When to Choose Glamorous Courchevel, France Ski Resort for Your French Alps Adventure
Curated By
Victoria Cox
Curator’s statement
The timeless, majestic Alps spanning eight countries across Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland are a point of fascination for me. While commonality can be found in the rarefied fresh air across many of these storied lands, there is also tremendous cultural, language and culinary nuance between countries, peaks and valleys. There is a world of difference with a dramatically different vibe and scene across the 1100+ Alpine ski resorts and even within the French Alps, including the Courchevel, France, ski resort. For non-skiers and skiers, a spa and cheese can usually be found, and for the skiers, the lift passes can often be more pleasantly priced compared to North American peers. The Alps are increasingly susceptible to global warming. This reality must be considered when choosing a location, resort, altitude and travel dates. Here are some factors that might lead you to choose the Courchevel, France, ski resort for your vacation.
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When to choose Courchevel (1850)
You like a splash of glitz with your swank, appreciate heated sidewalks and helicopter, private jet or Rolls Royce rides. At the pinnacle of the Courchevel, France, ski resort, you demand either privacy in an exceptionally serviced fully catered chalet with a chef or more likely you reign court at a 5 star ‘palace distinction’ hotel with a wellness spa and a Clés d'Or concierge for your accommodations. You expect the highest density of Michelin star restaurants in a ski resort and 100+ designer stores to browse through. The Apres skiing will keep you entertained.
Oh, the skiing and snowboarding, you ask? Well, exceptional for beginner and expert alike. Perhaps try not to get caught after the lifts close if you want to visit elsewhere and check for shuttle availability. For those in the expert camp, yearning for ungroomed or off-piste, the Grand Couloir has world-wide appeal. If your desire to be near the north-facing slopes, for some degree of snow certainty, Courchevel 1850 could be your choice.
If it doesn’t really bother you that the Courchevel 1850 resort was not built around an existing village, then this could be your village.
Pictures courtesy of Courchevel Tourisme
Where will they treat me like Royalty in Courchevel 1850?
In 2010, Atout France, the French tourism organization, created the Palace distinction as a recognition for exceptionalism above the five-star hotel rating. If only the epitome of luxury is what inspires you when you consider your accommodation options for a Courchevel, France Ski Resort stay — then consider that of the 31 French Palaces in existence, 5 are in Courchevel.
Pictures courtesy of Courchevel Tourisme
Including
Le K2 Palace (Le K2 Hotel Goji Spa), Les Airelles (Le Mer Spa), Cheval Blanc (Guerlain Spa), L’Apogee (Spa by La Prairie) and Hotel Barrierre Les Neiges (Diane Barriere Spa).
Where else can I go to the Spa in Courchevel 1850?
Aman Le Melezin Hotel, La Sivoliere, Six Senses, Le Chabichou.
Take me to the Altiport. I want to arrive fast, avoid the drive and take in the view
The nearest airport is Chambéry but for international flights Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble may be better options. From there, chartering a helicopter from Blade allows you to arrive in style. For the high-speed TGV from Paris or the Eurostar Snow train, Moutiers is your stop.
Pictures courtesy of Courchevel Tourisme
Ok, but maybe that isn’t quite my style as we prefer Tartiflette to Truffles
The beauty of the Courchevel, France ski resort is that there are options for families and options for of groups of friends across the 5 other villages, including: Courchevel Moriond (1650 m), Courchevel Village (1550 m), Courchevel La Tania (1400 m) and Courchevel le Praz (1300 m). And if you are planning a trip to Les 3 Vallees for November or even early May, then neighboring Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, should be open.
Need to know
A holiday at the chic Courchevel, France, ski resort and particularly Courchevel 1850, is among the most luxurious places to vacation in the Alps. If the atmosphere doesn’t quite sound right for you and your heart is set on Courchevel, be sure to investigate the other 5 villages and the rest of the Three Valleys.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to France. In need of further inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Jill Keagy's guide, The Best Courchevel France Hotels for Any Traveler.
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Victoria Cox
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