Courchevel (3 Vallées)
High altitude resort

Resort description

Courchevel is the most extensive and varied ski sector of whole the 3 Valleys. Courchevel 1850 is the most widely recognised due to it luxurious chalets and hotels attracting the rich and famous who can fly directly to the mini-airport in the middle of the slopes. A holiday here though doesn't have to cost a fortune. Below is Courchevel 1650 which offers a great village atmosphere. It is surrounded by alpine forest and is bathed in sunshine from morning to evening.

Courchevel

 

Courchevel is made up of 4 resorts with an efficient free bus service running between them :

 

Courchevel 1850 is the largest and most cosmopolitan with designer shops and exclusive nightclubs. Undoubtedly, it is the benchmark in the French Alps for upmarket resorts.

 

Courchevel 1650 is described by many reporters as still very lively but a calmer and less crowed village, the most convenient base for exploration the 3 Valleys.

 

Courchevel 1550 has a family atmosphere set in the heart of the forest.

 

Le Praz or Courchevel 1300 as it is also know as is an old village with rustic charm set amongst woodland.

 

Skiing in Courchevel

 

Set in a truly beautiful landscape, the slopes face north or north east making them very snow sure.

 

Courchevel 1850 has some of the best access to the other resorts of the 3 valleys and has a gondola that takes you up to La Vizelle at 2695m.

 

Courchevel 1650 has its own ski area where some of the best slopes for early intermediates can be found as well as some of the best nursery slopes.

 

Courchevel 1550 and Le Praz has some great wooded slopes.

 

For expert skiers some of the best runs are at the top of the Saulire cable car.

 

Those looking for a challenge there is the 2000m/6560ft vertical from La Saulire to Bozel which is below Le Praz.

 

For some great blue and red runs try the Chenus sector.

 

   Click to view 3 Vallées website

 

 

Safe Skiing with Children in Courchevel

 

Magnestick is a new safety device for children, which can now be found on 4 chairlifts withinCourchevel : Signal (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked), Pralong (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked), Gravelles (4 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked) and Roc Mugnier (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked).

 

This is a simple yet very effective device: A permanent magnet is fixed to the seat of the chairlift and is activated for the whole ride up including when the child gets on.

A light (200g) back protector worn by the child includes a metallic plate. Children wear this protection throughout the day's skiing (not only when taking the chairlift). This vest comes in a bright colour so that children can be seen on the slopes and to avoid collisions with other slope users. On their way down, this CE-approved back protector protects their backs if they fall or collide with someone else.

On arrival at the top, the magnet is automatically deactivated when the child gets off. The child can then get up from the seat normally.

The risk of a child falling off before getting to the top is prevented as the magnet is only deactivated when the child puts their skis on the snow (even if someone lifts the restraining bar well before arrival).

 

As soon as the metallic plate in the back protector comes into contact with the magnet on the chairlift, the child is ‘attached’ to the seat. The aim is to protect children at each stage of the chairlift transport process!

STAGE 1 - Getting on: As soon as the child is sat with their back against the back of the seat, the system prevents any risk of sliding off even if the person accompanying does not immediately lower the restraining bar.

STAGE 2 - The ride up: The child can still move about freely but is ‘attached’ to the seat during the whole ride up. The system avoids any risk of sliding under the restraining bar.

STAGE 3 - Getting off: Even if the restraining bar is lifted before arrival, the child remains safely ‘attached to the seat' until their skis touch the snow.

 

Magnestick Vests can be purchased or hired in Courchevel from:

Société des 3 Vallées (Skipass office).

 

 

Snowboarding in Courchevel

 

The Plantrey terrain park is located just below 1850 and has a half pipe

 

The is also the Verdons terrain park just above 1850 which is great for all level or boarders

 

There is also a boarder cross at Pralong

 

Cross country skiing

 

There is 66km/41 miles of cross country trails in Courchevel.

 

Some of the best trails can be found near Le Praz

 

Ski School

 

The ESF in Courchevel 1650 & Courchevel 1850 offer skiing and snowboarding lesson to both adults and children.

 

For children aged 3-5 there is the  Piou- Piou club where they can learn how to ski.

 

For more information about pre-booking Ski School in Courchevel please select here 

 

Lift Passes

 

Lift passes give access to Courchevel and the whole of the 3 Valless

 

For more information about Courchevel lift pass, please click here

 

Photos supplier by Courchevel tourist office, taken by Patrick Pachod and J.Kelegopian
The Skiing
Courchevel is part of Les 3 Vallées that many skiers rightly regard as the greatest of intermediate playground in the world. This massive lift-linked ski area is formed with the neighbouring resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel, Courchevel, and La Tania. The 3 Vallées has slopes of all extreme. On the edge of the traditional wide ski runs, the eastern side of the 3 Vallées ski area is waiting to be discovered: in the Saint-Bon valley and on the borders of the Courchevel ski area you will find sunny Moriond. The Saint Bon valley offers some of the most beautiful wooded sectors of the 3 Vallées. The western side of the 3 Vallées is represented by the Belleville Valley and at the top of the valley sits the imposing resort of Val Thorens and its circle of glaciers and peaks that reach over 3000m. Great skiing can be had from the very beginning of the season in the 3 Vallées and there is something for every one no matter your style or ability.
Après Ski
There are over 60 bars and restaurants in the whole of Courchevel villages.While 1850 has the finest restaurants, 1650 offers a good selection of welcoming and reasonably priced restaurants like L'Erterlou, La Montagne L'Albaron, le Petit Savoyard. After diner places in 1650 are reported to very enjoyable too.
Amenities
All of the resorts in Courchevel have a wide selection of amenities including: food stores, bakeries, pharmacies doctors, banks, hairdressers, beauty salons, sport shops, not to forget in 1850 all of altitude fashion shops you can dream of!
Activities
There is a wide selection of activities available in all the resorts of Courchevel including bowling, going to the cinema or the ice rink, ice climbing, snow shoeing or ice karting
Getting there
Driving distance: From Calais: 580 miles, approximately 9 hrs.
Airport access: Chambery: 60 miles, approximately 1 hr 30 mins. Lyon: 113 miles, approximately 2 hrs 30 mins. Geneva: 115 miles, approximately 2 hrs 30 mins.

Ski Facts
Village height:
1260m(4,130ft)-1850m(6,070ft)
Slope range:
1260m(4,130ft)-3230m(10,600ft)
Ski area:
Les 3 Vallées
Piste coverage
600
Ski lifts
180
Ski runs
 300
Green
 40
Blue
 124
Red
 106
Black
 30
Snow cannons
 2091
Beginners
 ***
Intermediates
 ****
Experts
 ****
Boarders
 ****
Local Ski Area
Courchevel has 150km of slopes, 67 ski lifts, 31 green runs, 41 blue runs, 40 red runs and 12 black runs.

Tourist Office
+ 33 (0)4 79 08 00 29
Click to Courchevel (3 Vallées) website
 
Accommodation
Les BriguesOur rating: ***
Studio Sleeps 4
(c 25m2) Living area, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, 1 alcove in the entrance with bunk beds & bathroom with WC.

1 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 4-6
(c 30m2) Living area with a double pull-out bed, 1 alcove in the entrance with bunk beds, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom & separate WC.

3 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 6-8
(c 50m2) Living area, 1 bedroom with a double pull-out bed & 2 single beds, 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, bathroom, shower-room & separate WC.
Le Portetta Mountain LodgesOur rating: *****
Petite Marmotte
Sleeps 2 (35m2) Lounge area and shower room, mezzanine with double bedroom.

Marmotte
Sleeps 8-10 (250m2) located over 3 floors. Lounge and kitchen area, 4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, mezzanine with snug, sauna, heated boot/ski room and an outdoor hot tub.

Blanchot
Sleeps 10-12 (320m2) located over 3 floors and suitable for 8 adults and 4 children. Lounge and kitchen area, 4 double bedrooms, 1 bedroom with bunk beds, 5 bathrooms, mezzanine with snug, steam room, heated boot/ski room, garage and a outdoor hot tub.
Village MontagnettesOur rating: ****
1 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 4
Living area with a pull-out sofa bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bathroom & 1 WC.

2 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 6-8
(c 72m2) Living area with a pull-out sofa bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, 1 alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom with a bath, 1 shower-room & 2 WCs.

4 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 10
(c 95m2) 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 3 shower-rooms & 3 WCs (2 separate).

4 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 8-10
(c 95m2) Living area with pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 3 shower-rooms & 3 WCs (1 separate). Arranged over 3 floors.

4 Bedroom With Sauna Sleeps 10
(c 95m2) Living area with pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 bathroom, 3 shower-rooms, 3 WCs (2 separate) & a private sauna with shower. Arranged over 3 floors.

5 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 12
(c 115m2) Living area with pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 4 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 4 shower-rooms & 4 WCs (1 separate). Arranged over 4 floors.

5 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 10-12
(c 105m2) Living area with pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 4 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 4 shower-rooms & 4 WCs (1 separate). Arranged over 4 floors.
Les Chalets du ForumOur rating: ****
1 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 4-5
(c 40m2) Living area with a double sofa bed, 1 bedroom with 3 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate).

1 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 4-6
Living area with a double sofa bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 alcove with bunk beds, 2 bathrooms & WC (may be separate).

2 Bedroom Classic Sleeps 7
Living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 single pull-out bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate).

2 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 7
Larger apartment with a living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 single pull-out bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate). Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.

3 Bedroom Alcove Espace Sleeps 10
Larger apartment: Living area with double & single sofa bed, 1 bedroom with double & single bed, 2 bedrooms each with 1 single bed, 1 alcove with single bed & single pull-out bed, bathroom & WC (may be separate). Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.

3 Bedroom Classic Sleeps 10
Living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 single pull-out bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds & a single pull-out bed, bathroom & WC (may be separate) & shower-room.

3 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 10
Larger apartment with a living area with 2 single sofa beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate) & shower-room. Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.

4 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 12
Living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 pull-out bed,1 bedroom with double bed,1 bedroom with 2 single beds & 1 pull-out bed, 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 2 bathrooms & WC (maybe separate), shower-room & Nespresso coffee machine. May be split level

5 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 13
Larger apartment with a living area with 3 single sofa beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 mezzanine with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate). Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.
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