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Nestled in the heart of the French Alps and overlooking the Tarentaise Valley is Courchevel, one of the world’s top ski resorts. Part of Les Trois Vallées, which is the world’s largest ski area, Courchevel is the preserve of wealthy individuals from all over the world, including royal families, and it’s not hard to see why. The powder here is meticulously prepared by 160 workers every night from 5PM to 7AM. After you ski down perfectly groomed slopes with optimum snow cover, the cable car to the top provides enchanting views of the Alps and Mont Blanc. It should come as no surprise then that the 1992 Winter Olympics and the 2023 World Ski Championships were held in Courchevel.
Here's what to expect from a visit to this exclusive ski resort.
The first thing to clear up about Courchevel is that it isn’t one place. In fact, the resort is made up of six villages that sit between forests and spectacular panoramas. All of them are linked by ski lifts and free shuttles that make up a unique "ski-in/ski-out" resort system.
It all began with the construction of the resort’s first hotel in 1908 in the village of Saint-Bon. The site is home to a baroque church and typical mountain village streets, where visitors can enjoy hikes to the surrounding hamlets and soak in the tranquillity of the mountainscapes. Next to it rests Courchevel La Praz, a mountain village that has chalets and narrow streets. When the peaks are covered by clouds, the forest of Courchevel Le Praz transforms into the perfect ski slope.
Then there is Courchevel La Tania, an unspoiled corner of paradise. This car-free village is home to the Folyères run that snakes through a splendid spruce forest. Children can have plenty of fun here by going on tobogganing runs.
Next up is Courchevel Village. In terms of skiing, the snowfront here offers fast, direct access to the main resort of Courchevel 1850 in less than five minutes. Families can enjoy the 2.5 kilometre toboggan run, which starts at an altitude of 1,850 metres and finishes at 1,550 metres, in the village centre. Six minutes from it is the Moriond sector, which gets a lot of sunshine and is composed mainly of green and blue runs. On skis or by shuttle, you can reach Courchevel 1850 in a few minutes from here. People come to Courchevel Moriond for a drink or a good meal at its many restaurants.
Last of all is the star attraction of the resort: Courchevel 1850. It is the centrepiece of the skiing experience here and has numerous hotels, restaurants and shops. From the Michelin-starred restaurants and decadent gourmet tables to the fireworks and the illuminations of the resort, you will be dazzled everywhere you look. On the slopes, visitors can reach La Saulire, the highest point of the resort at 2,738 metres, in the blink of an eye. From here, they can choose between easy skiing, expert skiing in the mythical Grand Couloir or adventures in Les Trois Vallées.
The first thing to do here is to ski, of course. Ski or snowboard down the slopes on your own or learn from one of the many ski schools in the area. Visitors can also go on a day trip to explore the vast ski area, from the forests of Courchevel to the peaks of Les Trois Vallées, or book half-day lessons to improve their technique. There’s a children’s village for the young ones as well as group lessons with friends, among other activities that cater to them. The budding skiers will end their week by receiving a beautiful medal from their instructor. Alternatively, there are two toboggan runs in Courchevel 1850 for them to compete on with friends.
If you want to experience the thrills of dog sledging, Courchevel has you covered. You can traverse the snowy landscape of Savoie while comfortably seated in the sledge, driven by a professional musher. Drift away to the rhythm of the huskies' footsteps in the snow and admire the countryside surrounding you.
Since you're in the Alps, we recommend hiking at least once. The Alpine massif boasts a wealth of biodiversity which you can explore on snowshoes or during your ski runs. Vanoise National Park is home to many emblematic species, including chamois, ibex, lynx and the golden eagle. What's more, the vast Alpine meadows are dotted with colourful wildflowers that create a floral spectacle in the spring and summer. The lakes and rivers of the Alps are also populated by trout, pike and other aquatic species.
At night, ride a “fatscoot” (an electric scooter with big wheels) on the snow. Descend the slopes at twilight and see another side to the calm, nocturnal and snow-covered landscape. This mountain activity is suitable for children who are over 1.40 metres tall and is available every day during the winter season. Alternatively, you can ride a “fatbike” at night—a mountain bike with big wheels specially designed for the snow. This activity will be supervised by qualified ski and mountain bike instructors and is suitable for those aged 12 and above. Visitors can also climb aboard a snow groomer and discover the magical Courchevel ski area under the stars.
Outside of the snowy slopes, consider relaxing in the crystal-clear waters of Courchevel at Aquamotion, one of Europe’s largest mountain aquatic centres. In the summer, guests can take a dip in Lake Praz and swim in complete tranquillity.
There are many places serving high-end cuisine in Courchevel. We recommend the Restaurant Alpage at the Hotel Annapurna, L’Apogée, Il Rifugio, Les Airelles and Asian Chalet, to name a few places.
For a luxurious stay, consider booking rooms in the Hôtel La Sivolière, the Hotel Annapurna, Fahrenheit Seven, the Six Senses Residences and Spa, and the Aman Le Mélézin.
Courchevel is a year-round destination with distinct seasonal charms so the best time to visit depends on your interests. For winter sports enthusiasts, December to April offers excellent skiing conditions, abundant snowfall and well-groomed slopes. The peak holiday season around Christmas and New Year is magical but crowded. For summer visitors, June to September unveils lush landscapes and hiking trails, ideal for outdoor activities like mountain biking and paragliding.
