Reasons to Book Direct

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🏔️🏠Looking for the perfect ski getaway? Look no further!🎿✨

At Ski-Dazzle, we’re all about creating unforgettable experiences in the stunning French Alps. Our self-catered chalets in La Tania offer the ultimate combination of affordability, comfort, and convenience. 🏂🏠

🌟Why book directly with us? Here are a few reasons to consider:🌟

1️⃣ Personalized Service: When you book directly with us, you’re not just a reservation number. We will go the extra mile to ensure your stay is tailored to your needs, making your ski vacation truly exceptional. We’re always here to answer your questions and provide insider tips to make the most of your time in the mountains. 🎿❄️

2️⃣ Best Price Guarantee: Cut out the middleman and enjoy the best rates available by booking directly through our website. We want to make sure you get the most value for your money, so you can indulge in fantastic skiing, cozy chalets, and incredible memories without breaking the bank. 💰💙

3️⃣ Seamless Experience: We’ve designed our online booking system to be user-friendly, making the reservation process quick and effortless. With just a few clicks, you can secure your dream chalet and start counting down the days until your adventure begins. 📲⏰

4️⃣ Insider Knowledge: As the local experts, we know La Tania like the back of our gloves! By booking direct, you gain access to our insider knowledge and recommendations. From the best ski slopes to hidden gems for après-ski fun, we’re here to ensure you experience the very best of this breathtaking alpine paradise. 🗻✨

5️⃣ Direct Communication: When you book with us, you’ll have direct contact with our friendly team from the moment you enquire to the day you check out.  We’re here to provide the human touch, addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and with care. 🤝💬

Ready to embark on a remarkable ski vacation?  Don’t miss out on the perks and advantages that come with booking direct! 🎉❄️

 

#SkiGetaway #LaTania #AlpineExperience #BookDirect #WinterVacation

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Summer Activities to Get Ski Fit for the Winter

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Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the anticipation of the upcoming ski season. It’s the perfect time to not only plan your winter getaway but also focus on getting in shape for the slopes.

In this blog, we will provide you with valuable tips on summer activities that will keep you in shape, improve your skiing performance, and enhance your overall enjoyment on the slopes.

Cycling

Cycling is an excellent summer activity, as it provides a full-body workout while focusing on key muscle groups used in skiing. Regular cycling sessions help build leg strength, improve cardiovascular endurance, and enhance balance and coordination. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, hitting the trails or exploring scenic routes will contribute to your skiing fitness and keep you in top form for the winter.

Hiking and Trail Running

Hiking and trail running are superb summer activities that offer a range of benefits for ski fitness. These outdoor pursuits enhance cardiovascular endurance, strengthen leg muscles, and improve overall stamina. Find local hiking trails or explore national parks to challenge yourself on varying terrains. The uneven surfaces and inclines will mimic the conditions you encounter while skiing, preparing your muscles and cardiovascular system for the slopes.

Strength and Conditioning Training

Engaging in strength and conditioning exercises during the summer can greatly enhance your skiing performance. Incorporate exercises that focus on building leg and core strength, such as squats, lunges, and planks. Additionally, include exercises that target balance, such as single-leg exercises or stability ball work. These workouts will help you maintain muscle tone, improve stability, and reduce the risk of injuries on the slopes.

Water Sports

Activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking engage multiple muscle groups, improve cardiovascular endurance, and enhance core strength. These water-based exercises also promote balance and coordination, skills that directly transfer to your skiing technique.

Yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are fantastic practices to incorporate into your summer routine to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness. These disciplines focus on strengthening the core, improving stability, and enhancing overall body alignment. Regular yoga or Pilates sessions will help you develop better posture, refine your balance on the slopes, and reduce the risk of muscle imbalances and injuries.

Rollerblading or Skateboarding

Rollerblading or skateboarding are excellent activities for improving balance, coordination, and leg strength—attributes that are vital for skiing. These sports engage similar muscle groups and help refine your proprioception, or sense of body position. By rollerblading or skateboarding, you’ll improve your ability to make quick adjustments and maintain stability, resulting in more precise movements while skiing.

By staying fit over the summer, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable ski holiday. So, put on your hiking boots, hop on your bike, make a splash in the water, or roll out your yoga mat—it’s time to embrace a summer of adventure and prepare for an exceptional ski season! Take action today and enjoy the benefits of a fulfilling summer and a successful winter on the slopes.

 

How to store your ski equipment over summer

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The lifts shut in the Three Valleys yesterday (8 May). Sadly, all good things must come to an end, but at least we get to do it all over again in a little over 7 months time. While 7 months isn’t long to wait, it is a long time for equipment to be packed away, gathering dust (or mould). So, if you’re about to pack your ski kit away for the summer season, here are our top tips for storing your ski equipment over the summer break to keep it in great shape.

1. Make sure all clothing is clean and dry. 

This might sound obvious, but all it takes is a little moisture in your jacket, or a rogue chocolate in your pocket, for your ski clothing to gather mould over the summer and attract little critters. To make sure this doesn’t happen, check all your pockets carefully and leave it to air fully before you pack it away. And, if you decide it needs a bit of a clean, make sure you wash it on a cool wash, and consider adding some water proofing treatment to make sure you stay dry on the slopes next year.

2. Prep your skis for a summer in storage

Firstly, you’ll want to make sure your skis are clean and dry to prevent rust. On the flipside, your ski bases can quickly dry out over the summer, especially if it gets particularly warm. To prolong the life of your skis, either make sure they’ve been recently waxed, or better still, add a summer storage wax – essentially, applying a thick layer of wax without scraping any off. You can either get this done in a ski or snowsports shop, or your local decathlon. Or, if you’re super keen, do it yourself at home using a bar of wax and an old iron. Skis are best stored somewhere cool and dry. It’s also best practice to loosen your ski bindings a few turns, to take the tension off.

3. Clean and dry your ski boots

Ski boots are an important investment for your skiing enjoyment, so you’ll want to look after them to keep them in great shape. Before you pack ski boots away for the summer, make sure the outer shells are clean and dry. And remove the liners and footbeds and dry them out fully. 

Once everything is clean and dry, put the liners and footbeds back into the shell, making sure the tongue is positioned straight and do the buckles up loosely. To ensure that no moisture is allowed to build up you can add one of the little packets you get when you buy new clothing. Or, a herbal tea bag is a great alternative – with the added benefit of a lovely smell!

4. Ensure your avalanche safety pack is ready for storage

If you ski off piste and have an avalanche safety pack, you’ll want to ensure this is stored well too. As with the other kit, make sure everything is clean and dry. And remove the batteries from your transceiver.

 

So there you have it, our top tips to keep your ski gear and ski clothing in the best shape over summer, ready to hit the slopes again next winter.

Skiing in poor visibility: top tips for navigating a white-out

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Having great snow is the dream of most skiers – think fresh pistes, snow-lined trees and stunning mountain vistas. But when it comes during your holiday it can bring a sense of adventure or some associated challenges – depending on how you see things. With all the snow we’re due this week, we’re likely to field questions from guests as to where to go and top tips for making the most of the snowy conditions. So, we thought we’d share our top tips for skiing amid poor visibility and how to navigate the slopes in a whiteout.

Stay in the trees

If the cloud comes in and you’re struggling to see your hand in front of your face, where you ski will make all the difference. If you can find a tree-lined route or area then the visibility is often vastly better, with trees helping provide definition, making for a much more enjoyable ski day.

If you’re skiing in Courchevel the runs around La Tania are great for white-out conditions. Good options include Folyeres (blue run), Plan Fontaine (green) or Murettes (red) down to Le Praz.

Wear suitable eyewear

When visibility is limited you want to set yourself up for success by picking the best eyewear for the task. Sunglasses or goggles with a lens made for sunny conditions will hamper your vision and make for poor definition. Instead, either choose goggles or sunglasses with a low-light lens, or, if you have the option, and your goggles came with both, swap your lens out for the day. Low-light lenses will let more light in, helping you navigate poor visibility, and are usually lightly coloured like yellow, orange or pink.

Stick together when skiing in a group

If you’re skiing with other people it can be easy to lose them in a whiteout, which can be unsettling to nervous skiers, or if you’re skiing with little ones. To avoid this, stay close together, stop more frequently, and stay to one side of the piste. Wearing brightly coloured clothing can also help you remain visible through the cloud.

Use the piste markers

If you’re struggling to tell which way to go, the easiest way to navigate is by following the piste markers, keeping them to your left, or right hand side (depending on which side of the piste you’re on). A little known fact that can really help this tactic is that, in France, the pole on the right hand side of the piste has an orange top, helping you ensure you stay on track and don’t venture off piste.

Change your elevation

It’s rare that the light, cloud and subsequent visibility are the same at all elevations. So, if you’re skiing near the top of the mountain, head down to see if it improves. Or, vice versa – grab a bubble and head to the top to see if you come out of the clouds.

Don’t be afraid to call it a day

If the conditions become really debilitating or someone in your party is struggling, don’t be afraid to call it a day early. There’s no shame in cutting a day short or taking a bubble down, to keep your confidence intact and avoid injuries. Grab a cuppa and snuggle up beside the fire, and get out fresh the next day.

So there you have it – our top tips for skiing in poor visibility. Now, if it snows, or the cloud comes in during your next ski trip, you’ll be all set to enjoy the fresh stuff, and make the most of your holiday.

Skiing with children: top tips for the perfect family ski holiday

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Skiing with children can be amazing – seeing their faces light up when they start to pick up speed as they point down hill is incredible. But, if we’re honest, it’s not always a walk in the park. There are lots of things to consider and prep and it can seem overwhelming for the uninitiated. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a run down of our top tips for the perfect family ski holiday, gained from many years of skiing with children, and helping our guests enjoy skiing with theirs.

1. Book ski lessons

One of the first things you need to organise on a family ski holiday (after the accommodation and the travel) is ski lessons for your children. Getting the right ski school is paramount to your child’s enjoyment, and therefore the success of your ski holiday – so do your research, and make sure you choose a school who caters for children and demonstrates a strong level of care. Availability is limited in peak weeks so we’d advise you to book early to avoid disappointment. And, tempting though it might be to save a bit of cash and try to teach them yourselves, take it from us – it will end in misery. Or worse still, injury.

2. Pack accordingly

What you need to take will somewhat depend a little on the time of year you go – you’ll need to pack a lot more thick warm clothing for Christmas weeks than a balmy Easter visit for example. However, you should pack for all eventualities. Blazing sunshine can soon turn to thick snow storms in the mountains. At the very least, you’ll want a couple of sets of thermals, mid layers, ski jacket, ski pants (or salopettes), gloves, goggles, hat and a face covering. As well a high factor sun cream, and clothes for off the slopes. We’ve put together a ski packing list for children to help ensure you cover all the bases.

3. Make sure they’re well fueled and hydrated

Skiing is hungry work and your little ones will quickly tire or become dehydrated if they don’t have the right snacks at hand. Make sure that your child / children eat a decent breakfast, including plenty of liquids. And give them a snack to take with them in their pocket and some money for a drink as they will likely stop for a drink during their lesson.

4. Get prepared the night before

The mornings can get a little hectic as you’re trying to get everyone up, fed and out, making sure you take everything with you for a day on the slopes. Make your life easier by getting everything laid out the night before, with a pile of kit ready for each person, including everything they’ll need for the day.

5. Remember all the essentials

Before you make the trek up to the slopes and leave the comfort of your chalet, hotel or apartment, you’ll want to make sure you’re all set. Make sure that:

  • Everyone is appropriately dressed with several layers
  • All uncovered skin and lips are covered is high factor sun tan lotion, with more in your pocket to reapply throughout the day
  • You have snacks, drinks and money
  • Everyone has their lift pass
  • Everyone knows the plan for the day – for example where you’re meeting for lunch and when, or who’s going to be collecting them from ski lessons

6. Dry everything out daily

Your child will likely be wearing many of the same items, including ski pants, jackets, gloves and boots throughout the week. These can quickly get damp, either through wet conditions or with sweat when it’s warm or they’re working hard, so it’s important that they are hung up somewhere warm overnight to ensure they dry out fully before your little one puts them on again the following day.

So there you have it, our top tips for skiing with children to help you enjoy the perfect family ski holiday. And, if you’ve not booked yours yet, we’ve still got availability for this winter, so get in touch to discuss your next family adventure.

5 top tips for beginner skiers

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There’s nothing quite like a great day on the slopes – the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and hopefully semi gracious turns as you descend the mountain. The reality, though, is it takes a little work to get there. And everyone has to be a beginner skier once. If you’ve never skied before and you’re considering giving it a go this winter, here are our tried and tested 5 top tips for beginner skiers.

1. Take ski lessons

As tempting as it may be to go it on your own or have a friend or family member teach you to ski, it rarely ends well. A bit like learning to drive, taking a lesson from a loved one often ends in tears – the last thing you want when on holiday. Plus, just because they can ski doesn’t mean they can teach. At best, you’ll pick up bad habits. At worst, you could end up injured or lose confidence. 

Getting ski lessons is the best investment you can make on a ski holiday. And if you’re pondering between a private lesson and groups, we’d recommend the latter – unless you can afford to invest in privates all week. Many great ski schools offer small group beginner lessons, which will give you a little positive reinforcement each day to help you develop skills and build confidence throughout the week.

2. Get ski fit

Yawn. We get it. Ski fitness isn’t the holiday prep anybody wants to be doing. But a little time spent increasing your cardiovascular fitness through aerobic exercise (like cycling, hiking or running) and increasing your leg strength (through lower body exercises like squats and lunges) will pay dividends on the mountain. You’ll be more comfortable while skiing, and less sore afterwards, both of which will make your holiday all the more enjoyable.

3. Don’t overdo it

Learning to ski can be tiring. You will be moving your body in ways it’s not used to and likely picking yourself up from time to time, all of which can tire you out – especially when you’re keen to make the most of your week on the slopes. So, give yourself some grace. If you need a late start or to finish early one day to rest and recover – do it. Listen to your body, and don’t overdo it. Most ski accidents happen when people are tired – so don’t be tempted to follow your friends down “just one more” when you’re already feeling pooped. There’s no shame in taking a bubble down or finishing a little earlier than the rest.

4. Stay fueled and hydrated

Moving your body repeatedly at altitude will burn calories, raise your temperature, and cause you to sweat. To prevent injury and keep your body working optimally, ensure that you have snacks at hand to keep you fueled throughout the day and some liquids (of the non-alcoholic variety) to keep you well hydrated.

5. Layer up

The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so you’ll want to ensure you’ve got sufficient clothing to keep you warm. However, linked to the previous tip, your body will heat up when you exert energy – so you don’t want to struggle under a big thick jacket. The best advice for beginner skiers – or for any skiers, for that matter – is to layer up. Wearing several thinner layers – ideally made from wicking fabrics like merino wool which draw sweat away from the skin – will allow you to add or remove layers as the situation demands, keeping you warm and comfortable in the snow, sun or shade. 

So there you have it. Our top tips for beginner skiers – to help you make the most of your first ski holiday. While learning to ski isn’t always easy – it’s a worthy investment for the enjoyment of future holidays with family or friends in the mountains.

Best blue runs in the Three Valleys

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Known for their cruisey blue runs and impressive commitment to grooming, the Three Valleys is an immediate skier’s paradise. With so much choice on offer, it’s hard to know where to go, so we thought we’d share some insider tips, to get your holiday off to a flying start. If you’re Three Valleys bound this winter and want to know the best blues to take in the sights and get your skiers legs back, check out our guide to the best blue runs in the Three Valleys.

Gentianes, Courchevel 1650

Usually immaculately groomed Gentianes is a wide and relatively flat blue, above Courchevel 1650 that is perfect for carving, and makes a hero of even the most average skier. Watch out for the crossing with the boulevard half way down. As well as the roller just after it which can give you some serious air if hit at speed.

Creux, Courchevel 1850

Previously a red, Creux is a popular run from the top of Courchevel, heading towards 1650. Although it’s a little steep at the top it’s nice and wide, and when freshly groomed, a real joy to ski. It can get busy though, so it’s best hit first thing. Make sure you ski it right to the bottom for a nice cruisey run down to the valley between Courchevel 1650 and 1850, commonly known as the “fruit bowl”.

Folyeres, La Tania

When it comes to scenic runs, you can’t get much better than picturesque Folyeres, which guides you through the trees down to La Tania. With twists and turns and rollers along the way it’s also a really fun route, which the kids (and big kids) love – as long as they’re confident on blues.

Courchevel medley: Pyramids – Ariondaz – Marquis

For the ultimate blues cruise head to the top end of 1650, accessed from the Pyramids drag, where you can take a series of blues, all the way down to the bottom of resort. Take a left off the drag to take Pyramids, before picking up Ariondaz (where you might want to schedule a pit stop at the Bel Air for a hot chocolate or vin chaud), before taking Marquis all the way down to 1650. 800m of often pisted perfection. Watch your speed though at the narrow steep section, on the lower part of Ariondaz.

Lapin, Méribel Village

Another pretty tree run, Lapin will guide you on some hairpin bends with twists and turns from the top of the Golf chair down to Méribel Village. Popular with kids, it’s gentle enough to ski with all the family.

Jerusalem and Biolley, St Martin

Skier’s favourite Jerusalem is a popular run from the top of Méribel, heading down towards St Martin. Also a red previously, it has some gentle rollers which make for a fun ski down. Pick up Biolley at the mid station for a scenic run through the trees and under a tunnel down to quaint St Martin. The sunny side of the valley, it can get slushy late season, so best hit earlier in the day if skiing in March or April.

Bouquetin, Pointe de la Masse

On the far side of the Belleville Valley, is the Pointe de la Masse. Sitting at 2800m, it offers great views across the valley and a lovely long blue run – Bouquetin – which you can take most of the way down, before picking up Vallons or Les enverse down to the bottom of the valley.

Pluviometre, Val Thorens

Accessed from the either the Cote Brune chair on the Méribel side, or the 3 Vallées cable car on the Val Thorens side, Pluviometre offers fast wide open sweeping turns, with lots of space to practice your turns. Turn left at the bottom and across the bridge to reach the heart of Val Thorens, or take a right and head down to Les Menuires, with a myriad of blues to enjoy to your hearts content.

The perfect day skiing Courchevel and La Tania

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Now the borders are open again to Brits, focus once more is on upcoming trips and how to make the most of that long awaited ski holiday. If you’re coming to Courchevel or La Tania this winter and want some insider tips then you’ve come to the right place. With many years spent skiing the slopes of Courchevel we’ve a few perfectly honed itineraries to make your ski day one to remember. In the spirit of sharing, this is our idea of a perfect day skiing in Courchevel, setting off from Ski Dazzle’s home in La Tania.

Make the most of fresh corduroy in La Tania

First off, it’s worth checking where has been pisted and prioritise those runs first. There is a grooming report at most major lift stations, as well as online at S3V. The two runs down to La Tania – Folyeres and Plan Fontaine for example are cracking pistes when nicely groomed, but you likely only ski them home at the end of the day when they’re all cut up. So, if they’re freshly pisted and looking slick, it might be worth giving them a quick run, before heading up, up and away. 

Ski wide open pistes in Courchevel (1850)

Courchevel 1850 area has some nice wide open pistes, but can also get quite busy, so if you’re here on a busy week it’s worth avoiding key lift stations like Verdons and Chenus, and staying higher up. So, coming up from La Tania, take the bubble, then the Bouc Blanc chair and hang a right to take the blue run down to pick up the Biollay chair.

From the top of Biollay, ski the cruisey blue of the same name back to the chair, before lapping it again, this time taking skiers left to ski Marquetty (so long as it’s been pisted) before taking the chair again. If you fancy skiing through the family park you can do another lap here to take that in. Then, from the top of Biollay, if you head right you can ski blue run Pralong which has a few fun but gentle rollers towards the end.

If it’s a nice day and you fancy a drink in the sun, head down to the snack bar by the bottom of the Pralong chair where you can take a break in the picnic benches in the sun.

Ski through the trees to Courchevel Village (1550)

From there, there is a little-used run through the trees down to Courchevel Village (1550) called Cospilot. It snakes through the fancy chalets and takes a scenic route away from the crowds. You can then ski down to Village, and pick up the Tovets chair which will take you back to Courchevel.

Ski down, staying left, to pick up the Plantrey chair, under which you might be lucky enough to watch the kids training skiing the gates, making it look effortless! From the top of the chair take a left and ski gentle red Loze, staying to the right so that you can take the boulevard half way down which will take you back to Biollay. From the top of the chair ski straight on to to ski Pralong-Suisses, down to the Suisses chair. This will then take you up to the top of Saulire where you can take in the views and grab a selfie or two. 

It’s likely getting to lunchtime now, which means the pistes should be quietening down. To make the most of this quiet time it’s worth taking a late lunch. 

Enjoy the late sun in Courchevel Moriond

The pistes above Courchevel Moriond (1650) get the sun later in the day so it’s a great area to spend late afternoon. So, if you head straight on from the top of Suisses and take the boulevard in the direction of Méribel, you’ll find yourself at the top of Creux. Enjoy this popular and long blue run, skiing it’s length down to valley bottom before taking the Roc Mugnier chair.

If you’re getting peckish and ready for lunch, the Bel Air, at the top of the Ariondaz bubble is a good choice. On sunny days their sun terrace is spectacular, with stunning views. Or, if it’s cold and snowy, enjoy the cozy interior beside the fire. We’d highly recommend their vin chaud! Or, if you’re on a budget, their snack bar is another great option. 

After lunch, if you still have some time left, enjoy the myriad of cruisey blues and gentle reds that run beneath the Signal chair (Grande Bosses, Gentianes and Ariondaz), as well as the fun reds lapable by the Chapelets chair (Chapelets, Bel Air and Rochers). Just make sure you leave enough time to make it back to La Tania.

Head back to La Tania, stopping for a drink at après enroute

From the top of Signal or Chapelets you can reach the Aiguille du Fruit bowl by the red Roc Mugnier, although the blue boulevard which is accessed to the left at the bottom of Gentianes is often a much nicer option. Either way, take the Aiguille du Fruit chair and turn right at the top, taking the blue down past the Altiport (airport). If you’re lucky, you might see someone land or take off. Keep heading down under the Pralong chair but stay high and to the left to pick up the Bellecote blue piste which will take you back to Courchevel. 

Here you have two options, depending on timing and your preference….

Option 1: Ski through Courchevel, under the bridge, stay left and ski past the Plantrey chair to your right, taking Brigues down to Courchevel Le Praz. Enjoy a vin chaud at the Peupliers hotel in this quaint village, before hopping on the bus back to La Tania.

Option 2: Take the Plantrey chair, then ski down Bouc Blanc before taking the Dou de Lanches chair to the top of Col de la Loze and enjoy a tipple at 1928 restaurant while watching the sun drop, before skiing home to La Tania via Lanches (red) or Dou de Lanches (black) then Folyeres.

Courchevel Piste Map – Best runs in resort

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Find the most up-to date Courchevel Piste Map for 2020 below. You can also download it here and save to your phone.

 

We also recommend you download the 3 Valleys App, this will show you which lifts are open on any given day when you’re in resort. It also gives a 3-day forecast, updates on piste grooming and webcam access. Perfect for when you’re in resort on your holiday.

Now that you’ve got your piste map on hand, you might need some recommendations of where to ski. We’ve rounded up our favourite spots to ski in Courchevel for all levels.

Best pistes for beginners – green runs

Aside from the number of magic carpet beginner areas around resort, there are plenty of green runs for once you’ve graduated from those. Here are some nice, gentle green runs in Courchevel that are a great next step.

  • Loze Est – From the top of Coqs chairlift (also accessible by taking Dou Des Lanches) this nice green winds its way down to Courchevel 1850, and gets the morning sun.
  • Plan Fontaine – Although pretty long and windy, this green run from the top of La Tania back down into resort is perfect for giving your ski legs a challenge.
  • Verdons – Situated right in the centre of 1850, this run (aptly) runs from the top of Verdons bubble down to the Croisette. It’s wide and slightly rolling – perfect for practicing your turns.

 

 

Best pistes for intermediates – blue runs

As with all grades of piste, there is a range within each colour. Some blues are more difficult than others, but here are some of our favourites.

  • Folyeres – On our home turf in La Tania, everyone loves Folyeres. Although at parts it seems like more of a red than a blue, it’s undulating and a nice long run right back down into resort. You’ll likely take this one daily!
  • Creux – From the very top of the Saulire – where you can catch some stunning views & a few snapshots – runs the long blue run Creux. It tends to get bumpy later in the day, so we recommend hitting this one early. You can ski down to the mid-station of Marmottes chair, or all the way down to Aiguille de Fruit for a nice, long run.
  • Cospillot – A lesser-known run, tucked away at the bottom of Pralong chair is Cospillot, a quiet run through the trees that hardly gets any traffic. It winds its way down to 1550 and is perfect when you want to escape the crowds.

Best pistes for advanced – red & black runs

For those looking for more challenging runs, Courchevel does not disappoint.

  • Marmottes – This run always has great snow. A long with a steep, but not too steep of a gradient, this is great run that catches the sun for most of the day. Access it from the top of Suisse, Vizelle or Saulire Express.
  • Chapelets – Over on the far side of 1650, Chapelets is a great red run to challenge yourself.
  • Jean Blanc – Another semi-hidden gem. From the top of Plantrey chair, this black run sits between La Tania and Le Praz and has really steep challenging bits. It also is one of the last pistes to get groomed so after it’s snowed you can often find fresh powder here.

Best off-piste areas

For those who want to venture off-piste we highly recommend you do so only with an instructor or a local guide who knows the area. And be sure you have all the safety equipment required. There is no messing around when it comes to safety off-piste. But that being said you can get some amazing runs in around the resort.

  • Creux Noir – At the top of Creux Noir chair is loads of accessible off-piste area, however, you have to hike up there as the chair lift has been removed.
  • La Tania & Le Praz Trees – When it’s snowing & the weather is in, take full advantage of the clarity that the trees provide. You can lap this area 10x over and always take a different route.
  • Courchevel Couloirs – Very famous, as they should be, you can ski a variety of the couloirs at the very top of Courchevel. A bit of a hike is required to access them. And we have to admit sometimes the hike is more difficult than the ski. But if the snow’s good, it’s absolutely worth it.

Travel Tip created by Sally Dazzle in association with Vacation Soup

10 Activities in Courchevel Not To Be Missed

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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.

Person swimming in an indoor pool at Aquamotion leisure centre in Courchevel

Swimming at Aquamotion in Courchevel, the Alps’ flagship indoor water and wellness centre

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.