<p>Explore our guide to Courchevel 1550 and discover why its perfect for family ski holidays in the French Alps.</p>
Photo: Courchevel Tourisme

The Ultimate Guide to Courchevel 1550

Explore our guide to Courchevel 1550 and discover why its perfect for family ski holidays in the French Alps.

Resort Guides
Published at: 6 Sep 2022
Last updated at: 20 Jul 2023

Part of the Three Valleys ski area, Courchevel 1550 offers a quiet base for family ski holidays whilst offering easy access to the busier hubs of Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel 1650.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton

Located in the Tarentaise valley, Courchevel 1550 (also known as Courchevel Village) is nestled below the bright lights of Courchevel 1850. The resort is popular with families as it tends to be a lot quieter than the other Courchevel villages, yet you can reach 1850 in less than five minutes via the Grangettes gondola. The gondola stays open throughout the evening so you can still enjoy the lively nightlife higher up the valley before returning to the sanctuary of your luxury chalet in Courchevel 1550 at the end of the evening.

Courchevel Village has a mix of traditional chalet-style buildings, modern hotels and self-catered apartments which are spread out along the village’s main road. Staying in Courchevel 1550 tends to be more affordable than 1850, but it does lack in glitz and glamour if that is something you are looking for on a luxury ski holiday. The main high street has several restaurants and bars as well as a number of ski hire shops which sell specialist equipment and clothing too.

Aerial view of Courchevel 1550Photo: Le Barn Studio

How to get around Courchevel 1550

Located at different heights, the five villages of Courchevel are connected by regular free shuttle services in the winter and the summer. In winter, the bus service runs every 30 minutes from 07:00am until 02:00am the following morning.

In summer, the service runs every hour from 08:30am to 23:30pm although the frequency increases to every 30 minutes from mid-July to mid-August. Regional buses are also available if you wish to explore a little further afield.

Winter in Courchevel

By basing yourself in Courchevel 1550, you have access to the whole Three Valleys ski area. The main meeting point for ski schools in Courchevel 1550 is at the base of the high-speed Grangettes gondola which whisks you up to La Croisette in Courchevel 1850 in a matter of minutes. Another option for reaching Courchevel 1850 is the more leisurely Tovets six-man chairlift.

The local ski area has a few runs of its own, including the blue Tovets piste which takes you all the way back into the village at the end of the day. However, for more extensive and challenging skiing you will need to link up with the other villages in the Three Valleys.

Another reason why Courchevel 1550 is popular with families is the alternative winter activities on offer. Just a few minutes walk from the village centre is Aquamotion, a superb aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wave pool, water slides and wellness facilities. Let the children splash around while you enjoy a massage to soothe those aching muscles from a day on the slopes. Another highlight is the floodlit 2 km toboggan run between Courchevel 1850 and 1550 which is open 9:00 am to 7:15 pm. from mid-December to mid-April.

-> Find out more in our guide to skiing in Courchevel

Chalet Kibo in Courchevel 1550Photo: Chalet Kibo

Where to Stay in Courchevel 1550?

Accommodation in Courchevel 1550 is generally located within a short stroll of the ski lifts and the village centre making it a very convenient resort for a family ski holiday. We have a number of luxury chalets and self-catered apartments in Courchevel 1550 to choose from.

For a ski-in chalet with superb interior design, head to Chalet Kibo. This elegant home has a bright and spacious living area with breathtaking mountain views, wellness area and home cinema. If relaxation is key to your ski trip, Chalet Le 1550 features an indoor pool, steam room and outdoor hot tub. For something a little quirky, Chalet Sisimuit features bold colours, floral wallpaper and traditional alpine artefacts. For a convenient apartment, look no further than Carre Blanc, a high-end residence in the heart of Courchevel 1550.

Where to Eat & Drink in Courchevel 1550

Although there aren’t a huge number of restaurants in the centre of Courchevel 1550, the quality is still high. A must-visit restaurant in Courchevel 1550 for meat lovers is L’Oeil de Boeuf. Located on the main high street at the foot of the Tovets piste, this intimate Savoyard restaurant specialises in meats grilled over an open fire. Also boasting a rustic Savoyard setting, Le Caveau serves typical Savoie specialities such as fondue, tartiflette and regional escargots. Don’t miss out on the “Sweet Corner” with its selection of homemade pastries, sorbets and crème brulée to finish your meal.

Serving a wide variety of mouth-watering pizzas made in traditional ovens, La Cortona is another fantastic option. It also does take away, as does La Chapelle which provides feel-good mountain cuisine. One of the most popular restaurants in Courchevel 1550 is La Table des Flocons, an ideal lunch spot right next to the piste and ski school meeting point. Part of a family-run hotel, enjoy delicious Savoyard cuisine in the cosy interior or on the sun terrace. For a quick bite, Creperie La Normanise located near the Grangettes gondola have a fantastic pancake menu and excellent vin chaud.

When it comes to apres ski, you are better off staying in a luxury chalet in Courchevel 1850. However, in 1550 Le Caterail Bar is popular with locals with a big screen showing sporting events, an extensive vodka and cocktail menu and live music every Thursday evening from 10:00pm.

Tobogganing in CourchevelPhoto: David Andre
Fondue in CourchevelPhoto: David André/Sophie Molesti
Aquamotion in CourchevelPhoto: Alexis Cornu
Courchevel 1550 in summerPhoto: Courchevel Tourisme

Summer in Courchevel 1550

Whilst it may not be your first thought when it comes to planning a summer holiday, Courchevel 1550 is in fact the perfect destination to keep your children entertained. There are a wealth of activities on offer for all ages and members of the family, from horse riding and short hikes to high ropes courses, swimming, nature parks and more.

Courchevel is also a mecca for mountain biking with the whole of the mountain area to explore. An angler’s haven, Courchevel has seven designated fishing sites with Lac du Praz and Lac de la Rosiere being the most popular spots.