Skiing Meribel to Courchevel Valley
Courchevel Valley
The Courchevel Valley is the most easterly of the 3 valleys. Thanks to its mainly north-facing profile and high altitudes, it offers some of the best ski conditions in the Alps. The state-of-the-art ski lift system and impeccably maintained pistes ensure that no matter how long you plan on spending in the Courchevel Valley, there will be very little filler.
The Courchevel ski area is made up of 109 pistes, totalling 150 km. The pistes are broken down into 21 greens, 41 blues, 36 reds and 11 blacks. While there's certainly something to suit everyone, those looking for long and uninterrupted mileage on cruisy reds and blues will struggle to find anywhere better than Courchevel.
The five separate resorts that make up the Courchevel Valley are Courchevel (1850), Moriond (1650), Courchevel Village (1550), La Tania (1400) and Le Praz (1300).
Courchevel (1850)
Also known as just Courchevel or just 1850, this is the highest altitude resort in the valley. This high altitude gives you almost guaranteed pristine skiing conditions from the start of December to the end of April. Unless you're a member of the British family, a part of the Hollywood elite, or a Russian oligarch, this is where the 'other half' stay. The price of accommodation here is eye-wateringly expensive, and the resort is designed to cater to those that have no problem splashing the cash. If you're looking to buy the latest designer watch, you're in the right place. If you're looking to grab a cheap and cheerful burger in between runs, you may want to look further downhill.
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Moriond (1650)
Situated on a high plateau, Moriond, aka Courchevel-Moriond or 1650, is known for its stunning views and bright open surroundings. The farming heritage of the resort — which was its main industry until the advent of skiing in the region — is still evident and it has a friendly, more welcome atmosphere than that of 1850. It is a stand-alone intermediates' dream, but in order to access the world-class skiing of the rest of the 3 Valleys, you will have to get over to 1850. Price-wise, 1650 is a lot more reasonable than 1850, both in terms of accommodation and general amenities.
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Courchevel Village (1550)
Also known as Courchevel 1550 is the most family-orientated of the three 'main Courchevel' resorts (1850,1650,1550). Being the lowest attitude of the three main resorts of Courcehevl also means that prices are on the more reasonable side. You'll find a more relaxed vibe here in general and less of a focus on the nightlife and extravagance of the higher-up resorts. It is a very small resort but has its fair share of nice pistes, ranging from green to red. You can reach the main ski lift hub of the valley in 1850 via the superfast Tovets lift. The Grangettes bubble lift also brings you directly into the centre of 1850.
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La Tania (1400)
This is a car-free resort located in the centre of a forest. Traditionally used for a place to stay that won't break the bank, 1400 offers reasonably good access to the rest of Courchevel. La Tania is nestled at the bottom of a few green and blue runs, making it an ideal location for beginners and families. Being one of the three Valleys' smallest and newest resorts, purpose-built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, it has a modern and friendly atmosphere.
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Le Praz (1300)
The lowest altitude resort in the Courchevel Valley. It has more of an intimate community vibe than the resorts further up. There are lots of traditional wooden chalets and has a great range of restaurants and bars, and shopping options. You won't find the glamorous nightlife of 1850, nor the skiing options, but if you're looking for value accommodation and (almost) instant access to the finest skiing on the planet, look no further. 1850 is reachable by just one telecabine... Which in turn gives you access to the entire 3 Valleys.
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Quick Stats: Courchevel Valley
- 2740 m
- 1300m
- 150km
- Longest Run 9km
- Gondolas: 10
- Chair Lifts: 20
- 109 marked pistes
- 11 Black pistes
- 36 Red pistes
- 41 Blue pistes
- 21 Green pistes
- Terrain Parks 2
Courchevel Ski Season Opening Dates 2024-2025
The resort opening dates have not been released for 2024-2025 ski season. As soon as they are available, we will publish them here and in our newsletter. If you have any questions, please just get in touch.
Getting to Courchevel From Meribel
La Chaudanne (Meribel Centre) to Courchevel
The Courchevel valley can be accessed on one lift (via the Saulire Express telecabine) from La Chaudanne. This trip will take 12 minutes.
From the top of Saulire (2740m), there are a number of routes you can take to get to Courchevel. The main hub of the ski lifts is La Croisette, located in Courchevel 1850. To get here from Saulire La Croisette you can ski the whole way, take a series of lifts, or mix and match.
Take a lift: You can either take the Saulire lift down, from there jump on the Verdon lift, which brings you straight down to La Croisette.
Ski: From the top of Saulire, you can take the popular blue run of Creux, which in turn connects with the blue Altiport run, finishing with the green Bellecôte run into La Croisette. At the bottom of the Saulire lift, instead of continuing onto the Verdon lift, you can choose a slope to ski down (the Biollay blue or the Renards green being the most practical). From the bottom of the Saulire lift, you can also jump on the Vizelle lift back up, or take the Verdon lift down to La Croisette. At the top of the Vizelle lift, you'll find a huge amount of blues, reds and blacks winding back down. From La Croisette, the whole of the Courchevel Valley is your oyster.
Altiport to Courchevel
From Meribel Centre, take the Adret chairlift to Altiport. You can access Courchevel from the Altiport area using the Loze chairlift. From Altiport, you can ski into Courchevel La Tania, Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel 1850 or Courchevel 1550.
Meribel to Courchevel on Google Maps
You can see the major ski areas and also the top stations of all the major lifts. Please note that this only shows the "Local Area" ski areas covered by the local area ski pass.
Our Favourite Runs in Courchevel
With a total of 109 pistes, across 150 km, the pistes of the Courchevel Valley are amongst the best on the planet. There are no particularly weak runs in the valley, but as time may be a factor on which pistes you can attack during your time in Courchevel, we've tried to keep it at our 12 favourites.
Green Pistes
Renards
- This is a nice wide cruiser, with an abundance of beautiful scenery and some perfectly located coffee stops.
- Found at the foot of the Saulire cable car, and running parallel with the Family Park.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Renards
- 1.0 km
Plan Fontaine
- A little more technical than some of its neighbouring greens, Plan Fontaine zigzags its way from the Bouc Blanc chairlift into the village of La Tania.
- The only green run that ends up in La Tania. Winding through trees and past reservoirs. Maybe not one for a first-timer.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Plan Fontaine
- 3.7 km
Indiens
- A short but sweet run that's ideal for kids, or adults looking for something a little different while finding their feet. Incorporating a Native American theme, with realistic tee-pee and village camp set up.
- Located at the foot of the Petite Bosses chairlift, running alongside the Ariondaz blue run. For the young at heart.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Indiens
- 1.3 km
Blue Pistes
Creux
- This is considered by many to be the best blue run in the entire 3 Valleys. It stays pretty smooth throughout the day, but if you can make the first lift, you're in for a real treat.
- Located at the summit of Saulire, perfect for beginners (with a bit of experience) and experts alike. Wide and long!
- Click here to see a 3D map of Creux
- 3.9 km
Signal-Marquis
- A lovely run with incredible views off Courchevel 1650. A stop-off at Copiña for a tapas lunch is always a treat.
- Accessible from the Petite Bosses drag lift above Courchevel 1650.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Signal-Marquis
- 1.3 km
Biollay
- Another short but sweet blue, nice and wide and ideal for practicing — and perfecting — those turns.
- Biollay can be reached from the top of the Biollay or Pralong chairlift and runs into the Altiport and Verdon sections of 1850.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Biollay
- 1.8 km
Red Pistes
Combe de Saulire
- A channelling and steep red, that's always popular. Big rollers and wide bends is the name of the game here, and they feel incredible.
- Coming in from Meribel, at the summit of Saulire, take a left after the Panoramic restaurant.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Combe de Saulire
- 2.5 km
Cave de Creux
- Offering amazing views of the valley and Altiport, this is a fun and exciting way to head back into 1850, or back towards Meribel. Featuring a lunch spot that's so good they named the run itself after it.
- Accessible from the top of Aiguille du Fruit lift.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Cave de Creux
- 1.1 km
Chapelets
- The most westerly run of the entire 3 Valleys, Chapelets has the feeling of a hidden gem that the locals have been trying to keep secret. A red that has some challenging pitches, and nerve-racking turns.
- Located at the summit of Signal.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Chapelets
- 1.9 km
Black Pistes
Suisses
- Suisses is a steep black with some great variable off-piste terrain. A good run to use as an introduction to off-piste skiing, as it's not too technical. But, it can become quite mogguled and icy at times.
- Connect from the Marmottes red, at the top of the Vizelle gondola — above Courchevel 1850.
- Click here to see a 3D map of Suisses
- 1.1 km
M
- M is a steeply pitched black that's perfectly groomed. It will test the will of even the best of skiers. A narrow start, that opens up further down.
- Connect via the Saulire red run (from the top of Saulire). M ends at the start of the Family Park.
- Click here to see a 3D map of M
- 0.9 km
L'Eclipse
- Forming part of the 2023 World Alpine Ski Championships run, this challenging black piste takes you all the way to the village of Le Praz.
- Found just left of the top of the Bouc Blanc chairlift.
- Click here to see a 3D map of L'Eclipse
- 1.1 km
Where to Go
Like all snow areas, the weather in the Courchevel Valley around the time of your visit will determine the quality of the skiing. Here we look at the best places to head in the Courchevel Valley, depending on the snow conditions.
On Good Weather Days
- During times of clear and calm weather, it's best to make the most of the open and exposed runs between the summit of Saulire and the resort of Courchevel 1850. With an endless combination of runs and lift to bring you from the summit down to the hub of La Croisette and back again. It's skiing as it should be.
On Bad Weather Days
- If the weather takes a turn for the worst, head to the lower slopes nearer the resorts. This will give you a chance to get below the clouds, and still have a chance of some decent skiing. The lower resorts of Courchevel Village, Le Praz and La Tania might be the safest bet for the day, if the bad weather persists. The slopes just above La Tania will provide the best protection, thanks to its thick treeline coverage.
With Poor Snow Conditions
- The best spot to head if conditions are poor is the high bowl just below the Saulire summit. If the conditions have been poor for a few days, this area will be the only spot that hasn't become a total mogul landmine.
After a Recent Snow Dump
- The conditions of the snow around the Creux blue run after a recent dump remain pristine for most of the day. The area is just over a ridgeline and is north-facing, giving you hours of lush skiing. Even the enviable popularity of the runs here won't upset the recent coverage too much.
Where To Dine
The Courchevel Valley has over 70 restaurants. It is a noteworthy location just for the dining options alone. 1850 is a fine dining Mecca (currently holding 12 Michelin stars across 6 restaurants). Worry not though, there is a huge variety of eateries across the valley, both in terms of dining experience and budget. Our main focus here is the slopes, so we're highlighting spots that didn't have too much of an impact on our ski time, or our wallets.
Waikiki 1850
A Hawaiian-themed mirage on the pistes of 1850? Yes please! Specialising in burgers, beers and cocktails, it's ideal for quick refuelling, or to lounge about on the sunny terrace while you people-watch from your sun lounger.
- +33 4 79 08 02 59
- Google Map
- Website
Polar Café 1850
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, or if you're just looking for a minute away from the slopes, Polar Café in 1850 is the perfect retreat. Affordable, hot and cold treats. Efficient and relaxing service.
- +33 4 79 22 63 51
- Google Map
- Facebook page
Le Bel Air 1650
Even though there is seating available for 300 patrons, from 10 am onwards, Bel Air is fully booked every day of the season. The Plat du Jour comes in at around €25, or you can also have the quick sandwich option on the terrace.
- +33 4 79 08 00 93
- Google Map
- Website
Le Bouc Blanc La Tania
With seating for over 550 people, Le Bouc Blanc is an ideal break, located at the La Tania bubble top station. The food is as delicious as it is super fast and reasonably priced. Getting you back on the slopes with zero fuss.
- +33 4 79 08 80 26
- Google Map
- Website
La Casserole 1650
Located at 1650's departure point of the Signal chairlift, La Casserole is the comfort food heaven. Their pizza oven and steaks are always popular, and the sun terrace is a great place to rest the legs for a while.
- +33 4 79 08 06 35
- Google Map
- Website
Le Panoramic Saulire Summit
Sitting at 2,700 meters, on the summit of Saulire, Le Panoramic is the ideal stop-over for anyone coming from or back to Meribel. As the name suggests, the views are mind-blowing. Serving a traditional menu or a light snack option.
- +33 4 79 08 00 88
- Google Map
- Facebook page