Courchevel

About Courchevel

To really understand the size of Courchevel and how much skiing it has to offer, it’s best to put it into perspective of some of the largest resorts in North America. If you were to combine Whistler, Vail, Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth, then added on Jackson Hole, Killington and Breckenridge, there’d still be room left over in the miles and miles of ski terrain known as 3 Vallées, which Courchevel is a part of. This expansive area includes several charming villages, from the traditional Courchevel Village to the lavish Courchevel Moriond.

With infinite terrain and the most sophisticated, interconnected lift system in Europe, you could spend a lifetime exploring the limitless peaks and valleys, sampling all the delicious food at the fine French restaurants and cruising through tiny villages without ever having to take off your skis. Visitors to Courchevel and its many sister resorts have enjoyed this unrivaled access since 1973, so you can trust the longstanding reputation that’s stood the test of time.

Courchevel, France is internationally known for being one of the best ski resorts in Europe. The size alone of the resort, 372 miles of interconnected pistes, guarantees no matter what kind of skiing you like doing there will be something for you. In the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area, Courchevel ski resort has everything from wide open runs for beginners to fine tune their form to a number of steep, extreme slopes so experts won’t run out of places to explore. Getting here is easy, with nearby airports in Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry, followed by convenient shuttle transfers.

How to get to Courchevel

Courchevel is super accessible, just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Chambéry Airport (CMF), two hours from Alpes-Isère Airport (GNB) and two hours and 15 minutes from Geneva Airport (GVA). For the easiest international travel, fly into Geneva International Airport. Transfers between Geneva and Courchevel take about two-and-a-half hours. Although Courchevel is not directly on a train line, you can still take the train near. Hop off at Moûtiers and catch a bus or taxi straight to Courchevel. Bus transfers also run from Moûtiers, Chambéry, Lyon and Geneva. A popular option is the "Alps2Alps" shuttle, which takes off from Chambéry Airport (CMF) and start at around €240 EUR ($267 USD) for a shared transfer.

Getting around Courchevel is a breeze with free shuttle buses connecting the villages and hamlets, covering essential spots like Saint-Bon and Courchevel. During the day, ski lifts seamlessly link the resort. For more personalized transport, taxis offer tailored services, ensuring easy access to slopes, villages and nearby transport hubs.

Skiing in Courchevel

Courchevel typically opens in early December and closes in mid-late April. The amount of terrain open grows from December onward with the accumulation of snow, so a visit at the start of the season may limit skiers to areas at lower altitudes. In addition to alpine skiing, Courchevel also has cross-country skiing, dog sledding and other off-piste activities available during the winter season for a variety of ways to explore the outdoors.

Beginner Skiing in Courchevel, France
Boasting nearly 25 percent green runs and eight free chairlifts, the Courchevel beginner skiing is among some Europe’s most notable. The best Courchevel beginner skiing can be found at 1650 and 1850. The 1650 area offers first-timers some great “learn to ski” slopes and introductory chairlifts, as well as surface lifts (magic carpets). 

Once you’re ready, take up the Ariondaz chairlift to access a perfectly groomed beginner cruiser. Chourchevel 1850 offers families and beginners the best of the best Courchevel beginner skiing with Jardin Alpin—accessed by the gondola. Beginners also have a large beginner area at Pralong, which is accessed via bus or car, while La Tania accounts for green and blue pistes directly accessible from the village, with convenient ski school meeting points. You can expect wide, open green runs such as Grandes Bosses and Plan Fontaine at Courchevel 1650. It is the perfect place for novice skiers. If you think that you’re getting along, or perhaps just need a quick warm-up, enjoy Plan Fontaine, a twisty, long green run from Bouc Blanc.

Family vacations in Courchevel

Courchevel is the ultimate family playground, packed with activities for all ages. Thrill your kids with a zipline ride at Lac de la Rosière, suitable for adventurers as young as five. The village's Forum offers a bowling alley, perfect for fun-filled evenings no matter the weather. When winter rolls in, dive into a wonderland of dog sledding, snowshoeing and indoor climbing at Aquamotion. Kids can join any of the three ski schools that provide personalized lessons in dedicated areas, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

Parents can rest assured that their little ones are safe when riding the lifts thanks to a new “Magnestick” system, which secures children to the lifts. Everyone in your gang can enjoy the Family Park in the Verdons ski area, which offers progressive features so kids and those looking to advance their freestyle skills can do so in a fun, safe manner. Enjoy the ice rink at Courchevel 1850 or drop the kids off at the media library, where board games and events keep them entertained. Families have a wide variety of convenient lodging and picture perfect terrain, especially at Courchevel 1650 ski area.