Guide To Courchevel, France in the Winter

Courchevel is a ski resort in the French Alps. It is part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world, and is known for its high-end amenities and luxury accommodations. A great location for someone looking to position a second home.

The resort

The resort is divided into four distinct villages, each at a different altitude: Courchevel Le Praz (1300 meters), Courchevel Village (1550 meters), Courchevel Moriond (1650 meters), and Courchevel 1850 (1850 meters). Courchevel 1850 is the most famous and luxurious of the four, and is known for its upscale hotels, designer shops, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Courchevel offers a range of other winter activities, such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing.

Skiing and snowboarding in Courchevel

The Courchevel ski area itself offers a wide range of runs for skiers of all abilities, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging black runs for advanced skiers. The resort is also home to a snowpark and cross-country skiing trails.

In terms of your options for skiing and snowboarding in Courchevel, there are many different ways you can enjoy the slopes. If you are a beginner, you can take lessons at one of the ski schools (ESF Courchevel or Supreme Ski School) in the resort, which will help you learn the basics and build your confidence on the slopes. There are many easy and intermediate runs, such as the green run from the Saulire to La Tania and the blue run from the Pralong to La Tania. These runs are gentle and easy to navigate.

For intermediates, there are many more challenging runs to explore. Some of the best intermediate runs in Courchevel include the blue run from the Pralong to Courchevel 1850, the red run from the Pralong to Courchevel 1850, and the black run from the Pralong to Courchevel 1850. These runs offer a mix of steep and gentle sections, and provide a fun and exciting challenge for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

For advanced skiers, Courchevel offers challenging black runs and off-piste areas to explore. Some of the most popular black runs in Courchevel include the La Saulire black run, which is a steep and challenging run that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains; the Combe du Vallon black run, which is a long and winding run that is suitable for expert skiers and snowboarders; and the Combe de la Saulire black run, which is a steep and technical run that offers a challenging and thrilling skiing experience.

In addition to the black runs, Courchevel also offers many off-piste areas to explore. Some of the best off-piste areas in Courchevel include the Forêt de Lac, which is a beautiful and scenic area that offers a range of off-piste runs; the Combe du Vallon and Combe de la Saulire being the most notable.

In addition to the variety of runs, Courchevel also offers state-of-the-art ski lifts and gondolas, which provide fast and efficient access to the slopes. The resort also has a range of ski schools and instructors, who can provide lessons and guidance for skiers of all levels.

Overall, the skiing and snowboarding in Courchevel is renowned for its quality and variety, making it a top destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

Aprés Ski & Nightlife

Courchevel has a very vibrant après-ski scene, with bars, clubs, and restaurants offering live music and entertainment. The resort also has a range of spas and wellness centres, where visitors can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.

In Courchevel 1850, the most famous and luxurious of the four villages in the resort, you will find a range of stylish bars and clubs, including The Bar at the Hotel Cheval Blanc and Le Bubble Lounge at the Hotel Les Airelles. These venues offer a range of cocktails and Champagne, as well as live music and DJ sets.

In addition to the bars and clubs, Courchevel also has many fine-dining restaurants, which offer a range of international cuisines and locally sourced produce. Some of the best restaurants in Courchevel include La Table du Kilimandjaro at the Hotel La Sivoliere and Le Chabichou, which has two Michelin stars.

For a more relaxing time, the resort has many spas and wellness centres, these spas offer a range of treatments and services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Some of the best spas in Courchevel include Le Spa des Neiges at the Hotel Les Airelles and the Spa Cinq Mondes at the Hotel Les Peupliers.

Overall, Courchevel offers a range of options for nightlife, from stylish bars and clubs to fine-dining restaurants. Whether you are looking to party into the night or enjoy a more relaxed evening, there is always something for everyone in Courchevel.

Activities

Courchevel offers a wide range of other winter activities to enjoy outside of skiing. Some of the most popular activities in Courchevel include:

Ice skating: Courchevel has a large ice rink (Patinoire du Forum) in the centre of the resort, which offers a fun and family-friendly activity. You can rent skates and take a leisurely spin around the rink, or join in one of the organized ice skating sessions or classes.

Sledging: Courchevel has several sledging runs, which are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. You can rent a sled and enjoy a thrilling ride down the slopes, or take a more leisurely ride on a horse-drawn sleigh. About sledging in Courchevel.

Snowshoeing: For those looking for a more adventurous winter activity, Courchevel offers many snowshoeing trails. You can rent snowshoes and explore the beautiful forests and mountains around the resort, or join a guided snowshoeing tour for a more structured experience.

Dog sledding: Courchevel also offers dog sledding tours, where you can ride on a sled pulled by a team of huskies. These tours are a unique and exciting way to explore the beautiful scenery around the resort. About Dog Sledding.

So Courchevel really does offer many activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy alike, both on and off the slopes. Whether you are looking for thrilling winter sports, or for more relaxed and leisurely activities, there is something for everyone in Courchevel.

Events

In the winter, Courchevel hosts a range of events and festivals, which offer something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the most popular events in Courchevel include:

Christmas markets: Courchevel has several Christmas markets, which are held in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The markets offer a range of traditional Christmas decorations, gifts, and treats, as well as live music and entertainment.

New Year’s Eve celebrations: Courchevel is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve, and the resort offers a range of celebrations and events to mark the occasion. Many of the bars, clubs, and restaurants in the resort offer special New Year’s Eve menus and parties, and there are also fireworks and other events to enjoy.

FIS Alpine Ski World Cup: Courchevel is one of the stops on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, and the resort hosts a series of races for both men and women. The races are held on the slopes of Courchevel and offer a thrilling and exciting spectacle for spectators.

Winter sports festivals: Courchevel also hosts a number of winter sports festivals, which celebrate the resort’s rich history and tradition of skiing and snowboarding. These festivals typically include a range of events and activities, such as ski races, freestyle competitions, and snowshoeing tours.

Find out more about what’s going on in Courchevel.