COURCHEVEL - SKI CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Globetrotter was invited to join the LOVE Courchevel familiarization trip towards the end of the ski season in March. As first-time visitors to a snowy holiday destination, we were thrilled to explore Courchevel, a world-renowned ski resort in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie region of France. We had high expectations, but Courchevel exceeded them all.

Courchevel https://courchevel.com/en is made up of six different villages, each with its own character and charm. Courchevel 1850 is the highest and most well-known of the four. The other villages are Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel Lan Tania and Saint-Bon. It is part of the Les Trois Vallées ski area, the largest ski area in the world, with over 600 km of ski runs. Courchevel offers luxurious amenities, high-end shopping, and an exclusive atmosphere.

Getting There

Depending on your budget, there are various transportation options available to reach Courchevel. If you're traveling from South Africa, you can opt to fly to France (either Paris or Lyon) or make a stopover in Switzerland (Geneva). Once you arrive in Paris, you can take a train to Moutiers, which can be booked on the SNCF website, and then continue your journey with a private transfer or bus. Alternatively, if you arrive in Lyon or Geneva, you have the option to hire a private transfer or take the daily express bus service that can be booked through the ALTIBus website https://www.altibus.com/en/.

Accommodation

Courchevel offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from cozy chalets and apartments to luxury hotels.

Chalets are a popular choice for those looking for a traditional mountain experience. There are plenty of options available, ranging from small and rustic to large and luxurious. Many chalets come with private hot tubs, saunas, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Apartments are also a popular choice, particularly for those on a budget. There are plenty of options available, ranging from simple studios to spacious multi-room apartments with modern amenities. We recommend using CIMALPES https://cimalpes.com/en/or La Sailire Agency https://www.meribel.net/en/apidae/agence-saulire-sales-rentals/ for your bookings.

For those looking for a more luxurious stay, there are a number of high-end hotels in the resort. Many of these hotels offer ski-in/ski-out access, as well as on-site spas, gourmet restaurants, and other amenities. Some of the most popular hotels in Courchevel include the Cheval Blanc https://www.chevalblanc.com/fr/maison/courchevel, Hotel Les Airelles https://airelles.com/en/destination/courchevel-hotel, and Le K2 Palace https://www.lek2palace.com/en/ .

Mid-range hotels that were our favourites were The Ecrin Blanc Resort https://ecrin-blanc.com/ (which is also attached to Aquamotion), Courcheneige, Les Sherpas https://www.hotel-les-sherpas.com/, Les Peupleier https://www.lespeupliers.com/en/s and Fahrenheit 7 https://www.fahrenheitseven.com/les-destinations/hotel-courchevel/.

For more budget conscious skiers, we recommend Hotel La Montana https://www.lemontanahotel.com/en/, which is in La Tania, a village that caters predominantly to British tourists.

Activities

Courchevel's ski area is one of the most extensive in the world, with runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort has over 150 ski lifts, including gondolas, chairlifts, and drag lifts, which provide access to a variety of ski terrain, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste runs.

The resort is also home to ski schools and private instructors, making it an ideal destination for those looking to learn how to ski or improve their skills. Get in touch with the Oxygène Ski & Snowboard https://www.oxygene.ski/courchevel-ski-school/ or ESF https://www.esfcourchevel.com/ for your lessons.

If you chose not to carry your own skis etc, you can also hire them from the numerous sport stores based in the villages, with some offering a personalised delivery service.

In addition to skiing, Courchevel also offers a range of non-skiing activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing. One of our favourite places was Aquamotion which is a state-of-the-art water park and wellness centre located in Courchevel, France. The facility spans over 15,000 square meters and boasts a range of amenities and activities, including indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, saunas, steam rooms, and a fitness centre. There is also a climbing wall, an indoor surfing simulator, and an ice rink for those looking for more adventurous activities.

Yann, our knowledgeable guide from Azimut Rando, led us on a snowshoeing adventure, providing us with a unique way to explore the winter wonderland of Courchevel without skiing. He put us at ease by assuring us that the equipment on our feet would prevent any slips and falls, and he was true to his word. Additionally, we had the opportunity to explore an igloo nestled in the midst of the snow-covered forests of Courchevel.

Food and Entertainment

Courchevel is renowned for its gastronomic scene, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. From traditional French cuisine to international flavours, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Courchevel.

There are plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants in the resort, including Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, which has earned three Michelin stars, and Pierre Gagnaire's restaurant at Hotel Les Airelles, which has two Michelin stars. These establishments offer fine dining experiences with exceptional service and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the high-end restaurants, there are also a number of more casual dining options available in Courchevel. There are plenty of cafes and brasseries where visitors can enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. Traditional French dishes such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette are popular choices, as are pizzas and burgers.

For those looking for something more international, there are also several restaurants serving sushi, Thai food, and Italian cuisine. There are also several bars and nightclubs in the resort, where visitors can enjoy drinks and live music late into the night.

Courchevel is a destination that truly has it all: world-class skiing and snowboarding, stunning natural scenery, a vibrant après-ski scene, and a diverse range of dining and accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-time visitor, Courchevel offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. From the exhilarating ski slopes to the peaceful snow-covered forests, Courchevel is a winter wonderland that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure to Courchevel today!