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Courchevel Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Courchevel |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in Courchevel, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Below are a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! |
| Airboarding |
This relatively new twist on snow sports is a bit like body boarding down the piste. Lying stomach down on an inflatable sled-like cushion you slide head-first down the mountain, picking up speed and using your bodyweight to shift direction. The underside of the air board is grooved, so that you can steer and brake by leaning from side to side. Many resorts are reluctant to allow airboarding as they could be a hazard to skiers and boarders; so ensure that you have had training, are wearing safety gear and know how to control your board before setting off. Many resorts enforce age restrictions and only allow airboarding within certain areas, so don’t go plummeting down your favourite black run before checking the rules first!
In Courchevel you can hire the gear from a number of sport shops in resort and take to the luge piste via the Télécabine des Grangettes where you will find a 2km run to put your new toy to the test! |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 67km of prepared cross country trails in the valley which are all regularly groomed and marked.
From 1300 there are 3 loops: Green (2km) starting opposite the ski jumps; Red (7km) and Black (8.5km), starting from the Tourist Office.
From 1550 the Les Brigues / Chantery (5km, red) track runs through the forest.
From 1650 the Boucle Bleue du Belvedere (5km) starts next to the Granges draglift, providing an easy itinerary passing farmhouses along the way.
From 1850 there are several options including the Col de la Loze loop (2.5km, blue), the Bouc Blanc itinerary (5km, blue), the Courchevel / Meribel Altiport run (17km, red), and the Courchevel / La Tania run (15km, red).
The tracks are groomed regularly and offer parallel tracks for classic cross country skiing and a prepared surface for skating technique. The trails are free to use, and you can pick up a guide booklet and map from the Tourist Offices. |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many glaciers in the Three Valleys area. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible.
To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 8-May-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-skiing |
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Three Valleys.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience! |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Horse Drawn Sleigh |
You can see Courchevel in comfort from the back of a horse-drawn sleigh. Tours leave from the Tal Car Park on the La Tania Road, where a 30 minute ride for 4 people will cost €25 and 1 hour will cost €45. Book in advance on +33 (0) 608 77 84 72 to avoid disappointment.
If you are staying in Courchevel 1850 you can catch a ride in Place du Tremplin; 15 mins will cost €25 and 30 minutes will cost €50. You can also book a carriage taxi on request. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. There are many stunning locations in and around the Vanoise National Park where you can try your hand at ice climbing. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Karting |
Screech round the ice, snow or dirt depending on weather conditions in a specially designed karting buggy or quad bike. Studded tyres and extra thick bumpers mean that you can race against your friends or take a course to improve your control and steering. Adults can drive alone, children over 14 years can drive with an adult passenger and children over 5 years can ride as a passenger with an adult driving.
The specially made outdoor circuit at Les Grandes Combes (between 1550 and 1650) is open every day from 4-8pm, weather permitting. The track is 600m long and 6m wide, featuring plenty of hairpin bends and straight stretches where you can pick up speed. This can really bring out your competitive streak!
Be sure to book in advance, as this is a very popular activity. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Rink |
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The Forum Olympic Ice Rink hosts international ice hockey matches, skating galas and other events. It is open for public skating daily from 3pm until 7pm and there are evening sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9pm until 11pm. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Le Forum |
Le Forum, opposite La Croisette in Courchevel 1850, houses an indoor climbing wall, an Olympic ice rink, a gym, a bowling alley, games machines, sports shops and boutiques. Details of all these activities can be found in our Action, Fun & Sports listings.
The gym or 'Centre de Remise en Forme' is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 9pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 2pm and from 4pm to 9pm.
Details of other gyms and fitness centres can be found on our Health & Fitness page.
The indoor climbing wall is hard to miss as it runs right through the centre of the shopping centre! There are instructors available to give lessons, should you need them.
The Ice Rink is open every day from 3-7pm and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11pm. On days when bad weather keeps people off the mountains they sometimes open early at 2pm. Regular galas and special events are held at the rink so it is worth enquiring in resort or having a look at our What’s On calendar before you go.
The Bowling Alley is complete with 8 international competition lanes and is open every day from 2pm-2am (may open as early as 11am on bad weather days). Look out for their ‘disco bowling’ nights and other entertainments!
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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From the heights of the Courchevel mountains you can fly above the pistes for an alternative view of the valley. Glide back to the bottom on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor (a vertical distance of approximately 1000m). They manoeuvre the parachute while you, the passenger, enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once equipped with a helmet and an instructor strapped behind you, in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board, or run on foot) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the wing lifts you into the air. Peacefully ride above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Courchevel for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Piste Basher Driving |
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Fancy a unique mode of transport while you’re in Courchevel? Piste basher driving is not just confined to the pisteurs; after a short briefing you can take your place behind the controls and guide your vehicle over the snow on its enormous caterpillar tracks. Sessions can be arranged through some Tour Operators or activity companies such as Chardon Loisirs, Whitetracks or AOB Leisure. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Photo Credit: Snow-Biker.Com
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Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) over the slopes of Courchevel. Don't forget to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder.
There are a few companies in Courchevel, amongst them Chardon Loisirs and Ski Vol who can organise snow mobile tours, lessons and races. Tearing around on the snow you’ll find a new way to kick up plenty of powder! |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
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Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. You can obtain trail maps and daily updates from Courchevel Tourist Office, or you will find many guiding companies who can offer full or half day excursions. Snowshoe trails are clearly marked with a small sign showing a pair of snowshoes and a number.
Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers. Snowshoes and ski poles are usually provided, if not you can hire them from local ski and snowboard shops.
... see "Courchevel Snowshoe Walks" for more |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Toboganning |
Once night has fallen and the skiers have deserted the slopes you can still enjoy the thrill of whizzing down a mountain with the wind in your face – on a toboggan! At the edge of the Tovets ski run in 1850 is a 2km toboggan run that will take you all the way down to the Grangettes gondola in 1550. Floodlit from start to finish, allowing evening descents, the run is free of charge to all holders of a valid ski or pedestrian lift pass (€6 per ride without a lift pass).
There are also 2 specially designed and regularly maintained tobogganing areas for children at Les Grandes Combes, between 1550 and 1650, and (for very young children) on the snow front at La Croisette.
Sledges can be hired or bought fairly cheaply from most Sport Shops. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Winter Walking Trails |
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Just because they are under a great deal of snow it does not mean that the many hiking trails of Courchevel are inaccessible – far from it! 17km of marked and maintained paths offer a peaceful way to enjoy the splendour of the wintery mountains. You can obtain trail maps and daily updates from Courchevel Tourist Office, or you will find many guiding companies who can offer full or half day excursions. You can wear strong warm hiking boots on most of the trails, or don a pair of snowshoes to tramp through deep untouched snow.
The following winter walks all follow marked and maintained trails and have been provided courtesy of Courchevel Tourist Office, please visit before you set off for daily updates of weather and conditions. ... see "Courchevel Winter Walking Trails" for more |
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last updated 11-Jul-2008 |
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