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Courchevel Ski Resort
Divided into five villages - each known by its altitude - the Courchevel area provides a series of settings to suit different tastes, group make-ups and budgets.
For pure, champagne-popping indulgence, Courchevel 1850 oozes exclusivity and no-limits luxury. It's the largest and highest of the villages and boasts a private airport, twelve Michelin stars between its restaurants, two palace hotels, and many designer boutiques. It's a seriously swanky stomping ground for the fashionable, famous and affluent.
A more budget-conscious family-favourite with good après ski is Courchevel 1650 / Moriond. This sunny hamlet is particularly convenient for families and beginners being surrounded by easy green and blue runs.
Courchevel 1550 / Courchevel Village is another good 'un for families seeking a quieter, good value ski holiday with easy access to 1850 as well as the rest of the Three Valleys.
Old-time traditional charm is preserved perfectly in Courchevel 1300 / Le Praz, a quiet alpine village with choc box chalets and only a few bars and shops. It hosts the ski jump from the '92 Olympics, and there's a beautiful piste that takes you to the village from 1850.
Lower down, Courchevel 1100 / Saint Bon is the village where it all began and home to the Lac Bleu, Courchevel's first-ever hotel, which opened in 1925 - though most opt not to stay so low down the mountain these days. Apart from 1100, you can virtually ski-in ski-out from much accommodation, which is a massive bonus and a handy bus service also provides transfers between the areas.
With well over 100 shops and restaurants, the various villages have a lot to offer and an equally diverse number of amenities. Families are catered for fabulously throughout, with various childcare services and crèches, and the resort was awarded the 'Famille Plus Montagne' label in 2010.
With 63 lifts giving fast access to the 119 pistes in the local area, getting around is a breeze. Courchevel alone has oodles of runs to enjoy. Still, it's also linked to the biggest ski area in the world, The Three Valleys, and there's always more to explore in the linked ski resorts of Meribel, La Tania, St Martin de Belleville, Brides-Les-Bains, Les Menuires, Orelle and Val Thorens.
Stats & FAQ
Location: France, Alps.
Established: 1945
Open: December – April
Downhill: 150km
View our detailed Courchevel snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Courchevel snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Chambéry (CMF) | 110 km, 1h30 |
| Grenoble (GNB) | 190 km, 2h10 |
| Geneva (GVA) | 140 km, 2h30 |
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| Top Altitude: | 2738m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1100m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1850m |
| Longest run: | 7.7km |
| Slope Orientation: | N |
| Vertical Drop: | 1400m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1400m |
| Night Skiing: | |
| Glacier: | |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 150km |
| Beginner slopes: | 57% |
| Intermediate: | 35% |
| Advanced slopes: | 8% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €321 (adult 6 day 3 Valleys ski pass) |
| Nearby resorts: Les Menuires, Meribel, La Tania, Val Thorens, Saint Martin De Belleville, Brides les Bains | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Courchevel
Ideal for those at the genesis of their skiing career, 60% of slopes here are beginner-friendly. There's a 'Stop Zone' where learners can safely conquer the basics before hitting the slopes, and 4 beginner areas (called Zen Zones) where you can gently progress – find two in the main area and one each in Moriond and Le Praz. As part of the effort to make the resort child friendly, the Indiens piste focuses on fun for kids. Activities here include face painting, a treasure trail and many other activities around a Tepee-style village.
Like all resorts in the Three Valleys, there's no chance of experienced skiers and boarders having a dull moment. Intermediates and experts will want to head to the Saulire / Creux slopes, where awesome red and black runs stream down from snow-sure altitudes of 2000m - 2700m. Reds worth skiing include Park City and the Creux (well-conditioned with 46 snow cannons). Experts can't miss the challenging black runs that lead to Le Praz and the legendary Grand Couloir and Chanrossa. The near 2000m vertical from La Saulire to Bozelm is another must ski, and there's no end of off-piste terrain and mogul runs too. Heli-skiing is also available if you want to push the boat out and sample some untouched powder. For a slice of slalom action, there is often a course set up above 1850 where you can race against the clock.
With comparatively few drag lifts, this place has plenty to offer snowboarders too. The Wood Park's eco modules are a blast, and there's a good boardercross at the Snake Park. The Family Park is a super meeting place for fun in the snow with loved ones – kitted out with play areas, organised snowball fights and fun jumps, rails and obstacles.
Courchevel Apres Ski
Après ski in 1850 is the height of sophistication. Enjoy a cosy fireside cocktail in La Mangeoire piano bar or La Suite Bar & Louge; sample fine wine and champagne in Le P'tit Drink or go clubbing in Les Caves de Courchevel. Down in 1650, you can fully appreciate the stunning surroundings at The Signal bar. Les Schuss is good for a quiet drink in a traditional Savoyarde setting and if you're looking for live music and a vibrant atmosphere, try Rocky's and Bubble Bar. Popular bars include Pub Le Ski Lodge, Waikiki Apres Bar and Folie Douce.
The top restaurants in Courchevel share an impressive 12 Michelin stars between them, indicating that this really is the place to holiday if you enjoy dining in the very best establishments. With a whopping 70 restaurants (12 on the mountain) at the last count, the resort meets all kinds of tastes and budgets, including traditional, self-service and family-friendly spots serving local dishes as well as pizza, sushi and good old burger and chips. Le Panoramic's a favourite every year for incredible views and a wide range of dishes.
There are many activities for non-skiers including tobogganing, husky sledding, quad biking, snowmobiling, hiking and snowshoeing. For an unforgettable aerial experience of Courchevel and the Three Valleys, take a private plane, helicopter or hot air balloon tour - or have a go at hang gliding and sky diving for those adrenophiles with a need for high octane activity. If you've had your fill of the outdoors, the Aquamotion centre is Europe's highest mountain waterpark with lagoons, slides, a wild river, surf wave and paddling pool for tots. You can also climb and have some spa time. The Bowling 3000 centre has 8 lanes, and the Patinoire du Forum is the main ice rink. Alternatively, browse some of Courchevel's 100 shops, including some of the highest high-end designer boutiques in Europe. If your legs need a rest, there is a cinema and over thirty hotel spas to meet all pampering needs you could dream of.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Courchevel
Best time to visit & ski Courchevel
With good historic snowfall throughout the winter, Courchevel's slopes have a high altitude and are mostly north-facing, which keeps the snow in fantastic condition. In case of lower than average snowfall, conditions are further insured by almost 700 snow cannons, which cover 58% of the piste, including popular slopes Les Creux (with 46 cannons) and Cospillot (with 12).
Choosing when is the best time to ski in Courchevel largely depends on whether you prefer a buzzing, sociable atmosphere or a more peaceful holiday because the snow conditions are pretty reliably good throughout the winter. If a busy and exciting après ski scene is your type of environment, you're bound to find a great atmosphere during Christmas, New Year and school holidays... however if you prefer a quieter ski holiday, these may be the dates to avoid alongside Russian Christmas (6th-7th January) when the resort's usually teeming with the formerly Soviet well-to-do.
Browse all Courchevel ski deals or read about holidays in December, January, February, March or April.
Peak Dates
During Christmas in Courchevel, you're treated to a real winter wonderland. The resort often hosts torch-lit descents with a spectacular firework display. Father Christmas pays a visit to all 5 villages and there are shows, markets and activities aplenty to ensure everyone gets into the festive spirit. Courchevel Christmas ski holidays ‣
If New Year in Courchevel is anything like it has been in the past, it’ll be truly spectacular with recent years featuring an incredible torch-lit ski show and firework display, followed by a huge party on the piste with live DJs and stunning pyrotechnics. Courchevel's vast range of restaurants, bars and clubs also host their own celebrations so you can spend New Year's Eve in wild abandon or super chic style. Better still, book a catered chalet for sole occupancy and create your own part Courchevel New Year ski holidays ‣
Courchevel at Half-term is a popular family destination because of its friendly slopes and child-orientated ski areas. Activities in recent years have included snow-ball fights are scheduled at the Family Park, Indiens piste and toboggan areas. Courchevel Half Term ski holidays ‣
Easter in Courchevel usually includes 'Easter Night' where in past years, there's been a children's party, giant egg hunt and firework display. A whopping 10,000 eggs are traditionally hidden all over the ski area on Easter day to make your ski more exciting, and Easter Mass can be attended at the ice rink. Courchevel Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Courchevel
As recognised by the Famille Plus label, Courchevel caters for families excellently with child-orientated ski areas, a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and some terrific family accommodation.
Our Courchevel hotels are a popular choice for families – many have their own childcare services if you’re taking anyone too young to ski or fancy a night on the town. Some families opt for our self-catering apartments – especially ones like Les Chalets du Forum Apartments which are only a 2-minute walk to the ski school. Book one of our chalets for a traditional alpine experience – we have some lovely small chalets like Chalet Maurilisa where groups of 8 – 10 can enjoy sole occupancy as well as larger properties where children can meet new friends while parents enjoy other adult company. Position wise, most of our accommodation is accessible via easy green runs and only a short distance from ski school.
Most of our holidays include accommodation in Courchevel 1850 and 1650. 1850 is the largest village with excellent access to the slopes and attractions, and 1650 is popular with families as you can ski virtually to and from the accommodation via easy green and blue runs.
This is a fantastic place to introduce your family to skiing – 60% of the ski area is suitable for beginners, including a Stop zone, Zen Zones and the Indiens piste which children will love. The ski schools here are fantastic, leaving beginners in expert hands while experienced skiers can go off and explore the 3 valleys. Any children too young to ski can be looked after in ESF’s nursery, where they’ll enjoy a fun, and safe environment in a chalet and snow garden and private childcare can be arranged with Snow Angel Nannies. After a day on the slopes, enjoy quality family time on a husky ride, a splash about in the amazing Aquamotion waterpark or relaxing around the fireplace in your accommodation.
GroupsGroup Holidays Courchevel
If you're looking for a holiday for a small group of 6-10, we have a range of great chalets in 1650 where you can enjoy the place to yourselves with sole occupancy. If you want to have the accommodation to yourselves and don't mind sharing the cooking, apartments like Résidence Chalets du Forum apartments are another good group option.
For a more sociable stay in larger properties, book a ski hotel – perfect for groups who can have the privacy of their own rooms while enjoying the sociable atmosphere of large dining and lounge areas. The great thing about our big hotels for groups is that there's a good chance of vacancies if anyone decides to join your group later on.
Courchevel is well suited for all kinds of group ski holidays. Mixed ability skiers and snowboarders couldn't be in a better place. There's a whopping amount of slopes for beginners here, and it's almost impossible for more advanced members to get bored with the 3 Valleys pass opening up seemingly endless terrain. Any non-skiers coming along for the ride won't be disappointed here either – tobogganing, husky rides and snow walking are only a few outdoor activities available. The Aquamotion centre has all kinds of swimming pools and spa facilities – better yet book a chalet or hotel with its own wellness centre, swimming pool or gym that the whole group can enjoy.
Browse our group holidays – pick a chalet, hotel or apartment with flights and transfers, channel crossings or just accommodation on its own depending on what suits you.
Which are the best ski holidays in Courchevel?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Chalet Samuel | 7 | £ 705 |
| Chalet Estrella | 7 | £ 740 |
| Chalet Benjamin | 7 | £ 757 |
| Chalet Jacques | 7 | £ 879 |
| Chalet Le Mazot | 7 | £ 995 |
| Chalet Premier de Cordee | 7 | £ 1075 |
| Chalet Le Notus | 7 | £ 1097 |
| Chalet Eagle's Nest | 7 | £ 1134 |
| Chalet Bellevue | 7 | £ 1151 |
| Chalet La Terrasse | 7 | £ 1151 |
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