Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort. It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski areas in the world.

Courchevel 1850 was significant, as it was the first resort in France to be constructed from scratch, rather than based around an existing village.

Courchevel’s part of the world's biggest lift-linked ski area, the 600km Three Valleys. And the runs around this resort are arguably the best in the whole area – tons of long greens and blues close to each village for beginners, and a huge range of both open and tree-lined runs for more experienced skiers. And most of them are north-facing, so the snow record is fab. There’s more than enough here to keep you happy all week, but if you do want to explore further, you’ve got the rest of the ski area to play in.

Some courses are dotted also with moguls, so snowboarding and snowmobiling are popular here, and skiers of all levels of experience will find a slope that's just right.

Top things to do in Courchevel for non-skiers

We know you’ve come to Courchevel for the amazing skiing that the Three Valleys has to offer. However, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy beyond skiing. Whether you’re looking for a fun adventure with friends, a kids activity or something for the non-skiers in your group – Courchevel has something to offer.

Helicopter ride over Courchevel Valley

Check out the views of the Alps from above. Take an opportunity to make use of Courchevel’s Altiport – which was named the 7th most dangerous airports in the world due to it’s short runway (don’t let that put you off)!  You can get taken up in helicopter and get views of Mont Blanc and the Alps from above.

Hot Air Ballooning

This is a unique one, and we have to say an incredible way to see the stunning mountainous region.

This serene experience will give you breathtaking views of Courchevel and the surrounding area.

Open from 9am daily this trip lasts around an hour and there has to be a minimum of two people.

Paragliding

Are you looking to see Courchevel from a different perspective? Paragliding gives you the ultimate exhilaration as you soar above the ski runs and snow capped-mountains.

Flights are available daily from 9.30am and are weather dependent.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is arguably the best attraction when not on your skis in Courchevel. Running from 1850 to 1550 the luge run here is great fun for all the family.

This exhilarating sledge run is 2 km long with over 300m of vertical drop!

It’s free for anyone with a lift pass, all you need to do is hire a sledge.

Ice skating

Most ski resorts have an ice rink but not all resorts have an Olympic ice rink.

Built in 1992 for the Winter Olympic Games, this rink is well used, both for skating and regular ice hockey matches. Found inside the Forum building in Courchevel 1850, it’s open every day from 3pm-7pm  and from 9pm-11pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. This is a unique one, and we have to say an incredible way to see the stunning mountainous region.

This serene experience will give you breathtaking views of Courchevel and the surrounding area.

Open from 9am daily this trip lasts around an hour and there has to be a minimum of two people.

If it’s a bad weather day sometimes the rink opens earlier at 2pm, make sure to ask your resort staff if this is the case.

Husky Sledging

If you want to do a traditional alpine activity then husky sledging is a great choice.

Great for people of all ages and a brilliant way to see more of a ski resort. You are in charge of your own sledge, so it can be energetic and is definitely an exhilarating experience.

You’ll go through woods, up and down hills and under tree canopies. Tours are daily starting at 1pm, 2pm and 3.30pm .

The sledging is based in La Plantin, a small village around 40 minutes from Courchevel.

Luge

The luge tracks located in Moriond and Courchevel are not for the faint hearted and are a really fun way to enjoy the snow and the mountains.

You can rent luges at sport shops in Courchevel Village and the luge track is free. Just watch out for skiers.

Snow Mobiling

If you’re a thrill seeker then this is the activity for you.

These bikes can take 1 or 2 people at a time and you can swap who’s driving at the halfway point so everyone gets a turn at the controls!

There’s a standard tour and also the safari option for the more experienced riders and complete adrenaline junkies.

Trips last an hour, departing from Ferme du Pralong (on Altiport Road)

Mountain Walks

Don’t forget whilst you in Courchevel that there are 17km of marked and well-maintained walking routes through the beautiful mountains.

Set off on foot or using snowshoes and discover the stunning scenery. Maps are available from the tourist office which details all the routes.

Winter hiking

There are plenty of brilliant hiking trails around the valley ranging from easy to difficult.

Bowling

Inside the Forum building in 1850 is an 8 lane bowling alley. Perfect if the weathers not great or you’ve got children to occupy.

The lanes are open daily from 12-2pm and there’s a restaurant next door where you can grab a drink or bite to eat afterwards.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Our favourite Courchevel non ski activities, rock climbing! Again inside the Forum building in 1850 is an artificial climbing wall.

The wall is 14m high and open to the public from 5pm and 7.30pm-9pm. And on bad weather days the wall opens at 3pm.

Family Fun Park

Right in the centre of Courchevel 1850 is the Family Fun Park. Younger kids can have a race on the skier cross, play in the igloo or give the tubing jump a go (landing safely on an airbag). Bigger kids can try out the green and blue graded boxes and jumps scattered throughout the park. You might end up looping this over and over for those who enjoy the features that add a little more interest to a day’s skiing.

Aquamotion

The brand new Aquamotion Centre in between 1650 and 1550 is the height of luxury.

Located at the exit of Courchevel Village and just below Courchevel Moriond, the 15,000 square metres of state of the art facilities are all at your fingertips here.

With multiple swimming pools both indoor and outdoor, a slide, a wild river, a children’s play area, a climbing wall, saunas, spa rooms and treatments, diving facilities and more you’ll never want to leave!

A great way to spend a relaxing day off the slopes. Open 7 days a week.

The Refuge du Grand Plan

This is quite simply a refuge deep in the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

Only accessible by ski touring and hidden deep in the Avals Valley, this 35 bed refuge is a great escape for a night.

Managed by the lovely Lionel Blanc, there are 35 single beds, bathrooms and showers and meals are available.

Shopping

Le Forum in Courchevel 1850 is a shopping mall, arcade, indoor climbing wall, bowling alley and ice skating rink all under one roof. It’s the best place to buy some souvenirs or some of the latest ski gear. You can also grab some lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants. It offers a variety of services and will keep you entertained for an afternoon.

Wine tasting

If you are partial to a good French wine then Courchevel will treat you to a variety of wine tasting opportunities.

Apres-ski

Going to party at Folie Douce Meribel-Courchevel is a great way to spend the afternoon watching the amazing cabaret then dance to the live, dynamic house band. You can easily access Folie Douce with a pedestrian pass from Courchevel and the MC will tell you what time you need to leave to catch the last gondola.

Savoyard cuisine

You can’t come to Courchevel without trying Savoyard cuisine. Each of the resorts in the area has at least one, or more, fantastic restaurants where you can sample raclette, fondue, tartiflette or pierrade (meat cooked on hot rocks). It can be a heavy, cheese experience so prepare for large portions of filling food and make sure you aid digestion with a bit of French white wine as the locals do.

We share some insider tips for the best restaurants in Courchevel for foodies:

-  LE FARÇON, LA TANIA

-  AZIMUT, COURCHEVEL LE PRAZ

-  COPIÑA, COURCHEVEL MORIOND

-  CUCINA ANGELINA, COURCHEVEL MORIOND

Usefull Info:

Number of lifts

Total lifts - 168

· Funicular - 3
· Cable cars - 4
· Gondola - 33
· Chairlifts - 64
· Drag lifts - 44
· Magic carpets - 20

Top elevation: 2,738 m (8,983 ft)

Nearest major city: Chambéry

Base elevation: 1,100 m (3,600 ft)

Location: Savoie, ‎France