Resort Information
The quieter resort of Courchevel Moriond (1650), situated just a little further down the mountain from its glitzy big sister Courchevel 1850, offers some of the best skiing in the whole of the Trois Vallees. It is fast establishing itself as a resort in its own right, with a much more mountain village feel.
Courchevel Moriond boasts some excellent hotels and facilities to guarantee a great skiing holiday, quite often at better value than Courchevel 1850. The village is a good family ski destination, as it suits all levels.
The village lines the main road up to 1850 but despite that, the main centre is atmospheric with a quiet square surrounded by traditional Alpine buildings, bars and restaurants.
Moriond boasts a good choice of shops, supermarkets and places to eat and drink to suit all tastes and has some lively apres-ski. The main lift (the Bel Air) whisks you straight to the door of one of the most renowned mountain restaurants of the same name with one of the best terraces in the Trois Vallees. The front de neige is the perfect place to soak up the sun on one of the hotel terraces and watch the skiers coming down. Once the slopes are closed, this becomes a hive of activity for sledging. And for families or groups with non-skiers, Courchevel 1650 offers plenty of activity, with lots of good walks through the forests.
Key Facts
Ski Area
150km (600km linked piste)
Ski Range
1438m – 2738m
Blue Runs
23%
Blue Runs
37%
Red Runs
32%
Black Runs
8%
Season
December – April
Accommodation
Hotel Ecrin Blanc, Courchevel 1650
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Hotel Le Portetta
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Hotel Fahrenheit 7
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Useful Information
Beginners
Courchevel Moriond has three free ski lifts, 4 green pistes and around 13 blue pistes. There is a fenced off area exclusively for beginners serviced by a free drag lift (called Mickey) where you can build your confidence without having to deal with a lot of other skiers.
Intermediates
Much of the Three Valleys opens up for intermediate skiers and so we suggest that intermediate skiers should really explore the piste map and get some miles under their skis. The best intermediate slopes, local to Courchevel Moriond are Grandes Bosses and it’s fun rollers, Chapelets and Bel Air – two red runs which are dreamy, especially when recently pisted.
Advanced
A cult resort for advanced skiers, most famously because of the three couloirs that run down next to the Saulire cable car. Only one of these is officially a piste and they are among the steepest descents in the Alps, and thus anywhere. But like virtually all of the world’s great ski areas, the biggest draw for advanced skiers are the off piste opportunities which are very extensive in the Courchevel Valley.
Snowboarding
Courchevel has not put the effort and investment in to its terrain parks that neighbouring resorts like Meribel have, perhaps partly because Meribel’s park is easily accessible anyway and part because it is not an area where Courchevel wishes to focus on. There’s a boardercross course however, beside the Loze piste.
Sledging
Every resort offers some sort of sledging, but nothing quite like the one from Courchevel 1850 to 1550. The run is 2km long and winds down the mountain through the trees on its own track and dropping 300 vertical metres during the course. The Grangettes bubble lift that services it is open until 7.30pm and is included with a lift pass. Alternatively, single journeys can be purchased separately for 9 euros.
Swimming at a Aquamotion Courchevel
The biggest new development in Les 3 Vallees has to be the new Aquamotion center. The venue contains 15,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor swimming pools and caters for families, dedicated swimmers and those looking to relax. You may have been to resort swimming pools before, but we guarantee you, you’ve never been somewhere quite like this!
Activities in the Forum
In the centre of Courchevel 1850 you will find Le Forum where there are many activities, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained. It is home to the Olympic ice rink, where you can skate or enjoy an ice hockey match. There is also a climbing wall and hi-rope course for the more adventurous.
Eat
Courchevel has some incredible restaurants run by some of the world’s best chefs. Among these are several Michelin starred restaurants. Most exclusive is Le 1947 with three Michelin stars. The head chef Yannick Alleno only opens the restaurant three months of the year so make sure you contact the Kaluma Travel concierge service to book your table in advance.
Hot Air Ballooning
Take off at sunset and or sunrise and head into the skies for the best view you’ll have ever seen! This is a wonderful way to take in the beauty of the mountains and the stunning Vanoise National Park. Prices start at 280pp. Please use the Kaluma Travel Concierge service to make a booking.
Fat Bikes
If you’re keen to explore the mountains under your own steam, but are not convinced by ski touring, then maybe a Fat Bike could be the solution. These modified mountain bikes have super-wide tires allowing you to adventure into snowy regions without your wheels disappearing into the snow. It’s tremendous fun whether going up or down!
Drive a Piste Basher
It may be less stylish than many of the expensive vehicles you can find in Courchevel, but the piste basher is still on many people’s driving wish list. Why not book onto one of the driving experiences in resort? Choose from a track course in the day time or if you wait until the slopes close you can go on bigger adventure.
Snowshoeing
Leave all the hustle and bustle of the slopes and the lift queues behind as you discover the tranquil, natural surroundings of the mountains on snowshoes. Using a private guide, discover the best snowshoe walks and access places skiers can’t get to. Guided snowshoe walks can be either half day (morning or afternoon) or a full day and can be as relaxed or as energetic as you like making it ideal for individuals, couples, families or groups of friends. No skills are necessary as learning to snowshoe is easy, so it won’t be long before you’re confidently trekking to places that feel untouched. An excellent way to explore and learn about the local wildlife with your guide who possesses a fountain of knowledge. Spectacular scenery, breathtaking silence and being able to reach areas not normally available on skis.
View the live snow report for Courchevel Moriond (1650) here
Courchevel 1650 is a great option for families who want to enjoy the amazing terrain of Courchevel, but at an affordable price point. 1650 has long been a family favourite for many Brits and there is good reason for that.
Gentle Ski Runs
Firstly, there are a number of easy runs close to the village. There is also a separate beginners area at the top of the Ariondaz bubble that has two magic carpets, and keeps first timers separate from fast skiers whizzing by. There’s also a fun teepee at the top that you can visit, shoot some bows & arrows, play some instruments or get your face painted. The area also gets a lot of sun and has a number of wide, gentle slopes, ideal for beginners and intermediates.
Ultimate Luge Run
The resort also boasts a massive luge run down from the top of the gondola to the base of resort. For 10 euros a go, you can race your each other down this winding slope, through tunnels and all. We definitely recommend a helmet for this adventure though!
Aquamotion for Non-Skiers
If you have non-skiers in your family or would just prefer a day to rest your ski legs, the swimming and spa facility Aquamotion is just around the corner. This state of the art centre boasts a few different waterslides, a surfing pool, aquafitness classes, a spa, climbing wall, restaurant and more.
Family-Friendly Food
La Boulotte is a great lunch or supper option. Yummy, casual eats at a reasonable price and you just might have some entertainment from the woman in the kitchen ;-).
Area Map
Hotel Ecrin Blanc
Hotel Le Portetta
Hotel Fahrenheit 7
Getting There
By Plane
Courchevel International AirportGeneva Airport – International airport (149 km.)
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport – International Airport (187 km).
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport – International airport (130 km)
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Aiport – International Airport (110 km.)
By Road
By Car
After travelling along the motorway or dual carriageway as far as Moutiers, a large B-road that’s regularly cleared of snow and safe to drive on will get you to Courchevel in just 30 minutes. There are no inopportune rock falls or hairpin bends at every turn to spoil your journey here; the road is bordered by fir trees before opening out onto a magnificent panoramic view that offers the perfect introduction to your holiday!
By Bus
Transfers from Moutiers/Courchevel and Courchevel/Moutiers by bus: Altibus
By Train
The nearest train station is the train station of Moutiers – Salins – Brides-les-Bains.The Eurostar runs directly from London St Pancras and Ashford International to the town of Moutiers, which is only 25 minutes drive from Meribel. The train that leaves London on Friday evening arrives early Saturday morning in Moutiers.