Five tips for first-time skiers in Courchevel

Get started on the magic carpet

If it's your first time on skis or a snowboard, then head to the magic carpet area in Courchevel where there are three surface lifts and gentle learner slopes. To get there, jump on Jardin Alpin gondola and get off at the second stop. From there you will need to follow the signs and walk 40m with your equipment to the slope. This area is perfect for developing basic skills and you are also surrounded by other learners so you can meet others and help each other out. If you're staying in the lower resorts, then Le Praz and La Tania both have a free small drag lift and a gentle slope for learning.

Find the greens

Once you have nailed the basics then the green pistes around Courchevel are brilliant for practising further and getting used to having other skiers around you. The wide greens like Verdons, Bellecote and Jardin Alpin are perfect for practising your turns, braking and learning how to manage your speed on easy runs. Practising on this area also allows you to practise going on a chairlift for the first time too. The lift workers are there to assist you if you need, and don't worry if you fall off, they'll slow everything down so you don't get injured.

Know the pistes

If you are learning on your own, ensure you have a piste map with you so you know where you are and so you don’t stray onto pistes that are too challenging for you. The piste map is full of really helpful information, like lift opening and closing times, important telephone numbers and points of interest. You can easily locate the public toilets, local restaurants and wifi zones in case you want to post your ski snaps on social media.

Hire a ski instructor

If you really want to improve quickly then the best way is to hire a private ski instructor or join a ski school group. There are literally hundreds of companies to choose from and we recommend New Generation Ski & Snowboard School. They can easily assess your needs and will help you to achieve your ski goals in a professional yet friendly manner.

Instructors knows all the best places to take you and will push you to try skills you probably wouldn't attempt on your own. Also, if you have advanced skiers in your ski party, like family members or friends, then it's nice to be able to join them for a ski afternoon as skiing with people better than you can encourage you and help you develop.

Make time to party

If it's your first ever ski trip then make the most of aprés ski. It's something that goes hand in hand with a ski holiday as you get to catch up with the rest of your ski pals, relax with a beer and meet others in the resort. Happy hour prices usually start at 16:00 and end at 19:00 with local bands playing from 17:00.

One of the best and liveliest aprés spots is Pub Le Ski Lodge in La Tania. You can ski there then get the free ski bus back to wherever you are staying. In Moriond, Le Bubble Bar and La Boulottle also host excellent aprés sessions. You will not be disappointed if you have chosen your first ski trip to be in Courchevel. You are spoilt with excellent runs, breathtaking scenery and a lively ski resort. You will definitely have fun in this fantastic place.