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Le Forum Courchevel: Ice Skating, Bowling and Family Fun
If a snowstorm rolls across the mountain or your legs need a rest day, Le Forum Courchevel provides a warm retreat right in the centre of Courchevel 1850. This multi-level sports, leisure, and shopping complex gathers an impressive collection of off-slope entertainment under one roof.
From skating on an Olympic-size ice surface and knocking down pins at the bowling alley to climbing routes on a dedicated indoor wall, it has remained a central gathering place in the village for years. You can shop, sit down for a casual meal, enjoy a drink with friends, or watch a live ice hockey match without ever stepping outside into the cold.
At a glance
| Activity | Indoor sports and leisure complex |
|---|---|
| Village | Courchevel 1850 |
| Good for | Families, non-skiers, bad-weather days, groups |
| Season | Winter and summer seasons |
| Booking | Walk-ins welcome; select sessions require reservations |
| Duration | 1 to 3 hours or a full afternoon |
| Price range | Mid-range for Courchevel (varies by activity) |
Why Le Forum is worth an afternoon off the snow
Every ski trip to the French Alps comes with moments when you want to unbuckle your ski boots and find something entertaining indoors. Heavy snowfall, high winds that close the high ridge lifts, or simple ski fatigue can quickly redirect your plans. Le Forum solves that problem by offering a complete afternoon and evening of activities in a single building.
Unlike small single-purpose venues scattered across the valley, this complex brings together genuine sporting facilities alongside shops and restaurants. You do not need to be an expert skater or an athlete to enjoy the space. It works just as well for parents pushing toddlers on the ice as it does for friends meeting for an evening drink and a round of billiards after a long day on the slopes.
What to expect inside the complex
The building is spread across multiple indoor levels, making it easy to spend several hours wandering between different activities. The headline attraction is the Patinoire du Forum, an indoor Olympic-sized ice rink. During regular public sessions, skaters of every ability take to the smooth surface under the stadium roof. On select evenings, the rink transforms into a venue for local ice hockey matches, ice shows, and thrilling ice karting sessions.
Just steps away from the ice, you will find Bowling 3000. This eight-lane bowling alley offers a relaxed, casual environment complete with arcade games and billiards tables. It serves as an active social hub late into the night, featuring a dedicated bar area where you can relax between frames.
For those seeking vertical exercise, the facility houses a 12-metre indoor climbing wall. The wall features seven different routes designed to test varied climbing abilities, alongside a specialized adventure trail designed specifically for younger climbers. Outside the sporting zones, the complex includes several retail shops, equipment outlets, bars, and casual dining spots.
Who this indoor centre suits best
Le Forum caters to all ages and fitness levels. It is one of the most reliable options in the resort if your travelling group includes non-skiers who want to stay active while the rest of the party is out on the mountain.
- Families with young children: Bowling 3000 provides automated gutter bumpers on its lanes, allowing kids aged four and up to bowl alongside adults without frustration.
- Aspiring young adventurers: The indoor climbing wall includes a mini-guides adventure trail where younger children and complete beginners can learn the basics under proper guidance.
- Experienced climbers: The 12-metre wall offers dedicated routes that allow experienced climbers to maintain grip strength and technique indoors.
- Social groups: The combination of bowling, arcade games, billiards, and bars creates an effortless venue for an evening out together.
If you are seeking complete silence, a peaceful spa environment, or fine dining, this complex will feel too energetic. It is a lively sports centre where people laugh, music plays, and skates scrape across the ice.
Timing, seasons, and making reservations
The complex welcomes guests during both the winter season, which runs from December to mid-April, and the summer season, which covers July and late August. Exact schedules fluctuate depending on the week, local events, and school holidays, so you should check the official venue website or visit the reception desk when you arrive in resort.
| Activity | Typical Winter Schedule | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling 3000 | Daily from 11:00 to 03:00 | Walk-ins welcome; reserve private lanes in advance |
| Ice Rink | Tue 14:15–17:15, Wed 18:15–22:15, Sat–Sun 16:00–19:30 | Walk-in for public skating; reserve ice karting |
| Climbing Wall | Daily 17:30–19:30 (school holidays) | No reservation for public sessions; reserve private hours |
Public ice skating sessions are typically closed on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays to accommodate hockey matches, team training, and special events. If you want to try ice karting or celebrate a special event with a lane package at the bowling alley, you should reserve your spot ahead of time. Private one-hour guided climbing sessions also require advance arrangements.
Prices and what to wear for each activity
Ice skating is one of the more accessible family outings in the village. Public session entry including skate rental is recorded at ten euros for adults and eight euros for children. Prices for bowling and climbing sessions vary depending on the session format, shoe rentals, and any private coaching sessions. Overall, leisure rates here represent reasonable value for Courchevel 1850, though prices change from season to season.
Local tip: Pack your warmest ski socks and a pair of sturdy gloves for the ice rink. Cold rinks make rental skates uncomfortable on thin socks, and wearing gloves is mandatory to protect your fingers if you slip on the ice.
For the climbing wall, dress in comfortable, flexible athletic wear. Certified climbing guides supervise the sessions and provide all technical equipment, including safety harnesses, climbing shoes, ropes, and belay management.
Finding Le Forum in Courchevel 1850
Le Forum sits directly at Place du Forum in the middle of Courchevel 1850. If you are staying in the 1850 village, you can reach the main entrance easily on foot from most central chalets and hotels.
If you are based in another part of the valley, you do not need a personal car. Free inter-village shuttle buses, known as navettes, run constantly throughout the day and evening. These free buses link Courchevel 1850 directly with Courchevel Moriond (1650), Courchevel Village (1550), Le Praz (1300), and La Tania. The central bus stop is an easy walk from the complex.
Skiers can also glide directly down to nearby La Croisette via marked pistes, leave their equipment safely stored, and walk straight into the complex for an afternoon warm-up.
Easy ways to plan the rest of your day
Because Le Forum is centrally positioned, it pairs naturally with other village activities. You can spend your morning on the slopes, ski down into La Croisette for a warm drink, and head inside for an afternoon skate or climbing clinic.
After an evening bowling session, the surrounding streets offer plenty of dining options, from simple bistros to traditional Savoyard fondue spots. If you plan to enjoy wine or cocktails during an evening at the bowling alley, remember that the legal drinking age in France is 18. Mountain roads get icy and slick after dark, so take advantage of the free village shuttle buses, hail a local taxi, or walk carefully back to your chalet rather than driving.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“It’s the Courchevel 1850 shopping center; it has supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants, bars, a nightclub, games, a sports court, and a gym. Excellent!”
“One stop shop for all your skiing needs in Courchevel 1850”
“Great place with shops, restaurants, activities like a climbing wall, and an ice rink.”
What some found difficult
“Total desert, don’t bother trying to shop after the summer, no more shops open.”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book public ice skating at Le Forum in advance?
No, general public ice skating sessions operate on a walk-in basis with skate rentals available at the entrance. However, special events such as ice karting and private lane reservations at the bowling alley require booking in advance.
Can young children go bowling at Bowling 3000?
Yes, Bowling 3000 is family-friendly and equips its eight lanes with automated bumper rails. These allow children aged four and older to play alongside adults without their bowling balls running down the gutters.
What gear do I need to bring for the indoor climbing wall?
You only need to bring comfortable, stretchy athletic clothing. Certified guides supply the climbing shoes, safety harnesses, ropes, and safety supervision during scheduled sessions.
Why is the ice rink closed for public skating on certain days?
The Olympic ice rink hosts competitive ice hockey matches, club training sessions, and professional ice gala performances throughout the winter. Because of these events, public skating sessions typically do not run on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.
Find it
Address: Pl. du Forum, 73120 Courchevel, France
