Skiing & Snowboarding in Courchevel

The Courchevel ski resort in the French Alps is a collection of five Alpine villages — Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1300, and Courchevel St Bon 1100. It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest lift-linked ski area. All five resorts are linked by an efficient bus service. It’s an area of remarkable scenic beauty where you can enjoy some spectacular views, including that of Mont Blanc. Courchevel has a reputation for being a very pricey resort, but in truth, only Courchevel 1850 has astronomically high prices. Not surprising really, since it is a true luxury resort and the hub of the rich and the famous. The other four resort villages are way more affordable.

The skiing

Courchevel has a massive ski area with 150 km of pistes and, in addition, a huge area for off-piste skiing and snowboarding. All mountain skiers will simply love it here. One must-see spot is in the Vallee des Avals. It’s prone to slides but it has a great refuge and some breathtaking scenery. For freestylers, a good hangout is the snowpark above 1850 under the Pralong lift, it has some great rails and box jumps. Also check out Verdon, it has some man-made dunes and good kickers. For beginners, check out Bellecote.

Courchevel is also home to the infamous Grand Couloir, labelled by some as the hardest ski run in Europe. Part of the 3 Valleys Vertical Experience, it’s marked by its iconic black and yellow signs, a beacon for thrill-seekers. Launch your adventure from Saulire, accessible from Méribel or Courchevel. Once you’ve got past the tricky first section it becomes a very steep un-pisted black run. Your thighs will be burning as you fight to control your speed, but it’s hugely rewarding. As you merge back onto the piste, you’ll be entitled to let out a victorious whoop! – you’ve just joined the ranks of skiing legends.

Where to stay

Courchevel has a wide choice of accommodation suitable for visitors from the most luxe-tastic to those on a shoestring. If you are into that traditional chalet feeling, Le Chabichou is the place for you. The rooms are warm and old-fashioned and to top it off, it’s one of the best hangouts for foodies. Another traditional place to stay is Le St. Joseph, a fascinating blend of grand and homely.

If you want family-oriented accommodation try Hotel Manali. The hotel is complete with a nursery, family suites, a Kids club and a swimming pool. Or try Le Portetta, which also boasts spacious family suites and a kids’ games room.

On the more affordable end of the scale you could try Hotel Les Monts Charvin a lovely little comfy b&b. The in-house bar is very cosy. There’s also a good range of apartments and self-catering accommodation.

Where to eat

If money is no object and you want to enjoy the same restaurants as the rich and famous Courcheval clientele you must dine at Le Dinali located by the pistes at the Grandes Alpes Private Hotel and then at the Cap Horn altitude restaurant next to the Pralong piste. Courcheval boasts a full seven Michelin-starred restaurants so even the fussiest of connoisseurs will be catered for. But the choice of great quality food doesn’t end there – head over to Praz where you will find two topnotch dining options: La Table de Mon Grand-Père, which boasts an excellent menu, and Le Bistrot du Praz, which specializes in foie gras. Both restaurants offer reasonable prices. You also have a choice of down-to-earth local restaurants, such as Chez Zézette near Bozel, which offers delicious rustic-style dining.

Where to party

Courchevel 1850 has the liveliest nightlife. Try Le Tremplin and Le Milk Pub for reasonably priced jollies. If you want to party until dawn the must-go venue is Bar Le Jump near Croisette. Le Calico is also late opening and pretty wild all round. Courchevel 1650 is smaller and quieter than Courchevel 1850 (though you can still have a pretty great night!) Popular bars here are the Bubble bar, the Signal bar, and for late-night partying, the By Night tavern and the Space bar.