Skiing in Courchevel

Here’s our guide to Courchevel

Skiing and the Mountains

• Courchevel is part of the 3 Valleys, which is the largest ski area in Europe. It’s bigger than the 6 largest USA resorts put together!
• The pistes are primarily north facing, so the huge amount of snow that falls lasts a lot longer than in other resorts.
• The lift system in the 3 valleys is second to none. A new ‘hands free’ lift pass system was added last season.
• The area is well known for its perfectly groomed pistes. You can even pick up a daily piste map from the Croisette to find out which runs have been prepared the night before.
• The Grand Couloir from the top of the Saulire is the steepest marked run in Europe at a scary 40 degrees. The nerve wracking narrow ridge - the only way in – is just the start. Try skiing it early on in the week as most people save if for their final day and it gets crowded.
• With so many lifts and runs in and out of Courchevel you can easily avoid the busy Croisette in the morning.
  

Resort and après ski

• The tourist office states that 25-30% of the guests in Courchevel have no intention of skiing. The resort has responded well by offering such a diverse range of other activities that you’ll never get bored.
• For the chocoholics out there you simply have to try the best hot chocolate in the Alps at Le Chocolaté. Start with a bowl of molten chocolate mixed with whipped cream and a jug of warm milk so you can mix up your own chocolate to perfection.
• It’s very rare that you get the opportunity to enjoy a 2 star Michelin meal on the chalet staff’s day off. Dining in the fabulous restaurant in the Chabichou Hotel is an experience not to be missed.
• Courchevel 1850 has its own airstrip. So if you want to fly directly into the resort or have a helicopter flying lesson, it’s all possible here. For the real daredevils take to the air without an engine - try the paraponting from the top of Le Saulire in 1850. The skies the limit!
• Every day after the pistes close you get a chance to take a 25 km snow mobile tour around the pistes and forests. You’ll have a quick lesson and then you’re off for a different experience of speeding up the slopes instead of down.
• In the evening the choice of après ski is extremely varied. Relax in a quiet local bar with a gorgeous bottle of red wine or spend the night dancing away in one of the nightclubs.
  

Resort Facts