Courchevel, the six-village resort with 600 kilometers of slopes
February sun hits the north-facing slopes while the groomers finish their nightly work. By 8:35 AM, the first skiers head out on runs with a global reputation. You get impeccable grooming and snow guaranteed until April, thanks to 85% of the terrain sitting above 1,800 meters. Here in the Tarentaise Valley, six villages nestled between 1,100 and 1,850 meters make up a resort that changed French skiing forever.
Why ski in Courchevel?
As the first purpose-built ski resort in the Alps, Courchevel opened its first lift in 1946. Architect Laurent Chappis applied a then-radical vision: design the urban layout around the needs of the skier rather than adapting an existing village. This approach became the blueprint for resorts worldwide.
The local Courchevel ski area features 150 kilometers of slopes served by 55 lifts. However, the real power of the resort lies in its integration into the 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with 600 kilometers of runs linking Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
Ski pass rates
| Pass Type | Adult (18-74) | Child (5-17) | Senior (75+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel Valley Day | 62 EUR (about $67) | 50 EUR (about $54) | Free |
| 3 Vallées Day | 82 EUR (about $89) | 65 EUR (about $70) | 65 EUR (about $70) |
| 6 Days Courchevel Valley | 310 EUR (about $335) | 248 EUR (about $268) | Free |
| 6 Days 3 Vallées (pay for 5) | 409 EUR (about $442) | 327 EUR (about $353) | 327 EUR (about $353) |
| 6 Days Family Flex 3 Vallées | 335 EUR/person (about $362, everyone at child rate) | ||
| 3 Vallées Unlimited Season | 1,350 EUR (about $1,458) | 945 EUR (about $1,021) | Free |
A playground for every level
Beginners and families
The resort has the best learning zones in the region. The Zone Zen (Zen Zone) areas in Pralong and Jardin Alpin at 1850, along with the one in Moriond, offer gentle, secure slopes. The free Bellecôte run lets you take your first turns without buying a pass.
Advanced skiers
Speed enthusiasts love the long red runs in the Saulire-Creux sector and around Chanrossa above Moriond. These wide, well-groomed trails are perfect for long, high-vertical descents. For experts, the Grand Couloir under the Saulire is a technical challenge with steep slopes framed by cliffs. The Vallée des Avals, accessible via a short hike from Moriond, offers famous but demanding off-piste terrain.
Pro tip: The shortest lift lines are usually found on the Moriond side. Take the free shuttle from 1850 early in the morning to reach the chairlifts in that sector before the crowds arrive.
Six villages, six vibes
Courchevel 1850 is the hub of luxury and international fame, featuring 5-star hotels and seven Michelin-starred restaurants, including 1947 at Cheval Blanc, which holds three stars. Moriond, the former 1650, attracts visitors with its sun exposure and more accessible pricing. The village faces south, which is particularly pleasant for terrace dining.
Le Praz keeps the soul of a traditional Savoyard village with narrow alleys and old chalets. This is where you will find the Olympic ski jumps used during the 1992 Albertville Games. La Tania, created for those same Olympic Games, is a pedestrian-friendly cocoon perfect for families, with direct access to the slopes in under five minutes.
Beyond skiing
The Aquamotion aquatic center, located in Courchevel Village, offers indoor and outdoor pools, wellness areas, and indoor surfing. The 2.5-kilometer sledding run connecting 1850 to 1550 is a hit with both kids and adults. Food lovers head to mountain restaurants like Cap Horn, an institution since 1954, or Le Chalet de Pierres at the base of the Verdons run for a raclette with a view.
Things to note on the mountain:
- Direct view of Mont Blanc from the summit of Saulire at 2,738 meters
- 67 kilometers of free-access cross-country ski trails in the valley
- Family Park with features, bumps, and rails for freestyle progression
- Nightly grooming known as the best in the Alps
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
I was invited for a weekend at this resort without much hope, and just as I expected, I felt completely out of place.
Everything is designed (and priced) for the international jet set. At times, I almost felt like I had to apologize for just being a normal person.