Courchevel

Courchevel is one of the world’s most prestigious ski resorts, renowned for its combination of vast skiing, immaculate grooming, luxury accommodation, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Part of the Three Valleys — the largest linked ski area in the world with 600 km of pistes — Courchevel is a jewel in the crown of the French Alps.

The resort is actually a collection of five distinct villages, each at different altitudes and with their own personality: Courchevel 1850, famous for its luxury hotels and Michelin-starred dining; Courchevel Moriond (1650), with a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe; Courchevel Village (1550), offering good value; Courchevel Le Praz (1300), a traditional Savoyard base with charm and Olympic ski jumps; and Courchevel La Tania (1400), a quieter, wooded outpost beloved by families.

What unites them is access to one of the most extensive and well-maintained ski domains in the world. With state-of-the-art lifts, extensive snowmaking, and impeccable piste preparation, Courchevel guarantees a skiing experience that is both world-class and reliable. Add in designer boutiques, gourmet dining, and some of the Alps’ most luxurious chalets and hotels, and you have a destination that has become synonymous with sophistication.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Courchevel sits at the eastern edge of the Three Valleys and offers 150 km of local slopes, perfectly connected to the wider network.

• Beginners: Courchevel is one of the best resorts in France for new skiers. Wide nursery slopes and gentle greens are plentiful near each village. Free beginner lifts in 1850 and Moriond, plus top-class ski schools make learning easy and enjoyable.

• Intermediates: This is prime terrain for intermediates. Long, confidence-building blues like Creux and Indiens offer memorable cruising, while the Three Valleys network means endless mileage. The slopes above Courchevel Moriond are particularly forgiving and sunny.

• Experts: Courchevel has its share of challenges. The Grand Couloir is one of the steepest marked runs in France, while mogul fields and black pistes like Jean Blanc and Suisses test the legs. Off-piste, couloirs and tree runs open up in the right conditions, best explored with a guide.

• Freestylers: Courchevel has snowparks, but the wider Three Valleys offers even more freestyle terrain in Méribel and Val Thorens.

The hallmark of Courchevel skiing is perfection: pistes are groomed daily, lifts are fast, and connections are seamless. For many, it’s the ultimate skiing playground.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys lift pass system, offering two main choices:

• Courchevel Valley pass: ~€66/day | ~€330 for 6 days (local 150 km area)
• Three Valleys full-area pass: ~€74/day | ~€370 for 6 days (600 km area)
• Child (5–12): ~25% reduction
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes offer discounts.
• Beginner passes for nursery slopes at reduced rates.
• Season passes include summer lift access and partner benefits.

Resort & Infrastructure

Courchevel’s lift system is among the best in the Alps: fast gondolas, comfortable chairs, and a network designed to minimise bottlenecks. Snowmaking covers most pistes, and grooming is meticulous. It’s one of the few resorts where conditions feel consistently excellent.

The resort is compact enough to explore locally, yet perfectly linked to the Three Valleys, allowing skiers to reach Méribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens with ease. Courchevel itself spans altitudes from 1,300 m to 1,850 m, giving access to both wooded descents and high, open slopes.

Accommodation

Courchevel’s accommodation is world-famous, particularly at the luxury end:

• Courchevel 1850: Home to legendary 5★ and palace hotels such as Cheval Blanc and Les Airelles, plus ultra-luxury chalets with private spas, cinemas, and butlers.
• Courchevel Moriond (1650): More affordable hotels, self-catered apartments, and family-focused chalets, with great slope access.
• Courchevel Village (1550): Value accommodation with quick gondola links to 1850.
• Courchevel Le Praz (1300): Traditional chalets and cosy hotels in a real alpine village atmosphere.
• La Tania (1400): Purpose-built but attractive, with ski-in/ski-out apartments and chalets surrounded by forest.

From budget-friendly family hotels to the most exclusive chalets in the Alps, Courchevel covers the full spectrum.

Dining & Après

Courchevel has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Alps, with over a dozen stars awarded across its fine dining scene. Highlights include Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc (3★), Le Chabichou (2★), and Baumanière 1850 (1★).

On the slopes, mountain restaurants range from rustic chalets serving tartiflette and vin chaud to refined dining with panoramic terraces. Le Cap Horn and La Cave des Creux are favourites for long, sunny lunches.

Après-ski is stylish but can be lively. Le Tremplin in 1850 is a classic meeting point, while La Mangeoire turns into a late-night piano bar. For champagne-fuelled celebrations, Les Caves de Courchevel is the glamorous nightclub of choice. For a more laid-back vibe, Moriond and Le Praz offer cosy pubs and wine bars.

Non-Skiing Activities

Courchevel is as famous for its off-slope lifestyle as for its skiing.

• The Aquamotion centre offers pools, spa treatments, climbing walls, and a surf wave.
• Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledding, and tobogganing on the 3 km Moriond sled run.
• Hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, and paragliding show the Three Valleys from above.
• Designer boutiques, art galleries, and cultural events mean shopping and sightseeing are part of the experience.

For families, the resort offers dedicated children’s zones, indoor play areas, and family-focused activities throughout the season.

Village Character & Access

Courchevel is a collection of five villages, each with its own character. Courchevel 1850 is glitzy, glamorous, and international, with luxury boutiques and a polished feel. Moriond and Village are more laid-back and family-friendly, while Le Praz is traditional and authentic. La Tania sits among the trees, offering peace and value.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble are the closest airports (2–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Moutiers, just 25 minutes away by transfer.
• By car: Around 9 hrs from Calais, with motorway access most of the way.

InTheSnow Verdict

Courchevel combines the best of both worlds: the authenticity of a multi-village alpine community and the polish of one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. Its local slopes are exceptional — wide, well-groomed, and varied — while the full Three Valleys pass offers endless adventure. Add in unrivalled luxury, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class infrastructure, and Courchevel sets a standard few resorts can match.

For beginners, families, intermediates, and experts alike, Courchevel offers skiing at its smoothest and most glamorous. For those who want the finest all-round alpine experience, Courchevel remains one of the world’s benchmark ski resorts.