Often seen as an exclusive resort, Courchevel certainly has a chic and refined feel to it, especially in Courchevel 1850, however there is much more than might first meet the eye. With three additional villages oft overlooked: 1650, 1550 and Le Praz (1300), the resort is perfect for almost any skier or snowboarder. Found approximately two hours from Grenoble, a little closer to Chambery and a little further to Geneva, set within the 600 kilometres of skiing of the Three Valleys, Courchevel is a resort to behold.
Courchevel has access to an array of slopes and offers perfect terrain for beginners and intermediates with ample green and blue pistes, especially around Courchevel 1650, to keep both children and adults happy. Linking in easily to Méribel and on to the rest of the Three Valleys, advanced skiers are also more than catered for here. With varying altitudes as the various village names might imply (and with varying price points depending on where you stay), each of the levels of Courchevel has a different character and offers something a little different. A free navette service links all the resorts well so non-skiers aren’t without the option to explore the other levels of Courchevel.
Undoubtedly Courchevel 1850 (or simply Courchevel after its rebranding in recent years) is where the glitz and glam that is often associated with the resort is found, frequented by royals and the rich and famous it is home to ultra-luxurious ski-in/ski-out chalets suited to the most discerning of guests. In the resort centre there are boutique shops a plenty, including Moncler and Eric Bompard, and more than 10 michelin stars in which dining experiences can be discovered including the 3 star restaurant 1947. Utterly chic and prestigious.
Courchevel 1650 (or Courchevel Moriond) is found farthest to the left of the Courchevels and is a more relaxed option than Courchevel 1850. The village is full of traditionally alpine ambience and there are some fun terraces such as that of Le Portetta on which you can enjoy a coffee or vin chaud stop in the sun. Quieter slopes and easy ski access means that Courchevel 1650 is a fantastic choice. For non-skiers there is the Aquamotion waterpark set just below resort.
Courchevel 1550 (or Courchevel Village) is set directly below Courchevel 1850 with fast access into 1850, it is typically quiet and more family-focussed and traditional. Predominantly serving as a great place from which to explore the Three Valleys, it is generally more affordable than the above set 1850 and has family-friendly non-ski options like tobogganing.
Courchevel 1300 (or Courchevel Le Praz) is perhaps the sleepiest of the Courchevels but also superb value with a couple of luxury chalet options and an attractive centre to the village. Le Praz is also served by two of the best black pistes in the area, testing the most durable of ski legs, with the old World Cup downhill piste Jean Blanc and the widely adored Jockeys. Restaurant Azimut, complete with michelin star is a wonderful and good value option for sampling delicious local French cuisine if staying in Le Praz or skiing down at lunchtime.
