What to do in Courchevel in summer?

When the snow gives way to mountain pastures, Savoy’s most famous resort takes on a completely different character. From July onwards, the peaks of the Vanoise are blanketed in wildflowers, torrents rush down the slopes and trails wind their way to turquoise lakes.

Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, Savoyard baroque architecture, high-altitude cuisine: the mountains become a vast playground, offering welcome coolness when the valley becomes stifling.

• Summer season 2026: from 4 July to 30 August, ski lifts open 7 days a week.
• Activities for everyone: family hikes, adrenaline-fuelled sports, Baroque heritage and wellness.
• An ideal base in the heart of the 3 Vallées, between Courchevel, La Tania and Méribel.

Why choose Courchevel for your summer holiday in the mountains?

Can’t decide between the seaside and the mountains? Courchevel settles the debate. A cool climate, unspoilt natural surroundings on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, and top-of-the-range facilities open all year round: it’s the perfect balance between nature and comfort.

The climate is a major draw. With altitudes ranging from 1,300 m at Le Praz to over 3,000 m on the peaks, the resort stays cool when heatwaves hit the lowlands. As for the scenery, it is hard to beat. Courchevel borders France’s first national park, created in 1963 and covering 535 km² of protected valleys and glaciers.

The resort comprises six villages, each with its own distinct character: Le Praz, Village, Moriond, 1850, La Tania and Saint-Bon. Each has its own atmosphere, ranging from authentic charm to the most prestigious venues. Aquamotion, Europe’s largest mountain water park, remains open. And the 3 Vallées ski area – the world’s largest interconnected ski area in winter – transforms in summer into an endless playground for hiking and mountain biking.

What hikes are there to do in Courchevel in summer?

From the shores of a lake to glacial ridges, Courchevel offers trails for all abilities. Families on a leisurely stroll and seasoned walkers alike will find something to suit them. Here’s a brief overview, from the easiest to the most challenging.

Family walks: Lac de la Rosière, Cascade des Poux and Chemin du Paradis

For family walks that don’t involve summiting a peak, three easy routes stand out. With gentle gradients, beautiful scenery and points of interest that will captivate children.

Lac de la Rosière, at the foot of the Dent du Villard, boasts turquoise waters set against a stunning backdrop. On site: a treetop adventure course, a chalet-restaurant and picnic tables. Not far away, the Cascade des Poux can be reached via a path that runs alongside the torrent, accessible even with young children. The Chemin du Paradis, meanwhile, sets off from the village of Le Praz and passes at the foot of the Olympic ski jumps, amongst fir trees and old chalets.

Challenging hikes: the Merlet lakes, the Avals valley and the summit of La Saulire

Experienced walkers aim higher. Glacial lakes, wild mountain pastures and 360° panoramic views await them.
 

The Merlet Lakes are well worth the effort: nestled in the Vanoise National Park, they invite you to extend your adventure with a night at the Merlet Lakes refuge or the Grand Plan refuge. The Avals Valley stretches for 22 km through the alpine pastures, with a longer 3-day route for the more resilient. The more accessible summit of La Saulire can be reached by ski lifts: the panoramic view from there takes in Mont Blanc and the Vanoise glaciers.

What adrenaline-fuelled activities can you enjoy in Courchevel in summer?

Fancy a bit of an adrenaline rush? The resort transforms into a playground of vertical and aerial adventures. Via ferrata, paragliding, canyoning, mountain biking or scenic flights: there’s something for everyone, from the cautious to the daredevils.

Via ferrata, paragliding and canyoning

Three flagship activities offer a different way to tackle the mountains, with options for beginners and experts alike.

The via ferrata at Lac de la Rosière offers a 600-metre route featuring a Nepalese bridge, perfect for beginners. More experienced climbers will want to tackle the via ferrata at Croix des Verdons, the highest in France. Tandem paragliding offers flights lasting 15 to 30 minutes, with views of Mont Blanc, the Écrins and the Vanoise. Finally, canyoning in the Eau Rousse features a series of jumps, natural slides and abseiling down waterfalls. It’s a refreshing experience and suitable for families.

Bike park, off-road scooters and flights from the altiport

The thrill of the slopes doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Mountain biking, downhill scooters and aerial tours keep the excitement going all summer long.

Courchevel’s bike park boasts 145 km of mountain bike and e-MTB trails, with routes for all abilities and access via the ski lifts. Road cyclists can tackle the legendary Col de la Loze, a route reserved for bikes up to an altitude of 2,304 m. For a fun descent, the off-road scooter (dirt scoot) is available for children aged 8 and over. And for a unique view, the altiport offers flights lasting from 15 minutes to 1 hour over the mountain peaks.

What to visit in Courchevel in summer? Heritage, culture and gastronomy

Baroque art, picturesque villages and traditional festivals

Courchevel is about more than just its peaks. The resort boasts a rich Baroque heritage and a vibrant cultural life.

The ‘Chemins du Baroque’ trail, created in 1992 for the Albertville Winter Olympics, lists 80 sites across Savoie. Don’t miss the Sainte-Madeleine Chapel in Le Praz, with its Cordoba leather altar, or the Baroque churches of Saint-Bon and La Perrière. The Facim Foundation offers sensory evening tours of the church in Saint-Bon: special lighting, Baroque music and incense.

As for traditions, village festivals punctuate the summer:

• Woodcutters’ Festival in La Tania: 19 July 2026.
• Madelon Festival in Le Praz: 25–26 July 2026.
• Fête des Tovets in 1850: 15–16 August 2026.

Mountain cuisine and exploring the alpine pastures

Savoyard cuisine is an integral part of the experience. At the Ferme de Pralong, watch summer Beaufort being made, take part in the ‘Éveil des sens’ tours and enjoy a farmhouse aperitif. Several restaurants remain open in summer (the tourist office keeps the list up to date). In La Tania, the Bistrot Machet is open all year round under the guidance of the chef from Le Farçon, a Michelin-starred restaurant, whilst the Bouc Blanc serves up delicious food at the top of the cable car. Savoyard cheeses, raclette and fondue round off the feast.

Relaxation and wellbeing: what to do in Courchevel when it rains?

Is the weather unpredictable, or do you simply fancy a break? Courchevel has no shortage of indoor and relaxing options.

Aquamotion, Europe’s largest mountain water park, will keep you occupied for a whole day: swimming pools, water slides, a hammam, a sauna, a saltwater pool and massages. A rare treat at this altitude, you can even try indoor surfing there.

Those seeking tranquillity will appreciate the Zen Altitude programme (8–23 August 2026): outdoor yoga, massages, contemplative walks and cookery workshops. On rainy days, the Forum de 1850 is home to an ice rink and a bowling alley. The natural setting also invites you to go for a swim in Lake Praz or at the outdoor pool in La Tania. Another useful option is the Praz media centre, with books and activities.

Must-see sporting events of summer 2026

Summer 2026 promises to be action-packed. Paragliding, trail running, obstacle courses and golf will punctuate the season. Plenty of opportunities to time your holiday to coincide with a highlight.

• Courchev’Ailes (9–10 May 2026): a paragliding event bringing together around sixty paragliders.
• Millet XTrail Courchevel (25–26 July 2026): a trail run in the Vanoise, with a unique format: a single start for six distances (11 to 66 km).
• La Frappadingue: the famous obstacle course, as gruelling as it is festive.
• Evening pyro-symphonic show at the Olympic ski jumps in Le Praz.
• Méribel Golf Show (16–20 August 2026): a competition at the Méribel Altiport golf course, just a few minutes from Courchevel.

For exact dates and registration details, check the resort’s official calendar, which is regularly updated.

Where to stay in Courchevel and the surrounding area for your summer holiday?

Courchevel and the surrounding area offer a wide range of accommodation options: apartments, chalets and studios, to suit all budgets and group sizes. The best place to start depends on what you’re looking for.

This is where Agence Saulire comes in. Founded in 1984 and with over 40 years’ local experience, it specialises in holiday rentals and property sales in Courchevel La Tania (branch open since 2022) as well as in Méribel. A major advantage: in the 3 Vallées, the resorts are linked by ski lifts and shuttle buses. From Méribel-Mottaret or La Tania, you can easily reach the trails and bike parks in Courchevel.

To make your choice with confidence, contact our multilingual team, available all year round. And if you’re considering an investment in a resort, the new-build BÂRMA development in Courchevel La Tania is well worth a look.

FAQ: everything you need to know about summer in Courchevel

What’s the weather like in Courchevel in summer?

The climate is cool and sunny, ideal for escaping the heatwaves in the valley. Thanks to altitudes ranging from 1,300 m to over 3,000 m, temperatures remain pleasant: cool mornings and sunny afternoons.

What are the best family hikes to do in Courchevel in summer?

Three easy routes stand out: Lac de la Rosière and its treetop adventure course, the Cascade des Poux waterfall, which is accessible to young children, and the Chemin du Paradis trail starting from Le Praz, which passes by the Olympic ski jumps amidst a traditional Savoyard atmosphere.

Can you use the ski lifts in Courchevel in summer?

Yes. During the 2026 summer season (4 July to 30 August), the lifts operate seven days a week. Depending on which sectors are open, they provide access to the high-altitude trails, the bike park and the summit of La Saulire.