If you want to try something different in Couirchevel, other than hitting the slopes, then why not try Ice Climbing. Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner you can have a go at ice climbing on Courchevel's very own ice climbing wall, it is suitable for all levels of climber, easier for the beginner in some parts and harder for those more experienced in others.
If you are a beginner and have never done it before then a mountain guide will teach how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice wall. In the training session all the equipment is included and it can be a fun and new experience for anyone to try.
You can also tackle the ice climbing wall if you are an experienced climber, the vertical ramps of the ice wall will raise the diffculty of the climb for those who are experinced. To be able to have some icy fun on the tower as an independent climber you must have climbing experience, appropriate insurance and own your own equipment. The Ice wall is loacted at the Altiport in Courchevel.
Hot Air Ballooning in Courchevel
Hot air ballooning looks serene, but there are moments of excitement; once the creaking wicker basket rises off the ground you are uncomfortably reminded that you are suspended hundreds of metres above the ground in a small twig structure!
The views are stunning, and as you glide over the forests you may see deer and other animals normally hidden from view. The pilot controls the height but the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours, depending on when a suitable landing site comes into view.
The take-off point is from the Altiport in Courchevel. There are a number of local companies that can arrange your ballooning trip.
Flying School in Courchevel
Take a spin in a small aeroplane desgined esepcailly for the mountains. A pilot will take you and your family and friends on a flying adventure around the Courchevel mountains and the Three Valleys. It is a beautiful way to see the moutnains from a different point of view and the pilot will provide you information and loacl knowledge about the mountains as you take your tour.
Courchevel has the only high altiude International mountain airport. The snow is usualy kept clear from the runways so flights can land all year round.There is also a flying school in Courchevel, The Aeroclub de Courchevel where you can train to get your pilots licence.
Helicopter Tours & Heli-skiing in Courchevel
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!
Skydiving in Courchevel
If you want to experience the beauty of the mountains and the thrill of falling through the mountain sky then you can do just that in Courchevel, just rock up to the Skydiving school, they will teach you all the basics you need to know about skydiving in a quick session, take you up in small plane and then jump out of it with you!
Sky diving gives you an extreme thrill seeking experience like nothing you have ever done before. It is a truly new experince, with the total free fall at the beginning of the jump and then once your parachute is up the gentle movemnt through the sky, if you want to give sky diving a go then Courchevel is definitely the place to do it!
Snow Cat Driving
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to drive one of the Snow Cats that are busy through the night grooming the pistes to perfection? Well now you can not just think about it, you can have a go at it for yourself.
In Courchevel they are now offering you the opportunity to drive the Snow Cat under the supervision of a professional co-pilot. For 20 minutes you can bash, groom and alter the pistes with this lesson held in the beasts that tame the mountains for us. This introduction is avaliable from ages 8 and above, so it can be a special treat for anyone, as they get an introduction into the world of Snow Cat driving.
Husky sledding in Courchevel
Traineaux a chiens
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work.
If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can find contact details on our Activity Companies page.
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.
Winter Walking Trails in Courchevel
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. more »
Paragliding or Parapenting in Courchevel
If you’ve never tried paragliding before (…..or maybe you’re not entirely sure what it is!) then Courchevel is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France, today there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to get you flying. So, if it is something that you have always fancied trying, or if you would just like to know a bit more about what it involves and who can do it...
Snowshoe Walking in Courchevel
Raquette à Neige
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. 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 half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided. See activity companies for details of guiding companies who do snow shoe walks.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map from the Tourist Office and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions or for non-skiers, and walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable (waterproof!) boots.
Many people would not automatically think of Courchevel as a place to come shopping, however the resort boasts a diverse range of stores that are guaranteed to suit sporting lifestyles. As you would expect from an outdoor sports Mecca, there's a choice of sports stores & high fashion labels that offer a good range of clothing in all shapes and sizes for all tastes.
Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond)
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. more »
