Activities in Courchevel

Below are our three favourite activities in Courchevel but there are plenty more to choose from. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Courchevel.

1. Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding: Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the The 3 Valleys. But we're not talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing or telemarking. And there's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in Courchevel in the winter. The Three Valleys mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky dog sledging, while the ice skating rinks in Courchevel town centre will keep the whole family entertained.

2. Mountain biking: Many people would argue that it's actually mountain biking that's the number one activity in Courchevel. The 3 Valleys trails and bike parks are considered the best in the world and attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer to its miles of tracks that meander through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views. An experience not to be missed!

3. Walking, hiking and running: In the summer, The 3 Valleys pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running climbs, everyone can explore the Courchevel valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

Rock climbing
Courchevel is a great place rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'! Learn all the technique and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained mountain guide. Climbing is also a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is.
How much does rock climbing cost in Courchevel? Rock climbing course prices in Courchevel start at around €45 per person for a half day group course and up to €400 for a full-day climbing private guide.

Via Ferrata
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain. This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. Following marked routes through the mountains, you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Beginners can take their first steps at Lac de le Rosiere, where you will find fairly easy routes on which to find your head for heights! There are more challenging routes at the Croix des Verdons, which can be reaches by taking the Verdons cablecar followed by the Sauliere cable car and then walking for ten minutes from the top station towards a crest. The route itself is quite physically demanding, leading you down narrow passages and along steep ledges, but is well equipped. The full route should take around two to three hours. Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight.
How much does it cost to try out Via Ferrata in Courchevel? You can hire all the essential equipment, including helmet, harness and "cows tails" at most sports shops in resort – it'll set you back around €20. If you're a beginner, you should also book a mountain guide or instructor. Prices for Via Ferrata group lessons in Courchevel start at around €45, with private guides charging around €220 for a half-day.

Ice climbing
If you want to try something different in Courchevel, other than hitting the slopes, then why not try ice climbing. Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner you can have a go at ice climbing on Courchevel's very own ice climbing wall or on one of the various beautiful frozen waterfalls in the Three Valleys. If you are a beginner and have never done ice climbing before then a mountain guide will teach how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice wall. Alternatively, they may take you to one of the spectacular frozen waterfalls in the valley. The ice climbing wall is also open for your personal use if you are an experienced climber, the vertical ramps of the ice wall will raise the difficulty of the climb for those who are experienced.
How much does ice climbing cost in Courchevel? Ice climbing prices in Courchevel start at around €250 for a half-day group course.

Glacier hiking
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many glaciers in the Three Valleys area. The breath-taking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most adventure companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible.
To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article.

Indoor climbing
If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Courchevel has somewhere for you to go. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall.

Farm visits
A great day out for the family where your children will become the farmer's apprentice, helping feed the animals, make cheese and look after the pigs, cows and other farmyard animals. Learn all about the animals and the way the farm works whilst having some petting and feeding time with the animals. To be able to participate children must be over the age of three and have some good closed-toe shoes and that's it, your children can then be farmers for the day!

Nature reserves and parks
The Vanoise National Park is located in the heart of the Savoie region. Created in 1963, it was the first French national park and it covers a large territory where you can find a stunning mountain landscape with lakes, and beautiful vegetation. It is also well known for its population of Alpine ibex, as well as many other animals like chamois, marmots and more than 100 species of birds.

For a day immersed in nature you can also head to La Rosière Natural Site, a beautiful area at the bottom of the Vallée des Avals with a lake and a campsite where you can enjoy a picnic or a barbecue. There are botanical and orienteering walks and a chalet where you can have a drink with some snacks to round up a perfect family day out.

Cycling
Riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK. The roads around Courchevel are the setting for some of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. You do not need to be a super man or woman but the ability to ride comfortably for up to three to four hours in the UK should see you enjoy the mountain routes.
How much does it cost to go cycling in Courchevel? Once more, cycling prices in Courchevel are a matter of your personal wants and needs. If you've brought your bike with you, then you can just get on the road and challenge your fitness as you climb some of the Alps most famous mountain 'cols' at no cost. Those in need of wheels will be glad to know that renting a carbon road bike starts at around €45 per day.

Mountain biking
Courchevel is a mecca for mountain biking, with varying terrain and fantastic views it is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. With the whole of the mountain area to explore, Courchevel is definitely a great place for biking as the different and varied terrains suit bikers of all levels. Whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails, or a day's hardcore downhill mountain is more your ‘thang’, Courchevel definitely has something to suit all tastes.
How much does it cost to go mountain biking in Courchevel? Mountain bike prices in Courchevel depend on what you need. If you have all the gear and all you want is to access the trails, then you'll only need a mountain bike lift pass. For bike hire – renting a hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike for a day starts at around €70, and about €350 for a seven-day electric mountain bike hire. Finally, you may want to get a private guide to show you around the local trails – expect to pay around €45 per hour.

Fat biking
Hurtle down the slopes at night with this new form of mountain biking. The perfect fun, sporty and playful after-ski activity. You can try this crazy new sport every day of the week, by reservation only.
How much does it cost to go Fat biking in Courchevel? The activity costs around €50, which may seem steep but can definitely be worth it with the beautiful views, the setting sun, and the thrill of the experience. Plus it includes the rental of the bike, safety gear and a state qualified guide to take you down, teaching you as you go.

With seven designated fishing sites Courchevel is an angler’s haven! The area boasts six breathtaking mountain lakes and a river, Lac du Praz and Lac de la Rosière being the most popular spots. A respectful approach to fishing is appreciated to help maintain the balance of nature.

Local authorities request that all anglers fill in catch declarations and pay their fishing dues. Fishing licences can be bought from tourist offices, Olympic Sport in 1330/Le Praz and at the police station. These licenses are compulsory and only one person is allowed to use each licence. All Courchevel fishing lakes are open from July to October, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The maximum number of fish caught is three fish in all the mountain lakes except at "Merlet Supérieur" where only NO KILL fly fishing is authorised.

Gym
Public gym and fitness classes can be found at the main sports centre in Courchevel and a number of hotels also have their own facilities to keep you trim while you're on holiday.
How much does gym access cost in Courchevel? Expect to pay around €15 for one entry to the gym.

Swimming
Most hotels and lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities, however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit, which often come free with your lift pass purchase. The new Aquamotion centre in Courchevel Moriond is THE place to take a dip and relax whilst you're in the area.
How much does it cost to go swimming in Courchevel? Swimming pool access prices in Courchevel start at around €10 for adults.

Team sports
You can play basketball indoors at the sports centre in Le Praz in summer and winter. Beach volleyball in the heart of the French Alps may sound strange but in Courchevel Le Praz you can hop on the sand and play a game of volleyball with your friends or family. Choose from two of the free courts in Le Praz at the plateau, with tournaments held on a weekly basis you are sure to get into the volleyball summer spirit. The courts are open from 09:00 to 19:00 everyday throughout the summer. You can also play indoor volleyball and football at the sports centre located in Le Praz.

Helicopter tours
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available in Courchevel (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snowcapped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests.
How much does it cost to explore Courchevel by helicopter? Helicopter tours in Courchevel start at around €275 per person for a 20 minute flight.

Paragliding
If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Courchevel is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France and Switzerland, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is give you the experience of flying. From the heights of the mountain tops you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider. Top tip: go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep you airborne for longer.
How much does a tandem paragliding flight cost in Courchevel? Anyone can take part in a tandem paragliding flight, even if you've never paraglided before. You'll be attached to an instructor who'll take care of the wing, so you just need to relax and enjoy the views. Tandem flights start at around €90.

Hot air ballooning
One of the best ways to take the spectacular mountain scenery from a different point of view is on a hot air balloon. There are activity companies in Courchevel offering balloon rides, which usually take up half a day including preparation and inflation. The take off point is from the Altiport in Courchevel.

Golf
Courchevel has an excellent course set amongst beautiful scenery, where you can play golf surrounded by the fantastic mountain views. There is a nine hole course in Les Verdons plateau, open every day during the summer, where lessons can also be arranged.
How much does it cost to play golf in Courchevel? Green fees start at around €40 but prices change depending on the time of the season.

Horse riding
Courchevel offers a wide expanse of spectacular terrain on which you can saddle up and go exploring. There are a range of trails and routes waiting to be explored in Courchevel, and what better way to explore them than on horseback. A great and exciting activity to do with all the family and a fun way to explore the mountains and scenery.
How much does it cost to go horse riding in Courchevel? Horse riding prices in Courchevel start at around €25 for the shortest horse rides.

Bowling
If you're in a group and fancy doing something different, especially on bad weather days, head to the bowling lanes! The lanes in Courchevel's Bowling 3000 are also specially adapted for children.

Cinema
Catch the latest films and releases in Courchevel on your holiday. Some cinemas open their doors early on a bad weather day, otherwise you'll find most screenings in the evenings. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in Courchevel. So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our Ski Areas, Pistes and Parks Guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the Courchevel ski area but also links to many other articles: Ski Lifts Guide, Best Pistes Guide, Snowparks Guide, Beginner Ski Areas Guide, Advanced Ski Areas Guide, Off-Piste Ski Areas Guide, Ski Itineraries Guide and even a guide on the best places to go skiing when the weather is bad.

However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Courchevel while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.

Ski touring and split boarding
Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group.
How much does it cost to go ski touring or split boarding in Courchevel? It depends. Ski touring prices in Courchevel range between €60 per day if you’re only renting the gear and around €400 if you’re also getting a guide for the day to help you explore the backcountry. Of course, if you already have the equipment and the local knowledge, ski touring in Courchevel is free!

Cross-country skiing
Courchevel boasts 90 km of tranquil cross-country trails, marked and free trails all start from one of Courchevel's villages.
How much does it cost to go cross-country skiing in Courchevel? You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops in Courchevel, with cross-country rental prices starting at around €15 per day. You may also want to book a group or private lesson to learn the basics, in which case prices start at around €180 for a six-day group lesson.

Heliskiing and heliboarding
Heliskiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Courchevel offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
How much does it cost to go heliskiing in Courchevel? Perhaps unsurprisingly, heliskiing is one of the most expensive activities on this list – after all, you’re swapping the lifts for your very own helicopter! Prices start at around €300 per person and include the helicopter ride and a guide to go with you as you ski down the remotest areas in Courchevel.

Telemarking
Telemarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique.
How much does it cost to go telemarking in Courchevel? It depends. Telemarking prices in Courchevel range between around €40 if you’re only buying a ski pass for a day, plus around €70 if you’re adding one day gear rental, and around €90 if you’re also getting a private instructor for an hour to teach you the basics.

Biathlon
Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Courchevel you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.
How much does it cost to try out biathlon in Courchevel? Biathlon lessons usually start at around €150 for a half day and they include all the equipment but for the cross-country ski rental, which starts at around €15 per day.

Speed-riding
The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier – you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow.
How much does it cost to try out speed riding in Courchevel? Beginner speed riding lessons usually start at around €100 for a half-day group lesson and they include the wing but not the ski hire – high-end ski hire for advanced skiers starts at around €30 per day in Courchevel. Speak to one of the companies offering this activity who can show you the ropes (literally).

Torchlit descent
At night time you can strap your skis on and join others in a group to make your way down the piste holding a torch in a torchlit descent. Definitely something fun, different and challenging, and the perfect activity for groups or families. A traditional alpine experience you can enjoy the quiet of the pistes at night. Some companies offer the experience with a traditional Savoyard mountain meal at the top of the slopes followed by a descent down to Courchevel with professional guides. Speak to your ski school to see if they can take you.

Airboarding
Ever heard of an Airboard? It's a new way to descend the mountain in the form of a posh sledge, like body-boarding on an inflatable. This relatively new twist on snow sports is a bit like body boarding down the piste. Lying stomach-down on an inflatable sled-like cushion you slide head-first down the mountain, picking up speed and using your bodyweight to shift direction. Many resorts enforce age restrictions and only allow airboarding within certain areas, so don’t go plummeting down your favourite black run before checking the rules first!

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing or, as the French call them, "raquettes à neige" is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions and a wonderful way for non-skiers to explore the mountains in and around Courchevel. Either set out on your own or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and discover the hidden parts of the ski area. The trails will take you to places from where you can enjoy stunning views or explore forests where local fauna such as chamois, wild goats and deer roam free.
How much does snowshoeing cost in Courchevel? If you don't know the local area well, we recommend you get a private guide or join a group on a snowshoe expedition – it may seem safer than skiing but you'll be exploring backcountry trails where the avalanche danger is high so it's better to go with someone who knows what they're doing. These outings start at around €30 for a half-day. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided by most companies offering this as an experience, but you can also hire them from most ski hire shops in Courchevel starting at around €10 per day.

Ice skating
Put your skates on and head for the indoor rink, or watch the local teams play ice hockey in Courchevel.
How much does it cost to go ice skating in Courchevel? A single entry to the ice rink in Courchevel is around €4, with skate hire costing around the same.

Sledging
This is one winter activity that doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment, just grab your sledge and head for the nearest snow covered hill! Courchevel has its very own two km long sledge run - this is one thrill you don't want to miss out on.
How much does it cost to go sledging in Courchevel? You can rent a sledge at one of the many local ski hire shops for as little as €5, while most of the sports shops in Courchevel will also have them for sale. Several activity companies also offer you the chance to sledge at night, down the ski slopes.

Husky dog rides
Be in charge of your own sledge and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s team. There are also child-dedicated rides. It's a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must. They run from early December to the end of April (snow permitting).
How much do husky rides cost in Courchevel? Husky dog ride prices in Courchevel start at around €100 for a half day, with discounts for kids.

Ice diving
Plunge into the freezing waters and experience the thrill of diving under the icy layers above. Explore the beautiful water, the wildlife and ice formations found in the water. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, you can have a go at ice diving. Adventure companies offering this activity will provide you with all the equipment and instruction you need and will take you on this underwater adventure.
How much does it cost to go ice diving in Courchevel? Ice diving prices in Courchevel start at around €90.

Tennis
Tennis is a great way to get the legs moving and to enjoy the sunny summertime weather. You can play a friendly game or have a lesson, whatever you choose to do it is a great way to have fun with friends and family. Open during the summer season there are tennis courts and training walls in Courchevel. Lessons are usually available in groups or privately. Perfect as a family outing, you can hire a court and when tiredness hits you can enjoy some refreshments and snacks at the tennis club or café.
How much does it cost to play tennis in Courchevel? Tennis court rental prices in Courchevel start at around €12 per hour, with rackets available to hire for €4. You can book your court online, at the clubhouse or by phone.

Paddle tennis
Combining squash and tennis, paddle tennis is a fun and active sport, great to play with friends and family and something new to try whilst on holiday in Courchevel. The courts are €10 per hour to hire and children must be over the age of 6 to play, and there are tournaments arranged on a weekly basis. Located on the Grandes Combes site in the Courchevel village are two paddle tennis courts.

Badminton and Squash
You can play indoors at the sports centre in Le Praz.

Adventure park
Adventure parks are designed for children and adults to play, explore, exercise and have fun in the natural mountain surroundings. The ropes, swings, tunnels, trees and activities will be a great day for children and adults alike. Qualified guides will be around the course throughout to make sure you are safe and having as much fun as possible. Different courses and tracks can be tried and tested, each one with a varying level of difficulty. There are courses designed for children only and tracks for juniors and adults to enjoy.
How much do adventure park tickets cost in Courchevel? Adventure park ticket prices depend on age and number of people, but they start at around €10 for children and €20 for adults.

Paintballing
Challenge your friends and family to a game of paintball! This exciting activity offers fun for groups of all ages. In most cases you're split into teams and a variety of scenarios and courses are offered at the beginning of all games, with each game lasting approximately two hours; the ultimate aim is to shoot your opponents with paint pellets and capture their flag before they get hold of yours. There are a number of adventure companies and courses that offer you paintballing fun in Courchevel.
How much does paintball cost in Courchevel? Paintball prices in Courchevel start at around €30 per person.

Walking and hiking
In the summer months, Courchevel is an Alpine mecca for walking and hiking. As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine the mountains make an excellent place to head out on a hike or walk. Walking is the perfect activity for groups, families and friends. Pick from a number of routes ranging in difficulty, from easy child friendly walks to challenging day long hikes. Along the way enjoy the fantastic mountain views, beautiful scenery and wildlife that is normally hidden in the winter months. Check out our walking and hiking guide for more details on hiking in Courchevel.

Trail running
There are numerous marked running trails in the Courchevel area, most of them divided into easy, medium, difficult and expert runs, as well as skyruns (with bits above 2000m on mountain ridges).

Winter walking
Courchevel is a winter walker's paradise. With lifts giving access to the higher ground and a network of groomed trails in the winter, it's very easy to discover the resort on foot. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth. Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping which you can buy from most local sport shops.

Waterskiing and wakeboarding
There is a new wake park in Courchevel Le Praz where you can hit the jumps in the lake thanks to an overhead tow line.

White water rafting
If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! There are a number of trained guides in resort who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the mountain rivers flow furiously as they are fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a three hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.
How much does it cost to go white water rafting in Courchevel? Prices start at around €40 per person for about two hours of white water rafting in Courchevel.

Water balls
For an easier and more relaxing water activity, you can also try the water balls that allow you to walk over the water in total safety.

Canoeing
Canoe rafts are an unsinkable, stable type of inflatable canoe that allow you, without too much technique to profit fully from the joys and fun of white water river descent. The descents are taken on by groups of four to five boats, accompanied by a fully qualified guide. You are equipped with neoprene suits and shoes, a safety jacket and a helmet. The course you take is chosen according to the water levels and experience of the participants.
How much does it cost to go canyoning in Courchevel? Canyoning prices in Courchevel start at around €55 per person, including all the equipment.

Canyoning
A not so gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous. Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.
How much does it cost to go canyoning in Courchevel? Canyoning prices in Courchevel start at around €55 per person, including all the equipment.

Hydrospeeding
Hydro speeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market, it's a fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river using a large float, which bears resemblance to a bodyboard - be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids! This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting, but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. It is also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves. You'll be given a wetsuit, safety helmet and flippers. You will need to bring a towel, swim wear and if you wear glasses, a cord to keep them on. Guides will brief you with a safety demonstration at the beginning and there’s a vehicle to meet you at the end of the rapids that will shuttle you back to your starting destination.
How much does it cost to try out hydrospeeding in Courchevel? Beginner hydrospeeding courses in Courchevel start at around €45-€50 per person.