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Is Courchevel 1850 good for beginners? Yes – Courchevel 1850 is one of the best ski resorts in the Alps for beginners.
If you’re new to skiing, Courchevel 1850 has everything you need with excellent areas dedicated to beginners. These zones are wide, gentle green runs that can be accessed with a beginner or no lift pass at all. This can really help keep costs down while you find your feet.
The Best Beginner Slopes in Courchevel 1850
Jardin Alpin
The best place to go on day one is the Jardin Alpin beginner area. The Jardin Alpin beginner area offers a longer, quieter green slope.
The Jardin Alpin area has an easy magic carpet travellator lift, which is perfect for those just getting started on skis. The magic carpet is also one of the free lifts in Courchevel. You can get directly to and from the centre of Courchevel 1850 via the Jardin Alpin gondola.
Just get off at the mid-station, as that’s where the beginner zone is. Once you’re done with the beginner area for the day, simply hop back on the Jardin Alpin gondola.
Etoile
Once you’re confident skiing the beginner area at the Jardin Alpin mid station, look to move on to the Etoile drag lift. This is really easy to get to from Jardin Alpin. The bottom of the drag lift is located just next to the second station of the Jardin Alpin lift. From there, if you’re looking in an uphill direction, you should see it.
The Etoile drag lift is excellent for your first taste of different types of lifts. Once you exit the lift, you’ll want to head to the left and ski the rest of the Jardin Alpine green. Lapping Etoile will give you a slightly steeper run to ski that is longer overall, making it an excellent progression.
Ferme and Altiport
The Ferme drag lift located by the Altiport is a brilliant next step to practise on. It’s sheltered from busier pistes, and there isn’t really any through traffic. The Ferme drag lift is straightforward and no more difficult than the Etoiles drag lift.
This beginner area is unique as it’s next to Courchevel’s small runway. While you’re skiing down, you’ll see planes taking off to your right, making for a really memorable learning experience.
Verdons and Renards
When you’re ready to leave the beginner areas, explore higher up the mountain. Here you’ll find longer green slopes.
This will give you your first taste of venturing beyond the beginner areas. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of gentle terrain to find here, too. We suggest taking the Verdons lift up from the central area of Courchevel 1850.
The Renards green run is long and sweeping. It’ll give you a chance to get miles under your skis. Renards eventually merges into the Bellecote green run. This takes you back to the bottom station of Verdons so you can easily lap it. Verdons also takes you to near the Family park. This area has small jumps and a fun skicross track. This area is excellent for later in the week when you’re more confident.
Top tip: Take the Verdons gondola to the top and find a warm, indoor picnic room. It’s a handy spot to warm up and eat without spending a fortune on mountain lunches.
Pralong
Once you’re confident tackling longer, steeper terrain, you’ll be ready for your first blue run. Now is also a good time to take your first chairlift ride. We’ve made a video with handy chairlift tips that will be useful for your first time.
A great first one is Pralong. It’s easy to find as it’s next to the Altiport beginner area. It also takes you to really easy blue runs. At the top, head left and follow the Pralong signes. This blue run is not too great of a step up from what you’ll have been working on. Follow it round to the left, under the pralong chairlift to complete a lap.
You can also follow it as it turns into the Bellecote green run. This will take you back into Courchevel 1850 centre. If you would like more variety, turn right at the top of the Pralong lift. Follow Biolay blue down. We recommend staying to the right to begin with. This will also merge into the Bellecote green run.
A 3-Day Beginner Plan in Courchevel 1850
Day 1: Start at Jardin Alpin
The gentle terrain and magic carpet lifts make it the best place to get started.
Day 2: Progress to Etoile or Ferme
When you’re confidently linking turns, try the Etoile or Ferme drag lift. Learn how to take a drag lift and practise your turns on a slightly longer, steeper slope.
Day 3: Head up Verdons and explore runs like Renards
Take your first chairlift and explore higher up the mountain to find longer green slopes. If you’re learning with an instructor or progressing quickly, try heading up the Pralong chair and ski the mellow Pralong blue run with an instructor if you’re ready.
Insider tip: Take the Verdons gondola to the top and find a warm, indoor picnic room. It’s a handy spot to warm up and eat without spending a fortune on mountain lunches.
Beginner lift passes in Courchevel
In Courchevel, you can access several beginner lifts free of cost. These include the Jardin Alpin Magic Carpets, Etoiles, Bellecote and Cospilot lifts.
Once you progress beyond these lifts, buy the Courchevel Mini Pass for beginners. These passes cost €38.50 per day (ages 5–75).
The Mini Pass gives you access to green runs such as Altiport, Pralong, Bellecôte, Verdons, and Jardin Alpin.
It’s a smart choice for first-time skiers who don’t yet need access to more advanced terrain.
You can buy the Mini Pass online and upgrade to a full-area pass later. Upgrade once you’re comfortable on greens and ready to try blues. It’s an ideal way to avoid paying for terrain you won’t use early on.
When to Upgrade Your Lift Pass
Once you’re confidently linking turns on greens, it’s time to think about upgrading your lift pass. The next step is the Courchevel Local Pass. This pass gives you access to the Courchevel areas, including 1650, 1550, and Le Praz. This pass opens up plenty of gentle blue runs, which are great once you’ve mastered the green slopes.
Upgrade to the 3 Vallées Pass once you’re confident on blue runs. Get ready for longer runs over to Méribel or Val Thorens. You can upgrade your lift pass at any point. Just head to a lift pass office or check prices and options online.
Book the Right Lessons to Learn Faster
One of the best ways to progress quickly is by booking ski lessons.
We have group lessons and private lessons, which are matched to your ability and experience.
If you’re unsure where to start, we’ll help you choose the right lesson and plan your first laps with confidence.
