<p>Discover France&#x27;s glitziest ski resort</p>
Photo: CourchevelTourisme

The Ultimate Guide to Courchevel 1850

Discover France's glitziest ski resort

Resort Guides
Published at: 9 Aug 2019
Last updated at: 31 Aug 2023

Take a look at our definitive guide to Courchevel 1850 and discover everything you need to know to enjoy a luxury ski holiday in France's glitziest resort.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton

Where is Courchevel 1850?

Located in the Savoie Alps close to the Swiss and Italian borders, Courchevel 1850 is at the heart of the famous Three Valleys ski area. This chic resort is renowned for attracting wealthy clientele, particularly Russians. Considering it is home to France’s biggest concentration of five-star hotels outside of Paris and some of the most expensive ski chalets in the world, as well as numerous Michelin-star restaurants, it is not hard to understand why. The streets are lined with designer shops and jewellers and the resort even has its own altiport.

Courchevel 1850 is just one of several villages in Courchevel, all linked by lifts, pistes and a road which winds its way up from Le Praz and through Courchevel 1650, bypassing roads to Courchevel 1550 and La Tania on the way. These villages tend to be more traditional and affordable but still excellent bases for exploring the vast ski area. Courchevel 1850 is most convenient for accessing the slopes; it takes just two ski lifts to reach the resort’s highest point (2,738m). From here you can ski the legendary Grand Couloir or explore the wide-open space of the entire 3 Valleys.

Luxury ski resort of Courchevel 1850 at nightPhoto: Courchevel Tourisme
Skiing in Courchevel 1850Photo: Mathis Decroux/Courchevel Tourisme
Courchevel ski areaPhoto: Courchevel Tourisme

Winter in Courchevel

Guide to Skiing in Courchevel

Courchevel 1850 gives easy access to the whole of the 3 Valleys ski area. With 600 km of slopes, 327 runs and 186 ski lifts, skiers of all abilities are catered for meaning the resort is just as popular with families as oligarchs. In fact, 60% of the runs are blue and green making it ideal for beginners.

Experts also have a huge choice of terrain from couloirs to steep mogul fields. The lift system is excellent so there are rarely queues for the lifts although the slopes are often overcrowded in peak weeks.

Beyond the slopes there are a fantastic range of activities on offer, from snowshoeing and snowmobiling to paragliding and husky sledging. The toboggan run from 1850 to 1550 is a real highlight for both children and adults. Indoor activities include bowling and rock climbing.

Between 1550 and 1650 is the Aquamotion Centre where you can take a dip in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and relax in the hammam, saunas or Jacuzzi. Le Forum sports centre is also popular with families. Other experiences include taking a cookery course with a Michelin-star chef or exploring one of the local galleries.

Off piste skiing in Courchevel 1850Photo: Courchevel Tourisme
Toboganning in Courchevel 1850Photo: Courchevel Tourisme
Aquamotion water park in CourchevelPhoto: Alexis Cornu/Courchevel Tourisme

Where to Stay in Courchevel 1850

Luxury Ski Chalets in Courchevel 1850
Luxury chalet Shemshak in Courchevel 1850Photo: Shemshak Lodge

Courchevel 1850 is renowned for its ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Chalets in Courchevel 1850 such as Perce Neige and Shemshak Lodge offer direct access to the slopes. The resort is also home to some of the most exclusive chalets in the Alps; Chalet Tahoe, Le Petit Palais and Le Coquelicot all rent for over €60,000 per week.

There are also some incredible apartments that are linked to five-star hotels such as Penthouse Les Airelles and Apartment Amethyst. More affordable options include chalets Les 3 Soeurs and Jardin Alpin.

Where to Eat & Drink in Courchevel 1850

Restaurant Guide to Courchevel 1850

Renowned for its fine dining opportunities, Courchevel is positively brimming with Michelin-stars. The incredible standard of cuisine here makes it a must-visit destination for any foodie. Chabichou, presided over by Michel Rochedy and Stéphane Buron, is probably the most iconic restaurant in resort having attained two-Michelin stars. Other recommended Michelin-star restaurants include three-star Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, two-star Le Kintessence at Le K2 Palace and Le Montgomerie at Le K2 Altitude.

If you do not have the cash to splash then there are plenty of other more sensibly priced restaurants around. Bistro Le Chabotte is a smaller and more affordable version of its sister restaurant Le Chabichou whilst cosy Sauilire and La Fromagerie offer Savoyard classics in friendly surroundings. Petit Savoyard is another friendly spot serving wood oven-fired pizzas and other traditional fare.

Summer in Courchevel 1850

Summer Activities in Courchevel
Ski jumping in Courchevel in summerPhoto: CM Saute/Courchevel Tourisme

Although Courchevel 1850 is thought of as a winter destination, there is in fact plenty going on during the summer months. Enjoy a spot of golf at the bottom of the Saulire, discover Courchevel by bike or on foot by exploring its many scenic trails or try via ferrata, a combination of scrambling or climbing on a route marked out by metal rails and rungs embedded into the mountain.

The resort also hosts some fantastic events throughout the summer. From the Summer Ski Jumping World Cup to the Lumberjack Championships there is always something interesting for spectators to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Courchevel?

Part of the Rhone-Alpes region in southeast France, Courchevel is located within the province of Savoie in the Tarentaise Valley. It is the largest of the resorts in the renowned 3 Vallees.

Where to stay in Courchevel?

Courchevel 1850 is renowned for its ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Chalets such as Chalet Tahoe, Perce Neige and Shemshak Lodge offer direct access to the slopes.

Is Courchevel good for beginners?

With gentle runs and excellent ski schools, Courchevel is one of the best resorts for beginners. There are two main nursery areas; one at Pralong in 1850 and the other in 1650.

How do you get to Courchevel?

Geneva International Airport is the most convenient airport to fly to for Courchevel. Once at Geneva, the transfer time by road is around 2 hours 25 minutes.