France
|
Región: Northern Alps
Courchevel is a ski and winter sports resort in the Tarentaise Valley, located in the village of Courchevel (until 2016, known as the commune of Saint-Bon-Tarentaise), in the Savoie department whitin the Auvergne-Rhône – Alps region. It is considered the first French resort to be exploited as a virgin site since 1946, part of the Trois-Vallées ski area.
Table of Contents
The Courchevel ski resort
The resort occupies a territory made up of five villages: Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (capital), Courchevel Le Praz (also known as Courchevel 1300), Courchevel Village (formerly Courchevel 1550), Courchevel Moriond (Courchevel 1650) and finally Courchevel itself (Courchevel 1850).
The latter, which gives its name to the resort, is the center where most of the work of urban architect Laurent Chappis and engineer Maurice Michaud took place. This resort in the middle of the mountain was included in the additional catalog of ” Monuments Historiques ” back in 1998, and around thirty places are protected as historical monuments.
Five villages, 5 altitudes
Saint Bon, at an altitude of 1100 m, is the cradle of Courchevel. It is from Saint Bon, the original village, that the history of the Northern Alps ski resort began. The Lac Bleu, the first hotel built in the resort, has been welcoming guests since 1925. Courchevel Le Praz is a real traditional mountain village with its houses, chalets and narrow streets. It is also the bastion of ski jumping, with the majestic Olympic jumps. The village is definitely family oriented with very good value for money and offers quick and direct access to 1850.
Courchevel Moriond is dominated by green and blue runs, which makes it an area particularly appreciated by families. Finally, Courchevel 1850, a real jewel, is like the superlative floor. The most select level is showered with stars, with luxury establishments whose excellence radiates and is transmitted to the whole resort. Courchevel is thus an international reference in the landscape of high-end winter sports resorts. By the way, did you know that this ski resort is part of one of the largest skiable domains in the world?
La station Glamour des 3 Vallées
Courcheval, a resort in the 3 Valleys ski area, offers 150 kilometres of pistes and 68 fully modernised lifts. They will allow you to enjoy this glamorous resort which was an Olympic resort in 1992. Its many services, Michelin starred restaurants, luxury shops, its altiport and heliport, make this place a place reserved for all those who wish to take the risk of meeting or skiing alongside a celebrity.
The glamorous 3 Valleys resort, the largest linked ski area in Europe, offers more than 650 kilometres of slopes. Enjoy daily entertainment in Courchevel. Spice up your stay with entertainment for young and old. Live to the rhythm of incredible events: permanent exhibitions, Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup, Polo Tournament, Pyrotechnics Festival…
On the sports side, Courchevel welcomed the athletes of the Alpine skiing world cup, and the American skier Mikaela Shiffrin won her 66th title in Courchevel!
The Courchevel ski resort is committed to sustainable development
On Thursday 1 August 2019, around thirty actors from Courchevel met on the natural site of La Rosière to present their actions in favour of sustainable development. They each laid a stone to build a small cairn, symbolising their contribution to the collective territorial approach.
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF ACTIONS AIMED AT THE ENVIRONMENT
In two years, the actions carried out by the Courchevel Town Hall have multiplied:
recognition by the national green resort label, installation of donation huts to reduce waste and promote exchanges, installation of 30 ashtrays to collect and recycle cigarette butts, use of local and/or organic products for receptions, replacement of old vehicles with electric vehicles, collective composting installed at the Praz school group and at the La Tania day-care centre for canteen waste, collection and recycling of plastic cups etc.
In order to raise awareness, federate and encourage a maximum number of players to work towards sustainable development, the Town Hall has invited the resort’s socio-professionals and public partners to various meetings. In total, nearly 25 entities (institutions, shopkeepers, hoteliers, associations, service providers, liberal professions, etc.) have already taken part in one of the meetings organised by the Town Hall, i.e. around fifty people.
Among them, about ten structures are very active in their participation in the approach and already contribute to the sustainable development of the Courchevel area through various actions.
Unforgettable experiences in Courchevel
Carried by the wind, towards an unknown destination… Climb aboard a hot air balloon and admire the soothing beauty of the mountains seen from the sky. The view on board is divine, you will have a panorama on the 5 villages of Courchevel.
2 hot-air balloons for 5 and 6 people, 2000 meters of altitude, unique sensations guaranteed.
After going into the air, the resort of Courchevel offers you a completely different activity: ice diving. This time, it is not at altitude but a few metres under water that you will discover new sensations. You will also be able to admire another landscape, that of the Lac de Praz. A completely unusual experience.
The mountain resort of Courchevel in summer
In summer, the resort of Courchevel offers you canyoning. Go through rivers transformed by erosion into real natural aqualands, jump into the pools, slide down the slides, abseil down the waterfalls. Canyoning offers you new sensations, with family or friends.
After the fresh water, the air. Take to the skies in a paraglider and let the breathtaking landscape below you guide you.
Hotels in Courchevel resort
Le Chabichou *****
The Chabichou has been overlooking the Courchevel ski resort 1963. A mythical place and a choice location in the heart of the village, right next to the slopes. The ideal place to set out to conquer the 3 Valleys.
Between tradition and modernity, Le Chabichou combines current trends with typical Savoyard charm. Behind its white facade, 40 rooms and a 106m2 flat are hidden with a contemporary and authentic spirit.
The hotel is a gastronomic Mecca: its restaurant, Le Chabichou, has been awarded 2 Michelin stars for over 30 years. Le Chabichou also houses an 1100m² spa with the latest equipment.
Completely renovated in 2019, Le Chabichou has reinvented itself to offer all the necessary ingredients for a unique experience that meets all expectations.
Les Monts Charvin ***
Concerned about its impact on the environment, the hotel Les Monts Charvin has decided to be eco-responsible by limiting and sorting its waste, by displaying numerous energy saving tips in the hotel, by using biodegradable household products, and by offering its guests fresh local and organic products for breakfast.
Our priority today is to combine customer satisfaction with actions to preserve the planet.
L’hotel Courchevel Olympic **
Skiing in Courchevel: the main strengths of the resort
An exceptional ski area in the heart of Les 3 Vallées
Courchevel is part of the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, with over 600 km of connected slopes. This integration allows for unlimited skiing, with runs suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts looking for technical and internationally renowned off-piste routes.
Variety of sectors and tailor-made experiences
The resort is made up of several centers at different altitudes (Courchevel 1300 – Le Praz, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, and Courchevel 1850). Each offers its own atmosphere, from the tranquility and alpine charm of traditional villages to the luxury and exclusivity of the highest altitude. This diversity allows each visitor to find the experience that best suits their profile.
Guaranteed snow quality and altitude
With slopes reaching 2,738 meters and a highly developed artificial snow network, Courchevel guarantees optimal skiing conditions throughout the season. The orientation of many of its slopes and the care taken in their preparation reinforce the quality of the snow, an aspect that has consolidated the destination’s reputation.
A benchmark for alpine luxury
Courchevel 1850 is known for its exclusivity: five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end boutiques, and personalized services. This positioning makes the resort an internationally prestigious destination, attracting a cosmopolitan and demanding clientele.
A family-friendly resort for beginners
Beyond luxury, Courchevel is also committed to families. It has large areas for beginners, top-level ski schools, and children’s activities. Its balance between family-friendly areas and high-end spaces makes it a versatile resort accessible to different types of visitors.
Complementary activities and après-ski
Après-ski in Courchevel is varied: from lively bars and cosmopolitan venues to more relaxed activities such as wellness centers, snowshoeing, and cultural experiences. The resort also organizes international events that reinforce its appeal during the season.
Limitations to consider
Courchevel’s location, especially at its highest altitude, means that prices are higher than in many other resorts. For those seeking an authentic mountain experience at a more moderate cost, the lower-altitude centers may be a good option.
