Courchevel - France
Anyone who has skied in Courchevel will usually mention two things; the skiing is superb but it comes at a price. Whilst the skiing of the vast Trois Vallees is undeniably worth every euro, it is possible to ski here without taking out a second mortgage. It is a resort where you can fly into the tiny altiport and lunch at a two Michelin star restaurant; or you can arrive by coach and lunch on a €5 kebab
Many visitors never bother leaving the village they are staying in, which is a shame as all 5 villages have their own distinct feel and differing facilities. The shuttle bus links between the resorts are very good as well, so getting around is quite easy. The ski area ranges from the lowest village (1260m) up to 3230m and much of the resort is ski in, ski out. Chambery is the nearest airport, 110 km away, but the snow train to nearby Moutiers is a popular choice.
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 1850m - 1260m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 3230m |
| Lowest lift | 1260m |
| kms of piste | 150km² |
| Black pistes | 8% |
| Red pistes | 33% |
| Blue pistes | 37% |
| Green pistes | 0% |
| Snow parks | 4 |
| Glacier | No |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
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Five to try
- Visit one of the luxury hotels in 1850 for hammans (Turkish steam rooms)
- Take an early morning flight across the Courchevel valley in a hot air balloon
- Try sliding down the 2km luge run in 1850
- Zoom around the mountain on a skidoo
- Spend a morning cooking with Michael Rochedy in his two Michelin star kitchen at Le Chabichou hotel
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Planning your trip
Being such a big resort, there are plenty of transport links to take you from the surrounding airports to your particular village (most fly into Geneva). Located in the French Alps, Courchevel is home to some serious skiing, with access to the Three Valleys, making it very popular. more...
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Where to stay
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. more...
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Food and drink
As with all ski regions there are tourist-orientated restaurants both in the town and on the slopes that will charge a lot for a very average meal. However, the vast majority of restaurants in the town are homely establishments that serve up a selection of affordable Savoyard specialities. more...
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Things to do
According to the tourist office, around 25 - 30% of visitors arrive in Courchevel with no intention of skiing or boarding. The resort has responded well by offering activities as diverse as driving a Porsche on ice to guided snow-shoe tours along the forest trails, so even if you’re not skiing, you won’t be bored. more...
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On the piste
Welcome to the biggest linked ski area in the world and also one of the most impressive. If you haven’t skied here before, nothing prepares you for the vastness that awaits you. America’s six largest ski resorts would fit into the Three Valleys. more...
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MadDogView
One of the mega resorts of the Alps: easy access to 600km of pistes in the Three Valleys, endless and flexible accommodation options and fantastic restaurants. Although you’ll pay more than in other resorts, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy yourself here.
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Map
- Download piste map
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Our favourites
Bistrot du Praz
French gourmet restaurant with a great menu and really welcoming service. Lionel Blanc is in the kitchen, his sister Stephanie runs front of house. The small restaurant (with just 55 covers) is typical Savoyarde and the smaller of the two dining areas is just the place for a romantic dinner. Try the Bistrot salad (€25) with duck, foie gras and truffles or frogs legs cooked in the house style (€22). The duck is excellent too (€22). The foie gras tasting menu (both hot and cold) for €35 is just incredible. -
Useful stuff
