Courchevel is the perfect resort to choose for skiers of all abilities. Part of the world-famous 3 Valleys, Courchevel offers a vast 660km of snowy-covered peaks to choose from and is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world!
Initially a summer tourist destination, Courchevel is made up of 5 ski villages, which are named for their altitudes in metres. Being a ‘linked resort’, it’s easy to get around via lifts and shuttle buses.
Courchevel is a magnet for ski/snowboard addicts with a wide variety of runs to explore, and its reputation as the winter playground of the rich and famous attracts plenty of luxury boutiques, Michelin-acclaimed restaurants and top-notch hotels, especially at the top altitude resort (1850) where Apartment Mathieu is located so do keep your eyes peeled for celebs whilst enjoying the glittery après ski scene.
Courchevel is also very popular with families, off-pisters and non-skiers and offers a great selection of runs for all levels and lots of non-skiing adventures; it really is a great all round resort.
The ski area above the village has some lovely long green runs as well as some blues. Beginners should head to the nursery slopes at Altiport or take the Jardin Alpin gondola up to the Evolution Zone.
There is a selection of red runs offering great powder skiing accessed via the Creux Noirs and Marmottes chairlifts, and advanced skiers are very well catered for as the resort and the whole 3 Valleys offer a number of challenging runs to keep powder junkies happy.
The Grand Coulior and Coulior Tournier, accessed by the Saulire gondola, are both excellent and tough off-pisted and steep runs.It's well worth booking a guided lesson with an instructor to get the most out of the area.
As well as skiing and snowboarding, there is a huge array of activities to enjoy in this winter playground. Adrenalin junkies can paraglide over the snowy peaks or take charge on a dog sledging adventure. You can try tobogganing, ice skating and snowshoeing, and for the ultimate dream, take to the skies and explore the winter wonderland from above in your own personal hot air balloon.
Courchevel is a fantastic resort to visit any time of year, and its stunning scenery and clear fresh air in the warmer months make for a rejuvenating escape. You can enjoy fabulous hiking and biking adventures, every kind of water sport, swim, boat and fish in fantastic clear, calm lakes and enjoy unforgettable Music Events on warm, balmy evenings surrounded by nature at its best.
The Region
Courchevel is made up of six satellite villages, each with their own distinct style and atmosphere, and picturesque forest roads to lead you in-between. Most well known is the illustrious Courchevel 1850 with its reputation for exclusivity and an A-List clientele. 1850 is certainly the place to go for five-star hotels, swanky bars and extravagant nightlife.
The other Courchevel villages (such as Courchevel Moriond) have a much more laid back vibe and are certainly the more affordable choice.
The skiing in Courchevel is split into four levels and you can take an excellent free ski bus in between. At the resort itself you have 150 kilometres of pistes at your feet and while you can get a Courchevel lift-pass you can also ski the whole of the
3 Valleys with an area-pass. Since the slopes here face north, the snow at Courchevel is more reliable than elsewhere in the Three Valleys.
Courchevel pistes are absolutely unrivaled, meticulously maintained and perfectly positioned to align with the landscape.
With its highest lift at 2740m altitude, Courchevel is exceptionally good for high altitude skiing with incredible alpine views, and the most impressive runs are best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers.
But for the little ones just finding their snow legs, the resort has a fantastic children’s village where they can learn in a stress-free environment. Ski season here lasts until late April and even if you prefer not to ski at all, you’ll be well entertained with everything from scenic walks to classical music concerts.
In the evenings, the Courchevel night skies are lit up by spectacular firework displays that could get anyone in the mood for a night on the town. The bars here are a good mix of casual and upmarket, so there’s plenty for all tastes to enjoy when it comes to après-ski.
Courchevel also has a well-earned reputation for being the best ski resort when it comes to gastronomy.