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You are here: Courchevel France > Activities > Activity Guide > Walking & Hiking Guide

Walking in Courchevel
About the Hiking

also see Walking Routes in Courchevel: Where to Hike
 

About Hiking in Courchevel

With the huge Courchevel and 3 Vallees area if you are visiting Courchevel in the summer you will probably want to explore this area by popping on your walking boots and going for a hike or two. With such a huge area to explore and beautiful mountain views you can head out on various different routes and trails.

  • image of a mountain lake with the mountains surrounding it with green grass on and some rocky mountain peaks in the background
  • Image of a sign post made of wood with white writing and a chalet in the background
  • Image of the mountains in the summer with some rocks on and trees and a blue sky

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There are gentle walking routes for those of you who would like an easy stroll and routes suitable with children or, there are the longer more strenuous hiking routes for the active walker. Head to our Hiking & Walking routes page for more information on trails and routes. If you are thinking of heading out higher into the Alps or tackling something a little more challenging then it is always advisable to chat to the mountain guides in town who will be able to give you more advice or even take you on a trail.

When heading off on a hike or walk it is always best to get as much information about the route as possible, head to the tourist office in town and check the weather forecast to make sure you are being as safe as possible, see below our before heading off article for more information.

For all the useful emergency services numbers head to our Emergency services page and save the numbers before embarking on your walk or hike in Courchevel.

Before heading off...

Although the footpaths are very well maintained and signposted, you should always exercise caution when venturing into the mountains, particularly at the beginning of season when there may still be snow covering some parts of the footpaths which must therefore be crossed with caution. Frozen avalanche debris can remain in the gullies until well into the summer making it dangerous for an ill-equipped or inexperienced walker to cross. 

Before you embark on any activities in the mountains you should remember that you are likely to be at a considerably higher altitude with more rugged terrain than you are used to at home. For that reason it is particularly recommended that you:

  • Are as physically fit as possible - Ensure you are fully aware of your limitations and of those accompanying you (children and elderly people).
  • Are appropriately equipped - Choose sturdy footwear with ankle support, warm, water repellent clothing (even if the sun’s been beating down for days), sun cream, sunglasses, map, plenty water, food and snacks, first aid kit....
  • Check your itinerary with the Tourist Office - Even the easiest and best marked trails can present unexpected hazards such as rockslides or snowfall.
  • Allow plenty time for your chosen route - Additionally, leave an extra margin in case of incident. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Nightfall may take you by surprise so it is wise to carry a flashlight.
  • Stay on the marked trails - This is especially important on steep slopes or precipices. Never take short cuts as doing so causes erosion, channelling the rain water and resulting in deterioration of the trails that are so hard to maintain.
  • Check the weather forecast - It is always advisable to check the weather forecast before setting off as this can greatly affect your walk or hike. 
  • Respect the environment - The mountains here are breathtakingly beautiful but the balance of nature is very fragile. In order to maintain the beauty of the valley; don’t light fires, ensure you take your rubbish with you, leave the flowers for others to admire and avoid making excessive noise that may disturb the wildlife.
  • Ensure your dog is kept on a lead where necessary - Look out for signs requesting that you keep your dog on a lead. Some areas are prohibited to dogs altogether. which is done to protect local wildlife. It is prohibited to let your dog off the lead at all between 15th April and the end of June. This is because it is breeding season for many mountain species and it is important that the animals are left in peace.

Hiking Routes in Courchevel

image of a wooden signpost with white writing on and a chalet in the background with trees next to it

Courchevel has some more challenging and exciting high alpine hiking routes. You can enjoy the picturesque views and everything the valley has to offer on a hike in the mountains.

Many routes cover other parts of the 3 Valleys as well so you can explore the whole area by popping on your walking boots and heading out on a hike. 

There are various mountain guides who will lead you on your way on the hikes or you can embark upon one yourself just make sure you are fully equipped, prepared and have the full details before setting off. With some hikes involving overnight stays in refuges and some trails taking a few days to complete you can pick and choose the right one for your skill level. 

Hike 1 - Petit Mont Blanc: 

Starting point: Courchevel Moriond (Belvedere)

Duration: 6hr 30min

Starting from Le Belvedere which is located abvoe Courchevel Moriond. This uphill mountain hike will take you on a trail up to the view point at Perur Mont Blanc which is at 2670m. The high alpine hike is a challenge with the steep ascent but the scenery and views definitely make it worth while. Satrting at Le Belvedere you want to take the trail that leads up towards the Petit Mont Blanc, passing by the Vallee des Avals and all the way up and over to the viewing point. You want to take the same trail to get back down. This trail is marked 1 on the walking map. 

Hike 2 - Chemin di Moulin de Villaflou:

Starting point: TC Tania

Duration: 2hr 30min

A shorter hike but equally as challenging this hike starts in La Tania at the base of the TC La Tania and takes a loop back to here again at the end with the last part being much easier than the rest. Hiking through forests and meadows you can experience the alps in the summer and the wildlife that springs to life in summer time. Starting from the bottom of the lift take the route that leasd to Villaflou and just keep following the trail round, following signs to La Tania. Eventually you will hit a much easier part of the hike where the path joins an easy route. Keep going until you hit La Tania again. This trail is labelled 10 on the walking map.