Courchevel - Activities
Courchevel like all other ski resorts is mainly about skiing, but there are plenty of things on offer besides the ski slopes, so why not take an afternoon off the skis and try another winter activity, or treat yourself to a beauty therapy in the comfort of yourown chlet, or do a spot of holiday shopping in the traditional markets, fashion stores and gift shops. There are many scenic walks around Courchevel and La Tania as well as the neighbouring valley of Meribel, which the pedestrian lift pass covers. This also offers non skiers the chance to meet up with friends and family for lunch at the mountain restaurants. If you are simply looking to do something special and be pampered, many of the hotels offer beauty treatments such as massages, facials and mud applications. Here are a few ideas for all the family.
Ice Skating
Courchevel's Olympic ice rink, built for the 1992 Winter Games, and where you can now watch regular ice hockey matches. Located in the Forum building, it is open every day from 3-7pm and from 9-11pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. May open at 2 pm on days when the weather is poor.
Ice Karting
If skiing isn't adrenaline fuelled enough for you, here you can screech round the ice, snow or dirt depending on weather conditions in a specially designed karting buggy or quad bike. Studded tyres and extra thick bumpers mean that you can race against your friends or take a course to improve your control and steering. Adults can drive alone, children over 14 years can drive with an adult passenger and children over 5 years can ride as a passenger with an adult driving. The specially made outdoor circuit at Les Grandes Combes (between 1550 and 1650) is open every day from 4-8pm, weather permitting.
Tel: +33 (0) 665 571729
Tobogganing
Courchevel offers something unique in France: a sledging run that stats in Courchevel 1850 at the ski school meeting point and is 2 km long, with 300m of vertical and an average incline of 15%. The run is floodlit from start to finish, allowing evening descents. The run's departure point is located at the edge of the Tovets ski run in Courchevel 1850 and its arrival point is in Courchevel 1550. Access to the sled run is provided by the Grangettes gondola, from Courchevel 1550, also its arrival point, this is free for anyone with a lift pass. Without a valid pass, each ride on the lift is €6 and the run is open from 9am - 7:30 pm
Hot Air Ballooning
Travelling in a hot air balloon is a remarkably serene, peaceful and enjoyable experience, and the view of Courchevel and all thr skiing is breathtaking. It is a safe and calming, you simply lift off the ground and move with the air. If you've never had the good fortune of setting foot in a hot-air balloon then you have missed out on one of life's simplest pleasures. Don't miss out any more and be the envy of everyone by jumping in the relaxing environment of a hot-air balloon ride. Open daily from 9am and you will be in the air for 1-2 hours, costing €350 per person with a minimum of 2 people. The hot air balloon departs from the Altiport in Courchevel 1850.
Tel: +33 (0) 686 123417
Husky Sledding
Forget X-country skiing, this is the way everyone should get about ski resorts! You are in charge of your own sled and huskies, so it is an energetic, exhilarating experience. You will be taken through the woods, up and down hills and even sometimes under the snow-capped trees. Daily tours starting from 1am, 2pm and 3:30pm, costing €60 per person per hour. It operates from La Plantin a small village approximately 40 minute drive from Courchevel.
Tel: +33 (0) 686 123417
Piste Basher Driving
Get behind the controls of a piste basher, learn how to drive and control the large vehicle asyou push snow around and help to groom the ski sloes. This is a once in a life time opportunity, how often do you get the chance to drive a piste basher. You can experience grooming in this large vehicle around a varied circuit assisted by a professional pilot. The piste basher circuit is based in Courchevel 1850 near the Altiport and next to the Cap Horn restaurant. The circuit is 1.2km long with embankments, bumps and slopes all to put your skills to the test. It costs €110 per person with an optional photo CD for €20.
Tel: +33 (0) 686 123417
Snow-mobile
This is one of the most popular events with thrill seekerswho are fed up with skiing. The bikes can take 1 or 2 people at a time and there is also the option of swapping over half way through the activity. This means everyone has the option of being in control, being controlled and then just totally out of control! There is an option for more experienced riders or complete adrenaline junkies to go on a safari style course. It runs 7 days a week, hourly from 17:30 and costs €40-€120 /hour/person dependant on the excursion.
Paragliding
Tired of having your feet firmly on the ground and want to try something new on your ski holiday? Why not discover Courchevel from a height, for the ultimate exhilaration soar above the ski runs and snow-capped mountains, experience nothing but silence and the freedom of flying. Flights are available daily from 9:30 onwards and are weather dependant and they cost €120-250 depending on the flight option chosen. You take off from the top of the Saulire, the top of Courchevel.
Tel: +33 (0) 686 123417
Cookery Courses
Whether you want to learn classic or elaborate dishes covering starters, fish, meat or deserts – Michel Rochedy welcomes you into his kitchen at Le Chabichou in Courchevel 1850 from 9-11am to pick up some crafty hints and tips. €75 per person.
Tel: +33 (0) 479 080055
Walking Trails
Courchevel provides 17km of walking trails that are groomed all winter long. The options vary from short walks, village strolls, half-day hikes or brief excursions designed to offer a few minutes of tranquillity and contact with nature. Check out http://www.courchevel.com for further path details.
Snowshoes can be rented from all good sports shops throughout the resort and outings with mountain guides and ski instructors are available from ESF.
ESF 1850 +33 (0) 479 080772
ESF 1650 +33 (0) 479 082608
ESF 1550 +33 (0) 479 082107
Forum Building
The Forum building in the centre of Courchevel 1850 has an array of non skiing activities including shopping, bowling, arcades, billiards, video games and a climbing wall.
Bowling - 8 international competition lanes open to all from 5 years old. Open every day from 11am to 2pm.
Artificial Climbing Wall - 7 ways up – 13m high is accessible to the public every day from 9am -5.30pm and 7.30pm – 10pm. First Climb – €8 per person.
Fitness Centres and Swimming Pools
Whether you’ve had a hard days skiing or you simply want to spoil yourself, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a swim. Most of the hotels open their spa facilities to members of the public, so why not pop in and make an appointment at one of the list below.
Centre de Remise en Forme du Forum: +33 (0) 479 083 827 , open Monday to Friday 11am - 9pm, Sunday 3-9pm (Closed Saturday).Fully equipped gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, beauty parlour.
Diamant Forme, les Grand Alpes: +33 (0) 479 080540 (Hotel fitness centre open to the public). Swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, massages.
Centre Bien Être des Trois Vallées: +33 (0) 479 081798 (Hotel fitness centre open to the public). Sauna, hammam, drainage, massages, balneo-therapy, hydromassages, relaxation.
Centre Bien Être des Neiges: +33 (0) 479 080377 (Hotel fitness centre open to the public). Swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam, fitness room, massages.
Les Thermes du Carlina: +33 (0) 479 080030 (Hotel fitness centre open to the public). Swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam, massages, drainage, chiropodist.
As you can see there are plenty of non skiing activities to have a go at and whatever you decide to do it will only add to your chalet or hotel holiday in Courhevel. For more details or assistance with booking any of the above activities then please contact our office on +44 (0) 2088 77888 or email admin@powderwhite.com
