Skiing

Courchevel

The number of lifts and the sheer scale of the skiing in the Three Valleys is simply staggering. Mere statistics mean nothing, you have to see it for yourself.

From The Croisette at 1850 a network of gondolas and a cable-car take you up to 2738m at Saulire. You can either ski down the far side to Méribel and further into the Three Valleys, or return towards Courchevel. For accomplished skiers and riders the black Les Suisses is particularly enjoyable.

In the right snow conditions it is possible to ski from Saulire all the way down to Bozel below Courchevel – a vertical drop of over 1800m.

The Altiport sector of Courchevel just to the east of 1850 is good beginner terrain with green and easy blue runs that are ideal for building confidence. Topographically, the Three Valleys is the perfect ski area. The links between different sectors are natural rather than contrived. This allows for more real ski time rather than hours wasted on paths. From almost everywhere there is an easy way down and even the progressive beginner can explore far afield.

To regain those "ski legs" head for Courchevel 1650 with its own extensive ski area. Beneath a trio of peaks, it is off the Three Valleys beaten track. The runs on Col de Chanrossa, Signal and Bel Air above the village are suited to all standards with wide well groomed blue "motorways". It is also usually quiet here at peak season and the pistes are some of the most enjoyable in the whole region

Snowboarders will find a good supply of natural hits throughout Courchevel. The terrain park at Plantrey has a half-pipe. Riders also congregate at Les Verdons and Biolley and there is a snowcross course near La Loze.

Off Piste

Courchevel is famed for its Couloirs, three ribbons of snow between the rocks that unfurl from the ridge on the right-hand side of the top station of the cable-car. Grand Couloir, Sous Le Télépherique, and Emile Allais can be extremely demanding when icy. However, in good mid-winter snow conditions they should present no great problem to an experienced skier or rider.

Catch them as soon as they are declared open after a major dump. They quickly become bumped up with some awkward VW-sized moguls in the high reaches. If you fall here, it is a long way down, but there are no obstacles and the risk of injury is small. However, you should treat the often icy approach route from the cable-car with considerable caution.

Fact and Figures

Lifts in area: 167 (40 cableways, 69 chairs, 58 drags)
Trails/pistes: 600km
On the snow: top: 2738m - bottom: 1300m
Resort recommended for: Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced, Skiing for all standards, Moguls, Snowboarding, Off piste,