Courchevel in Winter

The Three Valleys is the home of eight ski resorts that are linked together by a unique network of ski lifts and ski runs. As implied by its name, the area originally consisted of three valleys: Saint-Bon (Courchevel & La Tania), Allues (Meribel & Brides-les- Bains), and Belleville (Val Thoren, Les Menuires & St Martin de Belleville). The skiing area has since been extended into a 'fourth' valley, the Maurienne valley that is adjacent to Val Thorens. The Maurienne valley can also be accessed using a long gondola lift from Orelle. The Three Valleys is the largest ski area in the world with 600km ski slopes which equates to 2,500 hectares of groomed runs. The snow cannon count currently lies at 1500! The area boasts 200 ski lifts that can transport 260,000 skiers hourly. Phew!

Everyone but a beginner should buy a Three Valley pass. It’s easy to get carried away and ski into the next valley without realizing it. Take note though, and make sure you don’t miss the last lifts back to your own valley at the end of the afternoon as a taxi home is expensive (lift closing times are printed on the lift map). ... see "Courchevel Skiing Revealed" for more

Here are the official pricing guides for the various lift passes in Courchevel and the Three Valleys, there are often discounted rates according to how many people in your party, how old you all are and what time of year you will be skiing - so it's well worth checking out your options in advance! ... see "Courchevel & the Three Valleys Lift Pass Prices - Winter" for more

In winter there are various different passes on offer, and the choice can be bewildering. All passes are now hands-free and don't require photos - they stay in your pocket and you no longer need to show your pass to the lift attendants. ... see "Courchevel & the Three Valleys Lift Pass Options - Winter" for more

Courchevel forms part of the Three Valleys lift system, which is considered to be the most efficient overall lift system in France (200 ski lifts transport 260,000 skiers hourly!). Courchevel itself offers 1 cable car, 10 gondolas, 20 chairlifts, 29 draglifts and 3 magic carpets, whisking 70,632 rides up into the mountain per hour - phew!

The lifts open at 9.00am, and start to close around 4.20 (the time varies for each lift). From February onwards the lifts stay open for a further half hour. You can find the exact closing times for each main lift on the lift map. The lifts open every day of the week, even on Christmas and New Year's day. ... see "Courchevel Lift System - Winter" for more

The Courchevel Valley is the ideal base for exploring the whole 3 Valleys ski area. You'll find gentle, tree-lined runs ideal for beginners with steeper blues and reds which allow mixed-ability groups to ski in the same area and of course plenty of blacks runs and great off-piste for the more advanced. The whole area is one giant natural fun park (snowparks and half pipes included!), and there really is something for everyone here. To help you navigate your way around this vast area, we have produced an insiders guide on some of the best skiing and boarding to be had, and where to feed those hungry stomachs whilst your on the mountain. Also in this section is some information on cross-country skiing in the valley, and features on how to improve your ski technique. And if you feel a bit 'all the gear but no idea', our articles on skis and snowboards will help you get a better understanding of the types of skis and snowboards available. ... see "Courchevel for Skiing & Snowboarding" for more

Never fear, there is plenty for non-skiers to do in the valley; whether you fancy an action packed weekend or a relaxing few days of pampering and shopping - Courchevel has it. ... see "Courchevel for the Non-Skier" for more

You will find that you barely need a car in Courchevel, with it's excellent free bus service. It's also worth checking with your tour operator to see if they offer a free minibus service to their clients. Information and timetables for the public transport system can be found in this section, along with parking information for car drivers. ... see "Courchevel Transport & Parking" for more

There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Courchevel and the Three Valleys, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in Courchevel, and don't forget to check out our weekly What's On calender. ... see "Courchevel Events - Winter" for more

The mountains provide a spectacular playground for skiers, climbers, mountaineers, yet their beauty can also be deadly. High mountain terrain can be subject to extreme weather conditions, rock falls and avalanches. You should always take note of safety warnings and we always recommend you hire a mountain guide when heading into high mountain terrain. Be aware and be safe! ... see "Avalanche Awareness" for more