Where to ski in Courchevel: an insider’s guide
One of three resorts which make up Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel has a well deserved reputation for fantastic skiing. And, with unrivalled snow making facilities, immaculate and consistent grooming, and over 600km of pistes - as well as easy access to the rest of the 3 Valleys - it’s easy to see its appeal. So, whether you’re heading to Courchevel this winter, or, it’s on your wish list, have a read of our top tips on where to ski in Courchevel - including insider tips on the best runs in Courchevel, and some of our favourite refreshment stops along the way.
Courchevel Moriond (1650)
Set on the far left of the Three Valleys, Courchevel Moriond is often a lot quieter than the main hub in Courchevel (1850), in large part due to the distance from the nearby resorts of Méribel and Val Thorens. It gets the sun late in the day - making it the perfect setting when the temperatures drop. Plus, you have the majestic Dent de Villard mountain ridge to skiers right to admire when you stop to catch your breath.
Most importantly though, Courchevel Moriond also boasts some of the best runs in Courchevel, as well as some fantastic and easy-access off piste routes. Some of our favourite pistes include:
Blue run Gentiane, and Grande Bosse which runs parallel - both wide, usually immaculately groomed, and perfect for practising your carving
Everyone’s favourite, red run Chapelets, which twists and turns with spectacular views and some fun little lips along the way
Rochers - a narrow and, at parts, steep red, that has some rollers and tight bends that create a natural race track
If you’re feeling a little parched, as you’re passing through, the popular restaurant Le Bel Air, offers reasonably priced drinks and good food with a stunning view and expansive sun terrace overlooking the whole of Courchevel.
Courchevel (1850)
The centre and main intersection of the Courchevel ski area, Courchevel, formerly known as 1850, is usually the busiest part of the resort. The two main lifts of Verdons and Chenus take you up towards the top of Saulire and to Méribel via the Col de la Loze respectively.
Alternatively, you can ski under the bridge and head towards Courchevel Village, Courchevel Le Praz or La Tania, or jump on the Plantrey chair giving you access to a myriad of blues and reds above the resort.
Some of our favourite pistes in Courchevel include:
Creux, which runs from the ridge between Courchevel and Méribel, leading down into the valley which separates it from Courchevel Moriond, known to locals as “the fruit bowl”. Now a blue, but previously a red, there is a slightly steeper section at the top, but it’s nice and wide, and leads down into a pretty tree-lined valley. It gets busy though, so best hit earlier in the day when it’s freshly groomed.
Cave des Creux is a rarely skied red run which passes the popular restaurant of the same name. It’s really gentle and, some might say, undeserving of its red status. It’s also perfect to practise your carve, and ends with a picturesque section through the trees.
There are countless great options from the top of Saulire, including the ever popular Combe de Saulire, but if you’re competent enough, and they’ve been pisted, we’d advise you avoid the crowds skiing Combe de Saulire, hitting up one of the black runs - Suisse, Combe de Pylones or piste M instead.
Courchevel Village (1550)
Courchevel Village sits just below the main hub of Courchevel, offering fast access to the rest of the resort and further afield. The main run to Village - Tovets - is a wide blue, with a consistent gradient, comfortable for intermediate skiers and beyond. For something a little different, the little-skied route of Cospilot, accessed from the bottom of the Pralong chair is well worth an explore. This gentle blue winds through the trees, amid several private chalets, and provides a nice alternative to the wide open pistes throughout much of the resort.
Courchevel Le Praz
Though we might be a little biased, Courchevel Le Praz, with its picturesque lake and quaint mountain village is easily one of the most charming villages in the Courchevel valley, and beyond. You can access Le Praz from the Courchevel side, via Brigues or Jean Blanc. However, the nicest run back to the resort, comes from the La Tania side, via a rarely skied red - Murettes. If you fancy a pit stop in Le Praz, the Peupliers hotel does a great vin chaud - which you can enjoy in front of a roaring fire, or out on the terrace, if the sun is shining.
The other great thing about Le Praz is the high speed lifts which service it. Choose from the Le Praz bubble - which whisks you back up to 1850 in only 6 minutes, or the high speed 6 man chair - Foret - which scoots you up towards La Tania, Méribel and beyond.
Courchevel La Tania
Purpose-built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, La Tania is the culmination of a large collection of chalets, nestled within the trees. Served by the La Tania bubble, followed by two different chairs, it offers easy access to neighbouring resort Méribel, as well as routes back towards Courchevel centre.
La Tania boasts one of the all time greats within Courchevel. Blue run Folyeres is loved by locals and holidaymakers alike - and it’s easy to see why. It carves a fun and playful route between the trees, with rollers to hit, and little gullies the children love, amongst the trees.
If you happen to be passing by at lunch time, the ever popular Bouc Blanc restaurant, at the top of the La Tania bubble is well worth a stop. Their plat du jour is great value and their café gourmand is not to be missed.
So there you have it, our insider’s guide on where to ski in Courchevel, including the best pistes in Courchevel. And if you haven’t yet booked somewhere to stay in Courchevel then take a look at our modern ski chalet, based in Courchevel Le Praz - where style meets comfort.
