Courchevel has the reputation of being the world’s greatest ski resort. With immaculate pistes, superbly interlinked with the 3 valleys and set amidst the most amazing scenery – who is going to argue? Ski chalets, apartments and hotels are all available to book for those perfect Courchevel ski holidays.
There is an astounding range of bars, restaurants, chic boutiques and nightlife that it is no wonder it is so highly rated. There are four villages that make up the resort of Courchevel.
Courchevel 1850 is the highest village and is certainly the most luxurious as it is the one that catches the headlines with the celebrity visits. It has the airstrip, 5 star hotels, grand chalets and Michelin star restaurants. However, amongst this we do have access to some very reasonably priced chalets and ski deals so you can rub shoulders with the rich and famous for a week whilst Dining back in your chalet in the evening at a price you can afford!
Courchevel 1650 is a pleasant village with several lively bars and quietly situated chalets.
Courchevel 1550 is just a gondola or chairlift ride below 1850 so has the advantage of being in a similar location but with better priced accommodation and restaurants. Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz) is a lovely old village set in woodland. The Olympic ski jump is prominent here. It is a pretty little village where pre skiing children can play in the snow but novice skiers have to take the lift to and from ski school. There are efficient buses that run between the resorts.
The network of lifts spreads out from 1850 which is very much the centre of the area. The slopes are generally wide and open so suit all types of skier. The trees are on the runs down to 1550 and 1650 and are great in poor visibility.
Beginners will find excellent nursery slopes around 1650 and 1850. Courchevel has some of the best groomed runs in Europe so learners will move up quickly on the Verdons and Jardin Alpin telecabins. There are some fantastic wide, gentle and well groomed runs available for practising on here.
Intermediates will grin from ear to ear when they see the amazing variety of runs spread out beneath them throughout the 3 valleys. There are plenty of exciting reds, leisurely blues and scary blacks, quite simply the best runs in the world!
Experts will find plenty to do during your stay in Courchevel. The couloirs from the top of Saulire are worth a trip. If you love moguls try the black Suisses and Chanrossa runs. There is plenty of steep terrain on and off piste but definitely hire a guide who will safely show you the area.
Despite being an upmarket resort, Courchevel has always been popular with snowboarders. There is just such a huge amount for boarders to take on whether you play in the trees at the side of the piste or go for the powder fields. There are two freestyle areas and a boardercross. Cross country skiers will find a total of 66Km of trails with most in the three valleys.
Season Start / End: 3/11 – 2/5
Opening Times: 08:30 – 16:30
Total Slope Length: 600 km (3 Valleys)
Easy Runs: 172
Intermediate Runs: 125
Difficult Runs: 33
MOUNTAIN STATION ALTITUDE: 3230m
VALLEY STATION ALTITUDE: 1300m
TOTAL SKI LIFTS: 171
FUNICULARS: 3
CABLE CARS: 5
GONDOLAS: 35
CHAIR LIFTS: 64
DRAG LIFTS: 44
MAGIC CARPETS: 20
