Courchevel
Courchevel
Courchevel offers the most extensive and varied skiing in the Three Valleys, and the snow record is better than in neighbouring Meribel. The four villages that make up Courchevel vary greatly.
Courchevel 1850 is the highest and most chic and has a well deserved reputation for attracting the rich and famous with its Michelin starred restaurants, chic bars and exclusive chalets. There are few resorts that can rival 1850 for its levels of comfort, cuisine and cost.
The other villages that make up Courchevel - 1650, 1550 and 1300 – are less pretentious than 1850 and have some more affordable accommodation, although these too seem to be moving ever more up market.
Pros
- Extensive ski area to suit all levels of skier.
- Easy access to the rest of the Three Valleys - Meribel and Val Thorens.
- Lots of ski in ski out Courchevel accommodation.
- Good lift system, snow making and piste maintenance.
- Good après ski and restaurants.
Cons
- Some of the steepest prices in the Alps.
- Some pistes get unpleasantly overcrowded.
- There isn’t much to do off the slopes and the town has lost much of its French feel.
The Skiing
There is plenty of varied skiing in Courchevel before you even begin to consider what is on offer with the Three Valleys lift pass. The Jardin Alpin gives access to some good beginner runs, whilst from the Saulire there are some great red runs as well as Courchevel’s famous couloirs.
Courchevel’s height, abundance of snowmaking facilities and north facing slopes means that the snow reliability is normally good and the endless pistes are well maintained.
Facts And Figures
- Resort altitude 1260m – 1850m
- Highest lift 2738m
- 165 lifts in the Three Valleys serving 600km of piste
- 62 lifts and 150 km of piste
- Plenty of ski in ski out accommodation
The Town And Apres Ski
There are quite a few shops at Courchevel 1850, and snowshoeing has grown in popularity. The pedestrian lift pass makes it easy for non-skiers to meet up with friends for lunch on the mountain, and you can take panoramic flights from the altiport.
Courchevel has plenty of over priced self-service restaurants, as well as gourmet piste side restaurants. The food around 1850 is expensive, but good, whilst La Tania and 1650 offer better value for money. The Cap Horn, besides the altiport, is a favourite haunt for the rich and famous; whilst the Bouc Blanc has great views and is good value compared to most other restaurants on the mountain. Booking in Courchevel is essential.
For lots of nightlife head to 1850. Be warned though, the drinks can be pricy. Exclusive clubs, such as the Caves, have sky high prices with thousands spent on bottles of Champagne. The Kalico is the place to head when the bars shut and attracts a younger crowd with DJs playing nightly. The Jump is also popular, has a great atmosphere and is busy all day long. TJ’s, a seasonaire hang out, is also worth trying.
Useful resources
www.courchevel.com
www.courchnet.com/
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courchevel
