Courchevel is rightly known as one of the world’s best ski resorts.
Spread over four villages from 1300m of altitude right up to the eponymous Courchevel 1850 (so named as it is 1850m above sea level), skiers can choose from a huge range of accommodation, from apartments to chalets to the very best hotels.
The Michelin star restaurants aside, it is the skiing that draws people to Courchevel. While you can explore Les 3 Vallees – the world’s largest ski area – we look at the Top 5 Pistes to enjoy on your ski holiday in Courchevel.
Jean Blanc
While this winter the focus will be on the new ‘L’Éclipse’ piste as it prepares to host the Courchevel-Méribel 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, the neighbouring Jean Blanc slope is one not to miss.
It’s a classic black run, with a 680m vertical drop, which should only be tackled by the best skiers. Its north-facing aspect mean that it retains excellent snow conditions. Be wary of the steep 40% initial wall, but remember that a peaceful descent through the forest to Courchevel Le Praz is ahead of you.
Jardin Alpin
Over the years many skiers have learned their skills on this mellow green run that winds between the beautiful chalets and hotels.
For skiers and snowboarders alike, sliding past these elegant buildings, the Jardin Alpin is a gentle route back to the centre of Courchevel 1850, whether en route for a restorative lunch or, at the end of the day, back to your accommodation to rest your weary legs.
Les Chapelets
This is one of the area’s most scenic slopes, on the edge of the Courchevel Moriond (1650) zone, taking skiers away from the hustle and bustle of Les 3 Vallees. The piste overlooks the ‘secret’ Vallée des Avals and beyond it lies the Vanoise National Park.
Find it by taking the Chapelets chairlift to enjoy a long descent over a 450m elevation drop without a single ski lift in sight. This is the ideal place to take the family to explore, rather than just ski
The ‘M’
Nowadays the pistes in Courchevel have names, but in the early days of skiing they were identified by letters of the alphabet.
With such a huge ski area, it didn’t take long before there were more than 26 pistes (there are now over a hundred!). At this point they were all given names, with the exception of the ‘M’, which actually has two options of either a black or a red run from the top of Vizelle.
Creux Noirs
Starting from 2700m, this is not technically a piste, but a special freeride zone accessed after a short 100m hike or skin to the peak of the Creux Noirs. You’ve two options for the descent – either via a red or black – with both slopes ungroomed, but secured (avalanche blasted).
This is for experienced skiers only and you should be equipped with a transceiver, shovel and probe, and not go alone.
Accommodation in Courchevel
If you’d like to enjoy these pistes in Courchevel or elsewhere in Les 3 Vallées this winter, then please contact the Chaletline team.
We can help find the right accommodation for you, whether your looking for a chalet, hotel or self-catering apartment.
Simply call us on 01822 617761 or contact us via our website.