Most of Courchevel endured heavy rainfall throughout Wednesday and Thursday with minimal skiing on offer. Wednesday saw the worst of the storm as the mountain virtually closed down leaving only a small selection of drag lifts in operation.
Turbulent weather in The Three Valleys
Extreme weather conditions over the past 72 hours
The snowy start to the year was replaced by rain with all areas below 2000 metres receiving a wash. Joyfully, freeze levels did drop during Wednesday night, allowing for a healthy 30cms snowfall from Le Praz 1300 upwards. Val Thorens saw the most harrowing elements of the storm with winds well over 100kms/h at some points. Roads were closed and buses cancelled for a 12-hour period.
Crazy weather conditions that have produced varying air temperatures, snow, rain and wind currently leave the avalanche risk at 5 out of 5. This means there is extreme danger and skiers should stay vigilant at all times. It is rare to see a risk rating of 5 so it is more important than ever not to take risks or venture off alone into unknown or closed terrain.
Summit lift links between Courchevel and Meribel remain closed today, January 5th, due to wind and safety concerns. Avalanches can be seen around the Saulire couloirs as evidence of the current dangers.
Thankfully, conditions are settling down into the weekend with bright spells through Friday and Saturday. Temperatures remain just above freezing which is helping to mitigate icy patches on the slopes. Pistes are once again busy as the New Year's skiers finally get a clear dry day on the hill.
Gladly, huge swathes of snow still remain across the ski area despite the rainfall. The busy pistes will take a little time to get back to their best but, as snowfall returns and peak weeks finish, skiing should be back to its best. Higher altitudes, above 2000 metres, have received excellent snowfall. Once the Saulire and Vizelle lifts reopen, you can expect the best skiing to be found in these areas.
The packed powder pistes still retain incredible depth with 210cms at the summit and around 190cms base everywhere else from Le Praz 1300 up to Courchevel 1850. Above 2000 metres, 41cms of new snow has been recorded over the past 72 hours. Currently, 85 out of 100 trails continue to be open with 44 of 52 lifts available. As mentioned above, there are still a few closures including Chanrossa and Creux Noir due to safety concerns.
This weekend signals settled cloudy weather with air temperatures hovering around 0ºC. Arrivals and transfers into resort should be smooth now the roads are clear and minimal snowfall before Monday.
Sunday night looks set to see a snowy return, particularly above 2000 metres. Low cloud and snow are likely to continue through Monday night with around 25 to 30 cms predicted over 24 hours at higher altitudes. There may be a little bit more rain in lower areas.
Colder conditions will then return through Tuesday before the sun finally glistens the valley on Wednesday. This could be the perfect opportunity for a big ski day and head over to Val Thorens in calmer conditions. Life should be a lot quieter around the pistes as the New Year crowd dissipates.
For the best skiing conditions stick to higher altitudes where possible, the snow should be a lot more pleasant. You’ll be a lot happier skiing in the snow rather than the rain. If you’re looking for a place to dry off and warm up, head to Aquamotion near Courchevel Village 1550. The free shuttle bus takes you right to the front door and there’s something to enjoy for everyone. Relaxing hot pools and spas, water slides, climbing walls and a surf machine are all ready for a warming afternoon.
Eliot Prince is a freelance writer with a focus on the ski industry, he offers services to small and bespoke companies.
Airport Transfers in Courchevel
Transfers for Courchevel
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Private Airport Transfers
Stress-free airport transfers to Méribel, Courchevel and the Three Valleys
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.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Courchevel from €85 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Run by a long-established Three Valleys transfer specialist, the service combines the lower cost of sharing your journey with many of the things you would normally associate with a private transfer: small vehicles, experienced drivers and, importantly, a door-to-door journey between Geneva Airport and your accommodation in Courchevel.
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable ski transfers from Geneva Airport to resort
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Quick and secure way to organise transfers from local airports and stations
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.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable door-to-door transfers in the French Alps, making independent travel easier and affordable
The 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.
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Private Airport Transfers
Door-to-door private transfers from Geneva Airport to Courchevel
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.
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Use Alpine Fleet discount promocode: STWSKI
Ski Hire in Courchevel
Ski Hire in Courchevel
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White Storm 1650
Friendly ski hire and delivery, right to your door in Courchevel and Meribel
With 20 years of experience, they are an independent company run by passionate skiers and snowboarders. Their expert team carefully selects and fits your equipment to the highest standards.
Visit websiteSave up to 40%. Click website button and use code: SNOW
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Moriond
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
This snowboard and ski rental shop is situated in the centre of resort, just past the Cinema and close to the Maeva Residence.
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Le Praz
Ski hire shop that's located in Courchevel Le Praz
Rent skis and snowboards located in Le Praz, Courchevel. 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!
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Use Intersport ski hire discount code: STWSKI
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Cimes Blanches (Fahrenheit7)
Ski & snowboard hire located at the foot of the Fahrenheit7 Hotel in 1650
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Courchevel 1650!
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Ski Shop on your Doorstep
Skip the ski shop queues with skis and snowboards delivered and fitted at your accommodation.
Take the hassle out of ski hire with a mobile equipment service that brings your skis or snowboard directly to your accommodation in Courchevel.
Visit websiteSave 30% off mobile delivery in any resort. Use code: SEE30
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Gilbert Sports
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Courchevel
Visit websiteSave 5% automatically when you click here to book
Ski Schools in Courchevel
Ski School Lessons in Courchevel
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Winter Things To Do in Courchevel
Wintersport Things To Do in Courchevel
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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