The most exclusive resort in the French Alps, Courchevel is known the world over for its beautiful ski area and its many luxury boutiques.
Courchevel resort at sunset @Elpis Ioannidis
- © Boris-B / Shutterstock
Courchevel
Courchevel in short
Why come to Courchevel?
Courchevel, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the French Alps, is the ideal place to spend a dream holiday. Firstly, the resort offers direct access to the Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, with 600km of pistes to suit all levels of skier. Secondly, the breathtaking alpine scenery provides the perfect backdrop for winter activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog-sledding. The resort is also famous for its world-renowned gastronomy, with several Michelin-starred restaurants. Finally, Courchevel is also known for its luxury ambience, offering a wide variety of high-quality accommodation, spas and upmarket boutiques for an exceptional holiday experience.
© raevas / Shutterstock
© Boris-B / Shutterstock
© nikolpetr / Shutterstock
Who is this destination for?
Courchevel is an exceptional destination, with breathtaking scenery stretching from the Mont Blanc massif in the north to the Ecrins massif in the south, as well as unique views of the Swiss and Italian Alps to the north and east.
Courchevel is primarily aimed at winter sports enthusiasts looking for a first-class skiing experience. The resort is suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts, and offers modern facilities to ensure an enjoyable stay on the slopes. Families with children will also find plenty to do, with a variety of activities for all ages, from toboggan runs to kids' clubs. Courchevel is also a popular destination for travellers looking for luxury and glamour, with a wide variety of top-of-the-range accommodation, Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques. Finally, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts can discover the beauty of the region's alpine landscapes.
What to eat in Courchevel
Courchevel is home to a veritable constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants, with 11 macaroons awarded to seven establishments. Four of them have even been awarded two stars by the famous guide. On the menu, most of the chefs are offering French cuisine they have revisited or reinvented themselves.
It's also a celebration of cheese, with 1,001 classic recipes, from Savoy fondue to raclette and Savoy potée. The latter is distinguished from other regional potées by the addition of smoked bacon and Savoie diots. And don't forget to try the delicious Savoyard pastry: rissole.
Courchevel: what to do?
Skiing is obviously the resort's star activity. As are the other winter sports that steal the show year after year. Snowboarding, skateboarding, snowshoeing: anything goes when it comes to hitting the slopes.
Mountaineering is a great way to share a moment with friends or family. If the weather is against you, you can meet up at the Olympic ice rink at the Courchevel Forum to play Ballon Balai (free), or go bowling and finish the day by a roaring fire while enjoying a fondue and mulled wine.
However, if the weather is fine, you can take to the skies with an introductory flight or a first flight, or enjoy a picnic on the shores of Lac de la Rosière.
With the number of luxury hotels that have invaded the resort, Courchevel, and more particularly Village 1 850, is the kingdom of well-being. Almost every establishment has a spa within its walls. Some, like the Strato or the Chabichou, rival each other in luxury and imagination.
With the number of luxury boutiques springing up like mushrooms, Courchevel 1 850, or "Courch" to its friends, is also a haven for shopping aficionados.
Food lovers will have plenty of time to try out the dozens of Michelin-starred and other restaurants that line the resort's streets.
Several toboggan runs, including Moriond Racing, 3 km of pure sliding worthy of a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Luge 1850-1550, 2 km of thrills in the heart of the forest, during the day or at night.
Whether or not you're a fan of snow sports, you won't be able to resist the charms of Courchevel. The resort offers breathtaking scenery, especially in winter, when the snow covers the mountain slopes and fir forests.
Away from the glitz and glamour, you can get away from it all by discovering the most beautiful canyons in Savoie, or by taking a stroll around Lac de la Rosière, at the foot of the Vallée des Avals. And to continue your visit, you could discover the baroque church of Saint-Bon, which will take you on a journey through the world of agropastoral farming. Finish your day in Praz, a small traditional mountain village with chalets and small regional restaurants...
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How to get there?
What about coming by plane or helicopter? Courchevel is one of the few ski resorts in the world with its own airport! The term "altiport" is used to describe a mountain airfield. The word "altiport" was actually coined when the Courchevel airport was created - the first of its kind! The gradient of the Courchevel altiport's single runway, just 375 metres long, is the steepest in the world for an international airport, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
By car, take the motorway to Moûtiers, then an open, safe road for 30 minutes to reach the resort.
By train, take a ticket to Moûtiers.
There is a free shuttle bus service between the various villages, but a charge is made for the coach service to and from Moûtiers SNCF station. For more information, visit the Altibus website.
Where to stay?
Courchevel offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets. For those looking to add a touch of luxury to their stay, hotels with swimming pools and even spas are an ideal choice for a successful holiday.
Practical information
When should you go to Courchevel?
Although you can enjoy Courchevel at any time of year, it's best to go during the winter or summer season to take advantage of all the entertainment.
lightbulb_outline Editor's tip
If your bank account is in a bad way, avoid Courchevel 1 850, as the prices charged by the shops, bars and restaurants are prohibitive.
As in other resorts, don't venture off the marked pistes without a professional.
Don't forget to invest in warm clothing, as temperatures can drop very low in winter.
For those who are reluctant to ski, there is the "stop zone", where you can test your ability to brake and stop. There's also the "Avalanch camp", designed to teach you about the dangers of the mountains.
Courchevel Tourist Office
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