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Courchevel for Skiing & Snowboarding
| Skiing & Boarding in Courchevel |
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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. |
| Insider's Guide to... |
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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 for..." for more |
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last updated 31-Jan-2008 |
| Snowparks in Courchevel |
Courchevel boasts the only railpark in the Three Valleys, complete with various rails and box modules for both skiers and boarders to try their hands at. All standards are welcome to come and get stuck in, with two Railpark Rangers on hand to offer advise and top tips.
The Snowcross trail on the Loze piste will try and catch you out with whoops, banked curves and other sneaky pitfalls as you race your mates to the bottom.
The Parc Plantery is also worth checking out for its baby and half-pipes, tables, hips and more. Even if you're not ready to try out any death-defying manouvres yourself it is still great just to go and watch!
There are also further snowparks in the Meribel and Val Thorens areas, access to all the snowparks is included in your lift pass. |
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last updated 1-Feb-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 |
| 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.
More information on adaptive skiing and the British Disabled Ski Team visit Disability Snow Sport UK.
Click here for information on access to lifts and ski areas
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last updated 4-Feb-2008 |
| Skiing Tips & Techniques |
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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 |
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last updated 31-Jan-2008 |
| Equipment & Clothing Guide |
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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 |
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last updated 15-May-2008 |
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