The ski resort of Courchevel is located in the Tarentaise valley, in Savoie. 95 kilometers separate it from Annecy. However, many residents of Haute-Savoie travel to the resort to ski down the slopes. In 2023, Courchevel will host the World Alpine Ski Championships in partnership with Méribel.
Courchevel: 1 resort, 6 villages
In 2016, the Courchevel resort celebrated its 70th anniversary. This “Diamond of the Snow,” as it likes to be called, enjoys international fame and competes with the most prestigious resorts in the world. It is considered the world capital of skiing and is made up of six villages:
- Courchevel 1850
- Courchevel Village
- Courchevel Moriond
- Courchevel Le Praz
- Courchevel La Tania
- Saint-Bon
© Camille Curtet
A village, a vibe
While the Courchevel resort is known to be the most upscale in France, connoisseurs will not hesitate to say that each village has its own vibe. Courchevel 1850 is undoubtedly the most luxurious and lively part of the resort. Luxury shops and hotels flourish there. Families generally turn to Courchevel Moriond, also known as Courchevel 1650. There are more green and blue slopes, and the sunshine is more favorable. As for those seeking authenticity, they will prefer La Tania or Le Praz.
The ski area of Courchevel
The ski area of Courchevel is part of the 3 Valleys, which represents 600 kilometers of slopes. It is accessible to all skiers, regardless of their level. For beginners, 7 Easy Rider areas are available. These are closed zones where the lifts are generally free. The slopes are wide and the gradient gentle, allowing you to learn to ski safely.
Experienced skiers can also enjoy it. Secure freeride slopes left in powder are accessible in the ski area. You can also try to beat Alexis Pinturault’s record on the BMW Xdrive cup or challenge yourself on the most complex slope of the resort, Le Grand Couloir.
© Courchevel Tourisme.
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected three accommodations located in Courchevel. They receive very good reviews from customers.
Les Monts Charvin
The hotel Les Monts Charvin is located in the heart of Courchevel 1850. This old Savoyard chalet offers simply decorated rooms. It is in direct proximity to the ski slopes. The fireplace, located in the lounge, will allow you to warm up after a day of skiing.
From €188 per night.
Les Peupliers
Les Peupliers is a hotel located in the center of the village of Le Praz. It offers direct access to the 3 Valleys area. In total, the establishment has three restaurants. Only two are open during the winter season. The plus: free private parking.
From €246 per night.
Les Sherpas
The hotel Les Sherpas is located in Courchevel 1850. The ski school is 1.5 km from this 4-star establishment. After your day on the slopes, you can enjoy the sauna. The plus: a ski equipment rental service is offered directly on site.
From €231 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
To have an unforgettable vacation in the mountains, we offer three chalets for rent. They are particularly appreciated by vacationers.
Chalet Chu Lo Dou
The Chalet Chu Lo Dou is located in Le Praz. It has an area of 300 m² and includes 5 bedrooms and offers a ski room. The Praz gondola is only 200 meters away. You can easily reach the ski slopes from the accommodation.
Chalet La Tania
The chalet La Tania is an accommodation that can accommodate 12 people. It is 230 m² and includes 6 bedrooms. The La Tania gondola is only 150 meters away. The plus: a private parking space.
Les 3 Chalets
Les 3 Chalets is an accommodation located in the Courchevel resort. It is 270 m² and offers hotel services. You will enjoy a nice view of the mountains and can also relax in the hot tub.
Winter sports
Alpine skiing is not the only activity you can do during a stay in Courchevel. We offer you three:
- Ski-joëring. The activity takes place on a plateau, at 2,000 meters above sea level. Pulled by a horse with skis on your feet, you will glide over the snowy course. Guaranteed sensations. You must know how to snowplow to do ski-joëring.
- Ice climbing. Accessible to all levels, ice climbing offers a unique experience. You will be accompanied by a guide and will climb frozen torrents or the ice wall present at the Courchevel 1850 altiport.
- Snowmobiling. Accompanied by a professional, you will have the opportunity to explore the Courchevel area during a night ride. Don’t forget warm clothes and your camera.
The athletes of the resort
Courchevel is a resort that has many athletes. Trained at the resort’s ski club, some have managed to stand out and join the international circuit.
Alexis Pinturault
Alexis Pinturault is a French skier, born in 1991, who honed his skills in the resort’s ski club. Today, he has over 30 World Cup victories and several Olympic medals. Alexis Pinturault’s autobiography was released in bookstores on October 19, 2022. A great opportunity to trace the athlete’s journey, 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 licensed with the Courchevel Customs club. She has two podiums in the World Cup 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 competitive skiing.
The must-see events of the resort
Some events in Courchevel have become must-sees in the resort. They return every year.
The International Fireworks Art Festival
The International Fireworks Art Festival is a unique event in the mountains. The first edition took place in 2003. Every year, for a week, shows are offered in the resort. In 2023, the chosen theme is “30 years of Disneyland Paris.”
The little extra is the opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes of the festival with a guide, as well as a pyrotechnician. Registration is done through the Courchevel Tourist Office.
Winter Legacy by Alexis Pinturault
The Winter Legacy is a race conceived by Alexis Pinturault. Open to all, this competition highlights a sequence of several disciplines: giant slalom, skicross, and moguls. The Winter Legacy is aimed at all skiers capable of descending any slope. The Winter Legacy Junior is a race reserved for young people aged 9 to 14. The Loze ski lift provides access to the starting point of the competition.
Ski passes in Courchevel
The Courchevel resort offers several types of passes. They can be purchased directly on-site or online. To take advantage of them, you just need to know the good deals. Here are a few:
- The Ski Atout Prix card. Valid at several resorts in the 3 Valleys, it allows you to enjoy discounts of 50% on the price of passes on Saturdays, 30% on Sundays, and 20% on Mondays.
- The 2/7 pass. A new pass that allows you to ski in the Courchevel area twice a week. The pass is recharged every Sunday evening, allowing for four-day weekends.
- The family pass. Valid in Courchevel and the 3 Valleys, it allows adults to save €62 per person. You can thus ski peacefully with your children.
Snowshoe trails
Several snowshoe trails are accessible in Courchevel. You can choose them based on your fitness level and experience. And if you are not used to this kind of excursion, do not hesitate to turn to a guide or a mountain guide.
Loop of Lake Rosière
If there is one walk we recommend in Courchevel, it is the loop of Lake Rosière. This snowshoe outing takes place in a wild setting, in the forest. To be done the day after a snowfall. Departure from the snow front of Courchevel Moriond.
Duration: 1h 45
Distance: 3.5 km
Positive elevation: 180 m
Bellevue Path
The Bellevue path traverses balcony trails. This pleasant walk connects the two highest villages of Courchevel. The departure is at the Sandraz totem. Pay attention to skiers when crossing or along the ski slopes.
Duration: 1h 45
Distance: 3.5 km
Positive elevation: 80 m
Deer Path
The Deer Path is a balcony trail. It connects La Tania and Le Praz while offering a beautiful view of the valley. Be sure to equip yourself properly, as the snow can be hard in some places. The starting point is located at the La Tania gondola.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 4.5 km
Positive elevation: 190 m
Summer activity ideas
Courchevel is not just for the winter season. It is possible to book your stay in summer and go climb the Col de la Loze by bike, for example. Whether with family, as a couple, or solo, you will always find activities to do:
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Paragliding
You can also take the opportunity to try the various gourmet restaurants in the resort.
Access and public transport
There are multiple ways to reach Courchevel. The most classic is by car. From Moûtiers, expect a 30-minute drive on a wide and clear road, even in winter. Just remember that starting November 1, you will need special equipment such as snow tires.
Another option is to come by helicopter or via a private jet. Yes, the Courchevel resort 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 authorized to operate commercial flights in Courchevel.
And of course, you can also reach the Tarentaise resort by train, then take a bus or taxi.
Presentation video of Courchevel
Other resorts near Courchevel
Other resorts are located near Courchevel. Some, like Val Thorens, are directly accessible via the 3 Valleys ski area. You can also enjoy a stay in Tarentaise in Tignes or Val d’Isère.
