Courchevel is one of France’s premier destinations for skiing, but there is much more to do than zoom down its groomed pistes. Even non-skiers will find a range of activities in the four villages that make up the exclusive resort of Courchevel. In order to easily travel between the four main resorts – 1300, 1550, 1650 and 1850 – we recommend a luxury car rental. If you rent a 4×4 or SUV will have the freedom of movement to participate in the resorts fantastic activities at any time in the day or night. We’ve selected the 10 best off-piste activities for you to try.
1. Relax in a Spa
Courchevel has 39 hotel spas, and 27 of those are accessible to non-residents who want a day of blissful relaxation. The ultra-exclusive Le Jardin Alpin area at the top of the resort is home to some of the finest spas, such as the Sisley Spa at L’Apogee. The males in your group don’t need to miss out since the spa staff have devised a special range of tailor-made treatments for gentlemen and children.
2. Bowling
The eternally popular pastime of bowling can be enjoyed in the resort. Bowling de Courchevel 1850 is a wonderful complex with 8 alleys including children’s bumpers, so that all ages can join in. Alternatively, play a game of pool and enjoy the games room.
3. Toboggan
Once the ski area closes, Courchevel transforms into a real winter playground. The 2-kilometre long toboggan slope is hugely popular and it winds its way through the forest from Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel 1550 with a 300-metre vertical drop. It’s free to lift pass holders – you just have to rent a toboggan from one of the sports shops.
4. Get On Your Quad Bike
Quad Biking on snow is exhilarating and fun, and in Courchevel you can expect a track with lots of hairpin bends and space for overtaking. The outdoor track is 600m long and 6m wide, and it’s encased with walls of snow. It’s located in Les Grand Combes, an area situated between Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1650. The adrenaline-pumping action goes on into the evening when the track is floodlit.
5. Drive to Other Resorts
The best thing about a luxury car rental is the freedom it gives you, so that you can visit other ski resorts and local villages. It’s a great way to get a feel for the alpine lifestyle and see some stunning mountain scenery. SUV rentals can handle the French mountain roads and come with a host of features like heated seats and entertainment systems. Meribel is only half an hour away from Courchevel and the picturesque resort of Megeve is a beautiful 90-100 minute drive away.
6. View Courchevel from Above
Courchevel is famous for its altiport which has featured in a James Bond film and regularly sees the rich and famous take-off and land from its runway. It’s also the place to take short sightseeing flights for panoramic views of the mountains and skiers below. Those who are more adventurous might enjoy the tandem skydives.
7. Hit the Snow
Who says you have to ski to have fun in the snow? In Courchevel, sledding, skidooing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoe walking are available. Dog sledding is a popular activity that takes place around the Altiport forest where participants are in charge of mushing their own sled. This fun experience is only available to those over the age of twelve.
8. Indulge in Retail Therapy
Those who like window shopping will be in heaven with so many beautiful windows to look in: Givenchy, Chanel, Fendi and Prada to name just a few. Serious shoppers should expect a dent in their wallets with such a tantalising array of boutiques and specialist shops. However, Courchevel sells more than fashion, and all the best mountaineering and ski shops also have a presence in the resort.
9. Fine Dining
The apres-ski scene in Courchevel tends to be very refined with fine dining being a popular option. Courchevel has enough haute cuisine establishments to rival the most cosmopolitan cities with an amazing seven restaurants sharing a total of 11 Michelin stars. Standouts include Le Chabichou, a temple of mountain gastronomy with its flavourful regional specialities and the palatial Les Airelles, the first restaurant in Courchevel 1850 to be awarded two Michelin stars.
10. Cookery with Michelin Star Chefs
Maybe you’ve eaten at a Michelin restaurant, but have you cooked in one of their kitchens? Exclusive restaurant Le Chabichou chefs Michel Rochedy and Stéphane Buron open their kitchen twice a week and welcome members of the public to share their passion. Participants start the day with breakfast followed by the Chef’s briefing and then prepare the daily menu, which they will later test by eating. It’s a truly a unique experience that will provide you with unforgettable memories and a belly full of delicious food.
