There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Courchevel and the Three Valleys, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in Courchevel, and don't forget to check out our weekly calender.
Since it was created in 1993, “Les Femmes en Or” event has given awards to 130 exceptional women who have made the headlines through their involvement in humanitarian and charity work or in various fields as diverse as art, fashion, show business, communication, business, sport and adventure, research, etc.
An annual spectacle since 2003 the International Fire & Arts Pyrotechnic Festival returns each year to light up Courchevel.
A selection of renowned pyrotechnic teams from around the world battle it out against each other with fantastic displays set to music, each one on a different level of Courchevel.
Following the fireworks warm up with a glass of mulled wine while the winning team is awarded their trophy!
If all those snow sports have left you feeling a bit knackered then check out some of the new mountain/winter sports films being premiered at Cinema Le Villard in Courchevel 1650 and Cinema Le Tremplin in Courchevel 1850.
Tickets for exclusive previews can be bought from the Tourist Office and there is even a limited number of free tickets for certain showings.
Course du Coeur - April
Cheer on the runners of the annual 'Race for Life', established by French heart surgeon Professor Christian Cabrol. The participants will be in need of some encouragement as they come to the end of an impressive 750km race that originated in Paris four days ago!
The race is to raise funds for organ donation and more details are available from the website.
3 Valley X Wing Rally - April
This competition is open to everyone, child or adult, snowboarder, skier or telemarker, with categories for different levels (pros, amateurs and families). Teams of three make their way around the ski area, choosing their own itinerary between the timed sections. There is a Derby, Speed Skiing, Freeride, Giant Slalom, Super Combo, Family Schuss and Ski Style – all designed for different levels.
Prizes include an invitation to the Saab-Salomon X-Wing Transalp 2008 (value €10 000), a ski week trip in the best European ski areas, Salomon ski gear, 3 Valleys lift passes and more...
Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21st June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands.
Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fete is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid.
The Fete de la Musique is now celebrated all over the world, where it is more commonly refered to as World Music Day.
Fête de la Musique is one of those certain nights throughout the year when the French authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it – it is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar!
The Three Valleys Mountain Bike competition takes place throughout the Méribel, Courchevel and Belleville Valleys.
Running over the weekend, this is a ‘Free Bike’ competition which is open to all, with a variety of events including a timed descent from the top of the Saulire (2700m) to Brides-les-Bains (600m), a 70kms 'Rando Tour' event completing circuits around the Three Valleys at various levels of difficulty thanks to the use of the ski lifts!
Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! ... see "Le Tour de France" for more
Ski Jumping World Cup - August
One of the annual sporting fixtures in the Courchevel summer calendar is, bizarrely, ski jumping. No need for snowy slopes in August though, as the event is held on the Olympic ski jump in Le Praz. Over 15 nationalities are represented in the 2 day competition, with the event being televised live on European sports channels. It is a gathering of the best ski jumpers in the world and an amazing spectacle is guaranteed!
As well as the remarkable sight of the competitors there is also a range of entertainments for both adults and children, giving the weekend a summer festival atmosphere. Highlights of the weekend often include base jumping demonstrations, live music, fireworks, local markets and plenty more. Best of all, entry to the event is entirely free!
The Courchevel Air Show has been running since 1997 and has been growing ever more spectacular year on year. Organised by Courchevel Flying Club it has become a recognised air show that has for the past few years coincided with the annual World Ski Jumping Championships, creating a weekend of airborne daredevil feats!
The Fête de l'Air is a tremendous festival, bringing together all aspects of the aeronautics world around a shared passion for flying. These two days introduce the public to the activities of a flying club, the aeronautics trades, piloting planes, the mountains seen from the sky, and more unique sensations. The impressive line-up often includes fighter jets, acrobatic flying teams, vintage aircraft, army helicopters and parachute commandoes.
The event attracts some 15,000 people and has become an un-missable summer high point in Courchevel. The Air Festival provides an opportunity to meet men and women pilots with experience and impressive track records, who love to share their passion for the skies. As well as the thrills of the aircraft there is also live music, firework displays and other entertainments that all make for a great day out!
Resort Event Videos from Courchevel
Courchevel has a busy event calendar throughout the year. Here are some video clips of the big annual events.
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