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Courchevel - The number one designer ski resort, this multi-level resort at the heart of the Savoie Alps retains its premier position as the most stylish place for a ski holiday in France. A Mark Warner ski holiday in Courchevel features the stylish Chalet hotel Dahu. Located only 100m from the Croisette lift station, Chalet hotel Dahu gives skiers and snowboarders easy access to the slopes. Courchevel offers a wide choice of groomed snow, challenging off-piste runs and spectacular glacier skiing at Val Thorens.
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Courchevel 1850 - the highest of the five components of this big resort - is the favorite Alpine hangout of the Paris jet set, who fly directly in to the mini-airport in the middle of the slopes. Its top hotels and restaurants are among the best in the Alps, and the most expensive. But don't be put off: a holiday here doesn't have to cost a fortune (especially in the lower villages), the atmosphere is not particularly exclusive, and the slopes are excellent. Courchevel is the most extensive and varied sector of the whole Three Valleys, with everything from long gentle greens to steep couloirs. Many visitors never leave the Courchevel sector; but there is good access to the rest of the Three Valleys, too.
Le Praz is an overgrown, but still pleasant village, La Tania and 1550 quieter and good for families, 1650 has more of an old village atmosphere than it seems from the drive through, and the posh bits of 1850 are stylishly woody. But overall the resort is no beauty. Well, nothing's perfect. Courchevel's long list of merits is enough to attract more and more international visitors, but it remains much more French than Méribel, over the hill, as well as having better snow.
Resort Altitude 1850m
Highest Lift 3200m
Longest Run 5km
Kms of piste 600km
Snowboard Parks 1
Total Runs 275
Advanced Runs 28
Intermediate Runs 146
Beginner Runs 101
Total Lifts 198
Gondolas/Cable Cars 43
Chairlifts 68
Other Lifts
Direction of slopes N, E, S/E, W
Snow Cannons 519
Uphill Capacity 68349
What's Great
Extensive, varied local terrain to suit everyone from beginners to experts - plus the rest of the Three Valleys
Great easy runs for near-beginners
Lots of slope-side accommodation
Impressive, continuously updated lift system, particularly above 1850
Excellent slope maintenance, and widespread use of snowmakers
Wooded setting is pretty, and useful in bad weather
Choice of four very different villages
Some great restaurants, and good après-ski by French standards
What's Not-So-Great
Some slopes get unpleasantly busy
Rather soulless villages with intrusive traffic in places
1850 has some of the most expensive hotels and bars in the Alps (prices in the other villages are much lower)
Little to do away from the slopes (during the day, at least)
Losing a little of its very French feel as more and more overseas visitors discover its attractions
With access to 600km of seamless pistes shared with Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, Courchevel is ideal for skiers of all standards - as well as heaven for those who shop and a paradise for those who enjoy good food. This resort has it all and our base at Courchevel 1850 puts you right in the heart of it.
After skiing out on the easy, perfectly groomed pistes that run through the centre of the resort, leisurely skiers can potter across to 1650 and lunch in style and sunshine at the best mountain restaurants. Or, they can head for the steeper, higher altitude slopes, including the fan of couloirs below Saulire ridge. In bad weather, there's sheltered skiing in the forest above La Tania and Le Praz. Strong skiers make for the long runs and off-piste slopes on Mont Vallon and La Masse, and the spectacular glacier skiing at Val Thorens. The lift system is now so efficient that intermediate skiers can manage the end to end tour to the Maurienne (beyond Val Thorens) and back without having to rush.
Nobody ever gets bored in Courchevel. The best restaurants are inevitably expensive but there are affordable alternatives and some stylish bars that serve very good food. 1850 also has a sports centre with an ice rink and a climbing wall, as well as bowling, squash, snow-shoeing, tobogganing and parapenting - and Courchevel 1650 has an ice tower to climb. A free resort bus links all levels of Courchevel.
Courchevel is the largest of the resorts in the renowned Trois Vallees in the Savoy province of France. The Three Valleys comprise the world's largest ski domain, an area with 372 miles of trails and slopes that are interconnected with 198 lifts. America's six largest ski resorts would fit into the Three Valleys. Courchevel alone has 65 lifts and 102 runs, with a top vertical descent of more than 4,700 feet. Courchevel is built on four different levels, from 4,290 feet to 5,940. The highest cluster of buildings at Courchevel 1850 (meters) is arguably the most fashionable, with luxury hotels and chalets and energetic night life. Many accommodations allow skiers to step out the door after breakfast and into their skis to embark on a journey to see how much vertical they can log or how far across the Three Valleys they can go. Sophisticated skiers will know in advance which mountain restaurant they will stop at for lunch. (see also the listings for Meribel and Val Thorens)
Resorts close to Courchevel include: Champagny (5 km), La Tania (5 km), Meribel (6 km), Mottaret (6 km) and Brides Les Bains (7 km).
Courchevel Overview:
Anyone who has skied in Courchevel will usually mention two things; the skiing is superb but it comes at a price. Whilst the skiing is undeniably worth every euro, you it is possible to ski here without taking out a second mortgage. This is a resort where you can charter a private jet to fly you into the tiny altiport and lunch at a two Michelin star restaurant; or you can arrive by coach and lunch on a €5 kebab (on the piste as well!). There are five villages ranging from 1300m to 1850m. The villages descend in size as you go down the mountain and all have their own distinct feel. Whilst 1850 is perhaps more sophisticated, you will find a good choice of restaurants and bars in all the villages.
Many visitors never bother leaving the village they are staying in all holiday, particularly those staying in a chalet. This is a shame as the villages all have something to offer and getting around is quite easy.
Courchevel 1850
The highest, largest and most expensive village is, for most people, the heart of Courchevel. Home to the luxury hotels and most - but definitely not all - the gourmet restaurants, it also has a lively nightlife. The resort stretches up and across the hill between three long green runs and much of the accommodation is ski in, ski out. The pay-off for this is that you may have a brisk uphill walk in the evening, although most areas are served by satellite bus routes.
Courchevel 1650
The next largest village, 1650 sits on a ridge with views across to 1850 and 1550; it is connected throughout the day and into the night by a 10 minute shuttle bus service to 1850. It has great beginner slopes and is popular with families.
Although the village is quite spread out, you can rent heated ski lockers in the main lift building, simplifying the chore of carrying skis and poles uphill in cumbersome ski boots.
Courchevel 1550
This village is directly below 1850 on the slopes. A new six-seater, Tovets, was installed in 2004/5, considerably reducing the queues that used to build up.
The restaurant and bar choice is smaller but there are still some good places to eat and drink. Access to 1850 is simple during the day until 7.30pm – simply jump on the Grangettes télécabine and you arrive in the Croisette less than 10 minutes later. The bus to and from the other villages run every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can always take the 2km sledging piste which runs directly from 1850 and finishes in 1550!
The size of the village is reflected in slightly cheaper prices. It is great place for families but not for complete beginners as the blue and red runs back home, whilst short, are on the steep side and can get icy.
La Tania (Courchevel 1350m)
La Tania was built for the 1992 Olympics and the central apartment blocks housed the judging officials. The village that has grown up around them is full of charming, wooden chalets with a high proportion being ski in /ski out – at least for intermediate skiers.
The short main ‘street’ has a limited number of restaurants, bars and shops and will take you about five minutes to explore but there’s a good choice of restaurants and one of the liveliest bars in the resort.
La Tania is the closest to Méribel of all the Courchevel villages, making it a great base for exploring the Three Valleys. Families love coming here and the early evening is full of children (both big and small) sliding on bumboards down the lower slopes. Folyères, the blue run back into resort, can sometimes be challenging for new skiers but the gondola is always an option.
Le Praz (Courchevel 1300m)
A charming little village where life goes on after all the winter visitors leave. Despite the low altitude, the red run back into resort is serviced by snow cannons so you can ski back most of the season. If that’s not possible, then the two gondolas and the bus service make access easy.
Some of the newer chalets are quite a walk from the télécabines but the resort has responded by offering heated lockers right next to the lifts.
Le Praz is also home to the 90m and 120m ski jumps built for the 1992 Albertville Olympics. They are unique in France and used throughout the season by national teams, which makes exciting viewing.
You won’t find the sophisticated nightlife of 1850 here but it definitely has its own character.
Lying to the west of Lyon the resorts of the Three Valleys must have the greatest concentration of British skiers. Resorts include Courchevel, Méribel, St Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. There is a direct train to this area from London on Friday nights and Saturdays and it is relatively easy to make an overnight connection via Paris, Lille or Brussels.
Food and Drink
Despite rumours to the contrary, eating out in Courchevel needn't break the bank. Whilst you will find some of the best restaurants in the Alps, with options ranging from oyster bars and seafood platters to gourmet Savoyarde specialties, you’ll also find great sandwich bars and pizza restaurants where you can eat for around €10.
If you are vegetarian, you will find it difficult to eat anything other than pizza, pasta or cheese fondue. You certainly shouldn’t expect UK standards of choice.
However, if you are a carnivore you have a treat in store. Fantastic steaks are available at very reasonable prices in many establishments, notably L’Oeil de Boeuf in 1550 and Le Darbeilo in Le Praz. And, of course, pretty much everyone offers Savoyarde specialities.
In Courchevel
La Cloche
Small French restaurant with a delightfully intimate atmosphere. Service is excellent without being intrusive. Try the local dishes on the menu or if you’re splashing out, the evening tasting menu for €80. The terrace is a great suntrap later in the season.
Le Darbeilo
The restaurant has a huge open fire and really local feel. Informal yet with an unashamedly classic French menu. Fantastic fondue and melt-in-your-mouth steaks but make sure you save room for the wicked chocolate cake!
L’Oeil de Boeuf
Tucked away at the bottom of the slopes in Courchevel 1550, this former barn is transformed into a cosy small restaurant which is a haven for meat lovers. Most of the main dishes are cooked on the open fire in front of you. The small terrace is also a perfect spot for an end of day beer.
On the Mountain
Le Bel Air
Fabulous views, three sunny terraces and service so welcome you feel like a regular on your first visit. Easy access for pedestrians too, from Courchevel 1650.
Le Cap Horn
The place in Courchevel for an extravagant lunch. If you cannot stretch to lunch, stop for a mid-afternoon drink, enjoy the piste basher DJ and watch the beautiful people!
Rond Point
Deservedly one of the most popular bars and restaurants in Méribel. It has a sunny terrace and spacious interior which transforms itself in a lively après-ski venue with regular live bands. One of the Three Valleys ‘must do’s.
La Soucoupe
Choose the top floor restaurant rather than the self-service restaurant downstairs. With stunning views over Courchevel, your main challenge at La Soucoupe will be whether to choose the sunny terrace or the warm wooden interior to enjoy the wonderful food.
Reviews
February 26, 2006 - 02:55 PM
Connor from UNITED KINGDOM
I spent two weeks in Courchevel, from late January to the beginning of February, and I couldn't believe how good it was. This was only my second ski holiday and I went independently, staying in Le Praz (a lovely village away from the madness of 1850) with Ellis Jackson Ski Holidays. It was a fantastic experience learning how to ski properly on some of the more difficult slopes. I was also very impressed with the way that the pistes were maintained each night, even with the lack of snowfall.
2 December 20, 2005 - 12:28 PM
Tony Twort from FRANCE
I met my wife in La Tania and the snow was fantastic as well. We were so impressed by the whole area we sold up in England and moved to the three valleys so now powder days are more frequent. The snow at the moment is great with good cold temps and still snow making. Why go anywhere else!!!
3 November 27, 2005 - 08:56 AM
Neil from UNITED KINGDOM
Courchevel is the daddy of them all!
We go as a group of mad keen intermediate skiers and skiing all day every day on freshly pisted tracks is a joy. Don't think anyone does it like Courchevel.
There are 5 resorts and each are great in their own way. If you don't want to spend a fortune DON'T go to 1850 and DON'T eat in Chalet de Pierre (28€ for 2 cokes and a bottle of water - ouch!)
We stay in LE PRAZ and enjoy the real village atmosphere and its great bars and restaurant. Apres ski downstairs in the hotel is just sheer bliss! There are superb runs into the village although I would say only 2 are guaranteed skiable for the entire season.
Never stayed with any of the big tour operators in Courchevel (gave up on their inflexibility long ago) but have been with a couple of independent operators Great choice of wine with every meal, great value for money and great fun!
4 January 25, 2005 - 08:45 PM
Chris James from UNITED KINGDOM
Another excellent week at Courchevel 1850 with qski.net Last three days playing in the powder were deep joy.
I'll be back
5 January 04, 2005 - 05:40 PM
mel & darran from UNITED KINGDOM
We have just had the most fantastic time in Courchevel 1850 for xmas. It is expensive for everything, but you only need to travel down to la Tania or across Meribel to get a decent Gluwein at less than 1/2 the price, & thats for 2!
I can highly recommend a full 3 valleys lift pass if your intermediate, as all runs are easy & now way are the blacks anything like the steep runs in Val D'Isere. It's well worth the extra pennies. Staying in Meribel Motteret would be the best area to stay in to get the best out of the area, as it is slap bang in the middle of all the valleys!
have fun.
6 December 28, 2004 - 09:07 PM
Nicksterrr from UNITED KINGDOM
After a lacklustre start (little snow 1 run open) a heavy dump of snow soon rescued our weeks skiing in the second week of December (2004). Excellent time was had, apres ski took over for most of the week due to the early conditions! Although expensive (6 - 8 Euro's for a pint) the atmosphere created by the seasonaires in the bars and clubs was the best I have come across whilst skiing. Particular recommendations are Bar Le Jump that became our local, great staff who be warned will ensure you drink up on time when it closes as they like to party too!! Once closing time is reached a must every night is Kalico's night club, reps, bar staff, seasonaires all flock to this at about 1am to go crazy!! Beware the ski tourist who wants to ski early as you will get drawn into this mecca for partying until 4am if you arnt careful. My liver is still recovering and after dancing like a drunk monkey most nights more injuries were recieved from here than on the pistes (getting too old for break dancing!!)
Thanks to all the Reps (too many to mention!!)
Nick
7 August 26, 2004 - 04:07 PM
p goddard from UNITED KINGDOM
good sking from jan onwards; very expensive, there,s a dent in the wall at bar le jump where the arsenal went out of europe last year; but i,m going back in dec 2004 so praying it snows hard, its a great place good atmosphere and very busy
8 March 23, 2004 - 02:34 AM
Mick Kirkland from UNITED KINGDOM
I've stayed in Courchevel over a dozen times in the last ten years, and i've never had a bad week. Without doubt Inghams offer the best value for money deals in all of the courchevel vilages.
I'm going out there fo the second time this season at Easter. If anyone new to the area would like a guide I'll willingly show them around. This applies particularly to Canadians or other visitors. When I skied in Canada the local skiers were so hospitable and were only too willing to show visitors the slopes - I'd willingly reciprocate .
9 November 14, 2003 - 05:37 PM
andrea from UNITED KINGDOM
oh forgot to add try 'le ski' great chalet's, good prices, book early get lift pass inc! lots of wonderful food
10 November 14, 2003 - 05:30 PM
andrea from UNITED KINGDOM
excellent slopes - powder in jan02 wild stuff, for eats try bottom of 1650 slopes le chenin blanc (i think)good food, good prices - going jan03 wahoo |
