Courchevel has long stopped being a place where people come exclusively for skiing. Today, it is one of the most famous resorts in the French Alps, where everyone can find an activity to their taste: from long days on the slopes and walks through the snowy forest to gastronomic restaurants, spas, shopping and lively après-ski.
At the same time, Courchevel has an interesting feature: it is not one compact village, but a whole system of mountain villages located at different altitudes. Therefore, the atmosphere of the holiday can be very different depending on where exactly you stay.
Six Different Faces of Courchevel
If you are planning a trip to Courchevel for the first time, it is worth understanding its areas.
The most famous is Courchevel 1850. It is exactly what people most often imagine when they talk about a luxury French ski resort. Here you can find expensive hotels and private chalets, haute cuisine restaurants, designer shops, bars and places for evening entertainment. 1850 will especially appeal to those who want to combine skiing with comfort, gastronomy and a rich social life.
Lower down is Courchevel Moriond (1650). This area is noticeably quieter and is especially interesting for families. There are many gentler slopes, restaurants and places to relax after skiing. Thanks to good connections with other parts of the resort, you can stay in a quieter environment and, if desired, quickly get to 1850.
Courchevel Village (1550) is often chosen by families and groups of friends. There is a more intimate atmosphere, and accommodation can be more affordable than in 1850. The Village has its own entertainment, restaurants and convenient access to the ski area. One of the interesting activities is a long toboggan run, which starts higher up and ends directly in the village.
If you want to see a more traditional Alpine Courchevel, you should pay attention to Le Praz. Here, narrow streets, old chalets and the atmosphere of a real mountain village have been preserved. The famous Olympic ski jumping hills are also located in Le Praz. This is a good option for those who are not as interested in luxury hotels and noisy parties as they are in nature and an authentic atmosphere.
Another interesting option is La Tania, located among coniferous forests. It is a quieter and family-friendly resort, popular with those who prefer a holiday surrounded by nature. And at the bottom of the valley is Saint-Bon — the historical place where the history of modern Courchevel actually began.
All these areas are connected to each other, so choosing a particular village does not mean that you will have to spend your entire holiday there.
What to Do in Courchevel Besides Skiing
Of course, the main reason to come here in winter is the huge ski area. Courchevel is part of the famous Les 3 Vallées, one of the largest interconnected ski regions in the world. There are slopes for beginners, experienced skiers and those looking for really difficult descents.
But even ski lovers sometimes want to take a break.
One of the obvious options is to go for a snowshoe walk. The routes pass through snowy forests and allow you to see a completely different Courchevel, without queues at the lifts and the noise of the ski slopes.
For more active recreation, snowmobiling, paragliding and various winter activities are available. In some areas of the resort, you can try unusual activities related to mountain nature.
Families with children should pay attention to the toboggan runs and the Aquamotion water complex. This is a good way to spend several hours if the weather has deteriorated or if you want to have a day off from skiing. Courchevel Village also has a long toboggan run that goes between the upper and lower parts of the resort.
Courchevel for Those Who Love Gastronomy
Another reason to come here is food.
Courchevel is known not only for traditional Savoyard dishes, but also for haute cuisine restaurants. After a day in the mountains, it is especially pleasant to try fondue, raclette or tartiflette, and then go for a glass of wine or hot chocolate.
In 1850, the choice is especially large: here you can find both simple cozy places with Alpine cuisine and high-level restaurants. Therefore, a gastronomic evening can easily become a separate part of the travel program.
How to Get to Courchevel
For most foreign tourists, Geneva Airport remains one of the most convenient arrival options. After landing, you have to travel along a mountain route to the resort, so many travelers prefer to organize the journey directly to their accommodation in advance.
If comfort and no changes are important, you can order a private ski transfer from Geneva Airport to Courchevel resorts. This is especially convenient for families with children, large groups and travelers with ski equipment and a lot of luggage.
As a result, just a few hours after landing, you can find yourself in the mountains and start your holiday without having to deal with several types of public transport.
What to Do in the Evening?
In the evening, Courchevel does not go to sleep. After the lifts close, traditional après-ski begins: bars and restaurants gradually fill with skiers, and in 1850 more active options for evening entertainment appear.
But it is not necessary to spend every evening in a bar. You can walk along the illuminated streets, visit a shop, go to a spa or simply have a quiet evening in a chalet with a view of the mountains.
It is exactly this combination that makes Courchevel interesting for different travelers. Young groups can choose active après-ski and nightlife, families — quiet areas, children’s entertainment and swimming pools, and couples — beautiful restaurants, spas and walks through snowy forests.
Who Is Courchevel Suitable For?
It is difficult to call Courchevel a resort for only one type of tourist. Yes, 1850 is known for luxury hotels, expensive restaurants and famous nightlife. But outside this area, you can find a much quieter and more family-friendly type of holiday.
Experienced skiers come here for the huge choice of slopes, families — for the infrastructure and entertainment for children, couples — for the atmosphere and gastronomy, and groups of friends — for sports and après-ski.
It is precisely the opportunity to choose your own type of holiday while staying within one large mountain region that makes Courchevel one of the most interesting destinations in the French Alps. Here you can spend a week skiing, or you can ski for only a few hours a day, leaving the rest of the time for walks, restaurants, spas and getting to know different Alpine villages.
