Beginner ski areas in Courchevel

Beginner ski hire

Even if there are several equipment options to choose from, we recommend you go for the most basic.

Beginner skis are short, flexible skis that are easy to turn or, if you're snowboarding, you'll have a shorter stiffer snowboard that's easier to control and generally cheaper too.

You won't need to know about the technical aspects of any of the equipment as ski hire shops will advise you to get the best model for your ability and size once you've booked. 

Beginner ski lessons

If you're learning to ski for the first time, Courchevel has plenty of choice of ski schools who teach children and adults.

Children's lessons are determined by their age and ability, whilst adult lessons are determined by ability and interests. 

Beginner ski passes

If you're joining a ski school as a complete beginner, you will probably start off in the nursery areas where a ski pass isn't needed, making use of the free beginner ski lifts or just practising on the slopes without using any lifts at all. There are 12 free beginner ski lifts spread around the Courchevel villages, so if you're a complete beginner you won't need a ski pass at all.

There is a one day beginner ski pass available in Courchevel, the Mini Pass, giving you access to the lower parts of the ski area. This pass can be bought online or at the ski pass offices in resort.

Children under 5 ski for free, but they still need to have a hands-free pass for access to all the lifts - these can be picked up at one of the ski pass offices once you're in resort. Children under 1.25m height must be accompanied by an adult on the chairlifts and there must be no more than 2 children per adult (one on either side).

Best beginner areas

Courchevel is made up of five villages at different altitudes, each with its own beginner ski area, at least one free ski lift, and a variety of gentle pistes. These ZEN zones, marked on the Courchevel piste map, are designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for beginners to practise their turns before venturing further up the mountain. Each ZEN area is located near a free ski lift, making them easily accessible.

Some chairlifts in Courchevel are also equipped with magnetic safety backs for children. If you need one, simply ask a lift operator for a magnetic vest before getting on.

Courchevel 1850

This is the best area for complete beginners, offering the largest number of free ski lifts (five in total), green pistes (five or six), and easy blue pistes leading back into the resort centre.

The Pralong ZEN area, located next to the Ferme and Altiport drag lifts, is a great place to start. The Ferme lift is shorter and ideal for first-time skiers, while the Altiport lift is slightly longer, providing a good progression for those gaining confidence.

The Golf ZEN area, next to the Jardin Alpin bubble lift, is smaller but has two magic carpet lifts to help beginners get used to the slopes.

For those looking for a bit of fun, Courchevel 1850 also has a family snowpark, one of three dedicated fun areas in the resort where you can practise new skills in a relaxed environment.

Courchevel Moriond

The second-largest beginner area in Courchevel, Moriond has three free ski lifts, four green pistes, and around 13 blue pistes.

The Mickey drag lift serves a fenced-off area that is exclusively for beginners. This means you can build confidence without worrying about fast-moving skiers passing by. Once you're ready, there are plenty of easy blue runs to explore.

Courchevel Village

Courchevel Village has a beginner zone with a free lift called Roys, as well as a short green piste alongside it.

For those moving beyond beginner slopes, three blue pistes lead back into the village. There's also a fun luge track that starts at the top of the Grangettes lift, offering a great alternative if you want a break from skiing.

La Tania

The Troïka beginner zone is the main area for learning in La Tania. From here, the long green piste Plan Fontaine connects to another ZEN area and free lift at the top of the La Tania gondola.

For those progressing onto blue runs, there are two good options: one starts from the top of the Bouc Blanc lift, while the other begins slightly lower down at the top of the Stade lift.

Courchevel Le Praz

Courchevel Le Praz has a designated beginner area called Envolée ZEN, located next to the Envolée drag lift and near the ski jump.

However, there are no green or blue pistes leading back to the village, so complete beginners may find it easier to start in Courchevel 1850 or Moriond before skiing in Le Praz.

Perfectly groomed pistes for beginners

The entire area above Courchevel Moriond and Courchevel 1850, particularly the slopes from the Verdon bubble down towards the resort, is ideal for beginners.

Every night, the pistes are meticulously groomed to ensure they are in perfect condition by 9:00 each morning. These wide, shallow slopes provide a great environment to practise turns and build confidence.

With a variety of green runs leading back to resort, beginners can enjoy their time on the slopes without feeling overwhelmed, even at the end of a long day.

What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?

Buying all the gear before you go can be daunting if you’ve never set foot in a ski resort before. The key items to bring with you, along with the obvious ski jacket, ski trousers and sunglasses, are as follows:

• Layers - thermal tops and leggings, fleeces, hoodies, hats and a good pair of ski gloves and a helmet. Weather on the mountain can change pretty quickly, and you are much better off wearing layers of thinner items as opposed to a big, bulky jumper.
• Socks - a variety of socks ranging in thickness, it may sound weird but in our experience hire boots can be quite painful with the wrong socks.
• Sun cream - even when it’s cloudy the sun here can (and will) still get you, and don't forget the underneath of your chin as the sun reflects off the snow too. Don't forget a lip salve with an SPF.
• Piste map - make sure to always have one in your pocket while you're out on the mountain. You can pick up paper copies from the lift pass or tourist office once you've arrived in resort. 

More inspiration...

Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Courchevel.