Courchevel Resort information
Courchevel is the biggest sector within the massive 3 valleys skiing area with a total of 650km of linked pistes. Courchevel is on the left hand side of this famous ski area. There are 4 very different villages to Courchevel each signified by the height of the village in metres. Courchevel 1850 being the highest, also 1650, 1550 and 1300. All these villages are linked via a modern lift system.
15% of the runs around Courchevel are Green, 38% Blue, 37% Red and 10% Black. 33% of all the runs are covered by snow making systems.
Courchevel 1850 is the swankiest of the 4 villages and home to many slopeside chalets and hotels. Although the resort can be pricey we still have plenty more affordable chalets and hotels here. Many of the runs around 1850 are tree lined so ideal when the weather closes in. Popular with wealthy Russian oligarchs the menus in the best restaurant both on and off the slopes are shown first in French, then Russian and then British ! The shops include Swiss watch shops, fur coat shops and famous elite brand shops. The main Croisette lift station in the centre of the resort copes with the high number of visitors very well even in peak weeks with serveral lifts heading in various directions. The resort once shamefully allowed a Korean Billionaire to reserve the best beginners slopes all to himself as he was concerned that someone might ski into him! We hope whoever took that decision has been fired! Courchevel has an excellent reputation for beginner skiing and its easy to see why . The very easy wide green runs such as Pralong, Verdons and Jardin which all meet at the base of 1850 and excellent and all served by fast lifts.
Courchevel 1550 is 300m immediately below 1850 and offers a less pretentious setting with more reasonably priced accommodation. The main road through the village has hotels and chalets with many being just a short walk to the lifts and just a short chair or gondola up to 1850 or a short ski down to Le Praz 1300.
Courchevel 1650 is situatedover to the furthest point left when looking at the 3 valley piste map. Its location means that those staying in Val Thorens or even Meribel rarely make over to this valley and consequently the slopes remain fairly quiet even on the peak weeks. Lots of Blue and green runs make it an ideal choice for beginners and nervous intermediates. Much of the accommodation here is apartments with a few well located chalets and hotels, some ski in ski out. The village is quieter in comparison to 1850 and much better value for money. There are serveral lively bars.
Courchevel 1300 (La Praz) is the original mountain village with attractive cobbled streets. The ski jump, (a legacy of the 1992 winter games), are today a bit of eye sore. Beginners normally take the gondola up and down from 1850 as the runs are either Black or reds
Courchevel for beginners skiers
All the villages are ideal for beginners, particularly 1850 & 1650 with perfectly groomed pistes, in fact the piste groomers of Courchevel have a world wide reputation for keeping the pistes in tip top condition. Runs such as the Bellecote are perhaps one of the best total beginner’s runs wide and gentle slopes although these are best avoided towards the end of the day as more advanced skier’s use them as a route back to the village. We work with the best ski schools and independent instructors here – please ask for more details.
Courchevel for intermediate skiers
We think that the 3 valleys is the best intermediate area in the world, loads of runs to keep even the keenest of piste cruisers busy and all will love the skiing around Courchevel. Most of the red runs can easily be coped with by moderate intermediates; less confident skiers will enjoy the many blues that link with each other.
Courchevel for advanced skiers
Even for experts Courchevel has plenty to offer, the couloirs above the top of the Saulire cable car are obvious choices. Then going further a field in the rest of the 3 valleys area for yet more great options. It’s possible in good snow to drop over 2000m from the top of La Saulire down to Bozel crossing meadows and trees enroute and catching a bus back! If its bumps/moguls you enjoy head for the Swiss run. The off piste is extensive but should only be tackled with a guide.
Courchevel for off piste skiers
If it’s your first time off piste try the Tour Du Rocher de L’Ombre, access it via the Combe de la Saulire piste. Les Avals is popular, access from the Roc Merlet piste from the top of the chanrossa chair, leave the slopes on the right at the first opportunity, and then climb across the ridge, once you reach the rocks in the shape of towers decent on the south side. It’s an easy off piste route. As always we suggest you book a guide when skiing off piste!
Night Life in Courchevel
All the villages have good night life, 1850 has the most to offer, but can be pricy, The Cave offers Paris cabaret at sky high prices. Try the Kalico with live bands. For more affordable prices the Jump bar right by the piste is always popular.
1650 the Bubble Bar is popular with the Brits with live music and cheap beer. Or Rocky’s is also a popular choice.
1550 the Chanrossa bar is popular with the Brits
1300 the Escorch’vel bar is lively .
Best dining in Courchevel
Courchevel has some great though expensive restaurants both on and off the slopes, those with 2 Michelin stars are an obvious choice. On slopes our lunch time favourite is Bel Air in 1650, its good value, great service in an area where Lunch could break the bank!
Child care in Courchevel
We have chalets offering child care in all villages; please call our holiday advisers for more details.