Courchevel Overview
Think Courchevel, think swanky hotels and luxury chalets. Think gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques. Think fur coats and diamonds. Think cash and bags of it. What we are really talking about here is Courchevel 1850, frequented by the international jet set and the single most expensive resort in France. But that is just 1850, so don’t be put off. Courchevel is in fact made up several distinct villages, each with its own individual character and with a price tag to match. Crucially, all of them back on to the largest linked ski area in the world, The Three Valleys.
Getting To Courchevel
Courchevel le Praz at 1300m can be easily reached from Chambery airport in an hour and twenty. From this traditional Savoyard village the road winds up through 1550 and then 1650, finally terminating in the village of 1850, the pinnacle in terms of altitude, expense and sophistication. La Tania, which lies out towards Meribel, is a relatively modern satellite of the resort that has a cult following among Brits. The various areas are served by a regular and efficient bus service.
While 1850 is virtually unrivalled in the French Alps for luxury accommodation it can be prohibitively expensive. The other sectors are more economical alternatives, yet still offer ski-in ski-out convenience and are well connected lift-wise. From Le Praz, for example, you can take a gondola direct to 1850 if you want to see how the other half live. Le Praz and la Tania, 1300m and 1350m respectively, are located at somewhat modest altitude, but there are plenty of snow canons that ensure adequate coverage on the homeruns throughout the winter. Courchevel 1650, a genuine alpine village, is less sterile than 1850, which for all the glitz and glamour is still a purpose-built resort. In 1650 you’ll find good restaurants at reasonable prices and some of the finest skiing in any of The Three Valleys.
What's on in Courchevel
Two riders, a cameraman and a specialist journalist team up to produce the best five minute freeride film. The week culminates with the premier of the films and a huge open party with DJ's and live music.
Only in Courchevel! Courchevel 1850 hosts the highest polo tournament in the world.
Pyrotechnic experts from around the world wow audiences with spectacular firework displays carefully choreographed to music.
Open to everyone who’s game for a laugh, the Three Valleys X-Wing Rally sees teams of three battle it out on the slopes. There are three categories: Pros, Sporting Amateurs and Families. Teams compete across a variety of fun-filled, action-packed disciplines.
The Mountain
Courchevel is the gateway to The Three Valleys, a 600km playground of infinite possibility. From the summit of the Saulire cable car you can simply drop down into neighbouring Meribel. Here and right across the vast domain, the pistes follow the lay of the land so you won’t waste time or energy polling along flats. These natural links combined with an ultramodern lift system mean you can really cover some ground, so head up the hill early and be in Val Thorens in time for lunch. Keep your eyes on the clock if you are valley-hopping and be sure to be back in the right valley at home time.
If you opt for a single valley pass, Courchevel’s tree-lined pistes will not disappoint. And there’s something for everyone. Close to 1850 and the altiport there’s a good selection of green and blue runs, where beginners can find their skiing legs. For some trickier stuff, there’s a wealth of reds and blacks around the Creux Noir and Saulire peaks. Stay high to avoid the main funnel back to 1850 which can get horribly busy. Those in the know head to 1650 to avoid the crowds altogether, where a variety of blue, red and black runs can be enjoyed in the relative quiet that comes from being on the extreme easterly end of The Three Valleys. Off-piste enthusiasts can truly get off the beaten track at Roc Merlet and freeride all the way back to 1650.
If it’s the off-piste you ski for, and the conditions are right, head for the couloirs that dive off the ridge on the right-hand side of the Saulire cable car. The three itineraries, Le Grand Couloir, Sous le Telepherique and Emile Allais are best undertaken after a fresh dump of snow. Be warned, the routes are popular and quickly become moguled and the entrance can be icy. Proceed with caution.
Bars & Clubs in Courchevel
Courchevel has an excellent choice of bars right across the different sectors. 1850 has the most variety but is also the priciest. Bar le Jump is right on the slopes and the place to be as the lifts close. TJ’s is another lively drinking hole with loud music and a great selection of cocktails and shooters. Bar L’Equipe is more chilled, ideal for a long drink and a chat. There’s also internet available. For late night boozing and dancing choose between Le Kalico, Le Grange or outrageously expensive LesCaves.
If you want to avoid having to re-mortgage your house, avoid 1850. In 1650, newly refurbished Le Signal has reasonable prices and friendly staff. Le Bubble Bar attracts a young crowd with cheap (it’s all relative) booze, live music and sport. Brit run Rocky’s is usually rocking and has some good deals at happy hour. In 1550 La Taverne is an unpretentious locals’ bar. Bar 1550 has a resident anything-goes DJ, flavoured vodkas and possibly the cheapest beer in the valley. For live music head to The Ski Lodge in La Tania. It’s also reputedly the friendliest bar in the Alps and a great spot for lunch in the sun. For a more French experience try Darbeilo in Le Praz, the food is excellent and lethal lager, Mutzig is on tap.
Courchevel Après Ski
If the bars in Courchevel don’t empty your pockets the shops will. As well as some 50 ski shops, you’ll find jewellers, high fashion, children's clothing, home decoration, gifts, perfume and local produce. For shopping variety, if not for value, 1850 is hard to beat. That said you will find ski gear here at prices which are comparable to the UK.
Do try to save some of your euros to spend on some of the more high octane après ski activities on offer, such as paragliding, hot air ballooning, ice climbing and quad biking. You can even take flying lessons. And when you are all out of adrenaline, go bowling, take a swim or attend a cookery course even. You’ll soon discover that Courchevel is a lot more than just a ski resort.
Something for the Kids
If you don’t fancy The ESF run kindergarten or ski school, which can be overcrowded during school holidays, there are plenty of other childcare and ski instruction options. Village des Enfants, in 1850, provides day-care for tiny tots and an introduction to skiing from three years. Magic in Motion ski school runs dedicated classes for British over-fours as does Ski Academy. The latter also offers special classes for teens. In 1650, babies will be well looked after at The Garderie, there is a fun play area for little ones at Les Pitchounets and Le Club des Oursons will get three-pluses on their skis.
In Courchevel, the valley pass is free for under-fives and families with four or more members benefit from preferential tariffs. If skiing alone hasn’t worn them out entirely, take your kids ice skating, go karting, dog sledding or swimming and they’ll be guaranteed to sleep right through night until a reasonable hour in the morning.
Courchevel Accommodation Links
Other Links
Other Snowjet.co.uk Resort Guides:
Alpe d’Huez Resort Guide
Chamonix Resort Guide
Courchevel Resort Guide
La Plagne Resort Guide
Les Arcs Resort Guide
Meribel Resort Guide
Montgenèvre Resort Guide
Sainte Foy Resort Guide
Tignes Resort Guide
Val d’Isere Resort Guide
Val Thorens Resort Guide
Courchevel ski resort guide with Snowjet.co.uk
