Courchevel

Written by the InTheSnow editorial team. Last updated: 29 July 2026. Resort facts checked against official Courchevel sources.

The Lowdown

Courchevel is the most glamorous address in the Three Valleys, the world’s largest linked ski area, and one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps. Spread across four linked villages at different altitudes – Courchevel 1850, 1650, 1550 and Le Praz (1300) – it combines five-star luxury with some of the most reliable snow and varied terrain in France.

Jump to: Ski Area · Skiing by Ability · Snow & Best Time to Go · Lift Passes · Getting There · FAQs

Best For

• Luxury seekers wanting five-star chalets, Michelin-starred dining and high-end boutiques
• Confident intermediates and advanced skiers wanting access to the vast Three Valleys ski area
• Families wanting excellent childcare, ski schools and gentle village-level slopes
• Skiers who prioritise snow-sure, high-altitude terrain
• Those arriving by private plane via Courchevel’s own Altiport

Not For

• Budget-conscious skiers, as Courchevel is one of the most expensive resorts in the Alps
• Those wanting a lively, downmarket bar scene rather than refined lounges
• Skiers wanting a single compact village, rather than four spread across the mountainside

Overview

Courchevel is made up of four distinct villages. Courchevel 1850 is the flagship, home to palace hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques. Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) is more affordable and family-friendly, Courchevel 1550 is quieter and more traditional, and Le Praz (Courchevel 1300) is the original village, home to the Olympic ski jump built for the 1992 Albertville Games. All four link directly into the wider Three Valleys ski area, alongside Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, La Tania and Saint Martin de Belleville.

The Ski Area

Courchevel sits within Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world, with around 600km of pistes and over 160 lifts shared across Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, La Tania and Saint Martin de Belleville. Skiing rises from the valley floor at Le Praz (1,300m) up to around 2,738m at the Saulire, with wide, well-groomed pistes and easy connections between valleys via the Saulire cable car and Col de la Loze. Snowmaking covers around 53% of the area, helping maintain excellent conditions even in a lean season.

Courchevel’s terrain spans from gentle nursery slopes in 1650 and 1550 to the wide, confidence-boosting reds and blues that make up the bulk of the Three Valleys, with tougher black runs and off-piste (including the Chanrossa and the Vallée des Avals) concentrated around Courchevel 1850 and the high Saulire ridge.

Skiing by Ability

Beginners: Each village has its own nursery slopes, with Courchevel 1650 and 1550 offering the gentlest, most affordable introduction to skiing.

Intermediates: Courchevel is outstanding for intermediates, with miles of wide, well-groomed reds and blues linking across the whole Three Valleys.

Advanced: The Chanrossa black run, the Couloirs above Courchevel 1850, and off-piste in the Vallée des Avals offer serious challenges, with further steep terrain accessible via Val Thorens’ glacier.

Best ski-in/ski-out areas: Courchevel 1850 for direct, ski-to-the-door access to the main lift network.

Snow Reliability & Best Time to Go

With skiing from 1,300m up to 2,738m and snowmaking across around 53% of the pistes, Courchevel has some of the most snow-sure terrain in the Alps. Average annual snowfall is around 540cm at altitude. January and February typically offer the most reliable conditions, while March brings longer days with generally still-good snow.

Courchevel Lift Passes

The 2026/27 season at Courchevel is expected to run from early December to late April, snow permitting. Lift passes cover the full Three Valleys area, giving access to Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, La Tania and Saint Martin de Belleville on a single pass. Local Courchevel-only passes are also available for those not wanting the full Three Valleys area. Prices vary through the season, so it’s always worth checking the official Les 3 Vallées ski pass page before booking.

Comparing options for a Three Valleys trip? See the latest ski holiday deals or browse more resorts in our ski resort search.

Ski School & Ski Hire in Courchevel

ESF, New Generation and Magic in Motion all operate in Courchevel, offering lessons for all ages and abilities, including excellent English-speaking instruction. Ski hire shops are plentiful in every village, with high-end equipment and pre-booking recommended in peak weeks.

Sorting kit before you travel? Our ski gear guides can help you choose the right gear.

Accommodation in Courchevel

Courchevel 1850 is home to some of the world’s most exclusive ski accommodation, including palace hotels such as Le K2, Cheval Blanc and Les Airelles, alongside a huge range of luxury catered chalets. Courchevel 1650, 1550 and Le Praz offer more affordable hotels and apartments, making it possible to enjoy the same ski area on a rather smaller budget.

Food & Après-Ski

Courchevel 1850 has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants of any ski resort, alongside chic bars and lounges. Après-ski is generally refined rather than raucous, with Le Praz and 1650 offering a more relaxed, low-key alternative for those not wanting five-star prices.

Families & Non-Ski Activities

Beyond skiing, Courchevel offers a natural ice rink, toboggan runs, snowshoeing, paragliding, and scenic flights from the resort’s own Altiport. Le Praz’s Olympic ski jump is open for viewing, and excellent childcare and ski clubs make Courchevel a popular choice for families despite its glamorous reputation.

Travelling with children? Our family skiing guide has more tips for planning a family ski trip.

Getting to Courchevel from the UK

By air: Geneva is the main gateway, around 141km (roughly 2.5 hours) from resort. Chambéry and Lyon are also within reach. Courchevel’s own Altiport also receives private and small commercial flights for those wanting the fastest possible transfer. By train: Eurostar to Paris then a connecting TGV to Moûtiers, followed by a road transfer of around 30 minutes.

Comparing Courchevel with other options? See our full guide to skiing in France for more resorts across the Alps.

Courchevel Practical Checklist

• Altitude: 1,300m bottom lift height, rising to around 2,738m
• Ski area: Part of Les Trois Vallées, around 600km of pistes
• Lifts: Over 160 across the Three Valleys
• Season: Early December to late April (indicative)
• Nearest airport: Geneva (141km)
• Ski pass area: Les Trois Vallées

Pros & Cons

InTheSnow Verdict

Courchevel is the ultimate luxury ski address, combining five-star comfort with genuinely excellent, snow-sure skiing across the Three Valleys. Confident intermediates and families in particular will love the combination of easy cruising, big terrain and polished infrastructure, while those on a tighter budget may prefer staying in 1650 or Le Praz, or looking at less expensive Three Valleys neighbours like La Tania. For skiers who want the best of everything and don’t mind paying for it, Courchevel remains one of the most complete resorts in the Alps.

FAQs

Is Courchevel expensive? Yes, it’s one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, particularly in Courchevel 1850, though 1650 and Le Praz offer more affordable options within the same ski area.

Is Courchevel good for beginners? Yes, each village has its own nursery slopes and excellent ski schools, though it’s equally well suited to intermediates and advanced skiers.

How high is the skiing in Courchevel? The lowest point is around 1,300m at Le Praz, with skiing rising to about 2,738m at the Saulire.

What is the nearest airport to Courchevel? Geneva, around 141km away, though Courchevel also has its own Altiport for private and small commercial flights.

How many villages does Courchevel have? Four: Courchevel 1850, 1650 (Moriond), 1550, and Le Praz (1300), each with a different character and price point.

Is Courchevel part of the Three Valleys? Yes, it’s directly linked into Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest connected ski area, alongside Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, La Tania and Saint Martin de Belleville.

What is Courchevel 1850 known for? It’s the flagship village, home to palace hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the most exclusive real estate in the Alps.

Can you fly directly into Courchevel? Yes, small commercial and private flights use the resort’s own Altiport, though most visitors fly into Geneva, Chambéry or Lyon and transfer by road.

Is Courchevel good for families? Yes, thanks to excellent childcare, ski clubs and gentle nursery slopes in Courchevel 1650 and 1550.

Useful Official Links

• Courchevel Tourist Office
• Les 3 Vallées Lift Passes
• Méribel Tourist Office
• Val Thorens Tourist Office