Courchevel Ski Resort, France

Overview of Courchevel

At the heart of the world's largest lift-linked ski area, the 600km Three Valleys, Courchevel offers exceptional snow coverage, extensive and varied terrain, quality accommodation, delicious food, and lively nightlife options. The resort is made up of four main ski villages, though purpose-built, have been designed to harmonize with the mountain environment.

A free bus service connects the villages: Le Praz (1300), a quaint village; Courchevel Village (formerly Courchevel 1550); Courchevel Moriond (formerly Courchevel 1650); and the highest village, Courchevel (formerly Courchevel 1850). The highest village is comparable to a luxury resort with excellent dining, shops, and bars, attracting wealthy and famous visitors.

Courchevel Moriond is quieter, with an old village center, lively bars, and cosy Courchevel chalets, while Courchevel Village and Le Praz are much quieter and more family-friendly with a handful of quaint bars and restaurants.

3 Things We Love About Courchevel

1. Quality Skiing - Courchevel has some of the best-groomed slopes in Europe, as well as an excellent lift system, making it a great place for beginners and intermediate skiers. Many of Courchevel's slopes are north-facing, meaning the snow is usually the best in the whole ski area.
2. Les Trois Vallees - Courchevel makes up one-third of Les Trois Vallées and with 600km of pistes, it is one of the largest ski areas in the world. With a full area lift pass, you can easily ski over to Val Thorens for lunch, dance on tables in Folie Douce, Meribel, and make it back in time for afternoon tea in Courchevel.
3. Aquamotion - The largest European water park in the mountains opened in Courchevel. It is located at the Grandes Combes, between Courchevel Village and Courchevel Moriond, which is just a short bus ride away. Aquamotion has several water-related activities, from waterslides to hot tubs and even a surfing simulator. There is also a large wellness center.

Skiing and Boarding in Courchevel

Courchevel is one of the "Three Valleys" (Meribel, Val Thorens, Courchevel), which is the largest ski area in the world. The resort is made up of six villages: Saint-Bon, Le Praz, La Tania, Courchevel Village, Courchevel Moriond, and Courchevel 1850. The Three Valleys ski area consists of 319 pistes (600km), 200 lists, and 1500 snow cannons. There are 51 green pistes, 132 blue pistes, 106 red pistes, and 32 black pistes.

Beginner

• For trying your first few turns on snow before committing to a lift pass, the Mickey lift in Courchevel Moriond is a free beginner lift.
• The Western Ski Park in Courchevel Moriond, accessible via the Ariondaz gondola lift, is a good beginner family area where you'll find a gentle slope, magic carpets, and a protected beginner zone.
• Courchevel 1850: take the Jardin Alpin gondola up to the second stop, from where you can access beginner magic carpets.
• Next to the Ferme and Altiport drag lifts are also good spots for beginners.
• Once you're ready to try out some blue runs, try out the quieter and wide blues in Courchevel Moriond and La Tania.

Intermediate

• There is a selection of nice red runs from the top of Signal, or mix these in with some cruisy blues in the area.
• From the top of Vizelle, try some of the connecting red runs which create one long run down all the way into Courchevel 1650. Or take the Chanrossa Chair lift up even higher to get an even longer run down to the bottom.
• Try out some of the tree lined runs down to the lowest parts of resort, Le Praz or La Tania.

Advanced and Off-Piste

• From the top of the Saulire cable car there are some unpisted couloir pistes, one of which heads down into Meribel while the other one comes back to Courchevel. These sections are rated some of the most challenging runs in the world.
• For tree runs, explore the off-piste forest areas Le Praz and La Tania. These are especially good if it’s a snowy day and the visibility is poor in the more exposed parts of resort.
• Find some good off-piste runs in the Bel Aire area above Courchevel Moriond, either side of Pyramide/Signal/Chapelets lifts.
• For some advanced off-piste skiing, try the Petit Couloir or the Croix de Verdons Couloir, both of which are accessible via a short hike from the Grand Couloir run.
• The off-piste area called the Equinox pitch can be accessed by hiking about 15-minutes from the top of the Chanrossa chairm
• Try out the freeride zone just next to the Creux piste, underneath the Aiguille du Fruit chairlift.

Park

• For a beginner park, head to the top the Verdons gondola and follow the signs to the family park.
• For a more advanced park, head to the snowpark in Meribel accessed from top of Plattieres gondola.

Additional tips

• For panoramic views head to the top of the Dou des Lanches lift. Here there is a sunbathing hut and picnic benches.
• Great views can also be found at the top of the Signal lift where there are also picnic benches.
• A great idea for a big day trip out on the slopes is heading over to Saint Martin or even to Orelle (sometimes referred to as the Fourth Valley). If you are skiing across valleys, be sure to check the timings for the last lifts back and allow plenty of time – it's an expensive taxi back! The opening times for all lifts can be found on the Three Valleys app.
• To catch the best powder in Courchevel, get first lifts after a big dump of snow and head for the Suisse chair or Vizelle gondola.
• For sun, hang out in the south-facing Courchevel Moriond area (Courchevel 1650), otherwise named "the sun-lovers station".
• The Western Ski Park in Courchevel Moriond, accessible via the Ariondaz gondola lift, also has a fun family area with tepees, archery, and face-painting workshops.

When skiing or snowboarding in any un-patrolled / un-pisted area, you should always have the correct equipment and employ the services of a qualified mountain guide. Skiing or snowboarding off-piste can result in injury or death even with a professional mountain guide or instructor. Our partner ski school in Courchevel, New Generation, offers off-piste lessons and guiding.

Activities in Courchevel

Fancy doing something else besides skiing and snowboarding? Here are some of the top things available in the resort.

• Tobogganing - The toboggan run spans 300 vertical metres from Courchevel (1850) to Village (1550), taking in 2km of twisting and turning terrain. The course is floodlit so it is open in the evening as well.
• Ice Skating - Located in the Forum Building in 1850, this full-size Olympic rink is used for ice hockey matches and casual ice skating. It is open every afternoon between 3 and 7pm, plus there's a late-night opening on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 until 11pm. See if there are any ice hockeys games while you're in resort as these can be great fun to watch.
• Aquamotion - Courchevel's iconic facility with indoor and outdoor pools, rapids, a wave pool and water slides. There's also a children's play area, a climbing wall, saunas, spa rooms and treatments. There's an adult-only top floor (additional charges apply) if you want to relax a little.
• Paragliding - Adrenaline-filled paragliding with an instructor. Weather often dictates this activity and sunny warm days are best, but there are multiple take-off points in the resort to choose from.
• Snowshoeing - Rent a pair of snowshoes from the local ski hire shop. There are 17km of maintained walking routes (even in winter) through the beautiful mountains. Free maps and guides of the trails are available at the tourist office.
• Hot Air Ballooning - Departing from Courchevel's famous Altiport at 1850, you will enjoy the most stunning views of the resort and its surroundings. You'll need to book in advance in groups of at least two.
• 10-pin Bowling - Located in the Forum building in 1850 is Courchevel's own bowling alley. Advanced booking is recommended especially if the weather is closing in as the lanes are only open for a couple of hours each day.
• Fat Biking - Charge down the pistes on a mountain bike with enormous grippy tyres as the sun sets over the peaks. The experience includes bike and equipment rental as well as a qualified guide to show you the way down.
• Rock Climbing - The indoor climbing wall at the Forum Building is open every evening from 5pm (earlier if the weather is poor). At 14m high, it's a great challenge, but family-friendly too, with a variety of routes and instructors on hand to help you find your way to the top!
• Husky Dog Sled Tours - Mush your own pack of sled dogs through the woodlands of La Plantin, just outside Courchevel. The tour includes transport from and back to the resort, but you'll need to take an afternoon off skiing as the tours start at lunchtime for an hour. Groups can all sled together with an advanced booking. | 
• Heliskiing/heliboarding - Take off over to the Italian side of the Alpes in a helicopter, with a variety of different expeditions and packages available.
• Yoga - A variety of different yoga classes are available throughout the winter season. The perfect way to relax your muscles after a day on the slopes.
• Ice Diving - A unique experience diving underneath the frozen lake of La Praz.
• Snowmobiling - Zoom around the mountains at dusk on a snowmobile in an unforgettable guided adventure.

Après Ski in Courchevel

• Grrizzly Outside bar in Courchevel 1850, near the top of the green 'Bellecote' run.
• Le Planté de Bâton Snow front in Courchevel 1850, opening at 3 pm with heated bubbles and fire pits.
• Les Caves de Courchevel Famous apres spot with DJs, glitz, and neon lights.
• Le Catérail Bar Local and chilled, in Courchevel Village. Good cocktails at reasonable prices.
• Funky Fox Top end of Courchevel 1650. Classic tunes, dancing, and sports on big screen projector.
• Pub Le Ski Lodge British bar in Courchevel La Tania, traditional food, themed nights, and live bands.
• Le Tremplin Ski-in venue at the bottom of the slopes with sun terrace and good vibes.
• The Gatekeeper Pub Courchevel 1850, live music and weekly quiz on Mondays.
• Fire et Ice Portetta Apres bar with large sun terrace in Courchevel Moriond.
• Fahrenheit 7 Fun bar in Courchevel Moriond.
• L'Éléphant Apres ski venue and pizzeria in Le Praz.
• Bagatelle Top of the Chenus bubble, a fancier apres drinks option.
• Folie Douce Meribel, live singing and dancing daily 1–2:30 pm, clubbing 3–5 pm.
• The Rond Point ('Ronnies') Meribel, outdoor panoramic restaurant and apres-ski party bar.

Places to eat in Courchevel

As in all ski resorts, especially in peak season (or when heavy snow brings everyone on the mountain!), it is best to book your restaurant in advance.

On the mountain

• Ferme Auberge D'Ariondaz - Located in Courchevel Moriond on the piste at the top of the Ariondaz lift, this restaurant exclusively serves fondues and raclettes. The cheese is homemade by the owners Emily and Bernard, who look after the cows, make the cheese and serve the meals. They are open daily between 12-2:30 pm but during the week you will need to book in advance.
• Les Chalets du Thorens - Located in the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, where the '2 combes' run meets the 'Genepi' run, Les Chalets du Thorens offers a huge range of options, from a sit-down restaurant to a self-service canteen. They also have a creperie and a Belgian waffle stand. This mountain bistro is the perfect lunch spot after a long morning of skiing. They have a 3-course set menu for around €37 or other options if you want something smaller. It is recommended to book online or by phone in advance.
• La Rotisserie - Located at the snow front in Courchevel Moriond, La Rotisserie is a friendly bistro offering pasta, pizza, meats and fish, salads and soups as well as Oysters from the Bay of Arcachon.
• Polar Cafe - For a light bite, the Polar Cafe on the snowfront in Courchevel 1850 is a great spot. There is a small deck out the front if you prefer to sit outside and they serve a range of salads, pastries and sandwiches as well as hot options.
• Le Bouc Blanc - At the top of the 'La Tania' gondola, this family-owned restaurant has a large selection at reasonable prices. The menu offers omelettes, meats and fish, a vegan bowl, and pasta, or a three-course set menu for around €30. This spot fills up quickly when the sun is shining.
• Simple Meilleur - Located in the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, this mountain bistro is the perfect lunch spot after a long morning of skiing.
• Le Cave Des Creux - Accessed from the Altiport, this is a nice, slightly fancier option for on-the-mountain dining.
• Le Chalet de Pierres - Located on the piste near Courchevel 1850, a slightly more luxurious restaurant that is highly recommended.
• Bel Air - Located in Courchevel Moriond, here you can either getting a quick snack or stay for a fancy sit down meal.

In town

• Copina - Located in Courchevel Moriond, and rated as the number 1 restaurant in Courchevel on Tripadvisor, Copina does not disappoint. It is a Spanish-influenced tapas restaurant and cocktail bar specialising in craft beer, world wines, unique cocktails and spanish and international cuisine. Some of our favourite dishes are the chicken tacos, garlic prawns and patatas bravas, and the Garden Collins cocktail is very refreshing between dishes.
• Mamma Mia - An authentic Italian restaurant located in Courchevel Moriond serving traditional pastas, pizzas, meats and fish with a warm atmosphere. This restaurant is often a favourite with our guests.
• Le Corto - Located in Courchevel Village and offering delicious and reasonably priced authentic Italian pizzas along with burgers and pasta. They also do takeaway.
• Bistrot Manali - A French bistro located in Courchevel Moriond serving lunch and dinner and boasting a large south-facing terrace, a cosy interior, and beautifully presented dishes.
• Azimut - For something special, Chef François Moureaux will be sure to impress with his selection of menus. This restaurant holds a Michelin star and offers lunch and dinner sittings. Tables often get booked up but on the day bookings are sometimes possible. Located in Le Praz.
• La Chapelle - Open for lunch and dinner and located in Courchevel Village, La Chapelle offers both French and Italian authentic Savoyard cuisine.
• Le Chabichou - Worth a mention for its two Michelin stars, but you may need to book well in advance. The menu, wine list, service and atmosphere are right on point – as expected from a restaurant with such a fantastic reputation. Located in Courchevel 1850.
• Petit Savoyard - Another popular and traditional Savoyard-style restaurant, located in Courchevel 1650, that also serves great pizza and pasta.
• BAÏES COURCHEVEL - Located in 1850, serving traditional savoyard food.
• Pub Le Ski Lodge - Serving cheap and cheerful pub food, located in La Tania.
• Bistro C - A cosy and intimate restaurant in Courchevel Moriond.
• Henri - Located in Courchevel Moriond, serving traditional savoyard dishes and pizzas.
• The Burger Factory - Located in Courchevel 1850, this is a good option for a cheap and cheerful meal out. They also have some non-burger options.

Family Features Courchevel

Please also see the 'Activities' and 'Ski Schools' sections for a wealth of non-skiing and skiing options for families.

Depending on the age of your child, there are a few childcare options available in Courchevel.

• ESF Garderie - They offer a baby club (18 months to 3 years) and a leisure club (4 to 12 years).
• Jelly and Ice Cream - Private nannies.
• Merinannies - Private nannies that operate in Courchevel as well as Meribel.
• Alpine Child Care - Private nannies.