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Hiking in Courchevel

Courchevel is a magnificent village nestled in the heart of the Alps in the 3 Valleys domain; it is much more than just a ski resort. While it is world-renowned for its snowy slopes and prestigious palaces, the resort also captivates with the diversity of its year-round activities. Also, hiking, wellness, gastronomy, nature, sports, and traditions intertwine in Courchevel to offer you a unique experience.

As you plan to spend a stay in this region, you are surely wondering what the best hikes to discover around Courchevel are; let our article guide you in choosing the hike that suits you best, whether you are alone, with family, or with friends!

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Hikes from and around Courchevel

Courchevel is a privileged destination due to its proximity to the 3 Valleys domain, a ski area that is world-renowned for its ski slopes, but that’s not all! If you come to Courchevel in summer, you will realize that the surroundings are the perfect playground for hikers, experts and beginners alike, and will allow you to admire exceptional panoramas. Here is a selection of routes you can take in the 3 Valleys, not far from Courchevel:

Le Petit Mont Blanc – Courchevel

For hikers seeking ascents and challenges, we recommend this difficult 6 hours and 30 minutes itinerary which will lead you from Courchevel to the summit of Petit Mont Blanc, a rounded summit that will give you a magnificent 360° view of the Vanoise glaciers and Mont Blanc.

The peculiarity of this summit lies in its gypsum, a white sedimentary rock that resembles snow. For those who want more, it is possible to make a loop to the Plassa pass, which adds an hour to your hike; beyond this pass, a vast scree field unfolds where you will see the remains of a crashed plane!

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The Lakes Circuit – Les Menuires

If you are looking for a feeling of absolute freedom, head to the zigzagging ascent leading to Teurre, opposite Les Menuires, to reach a splendid viewpoint over the Belleville valley! The effort, which will take you 6 hours and 30 minutes for a distance of 9.4 kilometers, is well worth it; however, we advise you to be well-equipped, as the cumulative elevation gain reaches 1015 meters.

This loop is perfect if you plan to discover the surroundings of Méribel and appreciate a dazzling diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna. On the agenda: marmots, eagles, and ibex! Although it is a loop itinerary, allow 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete it, as well as good shoes, because the hike extends over 13.6 kilometers.

The Gorge Aux Pigeons Trail – Brides-les-Bains

With only 100 meters of elevation gain, this easy walk is calm and relaxing; it allows you to pleasantly enjoy the view of Brides-les-Bains, a thermal village at the foot of the 3 Valleys that lives to the rhythm of the seasons, but also of the Méribel valley and the Grand Bec.

For this hike, allow between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, as well as 2 possible routes to complete it.

rando gorge aux pigeons brides les bains courchevel

The Balcons Du Lou Trail – Val Thorens

This easy route is ideal for families and allows you to discover the Belleville valley from every angle. In addition, you can enjoy the flora and fauna while recharging by the most famous lake in Belleville after your escapade. The hike lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Other hiking trails from Courchevel are worth a detour, especially in summer, which allows you to discover summits in a different light; here are a few:

  • La Dent du Villard : an emblematic summit of the sector, La Dent du Villard is a magnificent white gypsum mountain with rugged terrain. The panorama at its summit is splendid, but you have to climb a bit to reach it: from Courchevel 1650, allow 4 hours and an elevation gain of 840 meters towards Lac de la Rosière ; it is interesting to note that, due to the presence of voids in certain passages, the hike may not be suitable for people suffering from vertigo. This itinerary being of medium difficulty, it does not present technical difficulties, but some passages equipped with cables on the ascent will need to be carefully navigated. Finally, some passages between the sinkholes are steep, so we invite you to remain vigilant during your hike.
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If you want a more accessible route to reach this summit, it is possible to do a leisurely half-day loop from Courchevel by taking the Sentier des Pins, a path that winds along the mountainside.

  • The Mont Charvet Ridges : from Courchevel, you can reach an aerial trail traversing the sinkholes and offering a remarkable panorama of the Mont Charvet ridges, a set of steep peaks with a karstic landscape. From Lac de la Rosière, several loops can be completed, suitable for all levels; for the more athletic, we recommend undertaking the 14.75-kilometer loop lasting approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes which will allow you not only to experience a real challenge, but also to have a breathtaking view of the Vanoise glaciers, the Poux waterfall at the beginning of the route, and the Grand Bec from another high point: La Dent du Villard. Therefore, plan a picnic and appropriate equipment for this itinerary, ideal when good weather arrives.

Discover Courchevel and its Hiking Trails

Want to breathe the pure mountain air or exert yourself in a magnificent setting? All hikes are worth doing to discover Courchevel and its region! Whether you are an experienced hiker or a simple tourist who wants to get a breath of fresh air, head to Courchevel, pack your bag and shoes, and take unique trails!

And you, which hike will you choose in Courchevel? Book your stay with us now and let the magic of the Alps work its charm!