23/01/2026
Courchevel is a well-known mountain resort in the French Alps. It is part of Les 3 Vallées (The Three Valleys), which with about 600 km of linked pistes and 158 lifts is one of the largest connected ski areas in the world. Courchevel is famous for a wide choice of slopes, modern lifts, high-quality services, and a mix of family-friendly areas and luxury options. Courchevel is not one single village. It is a group of alpine villages built at different altitudes, which helps visitors choose the atmosphere and price level that suits them.
Location
Courchevel is in Savoie (Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes region), on the slopes above the Tarentaise Valley in southeastern France. The nearest large valley towns are around Moûtiers, which is the main rail gateway for the resort. Courchevel’s main villages (from lower to higher) are commonly described by altitude:
- Saint-Bon (about 1100 m)
- Le Praz (about 1300 m)
- La Tania (about 1400 m)
- Courchevel Village (about 1550 m)
- Courchevel Moriond (about 1650 m)
- Courchevel 1850 (about 1850 m)
Higher altitude generally means easier access to the slopes and more snow reliability, but also higher accommodation prices.
How to get there
By train (popular and practical)
- Take a train to Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains station (often simply called “Moûtiers”).
- From Moûtiers, continue by bus, taxi, or private transfer up the mountain to your Courchevel village.
Travel time from Moûtiers to Courchevel depends on traffic and weather, but it is typically about 30–45 minutes.
By plane
Common airports used by visitors include:
- Geneva (Switzerland)
- Lyon (France)
- Chambéry (France)
From the airport, most travelers use a shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or train + transfer route.
By car
Courchevel is reached by mountain roads from the Tarentaise Valley. In winter, road conditions can change quickly, so winter tires or snow chains may be required (depending on conditions and regulations).
Ski area
Courchevel offers a large local ski area and direct lift connections to Les 3 Vallées, which also includes neighboring resorts such as Méribel and Val Thorens. The terrain is varied: gentle beginner zones, wide cruising pistes, steeper sections, and off-piste areas (for experienced skiers with the right knowledge and safety equipment). For winter 2026–2027 La Tania gets a new gondola.
Lift passes and prices (winter 2026–2027)
Prices below are for the high season (19 December 2026 – 9 April 2027) and are a little lower in low season. The main choice is between a Courchevel-only pass and the larger 3 Vallées pass. Children under 5 ski free.
Courchevel area
- 1 day (adult): €77; children aged 5–17 €63.10; free from age 75
- Minipass (1 day): €39.50, for beginners on the easy lifts
Les 3 Vallées
- 1 day (adult): €84.20; children aged 5–17 €69
- 6 days (adult): €421 (six days for the price of five)
- Family Flex: with 1–2 adults and 1–6 children everyone pays the child rate, e.g. €345 per person for 6 days
Opening dates and working hours (winter 2026–2027)
Ski season dates
- Courchevel ski area: 4 December 2026 – 18 April 2027
- The connected 3 Vallées area: 5 December 2026 – 18 April 2027
These dates are always subject to snow and weather conditions.
Typical daily timetable
- Ski lifts usually start running around 09:00.
- Closings often begin around 16:20, and later in the season lifts may stay open about 30 minutes longer as daylight increases.
Exact times differ by lift and can change due to wind, snow, or safety rules.
Lift pass office hours (typical)
Ticket offices are commonly open daily during the season, often around 08:35–16:45.
Why people choose Courchevel?
- Access to a huge ski area
With a 3 Vallées pass, you can ski across multiple valleys without needing a car. - Villages for different budgets and styles
You can choose a quieter, more traditional atmosphere (lower villages) or direct slope access and luxury services (higher villages). - Good infrastructure
The resort is known for modern lifts, clear signage, and well-prepared pistes. - Options for beginners and families
Courchevel has dedicated learning areas and gentle slopes, plus services that make family travel easier. - Strong non-ski offer
Many visitors come for restaurants, shopping, spas, winter walks, and mountain views—even if they ski only part of the trip. - Snow reliability (by Alpine standards)
The range of altitudes and the size of the network help the resort operate through most of the winter season, although conditions still depend on nature.
Practical tips
- If you are mainly skiing in Courchevel, the Courchevel-only pass can be enough. If you want long day trips across valleys, the 3 Vallées pass gives much more freedom.
- For easier logistics, stay closer to lifts if your budget allows—this can reduce time spent walking or using ski buses.
- In peak weeks (holiday periods), book accommodation and transfers early and allow extra time for travel.
Weather in location: Courchevel resort, Savoie, France
- Today 4°…12°
- Wind 3 km/h NW
- No precipitation now
Average by month
Monthly averages and dry days (no measurable rain) from ERA5, last 10 years.
