Summary
Location in Les Trois Vallees
The five villages that make up Courchevel are nestled in the skiing area known as Les Trois Vallees (The Three Valleys) in the Savoie Region of the French Alps. This remarkable area includes the Saint-Bon, Les Allues, and Belleville valleys, collectively forming the largest ski area in the world. With a staggering 600 kilometers of slopes linked by 173 ski lifts, Les Trois Vallees offers diverse skiing experiences, featuring 30 black slopes, 108 red slopes, 129 blue slopes, and 51 green slopes.
How to Get to Courchevel 1850
By Train:
The TGV journey from Paris to Moutiers Tarentaise Station takes approximately 4 hours. From there, you can easily transfer by bus or taxi. For further information, you can contact tel.: 00 33 (0)8 92 35 35 35 or visit the SNCF Website.
By Car: Courchevel is 600 kilometers from Paris (approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes), 55 kilometers from Nice (5 hours), 187 kilometers from Lyon (2 hours), and 149 kilometers from Geneva (2 hours and 15 minutes).
By Coach:
Numerous bus services operate to Courchevel, including the following:
- From Moutier, tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 01 17, website
- From Chambery, tel.: 00 33 (0)8 20 22 74 14, website
- From Geneva, tel.: 00 41 22 798 2000, website
- From Lyon, tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 68 32 96, website
By Helicopter:
Helicopters can land at Altiport Courchevel, which is conveniently located above the main resort. For helicopter service details, please call tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 01 91 or visit the website.
Why Choose Courchevel 1850?
For an extensive overview of activities and offerings, refer to the Courchevel Tourism Office.
Skiing
Courchevel 1850 caters to skiers of all levels and is renowned for hosting some of the world’s premier skiing competitions. While it may boast a glamorous reputation, it remains particularly welcoming to beginners, offering excellent gentle slopes near Altiport.
The École du Ski Français (ESF) deploys a total of 800 qualified instructors across Courchevel 1550, 1650, and 1850, with 500 instructors dedicated to Courchevel 1850 alone.
A unique Baby Skiing school offers private lessons for children as young as 18 months. The chairlifts feature adaptations for kids, including the Magnestick Kids and Magnestick Bar, which use magnets and special jackets to keep children secure, releasing them automatically at the top of the slope. Additionally, a dedicated skiing area known as the Family Park is available.
Other Winter Sports in Courchevel 1850
Courchevel provides a multitude of winter activities aside from skiing. For instance, you can enjoy the thrilling experience of sledge riding on a 2-kilometer-long run with an average incline of 15%, open from 9 AM to 7:30 PM, and illuminated at night. The activity is free with a ski or pedestrian lift pass (a ski lift ride costs 6 euros).
If you’re interested in snowshoeing, there are 17 kilometers of well-maintained paths that wind through stunning snow-covered pine forests.
For a unique experience, try your hand at climbing natural or artificial ice waterfalls equipped with special ice axes and crampons.
You can also indulge in some ice skating at Le Forum, located in the heart of Courchevel.
For thrill-seekers, renting a snowmobile is an exhilarating option, allowing two people (driver and passenger) to venture out for a one-hour ride, with nighttime outings available as well.
Courchevel
Courchevel is comprised of five resorts: Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1500, Courchevel 1300 Le Praz, and La Tania. The area is historically significant, having pioneered winter sports development after 1946 when poverty in the region prompted government initiatives to establish high-altitude resorts centered around Courchevel 1850.
It was the first to implement snow patrols and introduce snow grooming machines. One of the first ski shops, Jean Blanc, continues to operate today in Courchevel 1850. The inaugural hotel, Hotel de la Loze, opened in 1948. Additionally, Le Forum was constructed for the Winter Games in 1992, featuring a large skating rink. Various districts, including the quaint and private ‘Granary District’, have emerged, showcasing chalets inspired by historical grain storage practices.
Stringent planning laws help maintain Courchevel 1850’s aesthetic, ensuring houses and hotels remain low-rise and select. The most recent addition, Hotel K2, opened in December 2011 and promises to enhance Courchevel’s reputation as one of France’s most glamorous ski resorts.
Useful Information
Courchevel Tourism
Le Coeur de Courchevel
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 0800 29
Website
Where to Stay
Courchevel boasts a remarkable selection of luxury hotels, including two out of the nine special new Palace hotels—an elite classification established by the government for top-tier hotels in France. The latest addition, Hotel Le K2, offers an exciting experience among many other prestigious 5-star accommodations.
Where to Eat
Most hotels in Courchevel provide half-board options, making dining in your hotel a common choice. Nevertheless, the town presents a plethora of dining options for both casual lunches and dinners.
- Le Chabotte:
The new bistro-style restaurant of Le Chabichou hotel, acclaimed for lunch, features a favorable set menu. Prices range from €19.90 to €28.90 for dinner. The terrace is a great spot to enjoy a meal outdoors, easily accessible for skiing patrons.
Le Chabichou Hotel
Rue Chenus
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 00 55
Website - Le Pilatus:
Situated just above the Altiport, Le Pilatus is a rustic chalet that offers stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere. It features a diverse menu with prices ranging from €17 for an omelet to €31 for grilled steak, conveniently located right on the slopes.
Piste de Pralong
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 20 49
Website - Le Genepi:
This family-owned restaurant showcases mountain chalet-style decor and serves classic dishes like confit duck and mousse au chocolat. With prices around €70 per person for three courses, it’s a delightful dining option in town.
Rue Park City
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 08 08 63
Website - Le Tremplin:
This popular spot is great for aprés-ski, serving delicious Brittany-style crepes at midday and enticing evening dishes such as sole meunière and generous steaks.
Courchevel 1850 (opposite the Tourist Office)
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 7908 06 19
Website - Azimut:
Situated in the picturesque village of Courchevel 1300, Azimut is recognized for its Michelin star quality. This charming restaurant offers excellent cuisine at reasonable prices, with menu items starting at €28. Renowned Chef François Moureaux presents specialties like scallops and venison.
Immeuble l’Or Blanc
Tel.: 00 33 (0)4 79 06 25 90
