Courchevel is one of the famous Three Valleys (Les 3 Vallées) resorts, the largest ski area in the world.
Skiers are welcomed by 150 km of slopes of different levels of difficulty. Courchevel is located at altitudes from 1100 to 1850 meters above sea level.
My family and I vacation in Courchevel every year, so we have prepared a guide to individual villages so that you make a good decision – after all, each village is different and suitable for different groups of tourists.
There is also the risk of booking a hotel in an inconvenient location. Therefore, we have also added the best hotel options for our taste.
Courchevel is characterized by well-groomed pistes, a modern elevator network, and some of the best cross-country skiing and freeride areas.
Courchevel consists of six villages located at different altitudes:
- Courchevel 1850: This is the highest and perhaps the most famous village in Courchevel. It is famous for its luxury hotels and stores, it also has many challenging pistes.
- Courchevel 1650 (Moriond): a sunny place where green and blue pistes predominate
- Courchevel 1550: a resort designed for families with children.
- Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz): a typical mountain village mainly known for ski jumping.
- Courchevel 1400 (La Tania): the newest of Courchevel’s villages, where you can find more budget options
- Courchevel 1100 (Saint-Bon-Tarentaise): a pretty village at the lowest altitude. The lower zones are often chosen by families with children. There are plenty of green and blue pistes here. It is connected to Courchevel by a free bus that runs every 20 minutes.
The main towns around the resort are: Courchevel, Val Thorens, Le Menuire, Meribel, La Tania and Bride-les-Bains. In them you will find a wide range of accommodation and a rich gastronomic offer, but first things first.
Where skiing in Courchevel, France
👨👩👧👦 For families with children Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1400
💲 The highest and most expensive village in Courchevel 1850
🏂 For extreme lovers, Courchevel 1300
🎿 For beginners, Courchevel 1650.
1. Courchevel 1850
This is the heart of the whole ski area around which Courchevel revolves. It’s the place where you’ll find the glitz and glamor you may have heard of. The highest part of the resort, Courchevel 1850, is world famous for its exclusivity, luxury, fashion and gastronomy.
Prince William and David Beckham have been here, and you don’t know who you might run into.
In a village aimed at a wealthy clientele who are likely to fly here via a private airport, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants, 5-star (and some 6-star!) hotels and designer stores for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
In the center of the village, on the Croisette, there are elevators that take you up in all directions. Whether you want to climb to the top of Saulire (2738m), test yourself on the Grand Couloir (the third steepest slope in the Alps) or go straight to lunch on the sun terrace, 1850 has you covered.
Аccommodation in Сourchevel 1850
Expensive hotels:
- Lys Martagon – one of the most luxurious hotels in the region, offering upscale service and amenities.
- Snow Lodge Hotel – an exquisite hotel with a beautiful spa and gourmet restaurant.
- Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges – a hotel with direct access to the slopes and magnificent mountain views.
Medium price category:
- Hôtel de La Loze – a cozy hotel in the center of Courchevel with good value for money.
- White 1921 Courchevel – comfortable hotel with swimming pool and sauna, close to the ski elevators.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Les Monts Charvin – simple but clean and cozy hotel with friendly staff.
- Hotel Courchevel Olympic – an economical option with basic amenities, perfect for a budget vacation.
And I always recommend booking hotels in advance – that way you have more choice in terms of prices and options. There may be no vacancies in good hotels in high season, and you will have to choose from mediocre ones.
2. Courchevel Moriond 1650
Courchevel Moriond (also known as Courchevel 1650) has a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The 1650 is always sunny, making it a great ski area for everyone.
Although it still offers a taste of luxury, Moriond is popular with families and groups looking for more relaxed, rustic accommodation at a more affordable price.
It is the liveliest of the villages, with many different restaurants and bars to keep you entertained from morning until late at night. Whether you want live music until the wee hours of the morning, Spanish tapas, European bistro food or traditional Savoyard cuisine, 1650 has it all.
With wide blue and green pistes filling the hillsides and a few red runs, there’s something for everyone.
As far as pistes go, Moriond is perfect for casual skiing: the abundance of green and blue pistes lends itself to relaxed skiing.
It’s also the sunniest part of the resort, making it ideal for late-night descents followed by a well-deserved drink on the sun-drenched terrace.
If you fancy a break from skiing, the Moriond Racing, a toboggan run from the top of the Ariondaz ‘bubble’ to the snow front, is located at 1650.
Аccommodation in Сourchevel 1650
Expensive Hotels:
- Manali Hotel – A five-star hotel with exquisite design and top-notch service.
- Mammoth Lodge – A hotel and lodge offering spacious rooms and access to the slopes.
Medium price range:
- Hotel Club Blanche Neige – A cozy, family-run hotel with a traditional alpine design.
- Hotel Edelweiss – A stylish hotel with modern amenities and access to the slopes.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Apartment Anna – Apartments suitable for families or large groups.
- TERRESENS – LES CASCADES – a simple and cozy hotel, ideal for budget vacations.
3. Courchevel 1550 (Courchevel Village)
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the 1850s and 1650s, Courchevel Village (or 1550) has an intimate atmosphere, more relaxed than other resorts.
Between the traditional chalets, comfortable apartments and modern hotels, the streets are lined with small stores serving rustic Savoyard specialties.
On the outskirts of the village is Aquamotion, a relatively new complex with swimming pools, spa and wellness facilities, and other adventure and indoor activities to enjoy during inclement weather.
In the center of the village, the snow front stands proudly with two elevators taking you up into the 1850’s atmosphere. And if you don’t feel like skiing down, the 2.5km toboggan run is a fun and super-fun alternative.
Аccommodation in Сourchevel 1550
Expensive hotels:
- Ecrin Blanc Resort – a hotel with swimming pool, sauna and direct access to the slopes.
- Luxueux apartment skis aux pieds – a luxury apartment with cozy rooms and high quality service.
Medium price category:
- Hotel Les Flocons – a comfortable hotel with a good location close to the elevators.
- Les Brigues – a hotel with traditional Alpine design and reasonable prices.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Nice apartment for 6 to 8 people Hotel Les Peupliers – inexpensive and cozy apartments with basic amenities.
4. Courchevel 1300 – Le Praz
Le Praz has the rustic Alpine charm everyone looks for in a traditional mountain village. The narrow streets and wooden architecture create a “chocolate box” feel and bring a special magic to Le Praz that is not found in other villages.
Located at an altitude of 1300m, you’ll come across a host of traditional chalets, cozy bars and popular eateries, as well as the iconic Tremplin du Praz Olympic ski jumps and the finish line of the 2023 Ski World Cup.
In addition, the newly renovated Le Praz Gondola takes you to the 1850 center in just six minutes, providing much-needed skiing convenience as well as a taste of true mountain life.
Аccommodation in Сourchevel 1300
Expensive Hotels:
- Les Peupliers Hotel & Spa – A luxury hotel with a beautiful spa and gourmet restaurant.
- Chalet Emilie – a chalet-style hotel with comfortable rooms and direct access to the slopes.
Medium price category:
- Hotel Les Peupliers – A comfortable hotel with a good location and reasonable prices.
- Chalet K120 – Village du Praz – Courchevel Hotel Le Pilatus – a chalet hotel with alpine design and cozy rooms.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Lodge Les Merisiers Auberge de La Poutre – apartments suitable for families or large groups.
5. Courchevel 1400 – La Tania
La Tania is the newest of Courchevel’s villages, located at an altitude of 1400m, on the road between Courchevel and the neighboring resort of Meribel.
The pedestrianized village of La Tania (you can even ski right through it!), lined with friendly bars and restaurants, is popular with families and attracts many tourists.
It’s certainly not as picturesque as the other villages, consisting mainly of apartment blocks built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, but they make up for it with value for money.
La Tania’s tree-lined slopes are a constant attribute of Courchevel, and La Tania’s gondola makes it easy to get on and off the mountain.
Аccommodation in Сourchevel 1400
Expensive hotels:
- Appartement La Tania, 5 pièces is an elegant apartment with upscale service.
- CGH Résidences & Spas Le Britania – full-service apartments with beautiful mountain views.
Medium price range:
- Hôtel Montana – excellent hotel with spacious rooms, spa and direct access to the slopes.
6. Courchevel 1100 – Saint-Bon-Tarentaise
Saint-Bon-Tarentaise is the birthplace of the entire Courchevel resort.
In the village of Saint-Bon, below Le Praz, the resort’s first hotel, Lac Bleu, was built in 1908. With winding mountain streets, a baroque church and a panoramic view of the valley, Saint-Bon is filled with history and beautiful views.
But there are no elevators or bars here, so it’s understandable why tourists prefer to stay elsewhere.
Despite this, however, a free shuttle bus regularly connects Saint-Bon to the rest of the villages, and Le Praz, just five minutes away, makes it easy to enjoy a mountain vacation.
Аccommodation in Сourchevel 1100
Expensive hotels:
Nogentil – elegant accommodations with exquisite design and upscale service.
Medium price range:
Appartement à Courchevel Saint Bon Hôtel Les Peupliers – a cozy family-run hotel with a good location and reasonable prices.
Inexpensive hotels:
Studio à Courchevel Moriond Résidence Pierre & Vacances Les Ravines – apartments suitable for families or large groups.
Cuisine and restaurants in Courchevel
Courchevel is one of the best ski resorts to experience great cuisine.
It is home to the most significant number of Michelin-starred restaurants, so you will have no shortage of great dining options.
All of the above hotels have great restaurants. But here are a few more options that you might like:
Pierre Gagnaire Pour Les Airelles.
Les Airelles is one of the famous 5-star hotels with palace status; its two Michelin-starred restaurant is among the best in the world. A meal at Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant is an amazing experience thanks to the meticulously crafted menu.
You can enjoy dishes that utilize rare ingredients and innovative combinations. This chic restaurant is refined elegance at its best.
Bistrot du Praz
Bistrot du Praz is located in Courchevel’s lowest village, Le Praz. It has earned a reputation as a relaxed place to enjoy hot and cold foie gras dishes.
It is also considered one of the best bistro-style restaurants in the Alps.
Le Chabichou
Le Chabichou restaurant attracts foodies from all over the world with its two Michelin stars. Chef Michel Rochedy’s tasting menu, consisting of regional specialties, is extremely popular with diners.
The hotel itself is distinctively designed, and its five-star service on the edge of the slopes offers a unique experience.
For a more casual but still excellent experience, you can visit the hotel’s other restaurants. You can visit the hotel’s other restaurant, Bistro Le Chabotté.
Mountain restaurants
Le Cap Horn
Le Cap Horn Restaurant, located in the Altiport 1850 Hotel, is a trendy place that features live music in the afternoons. This popular vacation spot serves seafood, salads, pasta, omelets, grilled meats and fried chicken.
A big plus of Le Cap Horn is that it is accessible by road, which is suitable for skiers and non-skiers alike.
La Soucoupe
La Soucoupe restaurant, located at the top of the Chenus piste, is famous for its open fire dishes. It can get very crowded, especially during peak weeks, so it’s best to book in advance.
The restaurant’s extensive wine list is very popular with Courchevel guests. There is also a self-service restaurant on the first floor.
Cave Des Creux
Cave Des Creux is located at an altitude of 2,112 meters above sea level. Originally a cellar for maturing alpine cheese and a sheep barn, the restaurant is now run by local former ski instructors. Here, you can enjoy a fine brasserie menu with regional specialties in a homely atmosphere.
You can also sample excellent Asian cuisine. The authentic decor of Cave Des Creux combines mountain and industrial styles. The restaurant terrace offers fantastic panoramic views of the three valleys and Mont Blanc, and you can warm up by the outdoor fireplace.
Courchevel ski resort and its entertainment
The resort offers visitors a wealth of activities. Courchevel is sublime and cozy – there are pubs, piano bars, establishments with Savoyard flavor. Courchevel 1550 has many quiet pubs and restaurants.
For a late night out, go to Courchevel 1650 and 1850, where many clubs and discos exist. Courchevel has over 70 restaurants, 6 of which are Michelin-starred, and 100 stores. Those wishing to relax can unwind in the spa and wellness centers. There is a choice of massages, saunas, hammams, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, etc.
Courchevel 1850 even has a VIP area with its own airport and many exclusive stores.
Here are some great options when you’re not skiing or snowboarding:
Courchevel Aventure
Courchevel Aventure is an agency that offers a wide range of activities and experiences. In winter, these include ice diving, snowmobile rides, dog sledding and skydiving, for example.
But you are not limited to one activity. Courchevel Aventure can design a customized package of activities and experiences for your group.
Aquamotion
This modern swimming complex is ideal for children and adults alike. You can take a break from your mountain worries in one of the two pools. You can also take advantage of the indoor outdoor pool, jacuzzi, salt pool, hammam and sauna.
Aquamotion also offers massage and beauty treatments. There is also a climbing wall and a mini-wave pool where you can try out your surfing skills.
Helicopter ride
If you haven’t seen Courchevel from a helicopter yet, you can take a sightseeing tour by helicopter.
Taking off from Courchevel’s Altiport, you’ll see views of Mont Blanc and the Alps from the sky.
Sledding
Between Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel 1550, there is a very exciting toboggan run. This runs through the forest and down to the 1550. You can use it for free, you only need to rent a sled, which costs about 5 euros.
There is also a toboggan run from Courchevel 1650, which is longer and faster. It has high-speed turns and tunnels. Therefore, it is necessary to wear helmets.
Interesting local events
In every resort, the opening of the season starts with a big party. Also, on the occasion of holidays, many events are organized everywhere. Courchevel hosts the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup.
Christmas is also one of the highlights when Courchevel turns into a polar and festive paradise. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a bang, with parties on the slopes, with a DJ. Easter is a great adventure for children: the big Christmas egg hunt is one of the highlights.
Related ski areas in Courchevel
The French ski resort of Courchevel is one of the zones in France’s huge Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) ski system. This system is one of the largest in the world and includes many different skiing zones. Here are some of them:
- Méribel (Méribel): Located in a neighboring valley, Méribel offers many pistes of varying difficulty.
- Val Thorens (Val Thorens): This is the highest ski resort in Europe and another ski area in the Three Valleys system.
- Les Menuires: Another popular ski area offering a variety of pistes and ski conditions.
- La Tania: A small and cozy ski resort that is also part of the Three Valleys system.
- Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: This resort attracts tourists with its authenticity and traditional charm.
- Orelle (Orelle): Although located in a separate valley, Orelle is linked to the Three Valleys system and offers access to all its pistes.
All these areas are linked by an elevator system, making it easy to move between the different resorts and enjoy the variety of pistes. The Three Valleys system includes more than 600 km of pistes, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world.
How to get to Courchevel
There are various ways to get to Courchevel, including plane, train and car. However, we recommend booking a private transfer from the train station or airport to Courchevel. Personalized transfers are convenient and make traveling much easier. Here are some ways to get to Courchevel:
How to get from Paris to Courchevel
On weekends during the winter season (Friday through Monday), you can take the TGV direct high-speed train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon station to Moutier. The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and is a great way to see the French countryside.
If you’re traveling during the week, the shortest route from Paris to Moutier is to take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon station to Chambery. From here, you need to take the regional TER train to Moutier, which will take about 5 hours. You then need to get to Courchevel from Moutier by bus, private transfer or cab.
How to get from Geneva to Courchevel
Geneva Airport offers frequent flights to/from many international destinations. The flight time to Geneva Airport from most European cities is less than two hours. Depending on traffic, snow, and weather conditions, the drive from Geneva to Courchevel will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
You can take the train from Geneva to Gare de Moûtiers, the closest train station to Courchevel. Once you arrive at the station, you can get to Courchevel by private shuttle, bus or cab.
Another option is to rent a car at Geneva airport, which will also allow you to get around and visit neighboring resorts. However, you may have to drive in a snowfall, which can be stressful.
If you choose to drive your car, make sure it is equipped with snow tires and snow chains. This is a requirement in the Savoie region from November 1 through March.
If you book a customized airport transfer, you don’t need to worry about all this. This is why we highly recommend booking it when you book your vacation.
Alternatively, you can be above it all with a helicopter transfer from Geneva airport to Courchevel. Please check out the details of this service.
Sources
- Official website of the Three Valleys: http://www.les3vallees.com/
- Official Courchevel website: http://www.courchevel.com/
What are the dates of the ski season in Courchevel?
The ski season in Courchevel runs from the beginning of December to the end of April.
Is Courchevel suitable for beginners?
Yes, Courchevel is perfect for beginners. There are plenty of beginner slopes in the large area of the ski resort.
The best choice is in the 1850 zone, which has the free Bellecote slope, the wide Verdons piste and the altiport ski area – all ideal for learning to ski.
Is there snow in Courchevel?
From the beginning of December to the end of April, Courchevel is guaranteed snow. Its north-facing slopes and altitude of 2730 meters above sea level create ideal conditions for snow.
Courchevel also has a huge network of snowmaking facilities covering most of the mountain. This means that even if the snow does not come naturally, the ski resort can make it itself.
Can you ski from Courchevel 1650 to Courchevel 1850?
Yes! It is very easy to ski anywhere in Courchevel without taking off your skis. It only takes one or two elevators to get between 1650 and 1850.
How big is Courchevel’s ski area?
Courchevel’s ski area is about 150 kilometers of groomed pistes. You can ski throughout the resort on a network of green and blue runs. You can also test yourself on the numerous red and black runs.
Is it easy to ski from Courchevel to Meribel?
For experienced skiers, getting to the Meribel Valley is easy with the Saulire cable car and a number of other chairlifts.
To ski in Meribel, you will need a 3 Valleys pass.
Is Courchevel cold in winter?
As with any other ski resort, you will need appropriate winter clothing. To stay warm on the slopes, skiers need ski jackets, pants, gloves and more. Temperatures usually range from 5°C to -10°C.
What is the altitude of Courchevel?
The altitude of the Courchevel ski area ranges from 1300 to 2730 meters above sea level. The main town of Courchevel is at an altitude of 1850 meters and the other villages are at 1650 meters, 1550 meters, 1400 meters, 1300 meters.
