Courchevel
Courchevel is one of the resorts that makes up the 3 Valleys, Les Trois Vallees in French.
Courchevel is composed of a number of smaller resorts: Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Monriond (or 1650), Courchevel Village (or 1550) and Courchevel Le Praz.
Snowshoe Walk Options
There is a good choice of snowshoe walks available from Courchevel.
Half-day Snowshoe Walks
Lac de la Rosiere – Courchevel
The Lac de la Rosiere is one of the “classic” options. The lake nestles in the valley below the Dent du Villard. The walk starts from the Belevedere area above Courchevel Monriond. (1650).
The lake nestles in the bottom of the valley and can be reached in summer by a small road. In the winter it is only accessible on foot and there are no ski lifts so skiers do not come down here.
There’s a pontoon that crosses the lake and you will normally see trout in the lake.
Starting point: Belvedere, Courchevel Monriond (1650).
Les Cotilles (between Meribel Village & La Tania)
This snowshoe walk starts between Le Praz and Meribel. A gentle climb through clearings and woods brings us to a point where we can overlook Meribel Village and the valley des Allues.
From here we continue to climb gently frequently wending our way through the woods to resurface on the snow-covered golf course.
There’s many options for the descent back to the starting point.
Starting point: between Le Praz and Meribel Village.
Cret du Praslin (Courchevel 1650)
This walk crosses the snow covered meadows before ascending gently through the pine woods to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Valley des Avals. We follow the crest before a descent in the powder brings us back to the resort.
This walk can be adapted so you can meet skiing friends at the Clos de Bernard restaurant for lunch and return using a taxi or the local buses to Meribel.
Starting point: Belvedere, Courchevel
Montcharvet
Discover the almost deserted hamlet of Montcharvet at the foot of the Dent du Villard. A gentle climb leads to snow-covered pastures.
Starting point: La Jairaz near Courchevel Le Praz
Crete des Gravelles
The path zig-zags its way up amongst the pine trees to reach the Crete des Gravelles. Great views of Courchevel and the altiport of 1850. The onward route briefly takes us along the edge of a ski run before gaining the valley floor near Prameruel.
Starting point: Plan du Vah.
Pramurel – Plan du Vah (Courchevel 1850 / 1650)
Starting from close to the Altiport of Courchevel 1850 the route rises very gently before a descent brings us to the valley and a path that winds its way amongst trees and close to the snow covered stream.
Mont Bel Air
This walk starts from the Belvedere area of Courchevel 1650. From here we cross open snowfields to arrive at a wooded slope. The upward route wends its way through pine woods to arrive at Mont Bel Air. There’s a restaurant here and the top of the telecabine / bubble lift from Courchevel. If you have skiing friends it’s a good place to meet with them for lunch at the Restaurant Bel Air – http://www.belair-courchevel.com/
Starting point: Belvedere, Courchevel Monriond (1650). Ascent: c. 300 m
Full-day Snowshoe Walks
Champagny-le-Haut
This valley really is a hidden gem where there is often the opportunity to see ibex (bouquetin), possibly chamois and even the impressive Bearded Vulture ( or Lammergaier).
Lunch is either at the Refuge du Bois or, if the weather is good, we can take a sandwich lunch and enjoy the wonderful views.
Starting point: Champagny-le-haut
Lunch: Refuge du Bois (not included)
Travel time: c. 40 minutes.
Vallon du Fruit – Refuge du Saut
We start with a gentle walk past the Lac Tueda. Passing the Refuge XXX we then climb steadily through sparse pines to gain the hanging valley above. High above us is the Aiguille du Fruit.
day walk with typical Savoyard picnic lunch. Departing from Meribel-Mottaret we pass Lac Tueda before a gentle climb leads to the Vallon du Fruit.
Starting point: Meribel-Mottaret
Col de la Lune
A steady climb through snow covered meadows leads to a broad tree covered ridge that brings us to the Col de la Lune. Enjoy a typical Savoyard lunch with a stunning panorama. A descent after lunch through clearings and amongst the forest leads down to Meribel Les Allues.
Starting point: Le Villard, Meribel Les Allues
Pralognan la Vanoise
Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a “gateway” to the Vanoise National Park, France’s first national park and a haven for wild fauna: chamois, and ibex (bouquetin)
Starting point: Pralognan-la-Vanoise
.
