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Backcountry · guided

Off-Piste & Heli

Heli-skiing is banned in France, but the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif is a 45-minute helicopter transfer away. Closer to home, Courchevel's mountain guides know every cold-snow couloir on the Saulire and the Cime Caron.

Always go with a qualified guide off the marked piste. Avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes are provided as standard; some operators insist on an avalanche-safety briefing the morning of the trip.

Programmes

  • Off-piste day with a guide

    From €450 / group of 4

    Half or full day with a UIAGM-certified guide, exploring couloirs and powder fields off the lifted area. Equipment included.

  • Heli to the Italian side

    ~€1,200 / person

    Helicopter from the altiport to the Mont Blanc massif (Italian side, near Cervinia or Courmayeur), with a guide for the descent. Full day, includes refuelling and lunch.

  • Vallée Blanche day trip

    ~€650 / person

    Drive to Chamonix, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, ski the legendary 20 km Vallée Blanche glacier with a guide back to Chamonix town.

  • Couloir & freeride coaching

    Multi-day clinic

    Three- to five-day technique clinics with a single guide — couloir entries, steep skiing, line choice. Run by Magic Mountain Guides and Saulire Off-Piste.

  • Ski touring (skinning)

    Half / full day

    Quietest way to access the mountain. Skin uphill to a remote col, descend on virgin snow. Beginner to advanced routes, equipment included.

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Frequently asked

  • Is heli-skiing legal in Courchevel?

    No — heli-drops for skiing are prohibited in France. However, helicopters can drop skiers on the Italian side of the border (45-minute flight) and the ski-back can finish on French snow.

  • Do I need a guide for off-piste skiing in Courchevel?

    Strongly recommended, and required for any glacier route or controlled-avalanche zone. Mountain guides know snow conditions day-by-day and carry rescue equipment.

  • How much does a mountain guide cost in Courchevel?

    Around €450–€550 for a full day's off-piste with a group of up to 4 skiers. The cost is per group, not per person.

  • Where can I ski the Vallée Blanche from Courchevel?

    The Vallée Blanche is in Chamonix, a 90-minute drive away. Most off-piste operators run a Vallée Blanche day trip with private transfer included.