Ten Pin Bowling, Pool Tables & Arcade Games

The Forum in Courchevel 1850 is the place to be. The Bowling Alley is complete with eight international competition lanes and is open every day from 2pm-2am (may open as early as 11am on bad weather days). Look out for their ‘disco bowling’ nights and other entertainments including pool and billiard tables, arcade video games and internet access there is plenty to keep you occupied when the weather isn't looking too great.
The bowling allley can be hired out for private functions and if you enquire with the management they can organise all sorts of entertainments, decorations and party food for your event.
You'll find draught beers and an array of cocktails at the bar as well as bar snacks, light meals and speciality Mexican food.

LE FORUM - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 23 83
www.bowlingdesmontagnes.com

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Piste Basher Driving

Do you feel like trying an unsual mode of transport while you’re in Courchevel? Piste basher driving is not just confined to the pisteurs; after a short briefing you can take your place behind the controls of a 200 cc piste basher with an instructor on various circuits guiding your vehicle over the snow on its enormous caterpillar tracks. Sessions can be arranged through Chardon Loisirs. Price: 90 euros/pers.

CHARDON LOISIRS - La Maison de la Montagne - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 39 60
chardonloisirs1850@orange.fr
www.chardonloisirs.com

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Swimming Pool

There is a public swimming baths at the Grandes Combes in Courchevel 1550 that offers a variety of classes for children and adults, as well as aqua-gym and diving boards. It has two pools, one of which is partially out-doors.

Free access with the leisure card 'Forfait Loisirs'.

There is another public indoor swimming pool in the Forum Centre in Courchevel 1850.

If you fancy something a little more refined a number of hotels have pools that are open to the public; you may have to pay for spa facilities for the full day so enquire directly to find out whether you can just pay for pool access or not. Hotels to try are; Diamant Forme, Centre Bien Etre des Trois Vallées, Centre Bien Etre des Neiges and Les Thermes du Carlina.

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Paragliding ('Parapente')

From the heights of the Courchevel mountains you can fly above the pistes for an alternative view of the valley. Glide back to the bottom on a tandem paraglider controlled by Craig, British and French qualified instructor with eighteen years of experience and commitment to your pleasure and safety, who will manoeuvre the parachute while you enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once equipped with a helmet and Craig strapped behind you, both of you simply point your skis (or board, or run on foot) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the wing lifts you into the air. Peacefully ride above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step.
Please reserve your flights in advance. Price : 90 euros/pers

CRAIGS PARAGLIDING - Le Freney - 73120 ST BON COURCHEVEL
Tel.: +33 (0) 681 64 69 70
craig@paraglide-alps.com
www.paraglide-alps.com

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Ice Buggy Karting

Screech round the ice, snow or dirt depending on weather conditions in a specially designed karting buggy or quad bike. Studded tyres and extra thick bumpers mean that you can race against your friends or take a course to improve your control and steering. Adults can drive alone, children over twelve years (height dependent) can drive with an adult passenger and children over five years can ride as a passenger with an adult driving.

The specially made outdoor circuit at Les Grandes Combes (between 1550 and 1650) is open every day from 4-8pm, weather permitting. The track is 600m long and 6m wide, featuring plenty of hairpin bends and straight stretches where you can pick up speed. Open every day from 2pm (For groups, morning or afternoon). Price: 40 euros/10 mins (equipment provided).
Be sure to book in advance, as this is a very popular activity. (reservation is compulsory)

LES GRANDE COMBES - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1550
Tel.: +33 (0) 665 51 17 29
eric.courchevel@free.fr

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Airboarding

This relatively new twist on snow sports is a bit like body boarding down the piste. Lying stomach down on an inflatable sled-like cushion you slide head-first down the mountain, picking up speed and using your bodyweight to shift direction. The underside of the air board is grooved, so that you can steer and brake by leaning from side to side.
Many resorts are reluctant to allow airboarding as they could be a hazard to skiers and boarders; so ensure that you have had training, are wearing safety gear and know how to control your board before setting off. Many resorts enforce age restrictions and only allow airboarding within certain areas.
In Courchevel you can hire the gear from a number of sport shops in resort and take to the luge piste via the Télécabine des Grangettes where you will find a 2km run to put your new toy to the test!

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Cross-country skiing

Courchevel isn't a top cross-country ski resort, however it does have 66kms of trails set for traditional parallel, skate, telemark and norpine skinny skiers in addition to some splendid open slopes upon which one can practice cross-country downhill techniques such as Telemark.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
There are two different techniques ­ classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles from most sports shops and book a private lesson to learn the basics. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are somewhat more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.

Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 67km of prepared cross country trails in the valley which are all regularly groomed and marked.

From Le Praz 1300 there are 3 loops: Green (2km) starting opposite the ski jumps; Red (7km) and Black (8.5km), starting from the Tourist Office.
From 1550 the Les Brigues / Chantery (5km, red) track runs through the forest.
From 1650 the Boucle Bleue du Belvedere (5km) starts next to the Granges draglift, providing an easy itinerary passing farmhouses along the way.
From 1850 there are several options including the Col de la Loze loop (2.5km, blue), the Bouc Blanc itinerary (5km, blue), the Courchevel / Meribel Altiport run (17km, red), and the Courchevel / La Tania run (15km, red).
The tracks are groomed regularly and offer parallel tracks for classic cross country skiing and a prepared surface for skating technique.
The trails are free to use, and you can pick up a guide booklet and map from the Tourist Offices.

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Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige)

Enjoy the buzz of being in control of a snow-mobiles through deep powder or speed along a piste in the quiet of a moon-lit evening. Those who enjoy speed will love riding these powerful machines (a bit like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks). Don't forget to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. Snowmobiles are available through with short 25km trips in the forest toward Meribel being the normal route. Longer expeditions off piste are available by advance arrangement.
There are a few companies in Courchevel, amongst them Chardon Loisirs and Ski Vol who can organise snow mobile tours, lessons and races.

CHARDON LOISIRS - La Maison de la Montagne - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 39 60
chardonloisirs1850@orange.fr
www.chardonloisirs.com

Initiation and driving school on a circuit.
Tandem from 63 euros
Discovery outing single seater 1 hour 125 euros
Sporty outing single seater 1 hour 125 euros
Private group (max. 9 in group) 1 hour 500 euros
Snowmobile race followed by tobogganing on the slopes.
Finish at the centre of Courchevel 1850. Minimum age 16.
2 days per week, from 6pm per person 90 euros

SKIVOL - Le Forum - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 683 97 53 26
skivol@wanadoo.fr
www.skivol.com

Snowmobile outings, 1 hour.
Prices: 1 or 2 passenger(s) / machine: 125 euros
Passenger with the guide 50 euros
Private guiding 50 euros

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Ice Climbing

For the mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. There are many stunning locations in and around the Vanoise National Park where you can try your hand at ice climbing.
Plan du Vah, the highest artificial waterfall in the world, waits at the end of the Teppes path, just a short walk from the bottom of the Courchevel 1850 toboggan run and a short stroll from the 1550 village. Other ice climbs on wild venues can be arranged through the Bureau des Guides or Chardon Loisirs. Some climbs require a drive, others dovetail into off-piste ski, cross-country ski, or snowshoe guided days. Higher elevation ice climbs are available earlier in the season that peaks between December and March.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.
Safety is of paramount importantance, so it is advisable to consult an experienced mountain guide on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks.

CHARDON LOISIRS - La Maison de la Montagne - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 39 60
chardonloisirs1850@orange.fr
www.chardonloisirs.com

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Tobogganing / Sledging

graphic courtesy: courchevel.com

Courchevel offers something unique in France: a sledging run 2 km long, with 300 m of vertical and an average incline of 15%. Once night has fallen and the skiers have deserted the slopes you can still enjoy the thrill of whizzing down a mountain with the wind in your face ­ on a toboggan.
The departure point is located at the edge of the Tovets ski run in Courchevel 1850 and the luge run will take you all the way down to the Grangettes gondola in 1550. It's open from 09.00hrs until 19.30hrs in the evening. The run is floodlit from start to finish allowing eveing descents and the mulled wine in the evening is a nice touch.
The Grangette gondola back up the hill is free with lift pass, otherwise 6 euros.
There are also 2 specially designed and regularly maintained tobogganing areas for children at Les Grandes Combes, between 1550 and 1650, and (for very young children) on the snow front at La Croisette.

Chardon Loisirs offer a package that includes dinner in an underground tavern, music, drinks and a luge run home after dark.There's also a kid's package with a luge run to a camp in the forest where they serve hot chocolate and cakes, followed by another run through the forest and home.

Sledges can be hired or bought fairly cheaply from most resort sport shops.

CHARDON LOISIRS - La Maison de la Montagne - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 39 60
chardonloisirs1850@orange.fr
www.chardonloisirs.com

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Ice Skating / Ice Hockey

Courchevel's Olympic ice rink, located in The Forum at 1850, was built for the 1992 Winter Games and now hosts international ice hockey matches, skating galas and other events. The action here is much like that at the main Meribel rink just over the mountain, and, at times, inter-valley hockey competitions can become quite spirited.
The rink is open for public skating daily from 15.00hrs until 19.00hrs and also on Wednesdays and Fridays from 21.00hrs until 23.00hrs. The rink may open at 14.00hrs on days when the weather is particularily poor.
Ice skating lessons are available by arrangenment.
Prices: Adults 4,80 euros, Children 3,20 euros, Skate hire 3,20 euros

LE FORUM - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 33 23
patinoire@mairie-courchevel.com

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Aero Club des Trois Vallees

Take the trip of a lifetime and experience the stunning beauty of the French Alps. Discover the sensation and the fun of mountain flying, an experience you will never forget.

Professional pilot and mountain instructor in a four passenger aeroplane: • CESSNA 172 • JODEL D 140
Tourist flights (min 2 pers/flight - half price for children under 12)
First mountain flight (15 mn): 35 euros, 3 Valleys (30 mn): 70 euros

L'Altiport - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850 Tel.: +33 (0) 479 00 20 64
aerocourchevel@wanadoo.fr
www.aeroclub3vallees.com

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Sleigh Riding

While it's possible to ride horse-drawn sleighs by prior arrangement, Courchevel isn't really the resort for this activity. Much of this has to do with hairpin access roads, traffic and layout. Tours leave from the Tal Car Park on the La Tania Road, where a thirty minute ride for four people will cost 25 euros and one full hour will cost 45 euros. Book in advance with Gerard Chardon: +33 (0) 608 77 84 72
If you are staying in Courchevel 1850 you can catch a ride in Place du Tremplin. Fifteeen minutes will cost 25 euros and thirty minutes will cost 50 euros. You can also book a carriage taxi on request. Book in advance with Maud: +33 (0) 682 25 64 67

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Snow Hiking

Just because they are under a great deal of snow it does not mean that the many hiking trails of Courchevel are inaccessible. Snow Hiking is very well organised at Courchevel with 17km of marked and maintained paths offerring a peaceful way to enjoy the splendour of the wintery mountains. Each season offers it's own reward. At the start of the winter season, walks access overlooks before snow coverage is complete. During the high season snow hikes escape crowds, and as skiers thin out and weather moderates in spring, walking pleasures peak with mild days, firm snow and few with whom to share path pleasures.

You can obtain trail maps and daily updates from Courchevel Tourist Office, or you will find many guiding companies who can offer full or half day excursions. You can wear strong warm hiking boots on most of the trails, or don a pair of snowshoes to tramp through deep untouched snow.

Even though only 17kms of paths are officially cleared, for much of the season, 30kms or more of paths set by locals are available. This varies wildly from season to season, and , of course, hiking paths quickly become snowshoe routes in bad weather

Typical valley walks include Le Lac des Verdons au Jardin Alpin out of Courchevel 1850 which takes about an hour, with wonderful views of pistes on the Saulire side. It starts about half a kilometre from the Bellecote bridge.

Other walks run near or take off from the toboggan run between 1850 and 1550. On heavy snow days, the protected two hour walk from Le Praz school to Ferney that winds through the trees is superb and it finishes with hot chocolate.

Snow hikes at lift tops are highlighted by the half-day Les Cretes de la Loze walk along the top of La loze. get there by taking the Foret Fonola and Cretes chair.

The walks are generally undertaken from top to bottom and the return trip is made using a free shuttle service.

Fixed rate for a group of 1 to 5 people: 75 euros for two hours
Yann Couillard- Moutain Leader - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 683 17 78 65
info@azimut-rando.fr
www.azimut-rando.fr

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Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige')

Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, snowshoe trails are clearly marked with a small sign showing a pair of snowshoes and a number, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers.

Unlike hiking paths snowshoe routes are not maintained so it's wise to ask about conditions at the tourist office where you can also sign up for the daily excursions arranged to suit varied ability and fitness levels. Walking on snowshoes with bad technique or for long periods can make for sore legs, so a trial short trip is to be recommended.

You can obtain trail maps and daily updates from Courchevel Tourist Office. Many self-guided walks leave directly from a variety of resort villages. Walks with the better outlooks are further up the mountain and accessible via lifts.

Many guiding companies offer full or half day excursions. The most magnificent snowshoe trips are off-piste excursions arranged by mountain guides that can combine snowshoeing up into the wilds, with cross-country or alpine skiing back.

Group hike : half-day 24 euros, full-day 44 euros, Evening 25 euros
Private hike : half-day 170 euros, full-day 310 euros

For information and to enrol:
In Courchevel 1850, Bureau des guides - La Croisette.
In Courchevel 1650, Intersport at the roundabout.
In Courchevel 1550, Regis sport at the roundabout.
In Le Praz, Olympic sport.

BUREAU DES GUIDES - La Croisette - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: + 33 (0) 877 68 89 19
breyton-pascal@wanadoo.fr
www.raquette-evasion.com

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Climbing wall

An artificial climbing wall (seven ways to climb up to thirteen meters) is accessible to the public every day from 9am to 5.30pm and 7.30pm to 10pm. In case of bad weather conditions, the activity will begin at 3.00pm.
Tarzan’s creeper in the “Atrium” in the Forum: 9 euros per person
Tuition : First time climbers every evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Rate equipment provided : 9 euros / pers. Individual insurance obligatory.

Maison de la Montagne - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 01 03 66
guides.courchevel@wanadoo.fr
www.guides-courchevel-meribel.com

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Casino

The Casino is open seven days a week from 2pm for the slot machines, and from 8.30pm for the traditional games of Roulette and Black Jack. Once you are tired of playing, the club also offers a host of other exciting entertainment, whether you fancy going to the restaurant, pub, bar, or the night club. Whichever you choose, every night is an intense experience.

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Cookery courses

Whatever you want to learn classical or elaborated recipes regarding first courses, fishes, meats or deserts, Michel Rochedy welcomes you in his kitchen of Le Chabichou on Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 12.00 to deliver to you his crafty hints and tips.

Rate: 1 cooking courses (2h30) or 2 cooking courses (1h) 75 Euros / 1 cooking course (1h) 40 Euros. Reservations compulsory
Le Chabichou - Quartier des Chenus - 73120 COURCHEVEL 1850
Tel.: +33 (0) 479 08 00 55
www.chabichou-courchevel.com

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Cinema

The idea that this culture, which gave the world motion pictures and the clear thinking of Voltaire and Pascal, values the films of Jerry Lewis baffles Anglophones. Local theaters run either big American productions dubbed into French, or any variety of European films. On most nights, it's possible to find a film in English. Weekly film showings and times are available on a weekly flyer from all tourist information offices.

There are sometimes afternoon kids’ or adult films if the weather gets particularily bad. Otherwise, several shops sell or hire videos and DVDs.

CINEMAS:
Le Tremplin - Courchevel 1850 Answering machine cinema guide : +33 (0) 479 08 22 39
Le Terminal - Courchevel 1850 Answering machine cinema guide : +33 (0) 479 08 00 19
Le Villard - Courchevel 1650 Answering machine cinema guide : +33 (0) 479 08 25 01
www.cinealpes.fr

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Shopping

photo: Courchevel Tourisme

Perhaps more than any other ski resort, Courchevel offers you the opportunity to 'shop till you drop'. Haute couture fashion names such as Sonia Rykel, Christian Dior and Channel sit alongside the more expected sports brands like Gant USA, Lacoste, Malboro Classics, Blanc Bleu and Hugo Boss. Clothing, perfumeries, lingerie, fine foods, art galleries and souvenirs. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in this haven for shopaholics. The two main shopping galleries are the Forum and the Espace Diamant, both are located in the centre of 1850, however if you're in the mood, shop around, the whole resort offers some fabulous opportunities to spend spend spend.

Memorize your ATM number, bring plastic with high limits, or tote a satchel of cash, as Courchevel, and particularly Courchevel 1850 (where the prices are higher than the altitude), defines upscale in the Alps.

The Espace Diamant and shops like it in the middle of 1850 offer up Hermes, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Kenzo, Versace, Armani, Lanvin, and other luxuries. Add Cartier, every upscale Swiss watchmaker, and Allard ski clothing.

Skiers may find Gromier or Olympics Sports at 1300, Alpes Sports or Ski Location at 1550, or Ski Plus or Serve Sport at 1650 a bit less expensive than most 1850 shops.

At 1850, Bernard Orcel Sports offers several locations; the owner skied in two World Championships and two Olympic Games, so his shops are heavy with competition gear and do a wonderful job fitting boots, etc.

Specialist shops like Hoopika Surf Shop may have the best board values and, as a general rule, the higher the prices, the higher the markup, the better the season end sales. Outside holidays, chances at deals and discounts when dealing with the owner improve. It never hurts to ask.

Children's clothing shops, art galleries, at least one fine antique shop, and other upscale options empty bank accounts, too.

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Spas

Most of the four-star hotels in Courchevel 1850 offer spa treatments in addition to hot tubs, saunas, soaking pools, and such. A wide range of exercise machines don't seem to get much use when the weather is good, but fitness trainers can find ways to exercise the odd muscle not used skiing. The gondola to Méribel and the Olympic Gondola down to the old spa town, Brides-les-Bains, take those with lift passes to a half-dozen traditional spas and hotel spa offerings.

Le Samourai, located within the Forum, has fitness courses, cardiac training and muscle-development programmes, a sauna and a hammam.

Club Med: tel: 04 79 08 08 71
Le Chabichou: tel: 04 79 08 00 55
Diamant Forme (Hotel des Grandes Alpes): tel: 04 79 08 05 40
Le Lana: tel: 04 79 08 01 10
Les Thermes de l'hotel Carlina: tel: 04 79 08 00 30

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