LACOSTE OPENS TWO PADEL COURTS IN COURCHEVEL

Lacoste

Summary:

• Lacoste has installed two padel courts at the base of the Émile Allais slalom stadium in Courchevel
• The courts feature green surfaces and are built for year-round use in alpine conditions
• The facilities overlook the INEOS Club House and add to Courchevel's sports infrastructure

Lacoste has opened two padel courts in Courchevel, a French Alps ski resort known for attracting visitors who seek premium sports facilities. The courts sit at the base of the Émile Allais slalom stadium and face the INEOS Club House. The location places them within an established sports complex in one of France's most visited winter destinations.

The courts feature green playing surfaces, which stand out against the white snow during winter months. The color choice creates a visual marker in the alpine environment. Lacoste incorporated branding elements into the design while keeping the focus on the playing area. The crocodile logo appears on the courts without dominating the space.

Year-round operation defines the project's technical scope. The courts need to withstand temperature shifts, snow loads, and alpine weather patterns. Construction teams built the facilities to function during both winter and summer seasons. This extends their use beyond the traditional ski season and allows for play when Courchevel draws visitors for hiking and summer sports.

Padel has grown in popularity across Europe over the past decade. The sport combines elements of tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. Players use solid paddles instead of stringed rackets. The walls form part of the playing area, which changes the tactical approach compared to tennis. France has seen an increase in padel facilities, particularly in urban areas and resort towns.

Courchevel already offers skiing, snowboarding, and various winter sports. Adding padel courts diversifies the options for visitors who want alternatives to slope activities. The sport works for different skill levels and requires less space than tennis, which makes sense for a location where land value runs high and construction faces alpine challenges.

The Émile Allais slalom stadium provides context for the courts' placement. Allais was a French alpine skier who won multiple world championships in the 1930s. The stadium hosts ski racing events and serves as a training venue. Placing the padel courts at this location connects them to Courchevel's competitive sports infrastructure rather than positioning them solely as leisure amenities.

The INEOS Club House overlooks the courts. INEOS sponsors various sports teams and athletes globally. The club house serves as a gathering point for members and visitors. Having the padel courts visible from this vantage point integrates them into the social landscape of the resort.

Lacoste has a history in tennis, dating back to founder René Lacoste, who was a champion player before starting the clothing brand in 1933. The company sponsors tennis players and tournaments. Moving into padel follows the sport's trajectory as it attracts players from tennis backgrounds. The brand's presence in Courchevel extends its reach into alpine sports environments where tennis courts face seasonal limitations.

The courts add to infrastructure investments in Courchevel, which competes with other high-end ski resorts like St. Moritz, Verbier, and Aspen. These destinations differentiate themselves through facilities beyond skiing. Padel courts give Courchevel another selling point for visitors who prioritize varied sports options.

Construction in alpine environments requires specific engineering. Foundations must account for freeze-thaw cycles. Drainage systems need to handle snowmelt. Materials must resist UV exposure at altitude and temperature extremes. The courts' year-round design means addressing these factors to prevent surface damage and maintain playability.

The green surfaces create contrast during winter but blend with vegetation during summer months. This dual visual function suits the seasonal shift in Courchevel's landscape. The courts transition from a bright accent against snow to a natural element when grass and trees return.

Lacoste's entry into padel facilities in Courchevel reflects broader trends in sports infrastructure at premium destinations. Resorts add activities that keep visitors engaged off the slopes. Padel fits this need with shorter playing times than golf and lower technical barriers than tennis.