Courchevel Itineraries for the Expert Skier

The Ultimate Ski Experience in the Three Valleys

Courchevel, part of the expansive Three Valleys ski area, offers a plethora of options for the expert skier. Known for its vast terrain, the area includes 600 kilometers of interconnected ski runs, making it the largest ski area in the world. The Three Valleys are renowned not only for their size but also for their high-quality, well-maintained pistes, which range from wide cruisers to challenging moguls and couloirs.

Morning Adrenaline Rush

Start your day with an ascent to the peak of Vizelle using the Verdons cable car, transitioning to the Vizelle gondola. At the summit, choose from three exhilarating black runs: Suisses, M, and Combe Pylon. For a smoother start, check which of these runs has been groomed overnight at the Vizelle bottom station; typically, one is groomed daily. After conquering these, descend on the red Marmottes run to the Chanrossa chairlift, where you can opt for the mogul-studded terrain beneath the lift or continue on the challenging Chanrossa black run.

Midday Mountain Escape

Elevate your lunch experience at a restaurant located at the top of the Saulire cable car, sitting at 2700 meters. This spot offers one of the most spectacular views across the Three Valleys. The restaurant's panoramic windows ensure a stunning backdrop, ideal for refueling regardless of weather conditions.

Afternoon High-Altitude Challenges

Post-lunch, test your skills on the remaining couloirs off Saulire. Most have been declassified due to their difficulty, but the Grand Couloir remains a must-try if conditions are favorable, though be wary of potential rocky and icy patches. Later, descend towards La Tania and tackle the Jockeys black run down to Le Praz. Situated at 1300 meters, this lower altitude run can present variable snow conditions but offers a serene woodland setting, perfect for less clear weather conditions.

Seamless Access to Courchevel

Reaching Courchevel is straightforward with multiple travel options available. The nearest airports are Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon, and Geneva, with Geneva being a popular choice for its frequent flights and range of prices. From Geneva, the transfer to Courchevel takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. For a hassle-free journey, consider pre-booking an airport transfer with reputable companies like Shuttle Direct. Options range from economical group transfers to more luxurious private cars.

Interesting Stats and Tips

• Courchevel is part of the Les Trois Vallées, which boasts over 2,100 snow cannons ensuring optimal skiing conditions throughout the season.
• The area experiences an average snowfall of about 600cm at higher altitudes, providing a reliable base from late November to early May.
• Courchevel itself has 150km of downhill skiing with 58 lifts, designed to minimize wait times and maximize skiing time.

This itinerary for expert skiers ensures a thrilling and efficient exploration of Courchevel’s most challenging and scenic runs, making every moment on the slopes an unforgettable adventure.