Ski Holidays in Courchevel, France

• Snow Conditions in Courchevel France +

  Snow report issued:	27th Mar 12
  Last snowed:	20th Mar 12
  Fresh snow depth:	1cm
  Depth at resort:	125cm
  Mountain depth:	180cm
  Piste state:
  Good (The best conditions can be found on the upper slopes)
  Weather report:
  Another glorious day
  Temperature:	4°C
  Open lifts:	62 of 62

  View Courchevel snow history

• Courchevel Resort Statistics+

  Slope Direction	N
  Very Easy Runs	23
  Easy Runs	47
  Medium Runs	38
  Difficult Runs	9
  Toughest Run Name	3 Coloirs de la Saulire
  Skiable Vertical	1400m
  Number Of Lifts	59
  Top Lift Height	2707m
  Night Skiing	N
  Snowboarding Parks	2
  Half Pipes	1
  Swimming Pools	5
  Night Clubs	4
  Mountain Restaurants	11

• Courchevel Piste Map+

  

• Courchevel Transfer Times+

  Geneva:	2 hours and 30 minutes
  Lyon Satolas:	2 hours and 30 minutes

One of the world's most famous resorts, Courchevel has built a reputation as the 'St. Moritz of France' attracting the rich and famous from around the world, most notably Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich who caused a stir by trying to 'buy' the resort (he is believed to have ended up with half a dozen properties after a public outcry) and a Hyundai boss who tried to get private use of a few ski runs on the mountain, again causing an uproar.

All the interest of the wealthy is on the original and highest resort of Courchevel 1850, established just after the war and taking the crown of top status from the original French luxury resort Megeve. However Courchevel has four other resort bases beneath 1850, linked together by a bus service. These are Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550 (both purpose built), Courchevel 1300 - based on the original village of Le Praz, and the old village of Saint-Bon (at 1100m, though that's not mentioned!). It's important to realize when you book that if you are in one of these lower resorts, although each has a selection of shops and cafes, the bulk of resort facilities are up in 1850.

All of Courchevel's bases except Saint-Bon have direct gondolas access to the vast Three Valleys ski area, the world's largest, with 600km (375 miles) of linked runs and more than 2000 vertical metres of skiing. You have the option of buying a lift ticket for the local Courchevel Valley, or for the entire Three Valleys, or even, if that's not enough, a pass which covers 1500km (933 miles) of runs including neighbouring ski areas. Most accommodation has ski-in, ski-out access.

• Skiing for Beginners+

  There are eight free beginner lifts operating around Courchevel, and once you have mastered your turns you'll find that 50% of the ski runs are graded beginner or intermediate, so there's plenty to progress on to. A further attraction is the creation of the ZEN Beginners Progression Zone at Courchevel 1850 where beginners can progress in an area protected from the general through-flow of experienced skiers and equipped with its own magic carpet lift. The ZEN zone is free to use.

• Intermediate Skiing+

  Clearly the world's largest ski area is going to have plenty to keep intermediate level skiers entertained. To get a taste for the space sign up to the 3 Valleys Escapade, a self-guided signposted route between 14 points on the ski lift network. Get your guide (available from ski ticket counters) punched at each point and you receive a diploma and medal at the end for your achievement.

• Advanced+

  There are nine black runs in the Courchevel Valley alone so it's no surprise that the resort has a reputation as one of the world's best destinations for advanced skiers. The steep and deep terrain is virtually limitless with the ski school and mountain guides both happy to help you make the most of it. You can even book a helicopter to access heliskiing terrain over the border in Italy if you like. Closer to home, legendary runs include the Ugly Sisters, three intimidating couloirs beneath Saulire.

• Snowboarding at Courchevel+

  With 10,000 hectares of freeriding terrain and terrain parks across the Three Valleys this is boarding heaven. The local Plantrey snowpark at Courchevel 1850 is one of the world's leading parks with two dedicated lifts for users and two dedicated staff looking after the park and organizing events all season long. The park contains quarter and half pipes, tables of all sizes, numerous rails - all you would expect and more in fact.

• Other Activities And Facilities at Courchevel+

  There's plenty to do in Courchevel other than skiing and boarding. As you would expect from an upmarket resort, Courchevel has a good selection of shops, including luxury consumer goods outlets. Spa culture is also out in force and you can treat yourself to dozens of different treatments ranging from Chinese reflexology to an Alpine honey massage. The resort also has three cinemas, a library and, in the central Forum area, there's bowling, a climbing wall and an Olympic sized ice rink.
  
  On the snow you will find a two kilometer (one-and-a-quarter mile) toboggan run at the base of 1850 (children under 10 years old should ride with an adult) and there are winter hiking paths and 66km of cross country skiing trails.
  
  Other activities to enjoy include snow rafting, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, quad-biking on a snow circuit and paragliding. Cookery courses and classical music concerts are organized regularly.

• Apres Ski And Dining Out+

  There's a wide selection of bars across the various resort bases, although most are concentrated in Courchevel 1850 where the atmosphere is one of refined sophistication in several establishments. There are 'regular' bars too.
  
  There are more than 60 places to eat in Courchevel and the selection ranges from simple creperies up to the gourmet establishments expected by the jet set clientele. You can enjoy traditional French cuisine at Le Table de Mon Grand-pere or visit one of the two Michelin Guide accredited restaurants run by chefs Michel Rochedy at the Chabichou or Jean-Pierre Jacob at the Bateau Ivre.

• Ski Holidays in Courchevel suitable for Families+

  Children aged 18 months and older are welcomed by the French Ski School's (ESF) in the ski kindergarten between 9am and 5pm daily. From age three children can start to learn in the snow garden which is equipped with a magic carpet conveyor lift and rope tow. There are three of these facilities to choose from at 1550, 1650 and 1850. There are learning zones for older children too.
  
  In common with most French ski resorts, prices for children's lift tickets are amongst the highest in the world with children paying more and earlier - about 70% of the adult price from age five and the full adult price from age 13. However there is a small saving available to families who buy their tickets together and qualify for a family discount on the total cost plus more generous child age bands for families with teenage children.