Holidays in Courchevel: Luxury at the top of the mountain
Holidays in Courchevel are synonymous with luxury and have become the ultimate winter getaway. Besides exceptional skiing facilities, both skiers and non-skiers can enjoy upmarket restaurants, opulent spas, and a sophisticated nightlife.
Where to Stay in Courchevel:
Visitors to Courchevel are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding accommodation since it comprises of five villages that are named after their altitudes – La Tania, Courchevel 1300, 1550, 1650 and 1850. The accommodation varies from quaint wooden chalets to palatial hotels. The higher up the mountain you venture, the more exclusive the accommodation.
Chalets in Courchevel 1850 tend to be traditional in appearance and look like something from a fairy tale, but inside they have the most modern decor and facilities. VIPs congregate in Le Jardin Alpin area at the highest point of the resort. A few of the hotels here have been granted the aptly named status of “Palace”, a rating that signifies the highest level of service in a 5-star hotel. Only 24 hotels in France have been given this recognition and they include The Cheval Blanc, Le K2 and Les Airelles in Courchevel 1850.
Skiing in Courchevel:
Holidays in Courchevel are popular because they put skiers at the heart of the Three Valleys ski area. The north-facing slopes ensure excellent snow conditions and advanced skiers love the black runs and off-piste skiing. The modern lift system also connects skiers to an abundance of runs for beginners and intermediates. There are numerous ski schools for adults and children.
Fine Dining:
Courchevel is the alpine home of fine dining with its 11 Michelin-starred restaurants. Parisian chef Yannick Alleno’s Le 1947 leads the way in refined Savoie haute cuisine. His cosy restaurant has an impressive three Michelin stars, which according to the Michelin Guide 2019 means “cooking is elevated to an art form”. The restaurant only admits 25 guests a night, giving a truly bespoke service. Other popular Michelin-starred restaurants in Courchevel 1850 include Le Kintessence at Le K2 Palace, Le Chabichou and Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant at Les Airelles.
Down the mountain in Courchevel 1300, traditional Savoyard chalet Bistrot du Praz has a reputation for simple but delicious specialties such as hot and cold foie gras. It also serves classic bistro-style cuisine to a steady contingent of repeat customers.
Spas:
A luxury weekend in Courchevel isn’t complete without experiencing one of the resort’s sumptuous spas. Most spas offer treatments tailored to skiers and The Cheval Blanc Spa is no exception. It stocks Guerlain’s Orchidée Impériale line for the finest treatments inspired by the cold climate and high-altitude. The spa at L’Apogee offers La Prairie’s sublime caviar facials and massages to lift and firm the skin, as well as a comprehensive list of treatments for women, men and children. The Chabichou Hotel’s spa has an aqua-leisure area with face and body treatments using Carita and Decléor products.
Non-Skiing Activities:
Non-skiers can enjoy a host of activities to while away the hours and shoppers will love the designer boutiques in Courchevel 1850. Big name brands (Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Hermes, etc) line the streets, and you can even get some tasty treats from specialist food shops.
Kids will love Bowling de Courchevel 1850, which has eight alleys, including bumpers. Back on the snow, tobogganing is an exhilarating activity that’s perfect for taking in some of Courchevel’s sights – in a blur. The two-kilometer slope snakes its way through the forest from Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel 1550 with a 300-meter incline. For more adrenaline-fuelled fun, try quad biking on snow at the track in Les Grand Combes, between Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1650. Alternatively, those over the age of 12 can mush their own dog sled around the Altiport forest.
Everything is possible during holidays in Courchevel. The most cosmopolitan ski resort in the Alps still retains a traditional charm, which makes it is an ideal destination for a weekend break.
