Courchevel with Kids: A Family Ski Holiday Guide (2026)

Is Courchevel a good ski resort for children?

Yes, and it is officially recognised as one. Courchevel has held the French Famille Plus label since April 2010. The label is a national scheme for destinations that build their offer around families, and Courchevel Tourisme lists six commitments under it:

1. A personalised welcome for families.
2. Activities for all ages.
3. Prices to suit everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
4. Activities for young and old, together or separately.
5. Shops and services close at hand.
6. Children looked after by professionals.

Beyond the label, the practical advantages are real: wide beginner zones, several large ski schools with children's programmes in every village, and indoor options for the days when small legs have had enough.

Which Courchevel village is best for families?

For most families, Courchevel Moriond (1650) is the natural first choice: Courchevel Tourisme describes it as having a family atmosphere and wide, sunny slopes. Courchevel Village (1550) is quieter and is home to the Aquamotion centre, which is a real asset with children. Courchevel 1850 is the liveliest and most sophisticated village, with direct access to the highest lifts and the Children's Village of the ESF Courchevel 1850 ski school.

Note that in 2026-2027 the lifts in Moriond and La Tania close on 11 April 2027, a week before Courchevel 1850 (18 April). That matters if you are coming for the late Easter holidays.

Where do children learn to ski in Courchevel?

In the Easy Rider areas, which Courchevel Tourisme describes as wide, gently sloping and secure, and accessible from all villages. Ski lessons can start from age 3, with play areas and instructors trained to teach young children. The resort also sells a beginner Minipass for those who only need the easy lifts.

Once children leave the beginner zone, Courchevel Tourisme points to the Pralong, Ariondaz and Bellecôte sectors for wide, gentle green and blue runs. More than half of Courchevel's 150 km of marked slopes is covered by snowmaking, which helps keep these lower-level runs in shape.

Lift passes for children in 2026-2027

Les 3 Vallées states that children under 5 ski free across the whole ski area, with or without skis. The child rate applies from 5 to 17 years old. Bring proof of age when you collect passes.

Which ski schools take children in Courchevel?

The two ESF schools in Courchevel 1850 and Moriond and the independent Oxygène school all run dedicated children's programmes. Other schools, including ESI, also operate in the resort. The table below lists what each school publishes for children.

Courchevel Tourisme also notes that nurseries and day care centres have different ages, conditions and opening periods, and advises families to enquire and book ahead. During French and British school holidays, it is wise to reserve lessons as soon as your dates are fixed.

What can children do in Courchevel off the slopes?

Swim and surf at Aquamotion, skate at the Forum, and go tobogganing. These three cover most non-ski afternoons.

• Aquamotion, Courchevel Village: pools, slides, an indoor surf wave, a climbing area and a spa for parents.
• Forum ice rink, Courchevel 1850: skating, ice shows, hockey games and ice karting, open from 4 December 2026 to 18 April 2027.
• Tobogganing: a children's area in Courchevel 1850, a 2 km forest run from Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel Village that is lit at night, and the 3 km Moriond Racing run. On Moriond Racing, children under 1.10 m are not allowed and those between 1.10 m and 1.25 m ride with an adult.
• Dog sledding and snowshoeing: several operators, including Raquette Evasion, run outings from Courchevel 1850 and Moriond.
• Torchlight descent: ESF Moriond's group lessons for ages 6 to 12 include a children's torchlight descent with a sound and light show.

For more ideas, read our guide to things to do in Courchevel beyond skiing.

What practical tips help a family trip to Courchevel run smoothly?

Choose your village for the age of your children, book lessons early and plan a short transfer.

• Season dates: Courchevel 1850 runs from 4 December 2026 to 18 April 2027; Village, Moriond and La Tania open on 5 December.
• Getting there: Courchevel Tourisme gives about 30 minutes from Moûtiers station, 1 h 15 from Chambéry (95 km) and around 2 hours from Geneva (179 km) or Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (176 km).
• Lift passes: under-5s are free with proof of age; the child rate covers 5 to 17.
• Village base: younger children are easier to manage in Moriond or Courchevel 1850, close to the ski school meeting points.

Should you book a family photo session in Courchevel?

It is the simplest way to be in the pictures yourself. On a family ski holiday, one parent usually ends up behind the phone. Riva Photography Courchevel connects families with private photographers who ski, so the session can happen on a gentle slope at the end of a lesson, at the top of a lift or in the village at dusk. A one-hour session with 30 photos costs 590 euros and a two-hour session with 60 photos costs 790 euros; for sessions on the slopes, the photographer's lift pass is added at the public price. First photos arrive within 48 hours and the full gallery within 7 days.

To plan yours, write to us on WhatsApp at +33 6 30 85 92 05 or through the contact section with your dates, your village and the ages of your children. If the weather turns, a session can be moved free of charge when you ask more than 72 hours ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Is Courchevel good for families with young children?

Yes. Courchevel has held the French Famille Plus label since April 2010, ski lessons start at age 3, ESF Courchevel 1850 runs a nursery from 18 months, and children under 5 ski free across Les 3 Vallées.

Which village in Courchevel is best for families?

Courchevel Moriond (1650) is the village Courchevel Tourisme describes as having a family atmosphere and wide, sunny slopes. Courchevel Village (1550) is quieter and home to Aquamotion, while Courchevel 1850 offers the ESF Children's Village and the Forum ice rink.

At what age can children take ski lessons in Courchevel?

Lessons start at age 3. ESF Courchevel 1650 Moriond runs Club Piou Piou for ages 3 to 5, ESF Courchevel 1850 has a Children's Village for ages 3 to 5, and Oxygène teaches groups of up to 6 children aged 3 to 12.

Do children need a lift pass in Courchevel?

Children under 5 ski free across Les 3 Vallées, with proof of age. From 5 to 17, children pay the child rate.

What can kids do in Courchevel when they are not skiing?

Children can swim and surf an indoor wave at Aquamotion in Courchevel Village, skate at the Forum ice rink in Courchevel 1850, go tobogganing on dedicated runs, or try dog sledding and snowshoeing with local guides.