10 Activities in Courchevel Not To Be Missed
We know you’ve come to Courchevel for the amazing skiing that the Three Valleys has to offer. However, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy beyond skiing. Whether you’re looking for a fun adventure with friends, a kids activity or something for the non-skiers in your group – Courchevel has something to offer.
Here are a few fun activities in Courchevel to add to your bucket list for the week.
1. Aquamotion
This state of the art pool and spa centre is a great activity for both kids and adults, and perfect if you want to take a day off skiing to rest your legs. The swimming area has a kids play pool, two large pools, diving boards and a slide.
The separate spa area can be an additional add-on to your pass, where you can indulge in a bit of relaxation. They have an indoor-outdoor pool and jacuzzi, salt pool, hammams, saunas and also offer massage & beauty treatments. In addition to all of this the centre has a climbing wall and a mini wave pool to test your surf skills.
Find out more about what Aquamotion is really like.
2. Helicopter Ride Over Courchevel Valley
Check out the views of the Alps from above. Take an opportunity to make use of Courchevel’s Altiport – which was named the 7th most dangerous airports in the world due to it’s short runway(don’t let that put you off)! You can get taken up in helicopter and get views of Mont Blanc and the Alps from above.
3. Sledging
Sledging is one of our favourite activities in Courchevel after the pistes close – for both families and friends.
There has long been a fast and fun sledge run between Courchevel 1850 and 1550. Head up the Grangettes gondola in 1550 (which is free after the pistes close), and from the base of 1850 you head down a windy track through the woods back down to 1550. It’s free to use, you just need to rent a sledge for approximately €5.
However just a couple years ago, Courchevel 1650 added in their own sledge run which is some fierce competition for the old one – it’s longer and faster! The sledging winds from the top of Ariondaz gondola, through tunnels and around bends as it heads down to the base of resort. Helmets must be worn because you can get some speed on this one! It’s approximately €10 per person, which includes your sledge.
4. Indiens Teepee in 1650
Perfect for tiny tots is the Indiens park in Courchevel 1650. This is located just above the Ariondaz gondola (moved from it’s previous location), and is a fun activity to break up a day’s skiing. Also a chance for little ones to rest their legs for a bit. Head into the teepee and try on a traditional headdress, get your face painted, sing some songs and play the drums. The big kids can get a vin chaud inside to keep them warm whilst the kids play.
5. Family Fun Park
Right in the centre of Courchevel 1850 is the Family Fun Park. Younger kids can have a race on the skier cross, play in the igloo or give the tubing jump a go (landing safely on an airbag). Bigger kids can try out the green and blue graded boxes and jumps scattered throughout the park. You might end up looping this over and over for those who enjoy the features that add a little more interest to a day’s skiing.
6. Verdons By Night
Ever wanted to ski in the dark? Okay, not total darkness… On Wednesday evenings Courchevel opens Verdons gondola and the aforementioned Family Fun Park for night skiing. The park is totally lit up and they usually have music on, providing a nice atmosphere. It’s a fun and different experience and definitely one worth doing. It’s also a great time to ski without any queues or hardly any other skiers around. You don’t need to be an advanced skier to take advantage of this as the green run is the main piste open.
7. Skidoo
Take the opportunity to try out Courchevel’s snowmobiles. Available any day of the evening you can rent the snowmobiles and go for an adventure with a guide. You can also take passengers from age 8. Definitely one for the thrill-seekers.
8. Stay in a Refuge
For the more adventurous, there is the option to stay in a mountain refuge. Although this take a bit of organising, it’s an experience to be remembered. Scattered around the off-piste areas of resort, you’ll find tiny mountain refuges where you can spend an evening. Some are manned where dinner will be cooked for you, however many are unmanned and it’s up to you to show up with food. They’re fully equipped with cooking equipment and logs to stoke the fire. Although it will be a trek to get in and get out, if you’re after a bit of serenity tucked away in the mountains – this is where you should head.
9. Ice Skating, Bowling & Rock Climbing
Located inside Le Forum in Courchevel 1850 you will find a handful of shops and restaurants, as well as some activities for non-skiers in your group. There is a large ice skating rink where you can take figure skating lessons, and where they often have events on. On the base floor there is a climbing wall – although it’s not always open so be sure to check that beforehand. And there is a trendy bowling alley which has a bar inside and often has music on at night.
10. See What’s On
Head to the tourist office when you’re in resort and see what’s happening that week. Every single week throughout winter the resort has a variety of special events going on. These can be anything from figure skating shows, ice hockey matches, fireworks displays, torchlight descents, and much, much more.
Amongst all this, you of course have a plethora of ski terrain to keep you busy each day, and loads of restaurants and bars to check out each evening. You won’t be hard-pressed for activities in Courchevel to keep you busy.