Courchevel Moriond

Billed as the world’s largest ski domain, the 3 Vallées really do offer something, somewhere for all skier levels and tastes. While not exactly being in the very heart of it all, skiers based in the Courchevel sector do at least have a capable lift system which allows confident intermediates to see and ski it all, given sufficient time. The obvious proviso of setting out early isn’t just to ensure that you enjoy the best snow quality; you’ll also minimise any disruption when passing through the potential bottleneck of Méribel.

Once that’s safely behind you there are some enjoyable long, open cruises down to Saint-Martin de Belleville, a wider choice of runs into Les Menuires, the celebrated high-altitude terrain above Val Thorens and finally the largely red-graded terrain of the Orelle sector. Make it that far and your legs will be well aware that you’ve come a long way from your starting point.

If the full 3 Vallées lift pass sounds like overkill, then you might just find Courchevel’s home terrain sufficiently varied and extensive to keep you happily entertained for a full week. In fact, there’s well over 1600m of vertical drop in this sector alone, and if you decide to get that figure under your skis then you’ll also discover lower villages like Saint Bon (1100m), Courchevel Le Praz (1300m) and La Tania (1400m).

For skiers seeking Freeride thrills in a managed environment, head for Les Creux Noirs and the Freeride LAB, Courchevel’s powder snow laboratory. This demanding high-altitude sector leading to renowned off-piste areas and unique panoramic views is reachable on foot or ski touring skis (100m difference in height). Here, 2 red runs and a black run are left ungroomed but made safe throughout the winter.

And even more for thrill seekers... the Eclipse piste was made for the World Cup in 2022 and the 2023 World Ski Championship. Opened to the public in winter 21/22 the statistics alone are mind-blowing - 960m vertical drop and 3.2km in length, the departure is at la Loze in Courchevel 1850 and finishes at 1290m in Le Praz.

With ski touring becoming more popular, Courchevel has created two marked, groomed itineraries. One is 3.2 km long over a 500-metre vertical climb, and another is 5 km long over a 1,000 metre climb. Starting out from Courchevel Le Praz, one of the routes arrives at 1,850 metres and the other at the Col de la Loze mountain pass. Courchevel Moriond is now home to 'La Trace', a signposted but ungroomed itinerary. Starting at Le Belvédère, it goes up into the forest, by the side of Les Chapelets run, arriving at the top of Le Signal.

The name applies to four villages – five if you include La Tania – all of which have edged upmarket as the blue-chip ‘1850 effect’ has filtered down the mountain. The lowest is Courchevel Le Praz (1300m), with a relaxed, traditional vibe, high-speed gondola lift access to just below Courchevel (formerly known as Courchevel 1850) and a longer high-speed six-seater chair up to 1902m above La Tania. One more chairlift ride and you’re dropping in on Méribel (a comment which applies equally to neighbouring La Tania).

Next up is family-oriented Courchevel Village (1550m) in the Vallée du Bozel, with a choice of short chairlift rides direct to Courchevel, or a pisted run down to Le Praz.

Altitude-wise, the next village is Courchevel Moriond (1650), which sits at the very edge of the piste-map, but is connected to other areas quite efficiently by a high-speed gondola and a chairlift. The pedestrian exit from its large multi-level underground car park feeds conveniently direct onto the front-de-neige.

Highest of all is Courchevel, one of France’s earliest purpose-built ski developments, thanks largely to a ski-in/ski-out location at 1761m. Today most skiers based here will be heading up, rather than down, to ski the area’s extensive home terrain or heading to Méribel and beyond.

The 3 Vallées’ big selling-point of unparalleled mileage will appeal to those with the skill and stamina to exploit its full potential. For debutants, though, that’s obviously academic, and there are much cheaper places in which to become a skier. Plenty of people do, of course, and each village has its own reassuring dedicated beginner terrain, so it’s a viable option for families and mixed-ability groups.

Family-friendly and welcoming to all-ages, Courchevel bears the Famille Plus label. There's always plenty of entertainment and activities adapted to suit all ages, special rates, accessible services and shops. Plus, the whole resort makes coming skiing with small children much easier. There are 7 Piou-piou childrens' learning areas, kid-friendly hotels, comfortable ski-school reception area, special on-mountain kid's fun areas etc. Teenagers aren't forgotten either, with skier- and boarder-cross, freeride and jump sessions and a free Aquamotion pass given with every Team Rider ESF course in Courchevel Moriond. For all learners there are numerous free lifts and 'easy-ride' safe skiing areas throughout the resort.

Advanced skiers have celebrated tough challenges like the Grand Couloir and Couloir Tournier (both accessed from beside the Saulire cable-car top station) or discover numerous off-piste itineraries, which local guides are happy to reveal.

Perhaps equally important to those who return year after year is Courchevel’s brag-value – most of your friends are going to be impressed. The reputation has substance, too – everything, from the piste preparation and capable lift system to Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant après-ski and near-limitless bespoke services, has a premium stamp.

If, on the other hand, you’re simply an intermediate on-piste leisure skier here to find out what all the fuss is about, you’re unlikely to be disappointed, as long as you’re not also hoping for an away-from-it-all experience. International celebrity status means that for most of the time you’ll have company, wherever you head.

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