Apartment Snowdrop

Surrounded by the picturesque Vanoise Peaks, Apartment Snowdrop offers the perfect place for those looking for a relaxing alpine escape, and with the Gragnettes Gondola less than 50m away, guests can be swiftly transported Courchevel’s central lifts where an expansive ski network awaits.

Conceived by a couple of French soldiers during the war, Courchevel’s first lift was built in 1946, and has since become one of the world’s most enviable resorts. Situated in the Rhône-Alpes région, a majority of north facing slopes ensure reliable snow cover and an efficient lift network invites you to explore the area’s full potential. Several nursery areas and beginner zones are perfect for those just starting out, and plenty of ski schools offer lessons for those looking to develop their technique or build up confidence. For more seasoned skiers, at the top of the Saulire cable car, the Grand Couloir offers one of the steepest pistes in the Alps, or try out L’Eclipse, an impressive black recently created for the 2023 World Championships.

Whilst exclusive hotels around the resort have introduced an exceptional fine-dining scene, there are plenty of mountain side restaurants offering up classic dishes at a reasonable price. At 2700m, Le Panoramic is a great spot for lunch, and you can sit in the sun and enjoy splendid views across the valley. Alternatively, Le Bel Air serves up traditional Savoyard cuisine with typical plates such as snails or côtes d’agneau, or head back down to the Village to La Tables de Flocons, where its warm wooden interior and hearty plates are perfect for a relaxing evening.

A pedestrian ski pass is great for those wanting to explore the wilder side of the valley, and there are plenty of well-marked hiking trails that will lead you through the wonderful scenery. Grab a pair of ‘raquettes’ and head to the heart of the mountains or opt for a more leisurely excursion, riding along on a sled being pulled by a pack of charming huskies.

Courchevel has plenty to be enjoyed during the summer months, with wild flowers and mountains grasses springing up across the rocky slopes. An extensive network of hiking trails invites walkers and runners to explore the scenic landscape, and miles of downhill tracks make the area popular with mountain bikers. Take a speeding descent through the pine forests, or opt for a slower route in the other direction and have a go at Via Ferrata, a form of climbing invented by Italian soldiers. 

Read more about Courchevel

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 Three 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.