Courchevel Ski Resort, France

Overview of Courchevel

Courchevel ski holidays are to skiing what Marks and Spencer is to food shopping. Built on the perfect blend of good snow, varied terrain, fabulous accommodation, extraordinary food and a vibrant nightlife, Courchevel holds its own as one of the Big 4 ski resorts, without even mentioning its links to the mighty Three Valleys ski area.

Although purpose-built, Courchevel accommodation and especially Courchevel ski chalets have in most cases been sympathetically constructed to complement the mountain. Made up of four separate village-resorts, each station has its own personality and patrons. The free bus service winds up from Le Praz (1300), the quaintest village, past Courchevel Village (formerly known as Courchevel 1550), through Courchevel Moriond (the old Courchevel 1650) to the highest village of Courchevel (formerly known as Courchevel 1850) – the most cosmopolitan village in the Three Valleys and one of the top luxury resorts in the world. In fact, glitzy Courchevel is probably more akin to the Harrods food court than M&S. Smart, sophisticated and expensive, with exceptional restaurants, shops and bars, this is the snowy playground of the rich and famous.

Courchevel Moriond is quieter, with an old village centre, lively bars and cosy Courchevel chalets, while Courchevel Village and Le Praz are much quieter and more family-friendly with a handful of quaint bars and restaurants.

Ski holidays in Courchevel offer something for everyone, but one thing that does come with a resort of this calibre is prices as high as it’s peaks and in Courchevel (formerly 1850), pretty much everything will cost you an arm and a leg (and possibly a kidney too), but the lower you go, the more down to earth the prices become. For lunch on the mountain it’s advisable to drop down into Meribel or Val Thorens for affordable eats, however, gourmets will find that the sky’s the limit in the choice of fine dining. Of course, if you’ve heard of the legend that is Courchevel, then so has the world and his St Bernard, but for cruisy pistes and a taste of the high-life, you can’t beat a ski holiday in Courchevel.

3 Things We Love About Courchevel

1. Quality Skiing – Courchevel has some of the best-groomed slopes in Europe, as well as an excellent lift system, making it a great place for beginners and intermediate skiers. Many of Courchevel’s slopes are north-facing, meaning the snow is usually the best in the whole ski area.
2. Les Trois Vallées – Courchevel makes up one-third of Les Trois Vallées (The 3 Valleys) and with 600km of pistes, it is the largest ski area in the world. With a full area lift pass, you can easily ski over to Val Thorens for lunch, dance on tables in Folie Douce, Meribel and make it back in time for afternoon tea in Courchevel.
3. Aquamotion – The largest European water park in the mountains opened in Courchevel. It is located at the Grandes Combes, between Courchevel Village and Courchevel Moriond, which is just a short bus ride away. Aquamotion has several water-related activities from waterslides to hot tubs and even a surfing simulator. There is also a large wellness centre too, in case you’re feeling all skied out.

Learn more about Les Trois Vallées ski area

Skiing and Boarding in Courchevel

Courchevel is one-third of the famous Les Trois Vallees and offers some of the finest piste skiing in the Alps, with immaculately maintained slopes, plenty of variety for novice to expert skiers and more than enough runs for a week’s ski holiday.

Beginners should head to the Evolution Zones at 1850 and 1650. Try the Ariondaz chair to the top of Praline - one of the best greens in the Alps - or the leisurely blue Indiens back down through the trees to the resort village. Wide blues and greens lead from Courchevel (formerly 1850) to Village (formerly 1550).

Intermediates will enjoy the well-pitched fast reds down through the trees from Moriond (1650) and the long, steep runs down from the top of the Chanrossa chair, which has good off-piste runs off the side. Tougher runs are found going down to Le Praz.

Advanced skiers will want to hit the Col de la Loze for some of the best reds and blacks in the Three Valleys and home of the extreme ski championships. The only rail park in the Three Valleys, complete with ‘Railpark Rangers’ to advise and assist, is found in le Plantrey and there is also a terrain park in Les Verdons. Freestylers can show off on the testing mogul course under the Biolley chair or give the racers a run for their money over the snowcross on the La Loze trail.

A few ski Courchevel tips:

• The early bird catches the powder in Courchevel so be sure to make first lifts after a big dump and head for the Suisse chair or Vizelle gondola before it gets tracked out.
• If you want a winning goggle tan, hang out at south-facing Courchevel Moriond (formerly known as Courchevel 1650) ‘the sun-lovers station’.
• Parents can enjoy their Courchevel ski holiday that little bit more, safe in the knowledge that little ones in ski school will be wearing Magnistik packs, which hold them securely on chairlifts with magnets.

Lift Passes in Courchevel

Les Trois Vallees is one of the largest and arguably the most famous linked ski area in the world. Courchevel is one of the three main resorts but it's possible to buy a local area lift pass covering just this resort. This is a great idea for first-time beginners or for those that do not want to venture too far.

To take full advantage of all the terrain on offer, get a full area lift pass. Due to the great links between resorts and a variety of runs connecting each, anyone from intermediate ability and above will benefit from the full area lift pass which will allow them to enjoy and explore a world-class ski area.

Activities in Courchevel

• Tobogganing – A must for family and friends. The toboggan run spans 300 vertical metres from Courchevel (1850) to Village (1550), taking in 2km of twisting and turning terrain. A great event for a day off of skiing, or even the evening as the course is floodlit!
• Ice skating – Located in the Forum Building in 1850, this full-size Olympic rink is used for ice hockey matches and casual ice skating. You can practice your triple Salchow’s every afternoon between 3 and 7 pm, plus there’s a late-night opening on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 till 11 pm.
• Aquamotion – Courchevel’s newest facility with indoor and outdoor pools, rapids, a wave pool and water slides. There’s also a children’s play area, a climbing wall, saunas, spa rooms and treatments. There’s an adult-only top floor (extra charge) if you want to relax a little, diving facilities and more. A good place to spend the day if it’s a whiteout on the slopes.
• Paragliding – Buddy-up with your instructor, sprint downhill and take flight on an exhilarating paragliding adventure, soaring the thermals above the pistes like an eagle! Weather often dictates this activity and sunny warm days are best, but there are multiple take-off points in the resort to choose from.
• Snowshoeing – Rent a pair of snowshoes from the local ski hire shop, swing past the tourist office for free maps and guides of the trails, and head off for an adventure along the 17km of maintained walking routes (even in winter) through the beautiful mountains. A great way to spend a quiet yet energetic afternoon away from the busy slopes.
• Hot Air Ballooning – Departing from Courchevel’s famous Altiport at 1850, you can get a stunning view of the resort and its surroundings from the bird’s nest. You’ll need to book in advance in groups of at least two, but the memories are well worth it.
• 10 pin Bowling – Located in the Forum building in 1850 is Courchevel’s own bowling alley. Advanced booking is recommended especially if the weather is closing in as the lanes are only open for a couple of hours during lunchtime each day.
• Fat Biking – The latest mountain craze has arrived on the snow-covered slopes of Courchevel – and at night! Charge down the pistes on a mountain bike with enormous grippy tyres as the sun sets over the peaks. The experience includes bike and equipment rental as well as a qualified guide to show you the way down.
• Rock Climbing – A favourite with the kids, the indoor climbing wall at the Forum Building is open every evening from 5 pm (earlier if the weather is poor). At 14m high, it’s a great challenge, with a variety of routes and instructors on-hand to help you find your way to the top!
• Husky Dog Sled Tours – Mush your own pack of sled dogs through the woodlands of La Plantin, just outside Courchevel. The tour includes transport from and back to the resort, but you’ll need to take an afternoon off skiing as the tours start from lunchtime for an hour. Groups can all sled together with an advanced booking.

Après Ski in Courchevel

• Les Caves des Courchevel - One of the most famous après spots in Courchevel and a real melting pot in terms of nationalities. With its fair share of guest DJs, glitz and neon lights it more than holds its own as one of THE night spots in Courchevel.
• Funky Fox – As it's at the top end of Courchevel 1650, the Funky Fox is often the last stop on the route through town. Classic tunes and lots of dancing makes the Fox a cracking apres venue to end the night. Earlier in the evening, you’ll find most major sporting events being shown on the big screen projector.
• Le Tremplin – A classic afternoon apres-ski venue at the bottom of the slopes, “The Mountain Hut” (as it translates) is a classic ‘ski-in’ venue with a big sun terrace, good tunes and good vibes. Get the party started early!
• Le Bubble Bar – Great value apres for Courchevel and popular with Brits and seasonaires. If you like to grab a table and chat over a few beers and some snacks, Le Bubble is a great option.
• Rocky’s Bar – Good for live music, live sport and good value food and drinks, Rocky’s is another noteworthy venue in 1650 for Brits looking for some après straight off the slopes. Food is served all day but it can get busy at peak times.

Places to Eat in Courchevel

• Le Caveau, 1550 - If you’re looking for an authentic Savoyarde restaurant in 1550 then Le Caveau has you covered. Great for group bookings and large tables, choose from alpine staples such as fondue, raclette, tartiflette and crozets as well as Pierrade (cook your own steak on a hot stone). A good selection of wines and desserts are on offer to accompany your meal.
• La Cortana, 1550 – Probably among the best pizza on offer in Courchevel, La Cortana is popular with seasonnaires on their days off – which a seal of approval in itself! Good prices and a convivial atmosphere accompany a varied menu including both Italian and Savoie classics.
• Le Chabichou, 1850 – Worth a mention for its two Michelin stars, but you may need to book well in advance! The menu, wine list, service and atmosphere is right on point – as expected from a restaurant with such a fantastic reputation.
• Petit Savoyard, 1650 – Another popular traditional Savoie-style restaurant which also serves great pizza and pasta. There’s a secret recipe for making a family restaurant which keeps both parents and kids happy in equal measure, and Petit Savoyard seems to have nailed it.

Family Features

Please see the ‘Activities’ tab for a wealth of non-skiing options for families.
In addition, provisions for families include:

• Nanny care - Available with varying costs and should be pre-booked. Qualifications are readily available and costs vary accordingly. British nannies are available. Enquire with the tourism office or consult a member of the Skiworld after-sales team.
• Ski School/Day Care - Available for toddlers via ESF. Different packages are available such as half-day, full day, weekly etc. Bookable online directly with ESF.