The ski resort of Courchevel is located in the Tarentaise valley in Savoie. It is 95 kilometres fromAnnecy. However, many people from the Haut-Savoyard region come to the resort to ski down the slopes. In 2023, Courchevel will host the World Alpine Skiing Championships, in partnership with Méribel.
Courchevel: 1 resort, 6 villages
In 2016, the resort of Courchevel celebrated its 70ᵉ anniversary. This “Diamond of the Snows”, as it likes to be called, enjoys an international reputation and competes with the most prestigious resorts in the world. The one that is considered the world capital of skiing is built around six villages:
- Courchevel 1850
- Courchevel Village
- Courchevel Moriond
- Courchevel Le Praz
- Courchevel La Tania
- Saint-Bon
Camille Curtet
A village, an atmosphere
If the resort of Courchevel is reputed to be the most posh in France, connoisseurs will not hesitate to say that each village has its own atmosphere. Courchevel 1850 is undoubtedly the most luxurious and lively part of the resort. Shops and luxury hotels flourish here. Families will usually turn to Courchevel Monriond, also known as Courchevel 1650. The green and blue slopes are more numerous and the sunshine is more favourable. Those looking for authenticity will prefer La Tania or Le Praz.
The Courchevel ski area
The Courchevel ski area is part of the 3 Valleys, which represents 600 kilometres of pistes. It is accessible to all skiers, whatever their level. For beginners, 7 Easy Rider areas are available. These are closed areas where the lifts are generally free. The pites are wide and the slope is gentle, so you canlearn to ski safely, and experienced skiers can also enjoy them. There are safe freeride runs left in powder on the ski area. You can also try to beat Alexis Pinturault’s record on the BMW Xdrive cup or test yourself on the most complex run in the resort, Le Grand Couloir.
Courchevel Tourisme.
The best rated hotels
According to your budget, we have selected three accommodations located in Courchevel. They have received very good reviews from guests.
Les Monts Charvin
The hotel Les Monts Charvin is located in the heart of Courchevel 1850. This old Savoyard chalet offers soberly decorated rooms. It is located right next to the ski slopes. The fireplace in the living room will warm you up after a day of skiing.From 188€ per night.
Les Peupliers
Les Peupliers is a hotel located in the centre of the village Le Praz. It offers direct access to the 3 Vallées ski area. The hotel has a total of 3 restaurants. Only two are open during the winter season. The plus: free private parking.From 246€ per night.
Les Sherpas
Les Sherpas is located in Courchevel 1850. The ski school is just 1.5 km from this 4-star hotel. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the sauna. Bonus: ski equipment rental is available directly on site,from € 231 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer three chalets for rent. They are particularly popular with holidaymakers.
Chalet Chu Lo Dou
Chalet Chu Lo Dou is located in Le Praz. It has a surface area of 300 m², 5 bedrooms and a ski room. The Le Praz cable car is only 200 metres away. You can therefore easily reach the ski slopes from the accommodation.
Chalet La Tania
Chalet La Tania is an accommodation for 12 people. It is 230 m² and has 6 bedrooms. The La Tania cable car is only 150 metres away. The advantage: a private car park.
Les 3 Chalets
Les 3 Chalets is an accommodation located in the resort of Courchevel. It is 270 m² and offers hotel services. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains and can also relax in the hot tub.
Winter sports
Downhill skiing is not the only activity you can do during a stay in Courchevel. We offer three of them:
- Skijoring. This activity takes place on a plateau at an altitude of 2,000 metres. Towed by a horse and with your skis on, you will slide along the snowy course. Sensations guaranteed. You will need to know how to plough snow to do skijoring.
- Iceclimbing. Accessible to all levels, ice climbing offers a unique experience. You will be accompanied by a guide and will climb on frozen torrents or the ice wall present on the altiport of Courchevel 1850.
- Snowmobiling. Accompanied by a professional, you will have the opportunity to discover the Courchevel area during a night ride. Don’t forget your warm clothes and your camera.
The resort’s athletes
Courchevel is a resort with many athletes. Trained at the ski club of the resort, some of them have managed to make their mark and join the international circuit.
Alexis Pinturault
Alexis Pinturault is a French skier, born in 1991, who trained in the ski club of the resort. Today, he has more than 30 World Cup victories and several Olympic medals to his name. Alexis Pinturault’s autobiography will be available in bookshops on 19 October 2022. A great opportunity to retrace the career of the athlete, who had to work hard to reach his level and conquer the big crystal globe in March 2021.
Taïna Barioz
Taïna Barioz is a French skier born in 1988 in Papeete. A specialist in slalom and giant slalom, she is a member of the Douanes de Courchevel club. She has two World Cup podiums and a gold medal in the team event at the 2011 World Championships. Following a knee injury in December 2018, Taïna Barioz ended her season. The following year, she retired from the sport.
The resort’s must-see events
Some of Courchevel’s events have become must-sees in the resort. They come back every year.
The International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art
The International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art is a unique event in the mountains. The first edition took place in 2003. Each year, during one week, shows are proposed in the resort. In 2023, the theme chosen is “30 years of Disneyland Paris”. The little extra is the possibility of discovering the backstage of the festival in the company of a guide, but also of a pyrotechnician. You can register at the Courchevel Tourist Office.
Winter Legacy by Alexis Pinturault
The Winter Legacy is a race conceived by Alexis Pinturault. Open to all, this competition features a sequence of several disciplines: giant, skicross and moguls. The Winter Legacy is open to all skiers who can ski down any slope. The Winter Legacy Junior is a race reserved for young people aged between 9 and 14. The Loze ski lift gives access to the starting point of the competition.
Ski passes in Courchevel
The resort of Courchevel offers several types of ski passes. They can be purchased directly on site or online. To take advantage of them, you just need to know the best deals. Here are some of them:
- The Ski Atout Prix card. Valid in several resorts of the 3 Vallées, it will allow you to benefit from reductions of 50% on the price of ski passes on Saturday, 30% on Sunday and 20% on Monday.
- The 2/7 pass. New pass, it allows you to ski in the Courchevel area twice a week. The pass is reloaded every Sunday evening, which allows you to enjoy four-day weekends.
- The family pass. Valid for Courchevel and the 3 Valleys, it allows adults to save 62€ per head. You will be able to ski with your children at ease.
Snowshoeing itineraries
Several snowshoe itineraries are available in Courchevel. You can choose them according to your fitness and your level. And if you are not used to this kind of excursion, don’t hesitate to ask for a guide or a mountain leader.
Loop of the Rosière lake
If there is one walk that we recommend in Courchevel, it is the loop of the Rosière lake. This snowshoe outing takes place in a wild setting, in the forest. To be done the day after a snowfall. Departure from the Courchevel Moriond snow frontDuration: 1 h 45Distance: 3.5 kmVertical rise: 180 m
Bellevue trail
The Bellevue trail follows the balcony paths. This pleasant walk links the two highest villages of Courchevel. The start is at the Sandraz totem pole. Pay attention to the skiers when crossing or going along the ski slopes.Duration: 1 h 45Distance: 3,5 kmVertical drop: 80 m
Chemin des Chevreuils
The Chemin des Chevreuils is a balcony trail. It links La Tania and Le Praz, while offering a beautiful view of the valley. Make sure you are properly equipped as the snow can be hard in some places. The starting point is located at the La Tania cable car.Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 4.5 kmVertical drop: 190 m
Ideas for activities in summer
Courchevel is not only the winter season. It is possible to book your stay in summer and go climbing the Col de la Loze by bike, for example. With your family, as a couple or alone, you will always find activities to do:
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Paragliding
You can also take the opportunity to try the various gastronomic restaurants in the resort.
Access and public transport
There are many ways to reach Courchevel. The most classic is by car. From Moûtiers, count 30 minutes on a wide and clear road, even in winter. Just remember that from November 1st, you will need special equipment such as snow tyres. Another option is to come by helicopter or private jet. Yes, the resort of Courchevel has an altiport. It is located just a few minutes from the hotels and you can see it from the ski area. Only one company is authorised to operate commercial flights in Courchevel, and of course you can also reach the Tarentaise resort by train, then by bus or taxi.
Video presentation of Courchevel
Other resorts near Courchevel
There are other resorts close to Courchevel. Some, such as Val Thorens, are directly accessible from the 3 Valleys ski area. You can also enjoy a stay in Tarentaise in Tignes or Val d’Isère.
