The crocodile brand is making a big splash for the winter sports season and beyond by partnering with Courchevel Tourisme, with support from the Sports Club and the Town Hall of the famous ski resort. Since December 20, Courchevel has added two new permanent padel courts, confirming the growing appeal of this racket sport.
More accessible, more relaxed, and faster than tennis, padel is known for rapidly changing the sports landscape in major cities around the world, much like its American cousin, pickleball.
Here, it is making its way to the gates of the Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, which includes the upscale Alpine resort of Courchevel 1850.
Two new permanent padel courts have arrived just in time for the Christmas holidays. Branded Lacoste, they symbolize the meeting of the sporting heritage of the crocodile brand with the unique lifestyle of Courchevel.
One of the highest padel courts in France
The two padel courts recently inaugurated by Courchevel 1850 enjoy an ultra-premium location in the heart of the iconic ski resort, at the foot of the Émile Allais slalom stadium, opposite the INEOS Club House. Given its location at an altitude of 1,800 meters, the press release states that the chic French resort now boasts one of the highest permanent padel courts in France.
Designed by Courchevel Tourisme, with the support of the Club des Sports, the Town Hall, and in partnership with Lacoste, this new facility is part of the resort’s commitment to enriching its four-season sports offering in order to appeal to both residents and visiting tourists. With long opening hours, the padel courts will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., making it easy to play during the day or in the evening.
As befits a high-end resort, the padel courts can also be privatized through the Courchevel Sports Club. The space has also been designed to offer maximum comfort to racket sports enthusiasts, even in winter.
A facility designed to withstand extreme conditions, created by the American company specializing in sports, recreational, and leisure facilities, Infinite Sport, and its subsidiary, Infinite Padel Courts. This feat was made possible by the installation of a heated slab, an eco-friendly geothermal heating system that guarantees a playable surface throughout the four seasons while limiting the facility’s energy footprint.
The installation reflects the growing challenge for mountain resorts to ensure the sustainable management of their sports facilities.
An iconic collaboration with Lacoste
In addition to naming the two padel courts, Lacoste will soon unveil its Courchevel x Lacoste co-branded clothing collection, available at the Club des Sports boutique and from professional partners. An exclusive Lacoste corner will also be set up in the INEOS restaurant, showcasing the brand’s universe.
This initiative marks Lacoste’s very first foray into the padel market, as the brand has until now been exclusively involved in the worlds of tennis and golf. This opening reflects the growing appeal of this lifestyle sport created by a Mexican in 1969. Last November, the sport saw a 130% increase in the number of players in France compared to 2022, with 850,000 players across the country, including 272,000 licensed players. Globally, the World Padel Report 2025 lists more than 35 million padel players.
Read also > Eric Vallat (formerly of Rémy Cointreau) takes over as CEO of Lacoste
Featured photo: © Arthur Dojat/Courchevel Tourisme
