COURCHEVEL VALLEY
OVERVIEW
The Courchevel Valley is reputed to have a “special quality of snow” and it’s hard to dispute this when skiing there. In particular the snow on the higher slopes has certain lightness to it that the connoisseurs of skiing rave about and with the superbly groomed slopes around 1850 insuring that the equally well groomed skiers don’t risk a hair out of place. That said there’s a tougher side to this resort with many of the French ski teams coming from here. There is something for all here from tiny studios to huge luxury chalets. The skiing of the Three Valleys of which Courchevel is part, is second to none – it is the largest linked ski area in the world.
1850
Sophisticated, chic and expensive. The highest and most famous of the Courchevel resorts was founded from scratch in 1946 and was the first purpose built ski resort. Since the beginning 1850 has long been the preferred ski destination of the rich and famous French who, over the years, have been joined by growing numbers of wealthy visitors from Britain, Russia and more recently the glamour of Bollywood and the new money of China.
It has a huge capacity to entertain its visitors both on and off the snow, with its
vast array of restaurants providing sushi to French gourmet. It boasts a 2* Michelin
restaurant, plus many other highly rated establishments to suit both traditional
and modern tastes. In addition it has a good selection of night clubs and bars -
1850 also delivers quality accommodation with a higher proportion of luxury lodgings than most resorts. Most of its clientele still prefer 4* luxury hotels although the popularity of the luxury chalet market is steadily growing. It’s hard to rival 1850 for its classy comfort and outstanding cuisine – and certainly hard to rival for cost!
At the top of the resort is the helicopter base and Altiport where a well subscribed aero club is active throughout the summer and winter. In summer 1850 opens its 18 hole golf course which is situated at the foot of the Saulire peak. The superb view of the lake from hole number 1 stretches out before you, and the club runs golf and gourmet weekends along with the neighbouring golf course in Meribel.
The tourist office and proprietors work hard, summer and winter, to add value for the holiday goer with nightly entertainment, special events (from art and culture, to extreme ski competitions, to vodka evenings). Overall 1850 have put in considerable effort to earn its reputation and whilst it has stunning snow quality and perfectly groomed pistes it is still best known for its après ski.
1650
Situated on a sunny plateau above the Vallée des Avals, 1650 is a great all-
The slopes of 1650 are quieter with wide open pistes making skiers feel that they are in a secluded resort rather than being part of a vast 600km system. Unlike 1850 it offers more reasonable pricing across its hotels, restaurants and bars. It has a high proportion of chalet operators providing accommodation and overall, aims to cater for smaller budgets and a wider demographic.
1650 has interesting scenery, vast views and some stunning powder fields leading down to its sunny centre and is an ideal resort for all levels of skier.
1550
1550 is growing up fast, and whilst it initially aimed at the family market, there has been a gradual shift towards capitalising on those who can’t quite afford 1850, but want something more exciting for their money. Each year it adds to its accommodation, restaurants and bars and along with 1650, is constantly seeking to upgrade its rating. Joined to 1850 by a 6 person chair you are in danger of getting caught in first the queues out of 1550, only to then join the rush of 1850.
It has a good selection of bars, restaurants and hotels and is also a good place for music lovers as many of the bars provide good quality live music.
Both 1650 and 1550 have a low key, 2 month, summer season which focuses on the types of mountain activities that appeal to nature lovers.
Le Praz 1300
Le Praz is a charming resort, remaining a traditional mountain village at its heart with wood and stone chalets. Whilst the chalets have become spread out over the years, the centre remains full of character with old buildings and narrow streets. It has a small lake as its focus next to which the two ski lifts are situated. These can become hectic at peak weeks, but seasonnaires know it’s just a matter of timing your departure. Occasionally, at the start and end of the season, the slopes back to the village can become icy or patchy but you are able to catch the bubbles down.
In spite of its lower altitude, it continues to be a very popular resort due to its authentic, welcoming feel with the small centre providing a daily meeting point for regulars.
It welcomes a wide range of visitors; families, those with a basic budget, and a wealthier clientele who don’t subscribe to the glitz of 1850. It has a life of its own throughout the year, although it is very quiet out of season with just a shop, bar and restaurant remaining open. However, it is fully open in July and August and throughout the winter season.
It is considered to have two of the best restaurants of all the Courchevel resorts
and a good standard of accommodation with a mix of hotels, apartments and chalets.
The best known restaurant is La Table de Mon Grand-
At the back of the lake is a huge ski jump which is used on the national and international competition circuit bringing life beyond skiing to this village.
St Bon
St Bon at 1100 remains a small hamlet virtually free of the mass tourism of the higher
resorts. A couple of years ago it had a piste made back to the village enabling its
residents to ski home, prior to which only the brave ventured the off-
Bozel
Bozel is a lively and popular all year round mountain town, just a car or bus ride
away from the ski resorts of Courchevel, the nearest being Courchevel 1300 le Praz
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La Tania
La Tania is situated at 1400m and was originally built as a dormitory for the 1992 Albertville Olympics. The village, situated a couple of kilometres from Le Praz (Courchevel 1300) and on a road that goes to Meribel, quickly evolved into a pleasant little family resort in its own right. Being situated in a spruce forest has given La Tania a unique feel offering the skiing of Courchevel and Méribel but without the high prices.
Apart from the apartments around the Chaudanne, architecture is mostly chalet style
and Le Forêt, a collection of attractive Scandinavian-
Because La Tania has been built and developed fairly recently, it has better ecological
and environmental design than some of the neighbouring resorts; the apartment buildings
are built in a semi-
A jumbo gondola provides main mountain access and allows skiers to download when
village snow-
Accommodation is based on chalets and apartments with 3 hotels, 1x4* and 2x3* to provide extra beds. There are five restaurants mostly providing traditional fare and nightlife is centred around The Ski Lodge, a British run establishment.
