Climbing in Courchevel

Canyoning

A not so gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous. Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.

Ice-climbing

If you want to try something different in Courchevel, 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 or on one of the various beautiful frozen waterfalls in the Three Valleys. 

If you are a beginner and have never done ice climbing before then a mountain guide will teach how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice wall. Alternatively, they may take you to one of the spectacular frozen waterfalls in the valley. The ice climbing wall is also open for your personal use if you are an experienced climber, the vertical ramps of the ice wall will raise the difficulty of the climb for those who are experienced.

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Indoor climbing

If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Courchevel has somewhere for you to go. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall.

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Via Ferrata

If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain. This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. Following marked routes through the mountains, you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. 

Beginners can take their first steps at Lac de le Rosiere, where you will find fairly easy routes on which to find your head for heights! There are more challenging routes at the Croix des Verdons, which can be reaches by taking the Verdons cablecar followed by the Sauliere cable car and then walking for ten minutes from the top station towards a crest. The route itself is quite physically demanding, leading you down narrow passages and along steep ledges, but is well equipped. The full route should take around two to three hours. Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight. You can hire all the essential equipment, including helmet, harness and "cows tails" at most sports shops in resort.

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Caves & Rocks

Courchevel is a great place rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'! Learn all the technique and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained mountain guide. Climbing is also a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is.