Courchevel – France
Courchevel, France. Image © Courchevel tourist office. 
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.
- 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.
Courchevel videos
Get the train to the Alps
Getting the train to the Alps is a wonderful way to travel. The holiday starts at St Pancras, the check-in is civilised (no taking off of shoes or belt, no lip-balm in plastic bags) and only half-an hour before departure, and there's no ski-carriage cost. Plus, when you get on board the train is calm, speedy and the perfect place for a slap-up picnic feast.
Here's Rail Europe's video on how to go skiing by train, including how to get across Paris - watch, learn, and then book your ticket right here.
Courchevel blogs
Looking down on things
Posted by AlfAlderson on 11th April 2013
I got a nifty new camera for Christmas. It’s a Nikon Coolpix AW 100 since you ask, which is waterproof – useful in snowy conditions should they ever occur again - and also shockproof which is good in the event of a fall.
The good book
Posted by AlfAlderson on 5th April 2013
One of the biggest dilemmas I’m facing whilst skiing the Three Valleys is knowing exactly where to ski – there’s so much terrain to go at it takes ages to get to know your way around, although it has to be said that I’ve faced worse problems in my time.
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 1850 m - 1260 m |
| Highest lift | 2700 m |
| Lowest lift | 1260 m |
| km of piste | 150 |
| Number of lifts | 60 |
| Beginner pistes | 56% |
| Intermediate pistes | 34% |
| Advanced pistes | 10% |
| Snow parks | 1 |
| Glacier | No |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
| Nearest airport | Chambéry (100 km) |
| Lift pass price | €218 / 6 days |
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