Every day leading into the new ski season, we will be highlighting ski resorts from around the world! Today we start with Courchevel ski resort in France. A popular destination with avid British skiers and snowboards with so much on offer. Whilst your here make sure you check out our fantastic Courchevel ski resort guide full of useful information to help you make the perfect choice for your next ski holiday! If you are eager to get away make sure you check out of Holiday Offers where you will find some of the best holidays available across the Alps and beyond!
When it comes to renowned winter destinations, Courchevel ski resort is certainly in pole position. Renowned for being one of the most fashionable winter sports locations in the world, you’re looking at the most stunning selection of deluxe hotels, fabulous restaurants, not to mention access to the Three Valleys – one of the world’s finest areas for skiing.
Let’s Talk Skiing in Courchevel
You can look forward to some of the best snow in the Three Valleys on the slopes of Courchevel. There are many north-facing slopes, with terrain that will suit all standards – from beginners right through to experts. You’ve got 150km of runs here on the Courchevel piste map – with 23 green, 35 blue, 32 red and 10 black to choose from. Free Courchevel ski lifts are available for beginners from most of the villages in the resort with the Courchevel lift pass, plus you’ll find lots of ski in/ski out options.
The Resort of Courchevel
Courchevel is definitely one the biggest names amongst France’s ski resorts in the Tarentaise Valley. Known for its popularity and possessing a ‘bling factor’, it attracts celebrity clientele in particular. However, the resort is also a great choice for all budgets and ski standards – you just need to make sure you find the right accommodation and gastronomy to suit your pocket. Made up of four destinations, its rebrand back in 2011 caters for all levels of guests – right up to the highest village with its own airstrip.
Staying in Courchevel Ski Resort
Well, Courchevel is at the top of the list when it comes to ski resorts, which means that it definitely needs high quality accommodation to suit the calibre of its first-class guests – especially the celebrity clientele that often choose Courchevel 1850 hotels. You’ll find an excellent choice of deluxe Courchevel hotels and accommodation throughout Courchevel. Equally you can choose from some stunning chalets. There are however different Courchevel skiaccommodation choices for all budgets – you’ll just need to check the price first. Many of the key UK tour operators now offer affordable chalet holidays in Courchevel too. With its four different resort villages throughout the resort, you’ll find that the higher altitude the village, the more expensive the price tag.
Courchevel Snow Conditions
Courchevel piste benefits from some particularly good snowmaking coverage, with an average of 3.25 snow days per week during the season, which lasts from December to March. This means the area looks at a total of 25cm of snow each week, with this number dropping to half in April of each year.
Courchevel Resort Life
Known for being the resort of choice in the celeb world, Courchevel isn’t entirely exclusive throughout the resort. Although you’ll find an extensive range of deluxe hotels and chalets, high-quality boutiques, not to mention the bars, clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants, there are still an excellent range of après ski venues for all budgets to enjoy. The Courchevel restaurants and bars found in lower villages, although still quite expensive, are nowhere near as expensive as the highest villages.
One thing that doesn’t change though is the slopes. They have something for every standard, with an excellent choice of terrain to choose from.
What’s Good About Courchevel?
Courchevel has certainly seen lots of changes since its rebrand back in 2011. Back then, each of the villages was known differently. Each village was named with its respective altitude above sea level. The highest and most exclusive village was known as Courchevel 1850, now simply known as Courchevel. The lower villages are markedly different to the top resort; however, they still attract a high price for their accommodation and après ski.
What we like about Courchevel is that the four separate resort villages each have their own particular charm and personality – and appeal to a different type of clientele. Away from the ski slopes of Courchevel, you have a modern leisure complex called Aquamotion, which opened in 2015; ideal for non-skiers in Courchevel. Here you’ll find a swimming pool and spa – however it is expensive. Après ski-wise, you’ve got loads of choice here in its bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, but they tend to be expensive.
If you’re bringing the family, there are some child-friendly ski areas to visit, we particularly recommend the medieval themed 5-hectare children’s village which has its own gondola. You’ll also find some UK operator-run nurseries here.
The SnowResort Verdict
You’ve got plenty of hotels and chalets here to choose from with ski in/ski out facilities. It’s certainly an area that has an ample amount of 5-star hotels and more expensive chalets, so you might find it more difficult to find more reasonably priced ski accommodation in Courchevel. Skiing-wise though, you’ll find good coverage in the highest of the villages for most of the season.
If you like the sound of Courchevel do not forget to check out our fantastic Val Gardena ski resort guide! If you fancy making France your next ski destination then also check out our Les Menuires & Les 2 Alpes resort guides.
