activities
  Thought Courchevel was just about skiing and Versace? Think again!


 
 
 
 
 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Skidooing
If you’ve never tried this you really should. It is not just for petrol-heads! Regardless of experience, we can arrange a skidoo tour after the lifts have closed. Powering across empty tracks and pistes, as well as those secluded places skiers can’t reach, this is an amazing way to see the slopes from a different perspective, led by a professional guide and with a safety rider at the rear of the group (NB – for the more adventurous or experienced we can offer timed or group racing on a specially prepared course – these are 500cc machines after all!!).Regardless of whether you tour or race with friends, the evening is always topped off with a couple of vins chauds from the cauldron, and either tales of wildlife spotted, or “that” perfect line through the apex…!

 

Ice-karting
Self-explanatory really – just more skidding than usual! Normal go-karts with studded tyres and a circuit of packed snow and ice! We can offer timed and race circuits for up to 6 people at a time. If you like karting and fancy yourself as a bit of a Colin McRae on the snow then this is definitely for you.

 

Motoglisse
There’s no really easy way to explain this. Suffice to say, it is suitable for groups of 16-24 and involves being towed into the middle of the woods on a pub bench (or tyre inner-tubes!) by a piste-basher. Once there, a fantastic fondue awaits with plenty of wine and songs from the resident accordionist. Once full (in all senses), the evening ends in a mass race on individual sledges back to the bottom down the freshly groomed track, following a skidoo guide and floodlit by the basher’s spotlight behind. We cannot stress what unusually excellent fun this is for large groups.

 

Parapente
Much safer than it looks! If you want to soar like the eagles you might be lucky enough to see in the Three Valleys, then this is the way to do it. Bruce is a fully qualified instructor who knows the local thermals as well as anyone. We can arrange tandem rides from the Col de la Loze (weather permitting) at a time to suit you. Flights can last half an hour if the weather is right. An unforgettable and exhilarating experience in the most beautiful setting imaginable.

 

Hot-air ballooning
What can we say? Simply the most peaceful way to see the Alps in their full glory. Hundreds of square miles of peaks unfolded below whilst sipping a glass or two of champagne. An impossibly romantic gesture or the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary or birthday.

 
Light aircraft
Take to the skies in one of Courchevel Altiport’s fleet of Cessnas for a close up view of the 3 Valleys from the air. Experience the thrill of take-off and landing from Courchevel’s famed sloping runway followed by lunch or drinks at the excellent Pilatus restaurant – named after the pioneering aircraft of yesteryear. Fantastic value and yet another memorable day in store.
 

 

All of the above activities are available for skiers and non-skiers alike (excluding parapente). Others include the famous 2km floodlit toboggan run down to Courchevel 1550 (a must for kids and ‘adults’!), ice-skating and 10-pin bowling in Le Forum (bar and snacks available), snowshoe walking with or without a guide, a climbing wall, cinema and museums. It is also possible for non-skiers to join friends for a mountain lunch either at the Altiport, where one can see planes landing and taking off down the famous slope, or at the top of the Saulire (2800m) with its stunning views. There are also numerous high quality shops in the resort for those seeking some light retail therapy. And, of course, many agreeable bars/restaurants to relax in and just soak up the atmosphere of the village and surrounding mountains.

 
©Exceptional Ski 2005