Living up to its nickname as the “St Tropez of winter sports”, Courchevel, in the magnificent Les Trois Vallées region of France (the largest ski network in the world) has all the glitz and glamour befitting a favourite celebrity hangout. Although it’s officially been rebranded, most people still know the four satellite villages that comprise the resort by their elevations: Courchevel 1330, 1550, 1650, and 1850.
Nothing’s done in halves here, from the luxury shopping to the six-star hotels (yes, it’s a thing) and Michelin-starred restaurants – even the pistes seem to have that little bit more of a shine.
For those looking to rub shoulders with the glitterati and splash some serious cash to do it, Courchevel is the crème de la crème for a luxury ski break.
Best for Skiing
If you’re serious about skiing and you’re not just here for the shopping, pampering and après (although, no judgement!), with 150km of runs and access to the more than 600km of networked pistes across Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel is more than just a pretty face.
It doesn’t matter whether your skills match the standard of your designer salopettes or you’re a total novice, there’s plenty for skiers of all levels. The slopes directly accessible by the resort’s excellent 58-lift system are networked throughout the entire skiable region. In the resort itself the runs are made up of:
- Beginner greens – about about 20% of the total, predominantly around Moriond (1650) and Courchevel (1850).
- Intermediate blues and reds – encompassing the bulk of the runs (around 75%), the long, groomed slopes are unbeatable for those looking to improve their skills.
- Pros and show-offs – Grand Couloir is a wide, steep black that presents a great challenge and there are some heart-stopping off-piste opportunities around the resort.
Outstanding Retail Therapy
Ok, now we’ve established the resort’s skiing credentials, it’s time to move on – because what’s the point of a luxury ski break without a bit of designer retail therapy? And it wouldn’t do to be seen in the same outfit two days running, now would it?
As one of the most expensive resorts in the world, it’s no surprise it caters to its uber-wealthy clientele with a veritable Hollywood walk of fame of designer names staking their claim on the village streets. Valentino, Fendi, Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany, Prada, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and the list goes on – if it’s on the catwalk in Paris, it’s here for the winter as well.
Tip: If you’re looking for the densest area of high-end designer shopping, it’s definitely in 1850.
Stay, Play and Dine in Luxury
Stay: With some of the most luxurious accommodation in Europe, featuring the ultimate pampering treatments in their onsite spas, the resort is groaning with 5-star hotels. But it’s also home to two 6-star hotels if you’ve got the vintage Krug budget to match your tastes. The rating was introduced by the French (naturalment) to denote the highest possible standards of excellence and is also known as “the palace category”.
Try: The opulent 6-star Cheval Blanc and Les Airelles are both located in 1850, in the Jardin Alpin area, so if you want to road test the lifestyle of royalty this is your opportunity.
Play: In a place where your performance off the piste is even more important than your prowess on it, “to see and be seen” is probably the most popular form of après ski activity here. Along with the host of swanky restaurants from which to choose (we’ll get to that next), there are plenty of exclusive, ultra-cool bars where you can enjoy over-the-top cocktails and French Champagne while propping up the bar alongside the rich and famous.
Try: Don’t miss L’Arc Kavlar Caspar and Les Caves de Courchevel (both in 1850) for the most likely celebrity sightings.
Dine: There are no less than seven Michelin-starred restaurants in the resort, so the bar is most definitely set very high when it comes to fine dining. All the 5-star hotels have their own restaurants and the cuisine is world-class all the way. There are many more options than you’ll have evenings, so if you want to try them all you’ll have to factor in some lunches as well.
Try: Pierre Gagnaire pour Les Airelles is the resort’s first two Michelin starred restaurant; the fabulous Le 1947 is run by the chef from the famous Lauduree, in Paris; Le Kintessence boasts the resort’s most extensive selection of vintage wines; and Le Chabichou is a family-run establishment offering breathtaking views over the mountains.
How to Get to Courchevel
The most convenient airport to Courchevel is Geneva, which is just 1.5 hours from the UK by air. With plenty of airlines offering direct services, including British Airways, you’ll be able to pick and choose a flight to suit, even if you’re just popping over for a weekend break. You can also choose to fly into Grenoble, Lyon or Chambéry airports if that’s more convenient for your travel plans.
Once you land at the airport, the most convenient way to get the rest of the way to the Trois Vallées is with a private airport transfer. Shuttle Direct offers a fast, comfortable private service to take you and any ski equipment you bring with you the picturesque two-hour journey by road to Courchevel.
Where to Stay:
Hotel du Pralong – Set in the heart of Courchevel 1850, the Hotel du Pralong promises guests the celebrity treatment in the lap of luxury. With ski-in ski-out access, spacious, lavishly appointed rooms, Turkish baths and spa, and a cosy ambient bar and restaurant, you’ll enjoy world-class service and the best of everything at this sophisticated hotel.
Hotel Manali – Situated with the slopes of Courchevel 1650 on its elegant doorstep, the magnificent Hotel Manali is the definition of luxe. With warm timber décor and luxurious accents throughout, you can enjoy fine dining in the restaurant, relax and take in the stunning views on the heated terrace, and bliss out in the onsite spa and wellness centre.
Le Saint Joseph – The magnificently appointed rooms, apartments and suites of Le Saint Joseph invite you to experience the magical embrace of Courcheval 1850 in the most opulent way possible. With two restaurants, a spa centre and the ultimate in deluxe accommodation, Le Saint Joseph is right in the centre of everything.
“Courchevel hiver” by Campus France. Licensed under CC0 1.0.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is one of the most respected airport transfer companies in Europe. With a long history of winter transfers to and from the Austrian, French and Italian Alps, their friendly team of experts is on hand to provide an efficient, affordable service to make your travel arrangements easy.
No matter whether you fly in to Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon or Chambéry, a prebooked Shuttle Direct transfer will ensure that you arrive at your resort in the fastest, most hassle-free way. If you advise at the time of booking, any ski equipment can be transported free of charge.
