Skiing in Courchevel

Courchevel is one of the best-known ski resorts in the Alps, offering direct access to the vast Three Valleys ski area with over 600 kilometres of pistes to explore. Whether you're just starting out or an expert looking for steep terrain and off-piste challenges, there’s something for every level. The resort is made up of several villages at different altitudes, all with easy lift access and plenty of ski-in ski-out accommodation. You’ll find excellent ski schools, wide open pistes, tree-lined runs and lively snowparks, making Courchevel a favourite for both families and seasoned skiers.

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Courchevel you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

Courchevel boasts 90 km of tranquil cross-country trails, marked and free trails all start from one of Courchevel's villages.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops in Courchevel. You may also want to book a group or private lesson to learn the basics.

Ski schools in Courchevel, Courchevel Moriond and Courchevel Village are well equipped with Sit-Skis and qualified instructors to help you learn at the right pace, or to help you improve from your last experience.

Both children and adults are catered for and the instructors are passionate about giving you the ultimate skiing experience, whatever your disability. You are advised to book at least 15 days in advance and then to confirm one week before arrival, to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is available for your lesson.

Heliskiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Courchevel offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group.

Courchevel has a park with gentle, small features as well as a park for those looking to progress their freestyle skills. With boxes, rails and kickers suitable for most abilities and a big air, there's something to suit everyone.

The Family Park, Courchevel 1850

Located alongside the Verdons piste just above the village at 1850, the park is sure to entertain all levels of freestyle rider. The novice freestylers can try their hand at the gentle snowcross course, the speed gun and an array of green kickers and boxes.

The red kickers in the "Big Air" section are closer to black grade than red. The blue boxes, quarter pipe and swimming pool give ample opportunity to get the legs popping and the skis and boards spinning.  

There's the airbag to test out all those gnarly new tricks without the fear of injury. 

Telemarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique.

If this whets your appetite for more ski talk, check out our recommendations of the best pistes in Courchevel. Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy.