TRAIN TO COURCHEVEL
Courchevel has always had a reputation as the home of swanky chalets and mega-rich clientele – but there's a lot here that will suit a wide range of skiers, in an attractive setting within the huge Three Valleys ski area.
Don't let stories of 400€ bottles of champagne put you off. Sure, Courchevel has for years been a magnet for the uber wealthy. But it's an excellent resort boasting superb local slopes – and well positioned within the Three Valleys ski area. The villages all have ambiance and buzz about them, and for families the proximity of good nursery slopes is major plus.
Courchevel villages
Courchevel is made up of four separate villages: Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Moriond (1650), Courchevel Village (1550) and Courchevel Le Praz (1300). The villages are linked by lifts, ski pistes and also by the winding road from Moutiers. The biggest and most prestigious is 1850, while Le Praz and1550 are more affordable options. Between 1550 and 1650 there's a huge watersports centre, Aquamotion, of which the resort is rightly proud.
The slopes around Courchevel
Courchevel's local slopes are second-to-none for beginners and wobbly early intermediates. These long, smooth runs are surrounded by plenty of trees, making them good in poor weather too.
Couchevel for families
In the three higher resorts, there are nurseries with snow gardens that accept children from 18 months and upwards.
In 1550 there’s the Maison des Enfants, in 1650 there’s Les P'tits Pralins de Moriond and in 1850 the Villages des Enfants.
Things to do in Courchevel
Situated between Courchevel 1650 and 1550, Aquamotion aquatic centre is a spectacular building with sloping grass-covered roof, designed to blend in with the mountain scenery.
Eating out in Courchevel
Courchevel is certainly a hothouse for major chefs, with three restaurants boasting two Michelin stars. There are also more affordable, down-to-earth places, such as La Cendree, an Italian restaurant entering its fourth decade and Le Cafe de la Poste with its wood-fired pizzas along with Savoy specialities. On the mountain, try Le Pilatus near 1850, or La Soucoupe, with a huge fireplace that will have you toasty and warm.
Nightlife in Courchevel
On the slopes, the wildest and most flamboyant après ski happens in neighbouring Méribel valley, with DJs at the Folie Douce. You can ski back from there, but keep an eye on your watch or it's an expensive taxi ride home. At the top of the Verdons gondola, the Verdons restaurant often has live bands on the terrace. In the village, try the Moroccan-style Grange for late night dancing, or Le Stanley's bar in the Kilimandjaro Hotel for sophisticated cocktails around the fire.
Where to stay in Courchevel
Courchevel is well known for its wide range of catered chalets, from a variety of independent companies and tour operators. There is also an extensive choice of hotels, such as the homely 3-star Hotel Les Ducs de Savoie, the very smart 4-star Portetta and the convenient slope-side 3-star Hotel Les Ancolies. You are also spoiled for choice with self-catered residences, such as the 4-star Les Chalets du Forum, situated at the foot of the pistes in 1850.
How to get the train to Courchevel
The nearest Eurostar station is Moutiers, you can then transfer to Courchevel by bus or taxi.
By bus: around 45-55 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com)
By taxi: around 45 minutes; about 110€ for an 8-seater taxi.
Ski resorts you can get to easily with Eurostar
Three Valleys resorts: Courchevel | Méribel | Les Menuires | Val Thorens | La Tania | Saint Martin de Belleville
Paradiski resorts: Les Arcs | Peissey Vallandry | La Plagne
Espace Killy resorts: Val d’Isère | Tignes
Other resorts: Sainte Foy | Valmorel | La Rosière
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