What to Do in Courchevel for Non-Skiers: 10 Alternatives

Of course, life at Six Senses Residences Courchevel includes a ski shuttle service and dedicated lodge and concierge at the main La Croisette lift. But for those of you who prefer life on your own two feet, a pedestrian lift pass provides access to gondolas and lifts all over the Three Valleys, accessing brilliant winter walking trails ranging from easy to difficult and many mountain restaurants. Often the mountain restaurants can be reached on foot by ski lift, so it's entirely possible to meet up with your family and friends for some fine dining.

Here are our top 10 alternatives to skiing, all just steps away from your residence.

1. Dine

If you enjoy a glass of Champagne as much as champagne powder ski conditions, you’re right in the heart of the action for gourmet food. Courchevel 1850 holds the trophy for the ski resort with the most Michelin-starred restaurants – 13 stars across eight restaurants, including the 3* 1947 à Cheval Blanc, run by Yannick Alleno.

Much closer to home, Sumosan’s first Alpine hub is on the ground floor within Six Senses Residences. You’ll be greeted by the famous Sumosan Sumo dressed in a variety of quirky ski accessories. The bar is open for après-ski cocktails and a selection of sushi and sashimi, while the restaurant serves up contemporary Japanese creations and dishes created exclusively for this location such as the caviar rice pizza. We can also organize a private wine degustation and private dining in the comfort of your residence.

You don't have to ski to enjoy “après-ski”. Meet up with the rest of your group at Folie Douce Méribel (which you can access with a pedestrian pass from Courchevel) to spend the afternoon watching the cabaret and dancing to the house band.

2. Sparkle

Skiing through diamond dust is one thing, but this “diamond of the snow” resort is also known for its jewelry. The Graff Diamonds store in Courchevel is one of only 13 in Europe. Located in the center of mythical place Vendôme since 1812, Maison Chaumet applies its craftsmanship to an exceptional collection of watches, jewelry, and bridal sets. If romance is on your mind, Courchevel 1850 is also one of the most romantic places in the world to propose (read on to no. 3.).

3. Romance

In response to Joe Cocker’s iconic lyric, “Love lift us up where we belong”, we can get you to where the eagles cry on a mountain high, and even higher. If you’re up with the birds, you can start your special day with a hot air balloon flight and Champagne breakfast at 1,000 feet, taking in views across the valley toward Mont Blanc. For an exhilarating flight of fancy, enjoy more power in your propellors and rise above the Three Valleys in a helicopter, taking off from the Courchevel heliport just above Six Senses Residences. Both are inspired gift ideas whatever the milestone you’re celebrating. Both are also great ways to pop a cork and a question …

4. Relax

Inspired by the organic shapes of snow waves, the design of Six Senses Spa Courchevel uses biophilic principles to reestablish the bond with nature whether or not you’ve enjoyed an exhilarating day on the slopes. Facilities-wise, there are five treatment rooms, a large indoor pool with lounge chairs, Alchemy Bar, Vitality Area with sauna, steam and Kneipp foot therapy, separate relaxation lounge, manicure and pedicure station, juice bar, gym and studio for wellness classes, and a snowy outdoor hot tub.

5. Recover

The spa also administers a range of specific treatments tailored to outdoor activities and snow sports. These not only offer targeted recovery but also preparation and performance optimization for a range of sports. Spa Manager Nikos Papoutsakis and his team are on hand to smooth you out from top to toe through Kinesiology, physiotherapy, and movement rehabilitation. MTT focuses on the medical aspects of exercise, strengthens the musculoskeletal system, and increases overall stamina through a series of targeted exercises that improve mobility, balance, coordination, and cardiorespiratory capacity. The Dry Needling treatment for muscular pain relief and stiffness improves flexibility and increases your range of motion.

6. Glow

Winter can be tough on your skin. Every day from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm we offer a full range of facials that achieve visible results without the surgery! The Hydrating Face Lift uses the power of organic cosmeceuticals and micro current to lift, tone, and restore elasticity to your skin and facial muscles, leaving you with a “have you been on vacation?” youthful glow. The Men’s Facial combines natural bio plant actives with rich and nourishing ingredients to deeply cleanse the face, clear pores and smooth your skin. An indulgent face-toning massage completes the experience, leaving your face clearer, brighter, and thoroughly cleansed.

7. Bash

Even if you don’t like carving turns on the pistes, it is still a fun experience to help prepare them. This nighttime adventure is as fun as it is exhilarating, as you climb the slopes in a huge piste basher, flattening everything in your path, with nothing but the twinkling stars above you and lights of 1850 to guide you back home.

8. Crash

Our quiet and cozy residences are made for ZZZZs. All are equipped with handmade organic mattresses, organic linens, and amenities that promote better sleep. Among the huge range of symptoms related to lack of sleep, you may find it hard to fall asleep or sleep through the night, or you may wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed. Any stresses and strains affecting sleep will show up on your Wellness Screening. This takes around 45 minutes and is a non-invasive way of finding out what’s going on inside you “under the hood”. A common marker is an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response, which we can start to reset even during the limited time you’re with us through a range of treatments that are usually carried out in the evening to relax your body and unwind your mind.

9. Ride

Whether on a sleigh pulled by horses or huskies, or riding your own skidoo, there are a range of excursions to suit your adrenaline levels. There are specific circuits for snowmobiles as well as organized tours – we can even book for you to head out on the trails after dark to a mountain woodcutter’s hut for a Savoyard evening of traditional food, music, and wine. If you’d like to stay closer to town, relax in a horse-drawn sleigh or scoot around on a segway.

10. Slide

Located in the center of Courchevel, the ice-skating rink offers a fun evening for all the family set beneath the snow-clad Alps. Alternatively, head to the designated sledging zone. The luge tracks located in Moriond and Courchevel are a thrilling way to enjoy the snow and the mountains. For the Moriond luge you need to start at the top of the Ariondaz gondola where you can hire the luges and pay per go on the dedicated 2-kilometer sledging run, complete with a 300-meter vertical drop and an average incline of 15 percent. Floodlit from start to finish, evening sledging with your friends and family is a great après activity.

If skiing the mountain is not for you, ask our team at Six Senses Residences Courchevel for more information about activities and facilities (did we mention the designer shopping mall and cinema?). You name it; Courchevel 1850 probably has it!