Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort. It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski areas in the world. Courchevel also refers to the towns of Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), and Courchevel 1850, which are named for their altitudes in metres. The resort centre of Courchevel is at 1,747 metres.
Courchevel 1650 is a little less glamorous — and consequently more reasonably priced - a purpose-built resort with its own ski area which links up with 1850 and a growing popularity.
Courchevel 1300, also known as Le Praz and is an old Alpine village of great character. It has two telecabines: one links with Courchevel 1850 and one goes higher into the ski area at Les Chenus. A major landmark here is the ski jumping hill, left from the 1992 Olympics and is still used today.
Courchevel 1550 is a quieter area with a mixture of chalets and chalet blocks, linked easily to the main Courchevel town via a fast gondola or chairlift it is an ideal place to stay if you want to enjoy Courchevel often without the Courchevel prices.
Courchevel 1850 is the largest of the four and the focal point for all the best skiing, shopping and nightlife. Courchevel 1850 is one of Europe's most sophisticated ski resorts, with nine luxury four-star hotels, five four-stars and 13 three-star properties, many of which are far more luxurious than their star rating implies. You can ski to and from the door of almost all the hotels, as well as to and from many chalets and apartment blocks. With many more gorgeous restaurants and bars to choose from, some refuse to ski anywhere else.
Courchevel ski area
With 150 kms of piste in the Courchevel ski area alone and a great variety of runs for all levels of skier and boarder, from open mountain to pretty tree lined runs and easy links to the rest of the Three Valleys ski area. There are plenty of local pistes at Courchevel 1850 for beginners to learn on. Intermediates will enjoy the many reds on the Saulire Creux and for the brave hearts, the steepest black run in Europe; the Grand Couloir, is a must.
Blue cruisers will love the rolling terrain from Chanrossa down to the picturesque Bel Air, a great sunny spot to take a break and take in the view. Courchevel snowboarding weekends are popular as the pistes are well groomed with very few drag lifts, the Prend ta Luge et Tire Toi being the Courchevel 1850 snowboard hangout. There is good, easily accessible off piste in the Courchevel area - a guide must be used for off piste. On white out days, taking the tree lined runs down from Courchevel to La Praz and La Tania make for easy navigation.
Links to the rest of the 'Three Valleys' ski area are excellent. The Chenus gondola from 1850 up to the Col de la Loz, quickly and easily via blue runs, connects to the Meribel area to then ski on over to St Martin and Les Menuires. There are several gondola options to access Saulire to connect via red runs over to Meribel Mottaret and then on to Val Thorens and les Menuires.
Courchevel snowpark
Located in the 3 Vallées, Courchevel offers a great park for freestyle fan with the "Family Park". Situated directly on the "Verdons" piste the park offers a great basis which is ideal for both beginners and pros. Big Air Bags, rails, boxes, kickers, boardercross - there is something here for everyone. A special highlight is the park's flood-light system, which offers practice sessions even when the sun has already set.
Courchevel apres ski
While you can spend a rather quiet form après-ski in many bars and restaurants in Courchevel 1550, further up the mountain, in Courchevel 1650 and 1850, night owls and other party animals will find what they are looking for. The fantastic choice of bars and clubs leaves no wish unfulfilled. Partying and dancing is possible until way into the early morning hours.
