Courchevel

Courchevel is made up of 4 resorts with an efficient free bus service running between them :

Courchevel 1850 is the largest and most cosmopolitan with designer shops and exclusive nightclubs. Undoubtedly, it is the benchmark in the French Alps for upmarket resorts.

Courchevel 1650 is described by many reporters as still very lively but a calmer and less crowed village, the most convenient base for exploration the 3 Valleys.

Courchevel 1550 has a family atmosphere set in the heart of the forest.

Le Praz or Courchevel 1300 as it is also know as is an old village with rustic charm set amongst woodland.

Skiing in Courchevel

Set in a truly beautiful landscape, the slopes face north or north east making them very snow sure.

Courchevel 1850 has some of the best access to the other resorts of the 3 valleys and has a gondola that takes you up to La Vizelle at 2695m.

Courchevel 1650 has its own ski area where some of the best slopes for early intermediates can be found as well as some of the best nursery slopes.

Courchevel 1550 and Le Praz has some great wooded slopes.

For expert skiers some of the best runs are at the top of the Saulire cable car.

Those looking for a challenge there is the 2000m/6560ft vertical from La Saulire to Bozel which is below Le Praz.

For some great blue and red runs try the Chenus sector.

   Click to view 3 Vallées website

Safe Skiing with Children in Courchevel

Magnestick is a new safety device for children, which can now be found on 4 chairlifts withinCourchevel : Signal (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked), Pralong (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked), Gravelles (4 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked) and Roc Mugnier (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked).

This is a simple yet very effective device: A permanent magnet is fixed to the seat of the chairlift and is activated for the whole ride up including when the child gets on.

A light (200g) back protector worn by the child includes a metallic plate. Children wear this protection throughout the day's skiing (not only when taking the chairlift). This vest comes in a bright colour so that children can be seen on the slopes and to avoid collisions with other slope users. On their way down, this CE-approved back protector protects their backs if they fall or collide with someone else.

On arrival at the top, the magnet is automatically deactivated when the child gets off. The child can then get up from the seat normally.

The risk of a child falling off before getting to the top is prevented as the magnet is only deactivated when the child puts their skis on the snow (even if someone lifts the restraining bar well before arrival).

As soon as the metallic plate in the back protector comes into contact with the magnet on the chairlift, the child is ‘attached’ to the seat. The aim is to protect children at each stage of the chairlift transport process!

STAGE 1 - Getting on: As soon as the child is sat with their back against the back of the seat, the system prevents any risk of sliding off even if the person accompanying does not immediately lower the restraining bar.

STAGE 2 - The ride up: The child can still move about freely but is ‘attached’ to the seat during the whole ride up. The system avoids any risk of sliding under the restraining bar.

STAGE 3 - Getting off: Even if the restraining bar is lifted before arrival, the child remains safely ‘attached to the seat' until their skis touch the snow.

Magnestick Vests can be purchased or hired in Courchevel from:

Société des 3 Vallées (Skipass office).

Snowboarding in Courchevel

The Plantrey terrain park is located just below 1850 and has a half pipe

The is also the Verdons terrain park just above 1850 which is great for all level or boarders

There is also a boarder cross at Pralong

Cross country skiing

There is 66km/41 miles of cross country trails in Courchevel.

Some of the best trails can be found near Le Praz

Ski School

The ESF in Courchevel 1650 & Courchevel 1850 offer skiing and snowboarding lesson to both adults and children.

For children aged 3-5 there is the  Piou- Piou club where they can learn how to ski.

For more information about pre-booking Ski School in Courchevel please select here 

Lift Passes

Lift passes give access to Courchevel and the whole of the 3 Valless

For more information about Courchevel lift pass, please click here

Photos supplier by Courchevel tourist office, taken by Patrick Pachod and J.Kelegopian