Courchevel
This glamorous French ski resort is known as the jewel in the crown of the world's biggest ski area, the Three Valleys.
What to expect at Courchevel
Courchevel is really five villages stacked up the same hillside, 1300 Le Praz down in the trees, 1550 the workaday side, 1650 Moriond with its family bias, and 1850 at the top with the private jets, six-star hotels and the highest concentration of Michelin stars in any ski resort in the world. The lift infrastructure is Europe's benchmark: 58 lifts, immaculate grooming, and a lift company that replaces gondolas before they need it. Terrain is largely north-facing, holds snow well, and skews to long intermediate cruisers off Saulire and La Loze, with the Grand Couloir providing the one properly serious black that everyone talks about.
Courchevel on film
Skiing and staying in Courchevel
Courchevel ski resort
Courchevel, a flagship resort within the French Alps' Three Valleys, sets a high benchmark for luxury ski holidays. Spread across six distinct villages, it attracts visitors seeking impeccable pistes, world-class dining, and diverse terrain suitable for all abilities, from novices to seasoned experts.
The skiing and snowboarding opportunities range from 1,300m to 2,738m, featuring 150km of local pistes and direct access to the wider Three Valleys' 600km of interconnected slopes. Courchevel distinguishes itself with meticulous grooming, a cutting-edge lift network, and varied terrain. Its north-facing aspect ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season, whether on its gentle tree-lined runs or challenging couloirs.
Skiing and snowboarding in Courchevel
Courchevel offers exceptional skiing and snowboarding across a varied landscape, with beautifully flowing pistes that maintain pristine conditions. The state-of-the-art lift system and immaculate grooming contribute to a genuinely impressive scale of skiing. The resort's north-facing orientation and good altitude guarantee reliable snow, while wooded runs in lower areas provide shelter and scenic backdrops.
From gentle, tree-lined cruisers to steep, technical descents and the renowned couloirs of Saulire, the resort's meticulously planned mountain environment offers immense satisfaction. The entire Three Valleys serves as an extended playground, allowing for extensive exploration.
Skiing for all abilities
Courchevel is an excellent destination for beginners, with each village providing gentle nursery slopes to ease new skiers into the sport without navigating busy lift systems. The beginner areas at 1850 and 1650 are particularly well-designed, featuring magic carpet lifts and progressive zones for confidence building. Once ready, long green runs meander through the trees, offering ample space without feeling rushed. The ski schools are highly regarded, with English-speaking instruction readily available.
Intermediate skiers will find Courchevel a paradise, boasting kilometres of perfectly groomed blue and red runs. The Verdons run from Saulire is a notable highlight, offering a sweeping, confidence-inspiring descent. For more challenge, the red runs from Col de la Loze connect to Méribel, while the Creux area provides quiet, forested options. The Three Valleys connection expands possibilities further, with blue runs linking to neighbouring resorts for extensive exploration.
Experts are well catered for with plenty of technical terrain. The Grand Couloir, a steep, narrow chute from Saulire, is an iconic expert run requiring precise control, with the slightly less intense Petit Couloir nearby. Beyond marked runs, the Three Valleys offers chutes, bowls, and backcountry tours. The Chanrossa sector features sustained steep pitches and excellent off-piste access, and north-facing slopes above 1850 retain powder after a snowfall. Tree-lined routes between Courchevel and La Tania offer guidance in low visibility and often hide untracked lines.
Courchevel in winter
Courchevel piste map
The official Courchevel piste map showing every run, lift and sector. Zoom in for detail or open it full screen.
Scroll or pinch to zoom, drag to pan.
View and download Courchevel ski map ↗Getting to Courchevel
- Chambery Airport (CMF)1 h 30 min
- Grenoble Airport (GNB)2 h 30 min
- Lyon Airport (LYS)2 h 30 min
- Geneva Airport (GVA)3 h
Drive times are estimates based on typical winter road conditions. Book transfers in advance during peak Saturday changeovers.
Courchevel FAQs
- Is Courchevel good for beginners?
- Courchevel is an excellent choice for beginners. Each village features dedicated nursery areas with gentle slopes and magic carpet lifts, facilitating easy learning away from crowded pistes. Ski schools are highly experienced with first-timers, offering widespread availability of English-speaking instructors. Once comfortable, long green runs winding through trees provide ample space to practise without pressure.
- How does Courchevel compare to other Three Valleys resorts?
- Courchevel, located at the northern end of the Three Valleys, is renowned for its immaculate grooming, efficient lift system, and upmarket ambiance. Compared to Méribel (known for its British contingent and excellent intermediate terrain), Les Menuires (offering better value and a purpose-built feel), and Val Thorens (the highest and most snow-sure), Courchevel provides greater variety in its village bases and arguably superior piste maintenance. It tends to attract an affluent, international clientele, especially in 1850.
- Is Courchevel expensive?
- Courchevel has a reputation as one of the world's most expensive ski resorts, and this holds true for parts of 1850. However, the situation is more nuanced. Le Praz, La Tania, and 1550 provide more affordable accommodation without compromising ski access. Mountain restaurants vary in price from prohibitive to reasonable, depending on where you choose to dine. Self-catering and aparthotel options can significantly reduce costs, and booking early often secures better rates. It is certainly possible to ski Courchevel without excessive expenditure, with smart planning.
- How reliable is the snow in Courchevel?
- Courchevel benefits from good natural snowfall and extensive snowmaking covering key runs to all villages. The north-facing slopes above 1850 retain snow well, and the connection to the Three Valleys means good conditions can always be found somewhere within the ski area. The season typically runs from early December to mid-April, with the most reliable conditions generally from mid-December onwards. While lower villages, particularly Le Praz, can be affected by warmer spells, snowmaking usually ensures return runs remain open.
- Which Courchevel village should I stay in?
- The best Courchevel village depends on your priorities. Courchevel 1850 offers the most convenient skiing and nightlife but is the most expensive. Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) strikes a good balance of access, atmosphere, and value, also being home to Aquamotion. Courchevel 1550 (Village) suits families seeking a quiet base with easy gondola access to 1850. Le Praz (1300) boasts genuine village charm and the best value. La Tania, while technically separate, shares the ski area and is great for families and those desiring a more intimate, tree-lined atmosphere.
Resort figures are checked against official resort sources each season. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Nearby resorts
Méribel
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La Plagne
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