When to go skiing?

You have decided to come to Courchevel, in Savoie, in the 3 valleys, the largest ski area in the world but you don't know when to go to the ski resort? Don't worry, it's a question that everyone asks themselves at least once.

Discover below all our advices to make the right choice in your travel dates during the winter season in the 3 valleys.

The opening of the ski area

The preparation of the ski area in the resort

As you know, the opening of the ski area is always an event for a ski resort. Indeed, teams are working before the opening to prepare the most beautiful slopes, restaurants are preparing their menu, rental stores are waxing your skis and hoteliers are welcoming and training the staff that will welcome you during the whole season. The same goes for all the teams of the Courchevel Tourist Office, we make sure to prepare all the guides, program animations and put at your disposal all the necessary information so that you spend your winter sports vacations in the best conditions, whether you are skiers or not.

Opening of the ski lifts

The Courchevel ski area generally opens from the first Saturday in December to the third week in April. The Moriond and La Tania sectors open one week later in December. As for the 3 Valleys area, the lifts in the ski resorts from Meribel to Val Thorens open on the second Saturday of December until the end of April.

The resort has for word the innovation and continues to improve its lift facilities over the years. So you will be able to access easily to the slopes in any season and in a record time. It takes only 6 to 7 minutes to get to Courchevel 1850 from Courchevel Village and about 6 minutes from Le Praz. Take the Verdons and Vizelle gondolas to reach La Saulire from Courchevel 1850 in about 15 minutes.

Longer days in February

The openings of the lifts vary slightly during the season. Indeed, because of a longer sunshine from February, they open a little later. Holidaymakers can make the most of the slopes and the beautiful end-of-winter-day lights facing Mont Blanc.

Do you have any questions about the opening and access to the lifts during the covid period? Contact our teams at the Tourist Office who are at your disposal to answer you as soon as possible.

Snow conditions on the slopes

In the French mountains the snow usually starts to fall in the fall. But of course the climate and the altitude of the resorts play a big role in the quality of the snow you will find in the area.

Whatever the period of the winter season and the weather conditions, Courchevel is one of the ski resorts that benefit from an excellent annual average snowfall. Courchevel owes its snow cover and snow quality to its altitude. Indeed, 85% of the slopes of the resort are above 1800 meters and the snowfall is regular at altitude, which guarantees you days of skiing with quality snow. Is it raining in the valley? You will certainly find snow in the mountains!

Check our snow report and our interactive ski map to know the situation of the ski area.

The best periods to ski in Courchevel

No matter when you choose to come on vacation, when you come to the ski resort of Courchevel you are sure to find quality accommodation and a ski area that you will not find anywhere else.

Courchevel ensures that you will have an ideal stay from start to finish, far from the city, in the mountains of the Alps. Are you looking for the best dates to leave this winter? We give you all the keys to find your ski trip in the 3 valleys.

Skiing during the school vacations in Courchevel

Christmas vacations

Christmas is a magical time in the mountains for families who want to get together and share good times in the snow. What could be better than spending Christmas Eve by the fire in one of the most beautiful ski resorts in France?

You can enjoy Christmas decorations and lights, themed dinners, fireworks and the festive atmosphere of the resort.

Celebrate the New Year on the slopes

Courchevel is well known for its festive and festive New Year. Come and enjoy the traditional Dance Party on the snow front and watch the big fireworks at midnight to celebrate the new year in the right way!

February vacations

December is often marked by numerous family events and the return to work and school at the beginning of the year can be a little difficult. That's why going away in February will allow you to recharge your batteries and recharge your batteries in one of our many wellness facilities like Aquamotion.

During the school vacations in February our program of activities is in full swing! The average temperatures are generally milder at this time of the year and the sun will come out to make your skiing days fantastic.

Don't forget to bring your sun cream, the February days in the 3 Valleys area are likely to make you tan :)

April vacations

The Courchevel ski resort remains open throughout the month of April to allow you to come and enjoy the last snow. The school vacations are perfect if you want to go with your family and enjoy all the activities in the resort. It is also the opportunity to try winter and spring activities.

Moreover, the days in April are longer and milder, so you can enjoy the slopes until the end and admire the panoramic views of the Alps.

A big advantage of leaving in April is to be able to benefit from end of season promotional offers. Discover the accommodation packages offered by the resort by visiting our online booking site.

Skiing outside the school vacations in Courchevel

You don't have children in school? Then we advise you to choose periods outside the school vacations.

Going to Savoie outside of school vacations is also to take advantage of the 3 valleys ski area which is less frequented and of a faster access to the slopes in the morning. But when to go?

January is the divine time for ski and powder lovers. Indeed, the area is usually covered with a thick white coat at this time and you can make your first tracks on the area. Qualified guides and ski instructors offer you off-piste outings so that you can enjoy the snow in complete safety whatever your level.

Going in March is also a good option. There are generally fewer people in the resort and the 3 valleys area has ideal conditions for skiing: snow, sun and mild temperatures.

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✍🏼 Written by Paul-Adrien Leleu