It can be hard to know what to do when the weather closes in and the snow falls. Courchevel has some great places to go when the clouds come in and the visibility fades, the best thing to do is to stick to the tree-lined pistes as they will give you definition in the flat light.
Bad Weather Ski Areas in Courchevel
Discover the top Courchevel bad-weather skiing
The high, open pistes lack the contrast required for orientation during white out conditions and slope and sky can blur into one.
However, there are certain runs that offer more contrast providing vast amounts of skiing/snowboarding when the flakes are falling.
Head for the trees
The trick is to head for the pistes that are tree-lined and more sheltered, as they help provide definition when everything else seems to be white.
Bear in mind, the valley floors can sometimes be covered in fog but the summits are bathed in glorious sunshine. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check out the webcams before you set off for the day.
Bad weather skiiing in Courchevel
When visibility is poor due to snow or a white-out, the most important thing to remember is to keep the piste markers in sight. These poles indicate the difficulty of the run with their colour—green, blue, red, or black.
Staying on piste in low visibility
A simple trick can help you stay on track: poles on the right-hand side of the piste (looking downhill) have a 20 cm orange band at the top. If you see one, keep it on your right. If the pole is a single colour all the way up, keep it on your left. Following this guide will help you stay safely on the piste.
Best areas for skiing in poor weather
If visibility deteriorates, try heading to lower pistes near the resort, as they may be below the cloud cover, offering better conditions. If the cloud is sitting in the valley, conditions could be clearer higher up, just ensure there’s an easy route down in case visibility remains poor. If it’s snowing in the valley, it’s likely snowing at the top too, making for great skiing and quieter pistes.
Tree-lined pistes for better contrast
Trees help provide definition and more shelter in white-out conditions, making skiing easier when the sky and snow blend together. The best tree-lined pistes in Courchevel include:
- Le Praz runs – The black runs Jockeys and Jean Blanc and the red Brigues all run through the trees, offering improved visibility.
- La Tania – The long blue Folyeres is a good option, with trees lining the piste and a lower altitude that may sit below the thickest cloud.
- Lower runs in Courchevel and Courchevel Moriond – Some pistes descending into these areas are tree-lined, making them a good choice when conditions are poor. Try the red Loze, the green Verdons, and the blue runs leading down to Courchevel Moriond.
Check conditions before heading out
Before setting off on a bad weather day, check the live webcams to see what conditions are like at different heights. This can help you plan the best runs for visibility and snow quality.
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Courchevel
See all Ski Hire in Courchevel-
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Ski Wave
Hire shop located close to ski pass office and Tourist Office in La Tania
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Courchevel? Just visit the Skiset Ski Wave store!
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L'Atelier 1550
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
Discover the ideal place for exceptional ski rentals at Courchevel 1550. Located in the magnificent French Alps, their shop provides direct access to the beautiful slopes of Courchevel, as well as first-class rental services suitable for all skiing levels, from beginners to professionals.
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Six Senses
Hire shop located in Six Senses residence in centre of Courchevel 1850
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Courchevel? Just visit the Skiset Six Senses store!
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White Storm 1850
Friendly ski hire and delivery, right to your door in Courchevel and Meribel
With 20 years of experience, this independent company is run by passionate skiers and snowboarders. Their expert team carefully selects and fits your equipment to the highest standards.
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Prends Ta Luge & Tire Toi
Located inside the shop Prends Ta Luge et Tire Toi at the Forum in 1850
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Courchevel? Just visit the NetSki Prends Ta Luge et Tire Toi store!
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Ski Higher
Ski and snowboard hire beside the piste in La Tania
Conveniently located in the centre of La Tania, this friendly ski hire shop offers a wide choice of skis, snowboards and equipment, backed up by experienced technicians who can help you find the right set-up for your time in Courchevel and the Three Valleys.
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Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Courchevel.
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