Skiing in Courchevel

Fast Facts

Location: In the Alps in south east France near Italy border; 187 km east of Lyon, and 183 km south of Geneva
Attraction type: Winter snow activity
Significance: Amongst the best ski destinations for beginners and experts alike
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Visiting Hours: Daytime
How to Reach: Fly to Geneva or Lyon and then take a bus or hire a car to Courchevel;
Alternatively travel by Eurostar train to Paris or Lyon and take a French
train to Courchevel
Nearest International Airport: Geneva, and Lyon

Skiing in Courchevel is an exhilarating experience with its magnificent scenery and perfect pistes. The sight of the snow covered mountain tops with inviting slopes and dazzling white snow fields is ethereal. Located in The Alps in south eastern France near Italy border, Courchevel is a premier ski destination which actually extends to three valleys and five resorts.

The ski areas include La Praz at 1300 m, Courchevel at 1550 m, 1650 m and 1850 m, and La Tania. All these ski destinations are part of Trois Vallees connecting Meribel, Val Thorens to Courchevel. These ski slopes in Courchevel France range from easy to the most difficult suiting the needs of beginners and experts alike. The environment varies from the sophisticated slopes of Courchevel 1850 to the rustic layout of La Praz.

Courchevel skiing along a total stretch of 600 km of piste is made easy by the availability of lifts and cable cars. A total of 198 lifts comprising 87 drag lifts, 68 chairlifts, and 43 cable cars or gondolas carry you to the top of the different runs. The highest lift is of 3.2 km, while the longest run lift is of approximately 5 km. You could select from 28 advanced runs, 146 intermediate runs, or 101 beginner runs to test your skills. There are facilities of nearly 475 snow cannons which spray snow to relatively thin pistes. Ski instructors are available for helping you on the snow slopes. In case you are a beginner, always take the help of an instructor in your skiing attempts.

Skiing is not the only activity in Courchevel during the winter months. To boost yourself up try tobogganing or ice karting. A pleasure ride in a helicopter or light aircraft is perfect for a visual treat of the vast stretches of snow fields and the glaring white ice caps. Summer months are equally attractive in Courchevel, France. Para gliding, rock climbing, hang gliding are encouraging activities in this area in the summers. Do not miss venturing out on a hot air balloon to explore Couchevel from the skies.

Accommodation and Dining

In Courcheval, you might accommodate yourself in Hotel Les Tovets, Hotel Portetta, La Pomme de Pin, La Seizena, Bellecote, and Hotel de Charme les Airelles. In addition to the numerous hotels of different categories, you could also select among chalets for your staying. Sonrier, Les Anemones, and Triolet are some of the popular chalets in Courchevel.

In addition to being a skiing paradise, Courchevel is also an Epicurean's delight. La Bateau Ivre serves French delicacies with its own unique Alpine touch. Their roasted crayfish tails, grilled red snapper with fresh vegetables and balsamic vinegar, rack of lamb with olives, and scallops with Alpine gentian are rages among gourmets. Chalet des Pierres also specializes in French cuisine. Its air dried Alpine sausages, pepper steak, leg of lamb, and Beaufort cheese tart are splendid.

Related Links :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulpUGfphWac: Check out the great joy of skiing at Couchevel in this fantastic travel video. Enjoy!

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