Skiing is back for 2022!
Skiing is nearly here!
And if you’re like me, it feels like a lifetime ago since you were on skis back in March of 2020.
Everything has been stored away, waiting for a time when we can get back out on those glorious slopes of Courchevel.
If you’re planning a trip to Courchevel and The Three Valleys for the 2021 / 2022 ski season and wondering what’s new, then you’re in the right place.
To be honest, after the disappointment of last winter much of the exciting developments around the ski resort will still be new for 2022.
So feel free to take a browse at last year’s round-up, which I’ll go through here plus all the other changes you can expect.
Courchevel Ski Season Dates 2022
Courchevel is set to run ski lifts from 4th December 2021 until 22nd April 2022.
New Ski Pistes
Let’s start with the most important points, skiing, and new runs to try out this winter.
We’re one step closer to the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel so work continues in preparation for this, including the brand new Eclipse downhill run.
The long high-speed run sets off from the top of the Bouc Blanc chairlift before racing down into the trees. From there it picks up some of the original Jockeys black slopes before a steep grande finale into the finish zone at the Le Praz snow front!
We’ve all been keeping an eye on this one over the last couple of years as it’s been sculpted. There’s a ton of excitement to try this beast out as soon as possible this winter.
Here’s a sneak peek from the piste map:
Improved Snow Making
Adding to the new slope is an increase in snowmaking ability thanks to a new reservoir at the top of Col de la Loze plus a range of new snow guns over this side of the mountain to add more snow-sure slopes throughout the season.
It adds even more clout to Courchevel’s huge snow-making capabilities which make it a leading destination for skiers across the world from early December to Late April!
New Ski Lifts
The lift network across The Three Valleys has seen continual improvements of the past few years including high-speed gondolas running out of Le Praz, 1550, and 1650, plus a whole new Les Grande Combes chairlift from Ecrin Blanc and Aquamotion. All a massive boost it getting your ski day off to a quick start!
For new ski lifts this coming winter there is only one completely fresh lift in the ski area which is Bouqetin, in Meribel. This is a 6 seater higher speed chairlift that runs in place of the iconic Plattieres 3. We’ll miss seeing those classic bubbles running (slowly) up the hill.
This replacement Bouqetin chairlift rises from the top of Plans des Mains / Chatelet all the way up to 2700 meters. Then you’ll be able to ski down into Les Menuires, St Martin, or back into Meribel valleys.
La Tania Upgrades
If you prefer staying in La Tania then you’ll love the refreshed snow front this winter. The Beginners area is set for a massive overhaul with 2 magic carpet lifts to replace the Troika drag. It will make life a lot easier to learn your first turns, especially as both lifts will be completely free to use. Adding to this, it will be separated from the bottom of the Folyeres run to keep kids safe from speeding skiers entering the village.
Another development on the La Tania side of the mountain is the tunnel at the top of the La Tania gondola and Foret chairlift. This should help to remove the chaos of skiers flying through while your try to clip in at the top of the lift.
Final Words: What’s New in Courchevel for 2022
Well, there you have it and I hope reading this brings you a little more excitement in the prospect of getting out on the slopes again.
I certainly can’t wait to get my skis out of storage along with the rest of my winter kit. At this point, I’m not even sure I can remember what colour my ski jacket is! (Blue I think…)
Stay tuned for more updates as they arrive on this page or follow our Instagram / Facebook for live updates through the winter.
