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Moriond Racing Courchevel: The Complete Sledging Guide
Moriond Racing Courchevel is one of the most exhilarating mountain descents in the valley that does not require clipping into a pair of skis. Located in Courchevel Moriond 1650, this dedicated toboggan track snakes down the mountainside with speed, banked turns, and genuine momentum.
While many visitors spend their entire holiday exploring the marked pistes of Les 3 Vallées, setting aside an hour or two for this course offers a welcome change of pace. It is fast, well organized, and delivers an authentic rush for friends and families looking for off-piste excitement.
At a glance
| Activity | Sledging and toboggan track |
|---|---|
| Village | Courchevel 1650 Moriond |
| Good for | Families with older kids, teenagers, adults |
| Season | Mid-December to mid-April (subject to snow) |
| Booking | Lift pass desks, Ariondaz base, or top station |
| Duration | About 15 to 30 minutes per run |
| Price range | €17 per run (includes lift, sledge, helmet) |
Why Moriond Racing is Worth an Afternoon
Many alpine resorts offer small, gentle snow banks where toddlers slide on plastic disks for a few minutes. Moriond Racing takes a completely different approach. Designed as a dedicated Formula 1-themed toboggan run, it gives you a sustained downhill route engineered specifically for speed and cornering.
You carve your way down an impressive 3 km route that starts at the top of the Ariondaz gondola and finishes right at the snow front in Moriond. The run is entirely segregated from ordinary ski traffic. You never have to worry about crossing paths with downhill skiers or navigating around snowboarders, which lets you focus purely on your line and your braking points.
It is also a fantastic leveler for mixed groups. Skiers who rack up vertical miles every morning can race against non-skiing partners or teenage children on identical equipment, making it an easy way to spend energetic time together off the skis.
What to Expect on the 3-Kilometer Circuit
The track drops 450 m of vertical relief from start to finish. Once you push away from the starting barrier at the Ariondaz summit station, the gradient picks up quickly. The sledges feature metal runners and steering handles that respond sharply when you lean into turns, and you will quickly learn how to use your boots and the hand brakes to regulate pace.
The layout features racing-inspired architecture that keeps each section interesting. Over the course of the descent, you will navigate 8 separate tunnels, high-sided banking curves that let you carry speed, and wide straightaways where you can open up the throttle.
Technical sections include a carousel spiral and double-serpent turns that test your coordination. Brightly colored course markers and racing motifs frame the run, giving it the playful atmosphere of an outdoor go-kart circuit set in the snow.
| Track Statistic | Official Measurement |
|---|---|
| Track Length | 3 km |
| Vertical Drop | 450 m |
| Tunnels | 8 |
| Key Features | Banking curves, carousel, double-serpent turns |
Who the Course Suits (Ages, Heights, and Fitness)
Moriond Racing is built for speed and action, meaning it suits thrill-seekers, teenagers, groups of friends, and active families. Because the sledge moves rapidly and requires active steering and firm braking, riders need basic physical fitness and good arm control to keep the craft steady down the mountain.
Strict height rules protect young guests on the mountain:
- Children under 1.10 m are strictly not permitted on the track under any circumstances.
- Children measuring between 1.10 m and 1.25 m must ride on a shared sledge piloted by an accompanying adult.
- Children taller than 1.25 m can pilot their own individual sledge if they feel confident managing their speed.
If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, this run is not suitable. Those seeking a very slow, passive scenic glide might find the banked turns and pace slightly overwhelming. However, anyone who enjoys sledging with some genuine momentum will find it hard to stop after just one descent.
Booking, Season Dates, and Opening Hours
Moriond Racing opens during the main winter ski season, running typically from mid-December through to mid-April, depending on snow cover across Courchevel Moriond. The track operates daily starting at 12:00 PM and runs until about 4:15 PM or 4:40 PM, with closing times shifting later into the afternoon as daylight expands later in the season.
On select evenings—typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday—the resort hosts floodlit night-sledging sessions that extend opening hours until 6:40 PM. Descending the illuminated track against the dark mountain landscape adds an extra layer of drama to the run.
Booking is straightforward. You can purchase your tickets at lift pass sales desks run by S3V (skipasscourchevel), at the ticket counters at the base of the Ariondaz gondola, or at the start desk located at the top gondola station. You pick up your sledges and protective gear directly at the summit station before lining up at the start gate.
Prices and Essential Clothing Rules
A run on the circuit costs €17 per descent at the official resort rate. This fee covers your uphill ride on the Ariondaz gondola, the sledge rental, and your safety helmet. For children between 1.10 m and 1.25 m sharing a sledge with an adult, access for the child is free.
Safety and equipment standards are strictly regulated by the track operators:
- Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age, and are handed out on site when you collect your sledge.
- Hard-shell ski boots are strictly prohibited on the track. You cannot brake or control the sledge properly in rigid plastic ski boots, so you must wear sturdy winter boots or warm snow shoes with strong grip.
- Ski goggles or a protective ski mask are strongly recommended. The sledges throw up considerable snow spray, particularly through banked turns and braking zones.
- Wear full winter ski clothing, including waterproof pants, a warm jacket, and durable ski gloves. Thin wool gloves will become soaked and cold within minutes.
Getting There and Local Navigation
The activity is based in Courchevel Moriond (Courchevel 1650) at Passage du Marquis. Although municipal listings sometimes group the attraction under Courchevel 1850, the course itself is physically set in 1650 at the Ariondaz gondola. Make sure you head to the Moriond snow front rather than 1850.
If you are staying elsewhere in the valley, the free resort shuttle bus connects Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Village 1550, and Le Praz directly to the center of Moriond. Simply step off the bus in the village center and walk roughly two minutes to the Ariondaz gondola base station.
If you are arriving on skis from another sector of Les 3 Vallées, you can ski down to Moriond via the marked pistes. You will, however, need to swap out of your ski boots before you are allowed to board the sledge.
Local tip: Bring a lightweight backpack with comfortable snow boots if you ski across from 1850 or Village, or store your ski boots in a rental locker near the Ariondaz gondola base. You will not be permitted on the track wearing ski boots.
What to Combine with Your Sledging Session
A run down Moriond Racing takes under an hour from gondola boarding to finish, leaving plenty of room in your day for other local spots. Courchevel Moriond has a relaxed main street with sunny cafe terraces, bakeries, and casual pubs right near the snow front where you can grab a hot drink or lunch.
For a complete afternoon off the mountain, head down to Aquamotion Courchevel. The massive aquatic center sits just below Moriond, roughly a two-minute bus ride or a fifteen-minute downhill walk away. Warming up in the heated indoor lagoons and saunas after racing through freezing snow spray is an ideal combination.
If you are staying up in 1850, take the free resort shuttle back up to La Croisette for dinner. If you finish your racing day with a vin chaud or a cold beer in Moriond, remember that the legal drinking age in France is 18. Avoid driving on winter mountain roads after drinking; the free shuttle buses run regularly and keep your trip safe.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“Hands down the best luge track ever!”
“Great activity with a long track in 1650. 17 euros per run including the helmet and sledge. Track long, well groomed and challenging with fun traffic signals. You need to take the Ariondaz gondola to reach the start and be well equipped…”
“Great & fun. The sleds could be improved especially for children!”
What some found difficult
“My first time sledding was a nightmare. They give you a sled that’s not the right size for you, so I couldn’t even sit down. It was impossible for me to control it. It took me two hours to go down the 3km run; I was exhausted. At the end…”
“Communication needs a serious overhaul! And quickly. We couldn’t go sledding. We arrived before 1 p.m. to buy our lift passes, and were told it wasn’t open yet because the ski patrol was securing the track, and to come back at 3 p.m. When…”
“I am giving Moriond Racing Courchevel a one-star rating because there was no option to select zero stars. Unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing and raised serious concerns regarding safety and overall management. To…”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear normal ski boots on Moriond Racing?
No, hard-shell ski boots are strictly prohibited on the track because they prevent proper foot braking and increase injury risks. You must wear warm, sturdy snow boots or winter shoes with solid traction.
Do I need to reserve Moriond Racing tickets weeks in advance?
Advance reservations weeks ahead are not required. You can buy your tickets on the day at the S3V lift pass desks, at the Ariondaz gondola base, or directly at the summit station desk.
What happens during the night sledging sessions?
On select evenings (typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), the course is illuminated with floodlights and remains open until 6:40 PM. You get the same fast 3 km descent down the mountain after the regular ski lifts close.
Can two adults share a single sledge to save money?
No, adults must ride on separate individual sledges. Sledges are only shared when an adult accompanies a child measuring between 1.10 m and 1.25 m.
Find it
Address: Pass. du Marquis, 73120 Courchevel, France
