Courchevel Snow Report: 5th February 2012

Still very, very cold but at least it's sunny now

Imprint: By Alan Furniss, Updated 2 April 2026

-19.5°c on my balcony this morning and I’m certain that’s the coldest I’ve ever seen here. However, one major difference compared to last Thursday, was that the sun was blazing in the blue sky. Having taken on board a Swedish friend’s comment that ‘there is no such thing as cold weather, only inappropriate clothing’, I went out wearing everything I had. Michelin man goes skiing but by staying in the sunshine all day I really didn’t get (too) cold.

I could see from the list of pistes which had been groomed that, unusually, all of Courchevel’s black runs had been pisted. So Jockeys & Jean Blanc down to Le Praz. Combe Pylones, ‘M’ & Suisses at the top plus Chanrossa above 1650.

I took the giant cable car to the top as the Vizelle telecabine was not open first thing. A long ski down the back of the mountain in the sunshine on Les Creux and then the Marmottes chair brought me back up to the top of Vizelle. Combe Pylones in the sunshine on a piste as flat as flat can be.

It’s still low season and also being the weekend, when a lot of people are either going to the airport, at the airport or coming back from the airport, meant that I had the place to myself. No queues on any lifts and totally uncrowded pistes. Next weekend sees the UK half-term and also the start of the French holidays with one third of the departements on holiday for the first week. If you’re coming out for half term next weekend I think it will be one of the quietest half term weeks for a number of years (although still busy). It doesn’t coincide with the third of the country which includes Paris which is always the busiest time (Paris holiday is 18th February to 4th March inclusive this year).

I chose Jean Blanc over Jockeys for the ski home, only because I ‘did’ Jockeys the other day and even mid afternoon it still had Courchevel corduroy on it. It’s probably the steepest of our black runs so don’t try it if you don’t have confidence in your own ability. If you go up from Le Praz on the Praz gondola have a look and see if it appeals to you; it’s the piste you go over and cross at right angles about 200metres before you get off the gondola at the top.

There are immense depths of snow everywhere so conditions are as good as it gets. The short term forecast is for a little snow on Thursday then a very snowy weekend next Saturday and Sunday. Knowing France Meteo, all that of course could and probably will change so do come back here on Tuesday and Thursday and I’ll try and keep you up to date.

Ski Hire in Courchevel

Ski Hire Mobile Delivery

Location
Courchevel 1550

They operate three ski hire shops in Courchevel and offer a mobile delivery service throughout Courchevel and La Tania, making it easy and stress-free to get your equipment wherever you are staying.
Regis Sports

Location
Courchevel 1550

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Courchevel? Just visit the Skiset Regis Sports store!
Carré Blanc

Location
Courchevel 1550

Snowboard and ski rental close to Renouveau, Les Sapineaux, Le Hameau de La Chapelle Residences. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Prends Ta Luge & Tire Toi

Location
Courchevel 1850

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Courchevel? Just visit the NetSki Prends Ta Luge et Tire Toi store!
Francis Blanc Sports

Location
Courchevel 1650

This shop is situated next to the Spar shop in Courchevel 1650 on the main high street just down from the cable car. It is run by Sophie and Nadine who will ensure you get the best gear to suit your level.
Ski Higher Mobile Delivery Service

Location
La Tania

Skip the queues and heavy lifting with this delivery service. Their mobile team brings high-quality skis and snowboards straight to your chalet, fitted with expert care and friendly service, and all at a highly competitive price.

Ski Schools in Courchevel

Private ski lessons

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

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.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Private ski lessons

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.
Private ski lessons

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.
Private ski lessons

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.

Airport Transfers in Courchevel

Private airport transfers

The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Shared bus airport transfers

A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private transfers from Geneva Airport to Courchevel. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
Private airport transfers

This company provides private door-to-door airport transfers at competitive prices. With passenger safety and comfort at the forefront of their minds, they are the perfect option.
Private airport transfers

Enjoy safe, reliable airport transfers to Méribel, Courchevel, and the wider Three Valleys, taking the stress out of your journey to the mountains. This service isn’t a call centre or a fleet - it’s a network of independent, owner-operated drivers who live and work in the Alps year-round, bringing decades of local knowledge and experience to every trip.
Private airport transfers

This company provides private transfers from Geneva Airport to Courchevel, nearby areas, and other resorts across the Alps. With excellent value and top-quality service, they’re an ideal choice for your next trip.

Winter Things To Do in Courchevel

See our Activity Guide

Heliskiing/boarding

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.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Snow shoe walks

Location
Courchevel 1850

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

Location
Courchevel 1850

Head out into the mountains with experienced guides in either summer or winter for some amazing experiences.
Ice Skating rink

Location
Courchevel 1850

Located in the centre of Courchevel 1850 is the indoor ice skating rink.