Courchevel overview
Often regarded as the capital of the Three Valleys, Courchevel ski weekends are renowned for incredible varied skiing, snow-sure slopes and world-class mountain restaurants.
Courchevel is made up of five villages:
La Tania, Courchevel Le Praz (1330 m), Courchevel Village (1550 m), Courchevel Moriand (1650 m) and Courchevel (1850 m); each of which offers a unique experience.
Courchevel 1850, the largest village by quite some distance, is what makes the resort so desirable to the rich and famous with the luxury boutiques, Michelin star restaurants and chic hotels. It’s not a cheap destination for a ski weekend, even having its own airstrip. More luxury hotels than any city in France (other than Paris) it’s the top village that draws to crowds and demands the prices. Sat at the one end of the world’s largest lift-linked ski area, the Trois Vallées, Courchevel’s snow sure slopes hold enough diversity to satisfy the keenest of skiers.
Away from Courchevel 1850, the surrounding villages have a lot to offer. Le Praz is traditional with plenty of forest skiing and the 1992 Olympic ski jumps. La Tania is a pedestrianised village hidden away in the trees with what feels like it's own private ski area and Courchevel Village is particularly family orientated with the Aquamotion centre (a giant spa and water park area) and free sledging descent as well as direct access to 1850. Courchevel Moriond is the sunniest of the villages with a gentle ski area and lively après ski, at Christmas the village is particularly buzzing, a very festive atmosphere.
Skiing in Courchevel
Courchevel forms part of the Three Valleys with 600km of pistes to explore. Subsequently, Courchevel’s lift system is excellent and provides efficient access to neighbouring Three Valley resorts including Meribel and Val Thorens.
Ski holidays in Courchevel are ideal for all skiers and boarders. Courchevel's local slopes alone are vast and varied with fantastic skiing to suit all abilities. Beginners can take advantage of dedicated ZEN areas, where magic carpets provide easy access back up the nursery runs; whilst intermediates will be spoilt for choice in Courchevel Valley with its huge range of easy blues and varying reds. Experts are guaranteed to find magnificent itineraries to challenge them with some of the best black runs in the area and the famous, 'grand couloirs' at the top of Saulire. There are vast off-piste areas throughout the Three Valleys.
Flexiski Tip Free lifts – Yes they do exist! We always point this out to customers arriving at around two or three in the afternoon, they want to get out on the slopes but it’s a bit late to pay for a half day pass. There are only a couple of drag lifts, Bellecotte being the main choice but it gives you access to the lower slopes for completely free! Perfect for a few quick runs to warm up your ski legs on the arrival day. Have a look at the piste map, the free lifts are the ones marked with a yellow rectangle and they’re more common than you might think!
Après ski in Courchevel
Après-ski in Courchevel 1850 is sophisticated with a price tag to match. Starting at lunchtime at one of the mountain restaurants before heading back to a hotel bar or spa. After dark, those looking for a gourmet dining experience will be spoilt for choice by Courchevel’s six Michelin-starred restaurants; and if you still have the energy, you can dance the night away in one of the stylish bars and clubs.
For a less razzle-dazzle après ski, you could try Courchevel Moriond (1650). The village has built a reputation for a buzzing atmosphere and lively après scene.
