Updated on July 5, 2024
With over 600 kilometers of snow-capped slopes and a spectacular sweeping view of the Alps, Courchevel is considered as one of the best ski resorts in France during the winter holidays. Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys ski area, one of the world’s largest linked ski areas, with a total of 180 lifts. Its modern lift system and wide range of pistes make it a ski destination that will suit vacationers of all skiing levels.
Known for having a variety of groomed piste trails suitable for different levels, we put together this guide so anyone can explore the best ski runs in Courchevel. Depending on their abilities, visitors can enjoy everything from vast open snowfields to steep runs with giant moguls.
Beginner-Friendly
Green runs are most suitable for skiers with little to no experience. The slopes are wide and open, allowing learners to navigate the space easily.
Getting on top of green slopes is also manageable with slow-moving lifts, which gives first-time skiers an effortless time getting on and off. Additionally, the attentive staff at green runs are present on the slopes, looking out for struggling skiers, and won’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.
Plan Fontaine (Green Run)
Plan Fontaine starts from Le Bouc Blanc and slowly descends into La Tania. It’s a long, relaxed ruin with a great tree line for visibility. It is also generally known to be the ideal run for practicing and building confidence as you go.
Verdon (Green Run)
Verdon is a famous run for a reason. It has a few lift options and can take riders back to the center of 1850. It’s also a great run with a wide motorway slope, making it perfect for practicing parallel turns.
Loze Esst (Green Run)
Loze East is accessible by taking Dou Des Lanches. Going down this slope, skiers will be met with nice green winds and morning sunshine.
Petite Bosse (Green Run)
Petite Bosse is a perfect practice run for those looking to improve their skiing abilities but still believe they have a long way to go. The slope is an excellent run during a snow day with its good tree line that helps with poor visibility.
For The More Experienced
Experienced or intermediate skiers are commonly found in blue runs. These slopes have a gradient range of 25-40%, which can be challenging for starting out but very easy for professional skiers.
Due to the steep slopes, expect skiers to be faster in blue runs. At the same time, skiers must keep their skis together when they come off the lifts and be mindful of other skiers in the area.
Pyramide and Lac Ariondaz (Blue Run)
This blue run is long and open, starting at the top of Courchevel 1650 valley. It opens into a broader piste with a steady, easy gradient, ideal for parallels. The run here is also not overly busy, so it’s perfect if you want to take a break from the crowds.
Creux (Blue Run)
Creux is a challenging blue run but wide enough to allow riders plenty of room for mistakes. This run is also one of the most popular, and it tends to get bumpy later in the day, so hitting it early is recommended. For a longer run, ski down to the mid-station of Marmottes chair or even down to Aiguille de Fruit.
Pic Bleu (Blue Run)
Pic Bleu starts at the top of the Col de la Loze run and into the Meribel valley, where skiers can either get back on the lift or continue on further past the Altiport and into Meribel Village. This run is ideal for intermediate riders who want to try something more fast-paced without hitting a black run.
For The Advanced & Professional
Red runs offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers with twisted, narrow pistes and deeper slopes. Meanwhile, black runs are exclusively for professional and expert skiers. These slopes have a gradient range exceeding 40%, which is the designation for the most severe difficulty of skiing.
Skiers looking to explore red runs must be confident with their skill and ability to turn quickly and control their speed on steep gradients.
Combe de la Saulire (Red Run)
Combe de la Saulire is a red run perfect for families and friends. It starts steep but is not too difficult as the rest of the run is wide open. It also has incredible sceneries, including the Grand Couloir off the top of Saulire, which is visible as you descend. This slope was also rated as one of the top ski-runs in the world by the Telegraph in 2018.
Jean Blanc (Black Run)
Jean Blanc is a gem for strong skiers who like a challenge. It starts from the top of the Plantrey chairlift and is known for some steep bits. It’s also often one of the last pistes to get groomed so that skiers can find fresh powder in this run after a snowfall.
Le Grand Couloir (Black Run)
The Grand Couloir is a must-visit for advanced skiers for its exhilarating depth and steepness. The entry to this run is a narrow 35 degrees, and rocks frame its very top with big, uneven moguls. The piste eventually widens as the rider makes their way down, making the run less daunting. This run is for anyone looking for a challenge, but it is often shut down depending on the weather conditions.
Chanrossa (Black Run)
Chanrossa is the opposite of Couloir as this one starts soft and easy but becomes a challenge as the riders make their way down. The middle of this run is steep and relatively icy. This run is accessible via Chanrossa lift on the 1850 side, or Roc Merlet lifts from 1650, and it’s a perfect mid-morning run after the sun has softened the top layer a bit.
Suisse (Black Run)
Suisse is yet another absolute must for all experienced skiers, running from the top of the Vizelle gondola above Courchevel 1850. The Suisse is a challenging and adrenaline-pumping fast-paced run that ends on a flatter terrain where skiers can catch their breath before jumping onto the Suisse chairlift and doing it all again.
Apart from the massive terrain, the Courchevel ski resort is renowned as one of France’s biggest and most glamorous ski resorts. Start exploring some of the best luxury chalets in Courchevel for your next winter holiday.