Everything you need for your Courchevel ski holiday.
24th April, 2025
5 min read time
As an integral part of the Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées), the largest linked ski area in the world, Courchevel offers access to an astounding 600 kilometers (372 miles) of meticulously groomed ski runs that span the vast network. Known for its chic atmosphere and upscale amenities, Courchevel stands out as one of the most luxurious ski resorts in France. More than just a ski destination, it’s a lifestyle.
We've created this guide to make planning your Courchevel ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, or relax with family and friends after a day on the slopes. At the end, you'll also find downloadable resort maps, along with some handy contact numbers and links.
Courchevel is located in the Tarentaise Valley in the department of Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France.
Nearest airport
Chambéry: 101 km (62 mi)
Transfer time
Chambéry: 1hr 13m
Courchevel the resort
Resort base altitude: 1,300 m (4,265 ft)
Resort permanent residents: ~2311
Courchevel, is a vibrant tapestry of six distinct Alpine villages, each brimming with its own unique elegance, charm, and character.
Courchevel Saint-Bon: the birthplace of Courchevel. Here, history whispers through its narrow streets and traditional buildings. It's quieter, radiating an authentic Savoyard atmosphere and offering a peaceful retreat away from the more bustling areas.
Courchevel Le Praz: le Praz and its authentic Alpine village vibe. The chalet-style architecture, with its wood and stone, blends serenity with scenic beauty, making it a favourite for those who love a more traditional mountain experience.
Courchevel Village: in Courchevel Village, you'll find a perfect mix of the traditional and the modern. This village, ideal for families, offers direct access to the slopes and a down-to-earth atmosphere, giving you both convenience and a cozy mountain feel.
Courchevel Moriond: here, traditional Alpine charm meets modern comfort, creating a perfect setting for families and groups alike, with a nice balance of skiing and après-ski delights.
Courchevel 1850: the crown jewel of the area, Courchevel 1850, is where luxury meets the slopes. With its high-end chalets, prestigious hotels, and an ambiance of upscale elegance, it’s a hub of Alpine luxury. The village buzzes with a vibrant nightlife, gourmet dining, and chic boutiques, making it perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
La Tania: tucked between Le Praz and Moriond lies La Tania, a charming and more budget-friendly gem. This car-free zone, ideal for families, strikes a beautiful balance with its modern-traditional chalet styles and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Pros
Cons
Reliable snow
Can get busy in high season
Modern and efficient lift system
Generally expensive in 1850, cheaper elsewhere
Lively après ski
There are better places for advanced/expert skiers
World class freeride off-piste
Good snow can't be guaranted in Courchevel 1300
Here is how Courchevel looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Courchevel has to offer.
Courchevel is an integral part of the Trois Vallées ski area, sharing its vast network with Méribel, Val Thorens, and Les Menuires. Combined, these resorts offer a staggering 600 km (372 mi) of ski runs, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. Within this grand domain, Courchevel itself contributes 150 km of skiable terrain, offering 109 pistes (21 greens, 41 blues, 36 reds, and 11 blacks) all meticulously maintained and serviced by 63 lifts.
The ski terrain in Courchevel is divided into three north-facing bowls:
Courchevel 1850: this prestigious area is the highest and offers luxury coupled with premium ski conditions. Its slopes cater to all skill levels, with gentle runs for beginners and more demanding routes for advanced skiers.
Courchevel Moriond: with a sunnier atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, Moriond provides a mix of easy and challenging slopes. It’s particularly suitable for intermediates, with consistent snow quality due to its favorable location.
La Loze & La Tania: combining La Loze's slopes with the picturesque village of La Tania, this area is known for a quieter skiing experience. It’s ideal for families and beginners, featuring beautifully maintained runs and scenic tree-lined trails through the forest.
Skiing in Courchevel
Beginners
For beginners, the resort features multiple 'Zen Areas' dotted with gentle greens and blues across various Courchevel villages like 1850 and Moriond.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers have the world, or rather, the valleys, at their feet. From the scenic blues to the exhilarating reds, there's a realm of choices. Specific highlights include the sunny Grandes Bosses run into Moriond and the remarkable Combe de la Saulire piste that offers glimpses of Mont Blanc on a cloudless day.
Advanced
For the seasoned pros, Courchevel doesn't hold back. Thrilling black runs, such as the un-groomed 'Face' slope, crafted for the 1992 Albertville Olympic downhill competition, beckon.
Off-piste
Off-piste skiing in Courchevel offers adventurous souls the chance to truly connect with the mountain's untouched beauty. Off-piste territories, like the Petit Couloir, Croix de Verdons Couloir and the Col du Fruit sectors, promise pure adrenaline rushes.
Snowboarding
Freestyle aficionados are also in for a treat. Courchevel's Family Park features diverse kickers, boxes, and pipes for different skill levels. Moreover, for those chasing that extra rush, off-piste adventures in areas like La Tania, coupled with the snow parks across the region, ensure endless thrills. It's worth noting the immense value in hiring a guide to uncover the best-kept secrets of the area.
Courchevel ski season dates
The ski season in Courchevel typically runs from mid November to early May. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Courchevel ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Courchevel snow history
Courchevel offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 32 cm (12.5 in) and 30 cm (11.8 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 23 cm (9.0 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Courchevel, with an impressive 45 cm (17.7 in) of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 15 cm (5.9 in) of snow over 2.7 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
