PISTE MAP
SKI Area
- Courchevel is part of Three Valleys which is the largest ski area in the world (600km of piste and 200 ski lifts)
- If you are up for a challenge, set your alarm for an early start and take on the 10 resorts in one-day challenge.
- At 1850m this is the largest and highest resort in the Courchevel area, positioned just across the hillside with the main lifts right on its doorstep.
- Tackle one of the most challenging black runs in Europe – Courchevel’s very own ‘Grand Couloir’.
- Great links to the other resorts in the 3 Valley’s ski area with only 2 lifts needed to be taken from 1850 to get over to Meribel.
- A very fast and fairly modern lift system to support the superb, extensive and varied slopes around Courchevel.
The Courchevel ski area is part of the famous Three Valleys with over 600km of pistes. It’s premier location and place in Europe’s largest ski area makes it an excellent resort for your ski break. With 150km of piste alone in the Courchevel ski area, you will find a great variety of runs for all levels of skier and snowboarder. From open mountain to stunning tree-lines this resort also has great links to the rest of the Three Valleys.
There are plenty of pistes at Courchevel for beginners to start on, they will find the best are at Courchevel (formerly 1850) and Courchevel Moriond (formerly 1650). It is actually possible to ski the whole of the Three Valleys on just green pistes. Intermediates will be able to enjoy fast reds leading through the trees from Moriond (1650) and long, steep runs down from the Chanrossa chair. For the brave hearts, give the famous steep black run a try; the Grand Couloir.
Take a look below at our breakdown to find out more information relevant to your ability:
Advanced
Experts who want to get the adrenaline pumping will find some steep black runs such as the Grand Couloir just off the Saulire cable car. If the snow cover is good then you will find two of the best black runs from the top of Col de la Loze which takes you all the way down to Le Praz, weaving through the trees on the lower slopes on your descent or the black run ‘Tétras’ down towards Meribel. There are also some excellent off-piste opportunities so be sure to hire a guide to seek out the untouched areas.
Intermediates
Intermediates will love the huge variety of runs in the Courchevel ski area. With plenty of well-groomed pistes and a well-linked lift system, there are plenty of wide open blue and red runs for intermediates to play on. The central run of Combe Saulire is fantastic on a quiet day but if you don’t mind early starts then head their first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. The red runs leading off the Creux Noirs and Marmottes chairlifts are superb, especially the Creux red run which takes you all the way down to the bottom of the Aiguille Du Fruit chair. The Creux blue run is also another great run – just make sure you get there early as it can get quite busy!
Beginners
The Courchevel ski area has plenty of easy green and blue runs to keep beginners of all ages happy. The resort has worked hard to ensure everyone of all abilities can easily access the mountain restaurants. For beginners, there are four areas known as ‘ZEN’ zones which consist of gentle slopes, easily accessible ski lifts and magic carpet lifts. There are lots of long, wide runs with a small gradient which makes it perfect for beginners to learn and build confidence on – not least the Altiport green run where most beginners tend to head to.
Snowboarders
Snowboarding breaks in Courchevel are very popular as the pistes are well groomed and there are very few drag lifts. There are a couple of terrain parks in Courchevel, the main one which has something for everyone in the Family Park which has a great number of features and an airbag. Snowboarders should try out the Combe Saulire just before the start of the Saulire gondola and the runs just underneath Vizelle. Try to avoid the large flat sections the Gravelles, Pralong and Indiens blues.
For the more advanced snowboarder there is good and easily accessible off-piste, so make sure you hire a guide to take full advantage of the powder!
Off-Piste*
Courchevel has some fantastic off-piste skiing including steep couloirs and powder bowls. Local powder hunters will be able to track out the best parts within hours of a decent snowfall so make sure you grab yourself a local mountain guide as they will find you fresh powder long after the last dumping of snow.
*Ski Weekends strongly advise that off-piste skiing should only be undertaken when in the company of a professional ski instructor or guide
To find out more about skiing in Courchevel 1850 feel free to contact one of our friendly Ski Experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com