Courchevel has everything from exclusive hotels to backpackers' hostels, so you should be able to match both your needs and your budget.
Whatever your budget, if you are skiing in high season, you should book as early as possible. For those on a tight budget, the more flexible you are and the later you book, the more likely you are to get a bargain, particularly at the beginning and end of the season.
Best for
Chalet:So many to choose from! Les Avals chalet (run by
Ski Olympic) is brilliant all round.
Cuisine: It has to be the
Chabichou hotel with its 2 Michelin star restaurant.
Location: Although it has been reported to be a bit impersonal,
Hotel du Golf is in a superb position right next to the gondola.
Budget: Ok, so its’ hard to come by in Courchevel, but
New Solarium definitely offers good value for money.
Families: Rond Point is in a great central location, with good facilities and welcomes children.
The villages
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.
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. Because it is situated on the furthest side of the ski area, you will often find the snow is better here than other parts of the valley as it gets less skied out. 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.
1550
This village is directly below 1850 on the slopes. 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 telecabine. 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 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.
Le Praz (Courchevel 1300)
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 gondolas, but the resort has responded by offering heated lockers right next to the lifts.
Accommodation
Chalet/hotel/self-catering
Chalets
For many, the beauty of catered chalet holidays is the food - breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with free wine - and someone to cook it and wash up afterwards. You have the freedom of your own space rather than the more formal environment of a hotel which can be great if you are with a group of friends and can take over the whole chalet.
Hotels
Hotels tend to be the more luxurious option, often with welcome facilities such as steam rooms, swimming pools and on-site bars (although check out the luxury chalet operators too). They are often the best option for short breaks but at peak times even they may demand a minimum stay of one week.
Self-catering
If you prefer to be your own boss then you should think about self-catered accommodation. You have to be fairly organised to shop and cook after a full day on the slopes and eating out every night can add up, although take-aways are an option, and you have the chance to check out some of the local restaurants too.
