It's very cold and the days are short, but the skies are blue and the pistes are quiet.
January in Courchevel: What's on and weather
Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events
After the Christmas holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the main winter season in resort. This means you have the slopes to yourselves, rarely have to queue for a lift and can enjoy pistes in great condition. So wrap up warm and get outside to find new year adventures.
The quiet conditions on the mountain don’t translate to quiet nights in the town. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant, and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.
What are the weather and snow conditions like
There is regular snowfall - on average 12 days - and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 1°C and a low of -7ºC, getting around five hours of sunshine. Definitely pack those thermals!
The Biollay piste is spectacular at this time of year, a perfect blue run for warming up those ski legs.
Nightlife in Courchevel
If the sun shines, it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink on the slopes. The ultimate party place has to be La Folie Douce. At this time of the season we can look forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.
Bars & Clubs in Courchevel
See all Bars & Clubs in Courchevel-
La Folie Douce Bar
Famous on piste après-ski bar near the mid station of the Saulire Express
At La Folie Douce, great food and unforgettable fun go hand in hand. Perched on the slopes of Méribel-Courchevel, this legendary venue redefines après-ski with its high-energy Clubbing experience, where guests can forget the everyday and immerse themselves in alpine entertainment like no other.
-
La Cabane Restaurant
Traditional Savoyarde cuisine served in a modern contemporary alpine setting
Ski-in restaurant and bar with a great terrace in the heart of Courchevel 1850. Enjoy cheeseburgers, street food and Savoyard classics in a modern mountain setting. Open daily for lunch and dinner with a warm and lively après-ski vibe.
-
Fire and Ice Bar
Chic piste side hotel bar with warm and cosy fire place
Chill out and soak up the alpine atmosphere at Fire and Ice, Portetta’s outdoor terrace bar and the largest in Courchevel Moriond. Nestled at the foot of the main piste, it’s the ideal spot to take a break between runs or enjoy a leisurely alpine escape. The terrace combines rustic charm with cosy comfort, featuring log-burning fires, flaming torches, fur-lined snugs, and heated bar seating, all set against the backdrop of spectacular mountain views.
-
La Mangeoire Restaurant and Piano Bar
Popular atmospheric Savoyard restaurant and piano bar in Courchevel 1850
This restaurant and piano bar remains one of the most popular places to eat in Courchevel 1850.
-
Le Bar de Madame at Hotel la Sivoliere
Lounge bar for relaxing après-ski drinks by the fire at the Hotel la Sivoliere
Step into Le Bar de Madame, the secret gem of Courchevel, where style, sophistication, and conviviality combine. Known simply as “Madame,” this chic bar has become the go-to meeting place for those seeking festive, foodie moments in a relaxed yet elegant setting. Whether you’re catching up with friends over expertly crafted cocktails or savouring fine wines, the atmosphere here is effortlessly lively and intimate, making every visit feel special.
-
Copiña Tapas Bar
Lively bar and restaurant serving cocktails, craft beers, world wines and tapas
Following on from the success of Copiña in Méribel, they opened Copiña Courchevel in 2018, bringing a Spanish-inspired tapas and cocktail experience to the heart of Courchevel 1650. Housed in the former Arc en Ciel restaurant, the venue features a larger kitchen and dining area than its Méribel sister, offering both a bustling bar à l'Espagnol for lively tapas and raciones, and a cosy sit-down restaurant for a three-course meal.
Ski Schools in Courchevel
With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible.
If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.
Ski School Lessons in Courchevel
See all Ski School Lessons in Courchevel-
Private ski lessons
Tailored ski and snowboard lessons with multilingual instructors in Courchevel
Run by an Anglo-French team since 2001, this ski school knows the Three Valleys inside out. Their highly qualified, multilingual instructors specialise in tailor-made lessons designed to suit every skier or snowboarder.
-
Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in Courchevel and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
-
Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Private ski lessons
On and off-piste, English-speaking instructors with top local knowledge
Parallel Lines is Meribel’s biggest British Ski and Snowboard School, offering private lessons in La Tania and Courchevel tailor-made to focus on developing your skiing/snowboarding technique.
-
Private ski lessons
Bespoke ski and snowboard lessons in Courchevel
Backed by more than 30 years of excellence teaching across the French Alps, their mission is to transform your time on snow into something unforgettable.
-
Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in Courchevel. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
Winter Things To Do in Courchevel
It doesn't just have to be piste based adventures you take part in. Ski-touring and split-boarding have become extremely popular in recent years, and there's nothing that gets the heart pumping like gaining altitude under your own steam. When it's a 'white out' you'll find us changing tack entirely, pulling on some raquettes (snowshoes) and venturing forth into the wilderness on one of the many snowshoeing routes around the valley, all the while dreaming of tomorrow's bluebird powder day.
Wintersport Things To Do in Courchevel
See all Wintersport Things To Do in Courchevel-
Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
-
Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
-
Ice Skating rink
Patinoire Du Forum - indoor ice skating for all and enjoy ice hockey matches
Located in the centre of Courchevel 1850 is the indoor ice skating rink.
-
Snow shoe walks
Half and full day guided snowshoe walks in and around Courchevel
Laurence is a certified mountain leader, who enjoys taking clients away from the busy pistes and spicing up your ski holiday with a guided snowshoeing trip.
-
Bureau des Guides winter and summer activities
Off piste ski touring, heliskiing, glacier walks, snowshoeing and much more
Head out into the mountains with experienced guides in either summer or winter for some amazing experiences.
January events in Courchevel
You'll find a wide range of activities apart from alpine skiing in each village, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledging, ski touring, tobogganing, and Nordic walking.
Events in Courchevel
See all Events in Courchevel-
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
-
Women's Ski Audi FIS World Cup
The magic of skiing takes over the legendary Emilie-Allais stadium
The best female skiers in the world will be there for a night-time slalom. Festive atmosphere and spectacle guaranteed
-
Winter Legacy by Alexis Pinturault
Alexis Pinturault challenge - teams compete in great racing
The Winter Legacy is open to all, with a race for adults and a scale model for juniors.
-
Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
![[itemref] lounge](https://cdm0lfbn.cloudimg.io/v7/_images_base_/image_uploader/photos/original/2103-1-eden-20_1_21030001_1000__wwatermark1363125858_1363125858.jpg?ua=1766709535&p=listing_summary_middle)
