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Club des Sports Courchevel: Outdoor Padel at 1850
A visit to Club des Sports Courchevel offers an energetic break from the slopes right at the base of the Émile-Allais slalom stadium in Courchevel 1850. Founded in 1948, this historic alpine organisation anchors the local athletic community and manages high-level competitions throughout the winter season. Today, holidaymakers can step right into the fold by making use of its welcoming facilities.
The headquarters operates out of the modern INEOS Club House, which houses administrative offices, a club boutique, and a ground-floor restaurant open to everyone. Its standout attraction for visitors seeking off-slope recreation is a pair of outdoor padel courts that remain open throughout all four seasons, providing a quick-paced racket game framed by snowy alpine peaks.
At a glance
| Activity | Outdoor padel tennis and sports club |
|---|---|
| Village | Courchevel 1850 |
| Good for | Racket sport players, active families, beginners, small groups |
| Season | Year-round |
| Booking | Directly through the official website or Courchevel tourist office |
| Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Price range | Modest in summer (€5 per hour per person in 2024); winter rates vary |
Why Spend Time at Club des Sports Courchevel
Skiing across Les 3 Vallées takes a heavy toll on your quads, and after several consecutive mornings on steep runs, an afternoon with a different kind of exercise can do wonders. Club des Sports Courchevel offers a refreshing sports alternative without pulling you away from the mountain atmosphere. Playing padel tennis at an altitude of 1,850 m is an unusual treat, especially when the surrounding peaks are coated in deep snow.
Because the facility is rooted in the village’s sporting heritage dating back to 1948, the environment feels grounded and authentic. You do not have to be a member of an elite alpine ski team to walk through the doors. The club warmly accommodates holidaymakers looking for a friendly game, making it an approachable stop during your week in the valley.
The location also makes it exceptionally practical for mixed groups. If part of your party wants to take a few casual laps down the Émile-Allais stadium while others play racket sports or share a warm beverage on the terrace, everyone meets up in the exact same spot with zero logistical friction.
What to Expect at the INEOS Club House
The club headquarters is anchored by two outdoor padel courts designed in partnership with Lacoste. These courts feature glass walls and specialized turf engineered to deliver a dependable bounce. To make winter matches possible in freezing temperatures, the club installed geothermal heating beneath the playing surface. This system keeps the courts clear and playable even during cold Alpine spells.
Matches can run well past sunset thanks to powerful floodlights illuminating both courts until late in the evening. Looking out through the glass walls at twilight, with the snowy slopes rising directly behind the enclosure, provides an atmosphere that standard indoor sports centers cannot match.
Beyond the courts, the main building offers a clean, contemporary space where you can browse the official club boutique for branded gear and sporting apparel. The ground-floor restaurant serves wholesome meals and hot drinks, giving players and spectators a comfortable setting to relax before or after their match.
Who the Courts and Facilities Suit Best
Padel is renowned for having an easy learning curve compared to traditional tennis. The enclosed walls, shorter racquets, and underhand serves make rallies accessible within minutes of stepping onto the turf. This makes the courts a fantastic choice for families with teenagers, couples looking for a dynamic activity together, or groups of friends eager for lighthearted competition.
Experienced padel players will also find plenty to like here. The regulation court dimensions allow for serious tactical play, quick reactions off the glass, and high-intensity cardio sessions at elevation.
This activity might not suit visitors looking for an indoor heated lounge or people recovering from lower-limb injuries, as moving across the court still demands agile footwork. If you simply want to soak in the athletic vibe without picking up a racquet, the restaurant terrace provides an easy viewing perch overlooking the action.
Operating Hours and Booking Details
Court access runs throughout the year, seven days a week. Matches typically begin at 9:00 am and conclude at 9:00 pm, though the floodlights allow play to extend until 10:00 pm when evening demand is high. While the courts operate throughout the day, the club offices and reception desk keep seasonal schedules for equipment pickup and general inquiries.
| Facility / Service | Winter Season (Dec to Late Apr) | Summer / Off-Season (May to Late Nov) |
|---|---|---|
| Padel Courts | Daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (or 10:00 pm) | Daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (or 10:00 pm) |
| Reception / Office | Daily 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm (5:00 pm Sun) | Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Public Holidays | Open standard hours | Offices closed |
Because there are only two courts available, securing your slot in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during the busy winter school holidays and sunny summer afternoons. Court bookings and rental inquiries should be organized through the club’s official website or by speaking with the team at the Courchevel tourist office.
Pricing, Gear, and What to Wear
Court rental remains remarkably sensible for Courchevel 1850. During the 2024 summer season, court rental was listed at €5 per hour per person. Winter pricing, evening floodlight access, and bundled equipment packages vary from season to season, so verify the latest figures through official channels prior to your game.
You do not need to pack your own sports equipment in your ski luggage. Rackets and balls can be hired or purchased directly on site through the club. However, you must arrive with proper athletic footwear. Flat-soled, non-marking tennis or padel shoes are required to preserve the specialized turf surface.
Local tip: Even with geothermal heating keeping the court surface free of frost, winter evening temperatures drop sharply at 1,850 m. Wear technical thermal layers and light windproof outerwear so you stay comfortable throughout your match.
During warmer summer months, light shorts and a breathable shirt will suffice, along with sunglasses and sunscreen to shield against high-altitude ultraviolet rays.
Getting to the INEOS Club House
The club sits at 83 Rue Park City, positioned at the edge of the Émile-Allais stadium in Courchevel 1850. It is simple to reach on foot from the heart of the village. Starting from the central hub of La Croisette, you can walk there comfortably in roughly five to ten minutes along clear village paths.
Skiers can reach the building directly from the slopes. Take the La Loze run down into the Émile-Allais stadium area, unclick your bindings near the base, and walk straight over to the clubhouse entrance.
If you are traveling up from lower villages such as Courchevel 1650 Moriond, Courchevel Village 1550, or Le Praz, take the free resort shuttle bus. The shuttles operate frequently throughout the season and drop you off within easy walking distance of Rue Park City. Choosing the shuttle or walking helps you avoid navigating icy village roads by car.
How to Plan Your Visit Nearby
An afternoon match fits effortlessly into a wider itinerary in Courchevel 1850. If you finish your game around lunchtime, head into the club’s ground-floor restaurant for a relaxed bite while watching skiers make their way down the stadium runs.
After your session, a short stroll brings you back to La Croisette. From there, you can browse local alpine bakeries, explore the shops, or board a gondola to catch the final rays of afternoon sun at higher elevation.
If you are enjoying an evening match under the floodlights, remember that the French legal drinking age is 18 if you plan on having a post-game beer or wine. The village shuttles run late into the evening, providing a warm, reliable ride back to your chalet or hotel.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“Wonderful skiing experience”
“The place makes a very positive impression, I highly encourage you to visit and take advantage of it.”
“Very nice and helpful for directions”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play padel here during the winter snow season?
Yes, both outdoor courts feature geothermal heating under the surface to clear frost and snow throughout the winter. Playing surrounded by snowy peaks is one of the club’s primary appeals.
Do I need to bring my own padel racquets and balls?
You do not need to pack your own gear because racquets and balls are available to hire or purchase on site. You only need to bring appropriate athletic clothing and non-marking sports shoes.
How do I book a court at Club des Sports Courchevel?
You can arrange court reservations and gear hire by checking the club’s official website or contacting the Courchevel tourist office. Reserving ahead is advised, especially during peak ski holiday periods.
Is the restaurant inside the INEOS Club House open to non-members?
Yes, the ground-floor restaurant is fully open to the public. Visiting skiers, padel players, and holidaymakers can walk in for a meal, coffee, or post-match refreshment.
Find it
Address: 83 Rue Park City, 73120 Courchevel, France
