This French Alps ski resort is part of the world famous Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees), taking up one third of the total area. A skier (and boarders) dream, Courchevel caters to all levels with beginners, intermediate and advanced pistes. Free ski lifts operate on all beginner slops, and many of the intermediate and expert terrain. Due to its north facing position, this area has phenomenal snow conditions, with snow fall beginning quite early on and only finishing much later in the season.
There are a total of five villages, each with a different atmosphere to them. Le Praz is quite rustic and unpretentious, with a few little shops and some excellent restaurants and wine bars. Courchevel Village 1550 has some blue runs coming down into it and is connected to 1850 by a fast gondola and chair lift. Courchevel Moriond 1650 is situated right on the main road and has a good mix of bars, shops and restaurants. The Aquamotion, a large water-sports centre, is located here too with indoor swimming pools, surfing area, water slide, ice-skating rink and fitness centre. There are also a few handy supermarkets, a butcher and boulangerie. Courchevel 1850 is the largest village, and by far the glitziest. There are lifts and gondolas going up in different directions, with easier slopes coming down again. The shops are a little more expensive here, and there are some of the most revered hotels in France, as well as two Michelin star rated restaurants.
There are many annual events held at Courchevel, including the Ladies Alpine World Cup slalom held in December. There are many more activities snow related sports, such as bowling, cinema, and indoor climbing wall. Summer activities include hiking, cycling, a 9-hole golf course and driving range, paintball, canyoning and paragliding – to name a few!
The nearest airport is Chambery, which is 110 km. The nearest train station is Moutiers, 25 km, which has regular busses going to and from the resort. If you come in by private plane, there is a private airport conveniently located right on the slopes.
