Courchevel

Courchevel is one of the best-known resorts of the Three Valleys, a huge ski area with a total of 600 km of pistes and 200 lifts. With 150 km of pistes of its own, Courchevel is very well linked to the other main villages of the Trois Vallées: Val Thorens and Méribel. Courchevel in a nutshell: superbly groomed slopes, one of the most modern lift networks in the world, excellent freeride terrain, cross-country trails considered the best in France and ... dizzyingly high prices. Courchevel is really four resorts at different altitudes. The lowest and relatively the quietest is Courchevel 1300 (Courchevel-La Praz), which grew out of an old Savoyard village. Courchevel 1550 is popular with families with children, while young people like to come to Courchevel 1650, with its great ski terrain and ski schools. A beautiful Alpine panorama opens up from the highest village, Courchevel 1850, which is full of exclusive hotels, expensive shops and restaurants. Of the four resorts, Courchevel 1850 has by far the highest prices. The ski season lasts longest in the two higher Courchevel resorts, which also have the best freeride terrain. Half of the pistes in Courchevel are easy and suitable for beginners. Most of them are around Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850. There are slopes for relaxed, leisurely skiing as well as more ambitious runs. For years, experienced skiers have been drawn by the famous local black piste: a steep descent from the summit of La Saulire. Snowboarders will find terrain for every ability level. A snow park with lots of features has been built in Courchevel 1850. The area around Courchevel is a dream destination for cross-country skiers. The Nordic events of the Albertville Winter Olympic Games were held on the trails around Courchevel 1300/Le Praz. The Courchevel trails link up with those of Méribel and La Tania, giving cross-country skiers a network of 90 km in total. Courchevel is a renowned resort that often hosts prestigious races and various other sports events. For those who want more than skiing, there is a very wide choice (including a floodlit 2 km toboggan run, paragliding, balloon flights, snowmobiles, winter walks, snowshoe hikes, and the Forum sports complex in Courchevel 1850 with a climbing wall, squash court, fitness centres and an ice rink). In the many bars and nightclubs, life goes on until late at night. The most refined venues (and the highest prices) are in snobbish Courchevel 1850. The three other, lower villages have a more homely character.