The 20/21 ski season in Courchevel is a particularly exciting one in our opinion.
What’s New in Courchevel 2020/2021?
After last winter got abruptly cut short in March we all really missed those long sunny spring days. For Courchevel.VIP it gave us extra time to build our vision and we are proud to launch for our first winter.
Courchevel.VIP is here to keep you up to date with everything going on in Courchevel plus provide you with exclusive guides to the ski resort.
So what better way to write the very first words upon our blog than to give you the complete low down on what’s new in Courchevel for 2020/2021.
Keep reading to find out about lift updates, new pistes, upgraded facilities and unique experiences for you this winter.
Work Continues for 2023 World Championships
Courchevel is playing host to the 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships. Since 2018 there has been major work going into preparing for the event. Last winter Le Praz Alpinium building opened which is set to be the finish line for the downhill course.
New Eclipse piste
Over this summer extensive work has gone into sculpting the piste for the downhill racers to speed down. As you can see in the picture below, it cut a new route through the trees above Le Praz effectively increasing the size of the Jockeys black run.
The new piste is called Eclipse and is set to open this winter. It’s said to be the steepest rin in The Three Valleys, with an average gradient of 33 degrees and a 940-metre descent into Le Praz. Check it out on the piste map below!
The new route is sure to be uber-fast, steep gradients and challenging the world’s very best skiers. It also looks like a new go-to spot for a steep and deep powder day.
Increased Snow Making Capabilities
Courchevel and The 3 Valley is famous for providing snow-sure skiing from December until the end of April. Of course, being the largest ski area helps span numerous high-altitude peaks.
Courchevel also benefits from a stellar snowmaking system which produces well over 1 million m3 of snow each winter.
All of this snow needs reliable sources of water. You might not be able to see it come icy winter but this year there’s the addition of a new reservoir at Col de la Loze to store water for the snow guns. So as long as it’s cold, there will be snow.
Ski Lift Upgrades
Courchevel enjoys one of the most modern lift networks in the world with new upgrades every single season. Le Praz, 1550, 1650 and 1850 have all had shiny new gondolas installed over the last 2 years.
For winter 2021 there are whispers that the La Tania bubble lift is set to be refurbished. It’s won’t be a completely new lift but all the individual gondolas have been removed to either be refreshed or replaced completely.
The only completely new lift across The 3 Valleys is in Meribel. Bouqetin will be a brand new 6 seater highspeed chairlift that replaces the vintage Plattières 3. It will be a shame to see the multicoloured iconic gondolas disappear but they were due retirement having been running since 1984.
Hopefully, you’ll still catch a glimpse of them around hotels and chalets in resort after each gondola was sold off for 500 euros each.
The new Bouqetin lift will speed you up to 2700 metres, you access the chair from the top of Chatelet / Plans des Mains just above the terrain park. From the top you’ll have Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville.
Over in Val Thorens and Les Menuires work on lift updates continue with Orelle gondolas being upgraded. Plus work on a new lift from the Val Thorens side is expected in for 2021. (It is hard to confirm exact dates as Covid-19 has led to delays)
La Tania Tunnel
This winter also sees the reshaping of the slopes surrounding the top of La Tania bubble and Foret chairlift. The addition of a tunnel under the piste at the top of the La Tania bubble should help ease congestion. You’ll no longer have the clash of speeding skiers from Foret and Plan Fontaine with those clipping on their skis top start their day.
La Praz and Grangettes Gondolas open early until late
One great new update to the transport network around Courchevel is the longer lift opening hours for Le Praz and 1550 gondolas. Courchevel has decided to run the two crucial lifts from 7:45 to 9:00 and 17:00 to 23:30 (outside of skiing hours). This will greatly reduce vehicles on the road and a really progressive decision to help workers and pedestrians get around.
So you’ll now be able to travel between Le Praz – 1850 and 1550 – 1850 from 7.45 until 23.30 on the lifts!
New Club de Sport on the Stade
The new Club de Sport building has been drawing a lot of attention in Courchevel 1850, mainly due to the massive redevelopment it has created at the bottom of the Stade race slope.
Finally, it has been transformed from a big hole into a shiny new building that will no doubt look glorious once the snow arrives.
It will certainly be better than the marquee that was there before!
Courchevel.VIP Launches
Winter in Courchevel for 2020/2021 sees the launch of a brand new platform bringing you Courchevel at its finest.
Filled with in-depth reviews and local features all lined with sparkling VIP services, Courchevel.vip is showing off the very best of Courchevel.
Flick through the website to find your perfect ski holiday experience in Courchevel with everything you need know from luxury chalets to Michelin Star dining.
Plus be inspired by following the exclusive social media channels including Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.
To be continued… We will update this article as Courchevel winter 20/21 approaches. Check back for all the updates on what’s new this winter.