The Courchevel Valley is the ideal base for exploring the whole 3 Valleys ski area. You'll find gentle, tree-lined runs ideal for beginners with steeper blues and reds which allow mixed-ability groups to ski in the same area and of course plenty of blacks runs and great off-piste for the more advanced. The whole area is one giant natural fun park (snowparks and half pipes included!), and there really is something for everyone here. To help you navigate your way around this vast area, we have produced an insiders guide on some of the best skiing and boarding to be had, and where to feed those hungry stomachs whilst your on the mountain. Also in this section is some information on cross-country skiing in the valley, and features on how to improve your ski technique. And if you feel a bit 'all the gear but no idea', our articles on skis and snowboards will help you get a better understanding of the types of skis and snowboards available.
Ski Areas in Courchevel
Courchevel lies within the 3 Valleys ski area, and is perfectly positioned for you to explore this vast area. With Meribel and Val Thorens to explore too, there really are plenty of pistes to keep you busy all season, let alone one week! The ski areas offer something for everyone, from beginners through to experts. In this section you can find detailed descriptions of each area within the 3 Valleys, lift and piste maps, and information on cross country skiing in Courchevel. We have also included an insiders guide to skiing the 3 Valleys, where we tell you about our favourite runs, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants. ... see "Courchevel Skiing Revealed" for more
Insider's Guide to...
With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite runs throughout the Three Valleys and suggested some itineries for you to try. There's also sections on how to get around the whole three valleys area using only blue runs, where you're most likely to find the quietest pistes, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants for lunch. Happy exploring! ... see "Where to go in the Three Valleys for..." for more
Snowparks in the Three Valleys
No matter where you are in the Three Valleys there is a boardpark nearby for you to practise your baddest big air moves. They are all free of charge to lift pass holders, so if you have a Three Valleys pass you can take your pick and sample the lot! ... see "Three Valleys Snowparks" for more
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.
Handiski (Skiing for the Disabled) in Courchevel
Mountain sports are gradually becoming more and more accessible to those with disabilities. Ski schools are improving their range of specialist equipment and instructors with the right qualifications are becoming more common. Up to 50% discount is available throughout the Three Valleys ski areas for disabled skiers and their helpers upon the presentation of a disability badge. See here for further details, terms and conditions.
A variety of Ski/Snowboard Schools, including ESF Courchevel, can provide the right equipment and instructors for people with disabilites to enjoy the ski areas in complete safety.
Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/bikes/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed along your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and ability, as well as some insider knowledge on the "must have" kit for this coming season. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more
Skiing Tips & Techniques
We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more
Snowboarding Tips & Techniques
Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... see "Tips & Technique - Snowboarding" for more
Lift System & Passes in Courchevel
Courchevel forms part of the Three Valleys lift system, which is considered to be the most efficient overall lift system in France (200 ski lifts transport 260,000 skiers hourly!). With such an extensive lift network in operation both summer and winter, it makes sense that there are a wide range of lift pass options available for the skier or boarder, mountain biker and pedestrian. ... see "Courchevel Lift System & Passes" for more
Skinets Support Tool |
