Courchevel Trail Map

France. Courchevel. Life…
Located in the mountainous region of southwestern France, “Courchevel” takes in an area that is close to the city of Grenoble. That area includes up to 300 ski trails. Both alpine skiers and cross country skiers have experienced a thrill by skiing over one or more of those adventurous trails.

Still, any skier at Courchevel risks becoming a victim of altitude sickness. That is because this mountainous area, this region close to the Italian border, is located far above the valley floor. Skiers can descend into one of three different valleys, after leaving one of the many accommodations in Courchevel, France.

Skiers who want to stay close to the slopes can reserve space in a luxury cabin, a hotel room or a tourist complex. Some skiers, those who feel willing to stay further a field, can contact the owner of a local Bed and Breakfast. In order for such contact to insure the skier a room at a local dwelling, the skier should have at least a rudimentary knowledge of the French language.

Prices at all of the lodgings in and around Courchevel change on a regular basis. A skier can save a good bit of money by planning a ski trip during a time when hotels and similar facilities offer discounted prices. Bearing that fact in mind, a wise skier plans a stay in the Courchevel region during one of four specific times. A smart skier  plans a visit to the slopes in early December, early January, early March or early April.

By planning a trip during one of the time periods named above, a ski carrying traveler faces less chance of suffering from any type of “sticker shock.” That possibility all but eliminated, a skier could still suffer from altitude sickness. In order to derive the greatest amount of pleasure from a winter trip, a skier needs to take the following precautions.

The skier must make a point of drinking plenty of water. In the thin air of the high Alps, a skier risks becoming dehydrated. Only by drinking a generous amount of water can a skier counteract the physical effects of exertion.

The skier does not discount the intensity of the sun, while he or she is on the slopes. The heat from the sun combines with the body heat generated during an active day of skiing. As a result, a skier can soon develop either dizziness or a headache.

A skier should help his or her body adjust to the height at which it is being asked to operate. A skier should “cruise” during the first couple runs, as opposed to steaming down hill, at top speed. A skier should also take the time to supply his or her lungs with a generous amount of oxygen.

By heeding the above suggestions, a skier can better finish a full day on the slopes, and feel in tip top shape. By following the above recommendations, a skier does not have to worry about returning to his or her accommodations in the hands of an emergency crew.