© SeeCourchevel.com
April in Courchevel: What's on and weather
Skiing in a t-shirt and long relaxed lunches, there's a lot to love about spring in Courchevel
Spring is in the air, as we enjoy longer sunny days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
The Easter holidays bring families back to the valley for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also brings a party vibe to the town and the sun/snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace to top up the tan, and après-ski seemingly starts a little earlier.
To make the most of the longer sunny days we like get out on our touring skis and split-boards, get away from the lifts, and find that last bit of untouched snow.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout April.
Worth knowing
If you're coming to Courchevel this month or later in the year, now is the time to start thinking about booking accommodation, how to get here, and some of the many things to do while you're in town.
What are weather and snow conditions like
As winter draws to a close for another year, the snow on the lower slopes is usually much heavier by midday. The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, except at night, usually falling between a low of -2ºC and a high of 6ºC, plus there's still the chance of snow, as April averages ten days snowfall, and therefore a powder day isn't out of the question.
What's on in Courchevel in April?
Dynastar X3 Triathlon, Courchevel
The ultimate test of fitness, The Dynastar X3 starts near Bozel roundabout in Le Carrey (830m), competitors will set off on road bikes to Courchevel 1850m, where they will then take off on a 6.3km loop run through the forest, then ski tour up to the top of La Saulire at 2,710m. This is a mountain triathlon like no other, and you can enter as an individual or in a team of three. You do not need to be a professional triathlete to enter this race; if you have your own bike and touring skis then you can enter too. If you are more of a spectator, then watching the athlete's tour up the Verdons and Combe Saulire pistes in Courchevel is also very impressive.
Winter Legacy by Alexis Pinturault, Courchevel Valley
The Alexis Pinturault challenge, takes place on the famous Combe de la Saulire. Competitors can participate in the races individually or in teams of four. Participants can compete in a mix of ski cross, giant slalom, telemark and super giant finished with a waterslide. There will be lots of entertainment on the slopes and in resort and a live concert to get the party going.
The final day of the season
On the final day of skiing for the season, Courchevel organises a water pool to test your water skiing technique, and live music to go along side the fun and frivolities. If you manage to get first gondolas then you may also find a little Easter present left by Courchevel Tourisme in the form of chocolate Easter eggs and sweets. It’s a great Easter egg hunt if you have children in your ski party.
School holiday skiing
Easter is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the Three Valleys ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
- It will be almost impossible to book private lessons over this period, group lessons are the best option. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
- Ski over lunchtime and take a picnic. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the French take a leisurely lunch break.
- Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a click and collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
- Seek out the peripheral areas. Courchevel Moriond is often a quieter area to ski as the main resort of Courchevel can often dominate, so head over to enjoy the long red Chapelets run, the most western point of the Three Valleys. Jumping on the Pyramides drag lift will take you to the top of some exceptional long blue pistes.
- Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.
Bars and clubs
La Folie Douce Courchevel Festival, Courchevel 1850
The snow front at Courchevel 1850 will turn into a giant open-air club for a weekend of live après-ski. The best DJs and singers arrive in Courchevel for The Folie Douce Festival. This open air festival creates a great energetic atmosphere from 15:00 with the last concert at 19:00
There is still time to enjoy the resort's legendary après-ski parties before the season comes to an end. La Folie Douce has taken the après-ski hotspot crown, but for a more relaxed affair you can always try one of the local bars for some happy hour discounts - and if you're here late enough in the season there are some wild closing parties.
![[itemref] lounge](https://cdm0lfbn.cloudimg.io/v7/_images_base_/image_uploader/photos/original/2103-1-eden-20_1_21030001_1000__wwatermark1363125858_1363125858.jpg?ua=1579868553&p=carousel)
