There are few ski resorts in Europe that suit snowboarders of all levels quite as well as Courchevel.
I’m not saying that there aren’t resorts that boast better off piste areas or even better terrain parks or wider runs perfect for learning on. What I’m saying, is that Courchevel is fairly unique in having all these elements, and enough of them to satisfy any level of boarder from beginner to advanced.
For this reason, Courchevel is a great place to come if you’re a family of boarders of different abilities. Maybe the kids are still learning while you want a challenge while they’re in lessons, or perhaps they’re the experts and you want to try it for the first time. Either way, you’ll all find the perfect terrain here.
Just a short drive from the airport with a Geneva to Courchevel transfer, this is a great place for a family to come to stretch their boarding legs.
Beginning at the Beginning
The wide green and blue runs down into Courchevel 1850 and 1650 are a beginner boarder’s dream.The runs beneath Biollay and Bellecote are where many of the snowboarding instructors head because they are wide enough that you can plan your turns, while the slopes are gentle enough not to send you careering off down hill.
The runs into 1650 are equally inviting to the novice boarder but, be warned, there are a lot of drag lifts down there so unless you or your kids are confident on them you’re better off sticking to the chair lifts and bubbles of 1850.
The other reassuring thing about Courchevel for beginners is there are very few of the narrow Alpine paths that you find leading into many of the other Alpine resorts.
On The Piste
For those who like snowboarding on the smooth, gentle surface of groomed terrain, Courchevel, with its immaculately kept runs, will be a dream come true. Whether you choose to perfect your technique on the wide blues and greens, or challenge yourself on the harder runs, as long as you get up and out early, you will find smooth snow to carve throughout the season.
Freeriding
This is where the resort really comes into its own: there are so many great areas for boarders to get off the piste and experience some excellent fresh powder. Close to the lifts there is an area off the Vizelle cable car and off the chair lift Dou des Lanche.
When the weather closes in, head to Le Praz through the picturesque pine trees for the best visibility.
Serious freeriders can walk down from Creux to ride the back of the piste. A walk from the Chanrossa lift will take you into the Vallée des Avals – take care here, especially if there is an increased avalanche risk.
Freestyle Parks
Both the kids and adults will love the hits and pipes of the snow parks at Plantrey and at the top of Verdon. The Verdon park also has great dunes and kickers, an airbag and a chill out zone but, be warned, it can get very busy here, especially during the school holidays.
How to Get There
Flights into Geneva take only around an hour and a half, after which a three-and-a-half hour Geneva to Courchevel transfer will find you in the resort.
The most comfortable and stress-free way of getting to the resort is to book your Geneva to Courchevel transfer with Shuttle Direct online before you leave home. That way you can relax knowing a driver will be waiting for you and your family (and all your boards) when you land.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Geneva to Courchevel transfer, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.