Courchevel Facts

Everything you need to know about the world's most prestigious ski destination.

Key Facts at a Glance

Ski Area

600km

Les 3 Vallées - world's largest ski area

Altitude

1,300-2,738m

Excellent snow conditions December-April

Michelin Stars

10+

More stars per capita than anywhere in France

Villages

5

1850, Moriond, Village, Le Praz, La Tania

Nearest Airport

Geneva

2 hours by road, 40 min by helicopter

Currency

Euro (€)

France, part of the Eurozone

Season

Dec-Apr

Peak: Christmas, New Year, February

Palace Hotels

4

More than any other ski resort

Detailed Information

Location

  • Courchevel is located in the French Alps, in the Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie department.
  • The resort is part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world.
  • Courchevel sits at altitudes between 1,300m and 2,738m above sea level.
  • The nearest international airport is Geneva (GVA), approximately 2 hours by car.
  • Chambéry Airport is 1.5 hours away and Lyon Airport is about 2.5 hours away.
  • Courchevel has its own altiport at 2,008m altitude for private aircraft and helicopters.

Villages

  • Courchevel 1850 is the main village and the most prestigious, home to luxury hotels and high-end boutiques.
  • Courchevel Moriond (1650) offers excellent skiing access and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Courchevel Village (1550) is family-friendly with a charming traditional feel.
  • Le Praz (1300) hosted the 1992 Olympic ski jumping events and maintains an authentic village character.
  • La Tania was built for the 1992 Olympics and offers ski-in/ski-out convenience at lower prices.

Skiing

  • Courchevel has 150 km of ski runs within its own area.
  • Les 3 Vallées offers 600 km of marked runs across Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens.
  • The ski season typically runs from early December to late April.
  • There are 58 ski lifts in Courchevel alone, serving skiers of all levels.
  • The resort has excellent snow-making capabilities covering 50% of the ski area.
  • Courchevel is known for its wide, well-groomed pistes suitable for intermediate skiers.

Accommodation

  • Courchevel has over 280 luxury chalets available for rental.
  • Chalet prices range from €3,000 to over €150,000 per week depending on size and service level.
  • Most chalet rentals run from Saturday to Saturday.
  • Service levels include Essential (self-catered), Comfort, Prestige (with breakfast), and Excellence (half-board).
  • Many chalets feature private spas, swimming pools, and cinema rooms.
  • The resort has 7 five-star hotels and several palace-rated establishments.

Dining

  • Courchevel has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc holds 3 Michelin stars.
  • Le Chabichou has maintained 2 Michelin stars for many years.
  • The resort offers over 60 restaurants ranging from traditional Savoyard to international cuisine.
  • Many luxury chalets offer private chef services.
  • Traditional Savoyard specialties include fondue, raclette, and tartiflette.

Prices

  • A 6-day adult ski pass for Les 3 Vallées costs approximately €350-400.
  • Luxury chalet rentals in Courchevel 1850 average €30,000-80,000 per week.
  • Budget-friendly options in La Tania or Le Praz start around €3,000-5,000 per week.
  • Private ski instructors cost approximately €400-600 per day.
  • Airport transfers from Geneva cost around €400-600 each way by private car.
  • Helicopter transfers from Geneva cost approximately €3,000-4,000.

Best Time to Visit

  • Peak season runs from Christmas through New Year and during French school holidays in February.
  • January offers quieter slopes and often excellent snow conditions.
  • March provides longer days, warmer temperatures, and spring skiing conditions.
  • Early December and late April offer lower prices but variable snow conditions.
  • The resort is also popular in summer for hiking, mountain biking, and golf.

Activities

  • Beyond skiing, Courchevel offers snowshoeing, ice skating, and paragliding.
  • The Aquamotion center features pools, spas, and surfing simulators.
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides are available through the villages.
  • The resort has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs.
  • Helicopter tours offer stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
  • Shopping options include luxury boutiques from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.

The Five Villages

Courchevel 1850

1,850m

The most prestigious address in the Alps. Home to Palace hotels, designer boutiques, and the see-and-be-seen atmosphere that defines luxury skiing.

Best for

Ultimate luxury, fine dining, exclusive shopping

Courchevel Moriond (1650)

1,650m

A more relaxed atmosphere with excellent skiing and outstanding value. Increasingly popular with discerning guests seeking space and quality.

Best for

Families, value-conscious luxury, spacious chalets

Courchevel Village (1550)

1,550m

Traditional Savoyard village atmosphere. Authentic alpine charm with modern amenities and direct lift access.

Best for

Authentic atmosphere, local experience

Le Praz (Courchevel 1300)

1,300m

The original village, home to the Olympic ski jump. Charming streets, excellent restaurants, and genuine mountain community.

Best for

Local charm, families, budget-conscious

La Tania

1,400m

Purpose-built but charming car-free village. Perfect for families with gentle slopes and a relaxed pace.

Best for

Families with children, car-free convenience

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