting the resort are up to date with requirements for the most peaceful and enjoyable trip. Check out details on new policies, rules, regulations, and requirements here.
There are a total of 41 incredible hotels in the area, offering patrons a wide variety of lodging options suitable for varying budgets, preferences, and accommodation comfort levels.
The 7 resorts, Courchevel, Brides-Les-Bains, Meribel, Saint-Martin De Belleville, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Orelle, are situated at varying points across the mountains.
Some of the best hotels offering ski-in/ski-out opportunities topped with exceptional service and mesmerizing views include Aman Le Melezin, Le K2 Altitude, La Sivoliere, Le Chabichou, Annapurna, and Les Palace Des Neiges.
But, there are plenty more lodging options for visitors to enjoy, providing many additional amenities and facilities to make an already incredibly action-packed ski trip even more convenient, comfortable, and memorable. Check out details on all accommodation hotspots here.
Ski areas in Courchevel
The combined ski area offered by Courchevel provides the opportunity to ski across a variety of legendary summits including Vizelle, Le Masse, Cime Caron, Mont Vallon, and Roc de Fer.
The area boasts exceptional 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding snowy peaks encompassing over 1,000 unique Alpine summits leading from Mont Blanc to Les Écrins, which can be enjoyed while engaging with activities, stopping off at refreshment points, or while heading down an array of enthralling runs.
Courchevel has a stunning environment suited to skiers of all levels, with 60% suited to novices and intermediates, designated areas for beginners, and steep descents for advanced skiers.
There are over 370 miles of terrain to enjoy, 327 runs, 42 fun zones, 186 ski lifts which make up one of the most efficient high-speed ski lift networks in the world, and 2,189 snowmakers which cover 50% of the area for guaranteed snow in ski season.
Summits over 5,900ft in altitude connect the 7 resorts, and most of the area faces northward, which ensures better snow quality and natural snow cover during peak season.
The Courchevel ski area is comprised of various ski areas with 21 green runs, 41 blue runs, 36 red runs, and 12 black runs, and the 7 resorts are scattered across the area at various elevations, namely Courchevel, Brides-Les-Bains, Meribel, Saint-Martin De Belleville, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Orelle.
A detailed visual map of the area can be accessed and viewed here. Users can identify opening times for the pistes, risk of avalanches, and use special filters to look for the locations of various attractions suited to individual needs, such as specific levels of runs, parks, and much more.
Biollay
Biollay offers a wide variety in skiing experience level, as the area features various trails suited for skiers of all calibers. It’s a fantastic area for all-round versatility and can be enjoyed by skiers from all walks of life.
- Travel and Gondolas
A total of 15 ski lifts and gondolas service this area, namely Rocher De L’ombre, Sources, Verdons, Biollay, Pralong, Aiguille Du Fruit, Altiport, Ferme, Cospillot, Jardin Alpin, Etoiles, Golf 1850 N°1, Bellecôte, Golf 1850 N°2, and Golf 1850 N°3.
- Green Runs for Beginners and Novice Skiers
This area boasts 7 green runs suited for beginners and novice skiers, including the Verdons, Renards, Zen Ferme, Jardin Alpin, Zen Practice, Bellecôte, and Bellecôte-Pralong.
These areas are perfect for those who have mastered the basics of skiing offered in beginner specific areas and allow novice skiers to partake in awe-inspiring descents with captivating panoramas.
- Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
A total of 11 blue runs are scattered throughout the area, allowing intermediate skiers to enjoy a variety of runs at varying altitudes.
This includes Sources, Petit Lac, Biollay, Biollay-Verdons, Super Pralong, Pralong, Pralong-Suisses, Rama, Altiport, Praméruel, and Cospillot.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
There are 4 red runs suited for advanced skiers in search of adrenaline-pumping descents and steep slopes. This includes Marquetty, Cave Des Creux, Altipôle, and Plan Du Vah.
- Black Runs for Expert Skiers
The area is topped off with 1 legendary black run named Mur, which is suitable for expert skiers seeking the optimal thrill.
Chanrossa
Chanrossa is a smaller ski area, which is comprised of blue, red, and black runs. This area is mainly suited for skiers with higher experience levels and offers stunning descents and challenges.
- Travel and Gondolas
Chanrossa is serviced by 4 ski lifts and gondolas, including the Chanrossa, Roc Merlet, as well as Pyramides 1 and Pyramides 2.
- Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
The area offers 4 unique trails for intermediate skiers, including the Pyramides, Plan Mugnier, Montagnes Russes, as well as Lac Ariondaz.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
Advanced skiers can enjoy the 2 red runs in the area, the Jean Pachod and Roc Merlet, for challenging descents and captivating steep slopes.
- Black Runs for Expert Skiers
Expert skiers can benefit from the Chanrossa, the only black run available in this ski area.
Tania
Tania is another all-around area for versatile use and a range of trails suited to skiers at various experience levels. The area boasts a balance between green, blue, and red, and black runs.
- Travel and Gondolas
Tania is serviced by 7 ski lifts and gondolas, including the Dou Des Lanches, Bouc Blanc, Tania, Gros Murger, Mon Tania, Troïka, and Stade Tania.
- Green Runs for Beginners and Novice Skiers
Novice and beginner skiers who have mastered the basics can enjoy 4 green runs in the area, namely the Plan Fontaine, Zen Tania G2, Zen Troïka, as well as Jardin D’enfants Tania.
- Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers seeking higher challenge levels can benefit from the 3 blue trails in the area, including Col De La Loze, Arolles, and Folyères.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
There are a total of 4 unique red runs in the area, namely the Lanches, Bouc Blanc, Moretta Blanche, and Stade Slalom Tania.
- Black Runs for Expert Skiers
Expert skiers can enjoy 2 black runs for outstanding challenges, including the Dou Des Lanches and Eclipse.
Loze
Loze is a fantastic choice for variety and does feature trails suited for beginners or novices and experts. But, the area mainly offers exceptional skiing potential for intermediate and advanced skiers, with the majority of its terrain being comprised of blue and red runs.
- Travel and Gondolas
Loze is a larger area serviced by 14 lofts and gondolas, including the Chenus, Coqs, Loze A, Plantrey, Forêt, Epicéa, Praz, Grangettes, Tovets, Roys, Loze B, Envolée, Grandes Combes, and Jardin D’enfants.
- Green Runs for Beginners and Novice Skiers
Those who are still getting the hang of skiing can enjoy 4 green runs in the area, namely the Loze Est, Plantrey, Village Des Enfants, and Zen Envolée.
- Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers can hit the slopes with 8 various blue trails, including the Lac Bleu, Anémones, Chabichou, Tovets, Provères, Stade Slalom Village, Grandes Combes, and Slalom Park.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
Red runs adorn this ski area, and advanced skiers have plenty of option with a total of 12 red trails. This includes Chenus, Coqs, Jantzen, Loze, Dou Du Midi, Déviation 1550, Petit Dou, Murette, Brigues, Amoureux, Saint Bon, and Stade Slalom Emile Allais.
- Black Runs for Expert Skiers
Expert skiers can choose between 2 black trails in the area, including the Jean Blanc and Jockeys.
Saulire
This ski area is more suited to those with a higher skiing experience and expertise level, with 17 runs suited to intermediates, advanced, and expert skiers.
- Travel and Gondolas
Saulire is serviced by 4 ski lifts and gondolas, namely the Saulire, Vizelle, Suisses, and Marmottes.
- Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers can enjoy 4 blue runs in the area, including the Creux, Lac Des Creux, Plan Du Lac, and Vizelle-Creux.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
Advanced skiers have freedom of choice in the area, with a total of 7 red runs including the Combe De La Saulire, Téléphone, Vizelle-Combe, Park City, Marmottes, Américain, and Roches Grises.
- Black Runs for Expert Skiers
Expert skiers seeking the highest challenge levels have a wide variety to choose from with 6 unique black runs in the area. This includes the Grand Couloir, Bosses, Combe Des Pylônes, M, Suisses, and Roches Grises.
Signal
This larger ski area offers 24 runs suited to beginners and novice skiers, as well as intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Travel and Gondolas
Signal is serviced by 11 ski lifts and gondolas, including the Chapelets, Signal, Roc Mugnier, Petite Bosse, Ariondaz, Granges, Belvédère, Mickey, Petit Moriond, Mine, and Sheriff.
- Green Runs for Beginners and Novice Skiers
Beginners and Novice skiers can enjoy comfortable and safer terrain with a total of 6 green runs, including the Petite Bosse, Praline, Belvédère, Belvédère-Granges, Zen Mickey, and Moriond.
- Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers have freedom of choice with a total of 11 blue runs in the area, including the Marquis, Ariondaz, Easy Way, Gentianes, Gravelles, Signal, Indiens, Granges, Petit Moriond, Cèpes, and Mousserons.
- Red Runs for Advanced Skiers
Advanced skiers can enjoy 7 red runs in this area, namely the Chapelets, Tetras, Rochers, Grandes Bosses, Roc Mugnier, Bel Air, and Stade Moriond.
- Additional features
This combined area of the Courchevel ski resort also flaunts a spectacular variety in family-friendly skiing opportunity and relaxation areas, Zen Zones which are suited for children and beginners, as well as The Western Ski Park offering a cordoned off ski area with rest-stops for children and beginners, all adorned with a classic Western theme.
There is plenty of picnic and refreshment spots for skiers and patrons, all of which pose splendid views of the combined area and stunning scenery of surrounding snowy slopes. The 7 Easy Rider areas allow novice skiers to engage in high-altitude skiing, accessible at Mickey, The Altiport, Jardin Alpin, Les Roys, Troika, and Mon Tania.
- Restaurants and Bars
There are a total of 65 restaurants, 52 of which are slopeside, providing delicious delights to patrons visiting this intriguing ski resort, all of which can be viewed in detail here.
Some of the most popular restaurants include Le Fouquet’s, Le Genepi, and L’Altiplano. However, due to the conditions of reopening the resort, some of the listed establishments may not be open for service currently. So, this will need to be confirmed prior to booking.
Ski Schools
This ski resort offers plenty of freedom of choice when it comes to selecting a great ski school providing both private and group lessons.
Whether you’re seeking lessons for a beginner, or are looking to improve growing skiing skills, there is something for everyone, and all skiing schools have varying terms of service and pricing systems.
Skiing lessons can be arranged at the Courchevel Mountain Guides Office, at ESF 1850, at ESF Courchevel 1650 Moriond, at ESF Courchevel Village, at ESF La Tania, at First Tracks Ski Coaching, at Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School, and at Oxygene Ski Et Snowboard School.
All of these reputable coaching and training facilities provide various benefits which make each establishment unique, and experienced instructors will show aspiring skiers plenty of fundamentals and techniques to get patrons comfortable and ready to tackle some enchanting slopes.
Check out more details on all of these schools here.
Ski Rentals
This ski resort features plenty of facilities for renting skis and necessary gear to ensure you have high-quality equipment for tackling such a memorable and diverse landscape.
There are 19 featured ski equipment renters available in the area, all of which offer varying terms of service and pricing systems. Some of the best establishments include Blanc Francis Sports Skimum, Serge Sport Skiset, White Storm, and Olympic Sports. Check out details on all available establishments here.
Ski Passes
A single-pass can be used to traverse the 7 esteemed ski resort areas for maximum freedom and enjoyment of your ski trip. These are some of the most popular skis pass at the resort.
| Solo Day Pass | Tribu 6 Day Pass | Family Pass | |||
| ● Allows 1-day access
● For one person only Check more details on pricing and booking here
|
● Allows 6 days access consecutively
● Access for 3 skiers and +, discounts for special vary upwards of $287 p/p
Check out more details on pricing and booking here |
● Allows 6 days access consecutively
● Access to 2 parents and 2 children aged 5 – 18 y/o, discounts for special vary upwards of $243 p/p Check out more details on pricing and booking here |
|||
| It should be noted that prices are set in €, thus average prices in $ are not exact, and may vary based on fluctuating exchange rates.
Discounts on packages and best offer deals may vary, and prices fluctuate based on time of year as well. Listed prices are averaged, and detailed prices charged during peak ski season. |
|||||
| Age | Price | Age | Price | Age | Price |
| Enfant
5 – 12 y/o |
$49 | Enfant
5 – 12 y/o |
$244 | Enfant
5 – 12 y/o |
$244 |
| Junior
13 – 17 y/o |
$61 | Junior
13 – 17 y/o |
$305 | Junior
13 – 17 y/o |
$305 |
| Jeune
18 – 29 y/o |
$61 | Jeune
18 – 29 y/o |
$305 | Jeune
18 – 29 y/o |
$305 |
| Adulte
30 – 64 y/o |
$61 | Adulte
30 – 64 y/o |
$305 | Adulte
30 – 64 y/o |
$305 |
| Senior
65 – 74 y/o |
$61 | Senior
65 – 74 y/o |
$275 | Senior
65 – 74 y/o |
$275 |
In addition to these passes, Courchevel offers plenty more ski pass options for those skiing solo, skiing duos, and much more. These are available in various time spans for children, adults, and seniors. Check out details on all ski passes here.
| Duo Deal | Tribu Deal | Family Deal | ||
| 3 Valleys | 3 Valleys | 3 Valleys | Courchevel | |
| 5 Days | NA | NA | NA | $258 |
| 6 Days | $370 | $364 | $305 | $272 |
| 7 Days | $430 | $424 | $353 | $311 |
| 8 Days | $490 | $484 | $401 | $354 |
| Solo Passes | ||||||
| Duration | 3 Valleys | Courchevel | ||||
| Children (5 – 13) | Adult
(13 – 65) |
Senior
(65 – 75) |
Children (5 – 13) | Adult
(13 – 65) |
Senior
(65 – 75) |
|
| 3 hours | NA | NA | NA | $45 | $57 | $51 |
| 4 hours | $54 | $68 | $61 | NA | NA | NA |
| Afternoon | NA | NA | NA | $45 | $57 | $51 |
| 1 day | $61 | $76 | $69 | $54 | $69 | $61 |
| 2 days | $121 | $152 | $136 | $109 | $136 | $122 |
| 3 days | $181 | $227 | $203 | $164 | $205 | $184 |
| 4 days | $241 | $302 | $271 | $218 | $273 | $246 |
| 5 days | $291 | $364 | $327 | $258 | $323 | $290 |
| 6 days | $305 | $381 | $342 | $272 | $340 | $305 |
| 7 days | $353 | $442 | $397 | $311 | $390 | $351 |
| 8 days | $401 | $502 | $451 | $354 | $443 | $398 |
At 3 Valleys, weekends spent skiing are rewarded with special discounts as well. This allows access to the ski resort in the 3 Valleys for the entire day with unlimited access to facilities. But, this offer is only available online. Check out more details here.
| Children (5 – 13) | Adult (13 – 65) | Senior (65 – 75) | |
| Saturday | $61 for all entrees. | ||
| Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) | $121 | $138 | $129 |
While all of these ski passes are excellent choices for various groups, families, couples, or solo skiers, it’s highly recommended to invest in a season pass if you’re planning on hitting these slopes over a lengthened period of time during peak season.
Seasonal passes offer far more benefits, freedom of choice for over 21 days spanning throughout the ski season, and unlimited access to facilities for optimal enjoyment of the best quality snow and supreme ski conditions. Check out details and benefits of a season pass here.
| Solo Season Ski Pass | |||||
| 3 Valleys | Courchevel | ||||
| Young
(5 – 30 y/o) |
Adult
(30 – 65 y/o) |
Senior
(65 – 75 y/o) |
Young
(5 – 30 y/o) |
Adult
(30 – 65 y/o) |
Senior
(65 – 75 y/o) |
| $1141 | $1630 | $1467 | $959 | $1370 | $1234 |
| Season Ski Pass Packages | |||||
| Package or Deal | Price | Package or Deal | Price | ||
| Duo Offer | $1582 | NA | NA | ||
| Tribu Offer | $1558 | NA | NA | ||
| Family Offer | $1304 | Family Offer | $1097 | ||
Obtaining a seasonal pass allows patrons to enjoy the resort with maximum freedom, convenience, and rewards, such as 4 total free toboggan runs on Moriond Racing in Courchevel, on Mission Black Forest in Méribel, on Roc N Bob in Les Menuires, and on Toboggan in Val Thorens.
It also rewards 2 free 1-day ski passes for friends or relatives, and free ski passes for other esteemed and sought after ski resorts all over the world.
Après-ski and non-ski activities
While the area certainly boasts a spectacular array of skiing attractions, there is plenty more entertainment and activities to keep you and your accompaniment occupied when you’re not skiing.
- The Family Fun Park
Les 3 Vallées features the Family Fun Park, which is accessible beneath the Les Verdons gondola lift.
This attraction is suitable for children and adults, as it offers special snow experiences for all enthusiasts, with a selection of inflatable pyramids, snowball fights, ice mazes, whoops, a bouncy castle, a Big Air Bag, Boardercross, and much more.
The Family Fun Park is an exceptionally alluring attraction, perfect for families for all-around fun and memories.
- La Piste Des Indiens (Indians Run)
This interesting and enticing activity is accessible via the Ariondaz gondola lift from Courchevel Moriond and has been inspired by the Native Americans who traveled in search of new areas, after which they returned.
This activity takes participants through a captivating journey, experiencing the story and Native American legends in an incredibly fun and interactive manner.
Persons are able to follow the footsteps of Kaya, pass under the giant chief’s headdress, play multi-sensory games in La Chamane Camp, discover mythological lore, nature’s spirits, and even get the opportunity to capture the experience with a photograph beside Kaya and her adorable silver fox.
This bright and energetic voyage is packed with excitement, and is perfect for children and young individuals, offering a playful day of learning and discovery, topped with plenty of attractions and activities.
- Alternative Activities and Attractions
In addition to these features on the ski resort, there are plenty of attractions and activities for patrons to participate in throughout winter, and there is really something for everyone, regardless of age, interest, or preference.
Courchevel offers activities including an Adventure Camp, an Aquafun Area, bowling, dancing, dog sledding, fat biking, fitness facilities, hiking and snowshoe trails, ice climbing, helicopter riding, hot air balloon riding, paragliding, hang-gliding, flying, ice skating, skydiving, snowmobile driving, tobogganing, snow-scooter riding, and even snowcat driving.
There are also additional amenities such as well-being and yoga areas, a library, mountain refuges, a cinema, and even areas for private functions.
There are themed evenings which pose a ton of fun, as well as beautiful torch-lit descents for magical moments during your stay. Check out details on all of these incredible attractions and activities here.
Conclusion
Pros of Skiing in Courchevel
- Exceptional panoramas and views of surrounding summits
- Fantastic suitability for skiers of all levels
- An incredibly exciting and diverse selection of activities on and of the snow
- Plenty of additional amenities and varied lodging options
- A wide selection of passes and packages
- Great facilities for children
- Equipment rental and ski lesson amenities available
Cons of Skiing in Courchevel
- Resorts nearby can be quite expensive, but patrons can opt to stay at lodging sites further away for lower prices.
This resort boasts phenomenal features suitable for skiers of all levels and accommodates individuals with varying interests and preferences. There is an endless amount of skiing opportunities, alternative attractions, and après experiences that await those visiting Courchevel.