Friday 6 December 2024 marks the start of the winter season in Courchevel, with a host of surprises and unforgettable experiences in store. The resort’s team has been working hard to offer visitors modernised infrastructures, festive events and optimal skiing conditions. Here’s an overview of the new features and highlights not to be missed.
Courchevel opens: a gradual rise in intensity
The season begins with an exceptional pre-opening on 6 December, marked by the reopening of the Saulire cable car, a key piece of infrastructure that has been completely renovated. After three years of renovation work, the Saulire cable car is back in service, with completely refurbished panoramic cabins. The new cabins offer exceptional transparency thanks to laminated glass, allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Mont Blanc and Grande Casse. This modernisation combines comfort and aesthetics, with adaptable layouts for different seasons: benches in summer for pedestrians and handrails in winter for skiers and snowboarders.
On this day, skiers will also be able to access the pistes via the Verdons and Vizelle gondolas, as well as the Marmottes chairlift. However, the links to the 3 Vallées will remain closed for the day.
From 7 December, the official opening of the Saulire link will connect Courchevel to the 3 Vallées, with full access to the resort’s villages: Moriond, Le Praz, Courchevel Village and la Tania.
The Courchevel ski area is due to open in full on 14 December.
Festive events to celebrate the reopening
On Saturday 7 December, for its opening weekend, Courchevel is marking the occasion with a festive day at the top of the Verdons gondola. From 9 am to 3 pm, visitors can enjoy :
- Gourmet breakfast,
- First tracks for early risers,
- Ski tests by HEAD,
- Games and competitions with prizes to be won,
- Live concerts and on-site catering.
What’s new for the opening of Courchevel
Improvements to beginners’ areas
Courchevel is strengthening its commitment to novice skiers by improving its dedicated areas, with three new features in the beginners’ areas:
- Courchevel Le Praz: Installation of a 33m uncovered carpet next to the Forêt chairlift.
- Courchevel Moriond: An old uncovered carpet has been replaced by a 39m covered carpet at the ESF area.
- Courchevel 1850: Two carpets have been replaced by a new 70 m covered carpet in the Golf area, significantly improving the experience for beginners.
New activities for families
The Family Park, a popular area for families, has been extended to include a longer, more dynamic boardercross. The Courchevel 1850 Boardercross now extends over an additional 160 m, with new signage and an arch marking the start and finish areas. A new terrace completes the relaxation area, providing an ideal place to watch the downhill runs with family and friends.
The banked bends, whoop zones and speed sections add spice to family descents. In addition, the Indian trail, now called ‘Canyon de Yepa’, has been redesigned with new themed modules, teepees and colourful sculptures, offering a fun immersion in the world of the American Indians.
Le Nid des Avals: a panoramic break
The Nid des Avals, the resort’s third hut, is located at the top of the Pyramides ski lift in the Moriond sector. This wooden hut, perfectly integrated into the landscape, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks, ideal for a picnic or a relaxing break at altitude.
Key figures for Courchevel
Courchevel stands out for its impressive size and exceptional infrastructure:
- 150 km of pistes in Courchevel, part of the 600 km of the 3 Valleys, the largest ski area in the world.
- 62 ski lifts in Courchevel, offering fast, fluid transport.
- 2,738 metres of maximum altitude reached thanks to La Saulire.
- 85% of pistes above 1,800 m, guaranteeing optimum snow cover throughout the season.
