Courchevel

Courchevel anchors the eastern edge of the Three Valleys. It is a resort of sharp contrasts, rising from traditional Savoyard hamlets in the valley floor to the purpose-built heights of 1850. While the upper village is internationally known for its Michelin-starred dining and exclusive chalets, the core appeal remains the skiing itself. The local area offers 150 kilometres of pistes, backed by one of the most extensive snowmaking networks in the French Alps. Beyond the local slopes, the lift system connects directly to Méribel and Val Thorens, opening up the wider 600-kilometre Three Valleys domain. The terrain covers everything from the gentle, tree-lined greens of Moriond to the steep, technical couloirs dropping from the Saulire peak. Because 85 percent of its ski area sits above 1,800 metres, Courchevel maintains reliable snow conditions through a long winter season, drawing dedicated skiers just as much as the international elite.

Mountain culture & milestones

Courchevel holds a unique place in alpine history as the first French ski resort constructed entirely from scratch. Following a 1942 study by town planner Laurent Chappis, development began in 1946 on the high pastures of Les Tovets. This project set a blueprint for purpose-built mountain tourism across the Alps.

The resort gained further international prominence during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. The village of Le Praz hosted the ski jumping and Nordic combined events at the newly built Tremplin du Praz stadium. Unlike many former Olympic venues, these jumps remain in active use and host the annual Ski Jumping Grand Prix every summer.

Valley bases: where to stay

Courchevel is not a single town. It is a collection of five distinct villages, each sitting at a different altitude with its own character. In 2011, the resort rebranded the villages to move away from their altitude-based names, though the numbers remain in common use.

Le Praz (1300) is the lowest and most traditional, featuring narrow streets, classic Savoyard chalets, and the Olympic ski jumps. La Tania (1400) was built for the 1992 Olympics and sits quietly among the pine forests, making it a reliable choice for families. Courchevel Village (1550) provides a quieter base with rapid gondola access to the higher slopes. Moriond (1650) gets the most sun, offers wide blue runs, and has a relaxed atmosphere. Finally, Courchevel (1850) is the glamorous epicentre, home to luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and the main lift hub.

Ski sectors at a glance

The local ski area is naturally divided into several sectors that align with the villages below. The terrain ranges from sheltered forest runs to high-alpine bowls.

The mountain & skiing

Courchevel’s 150 kilometres of local pistes are known for their consistent grooming and logical layout. Beginners and intermediates tend to stick to the sunny, rolling blues above Moriond and the gentle, tree-lined runs descending into La Tania. These lower slopes offer better visibility during whiteouts and provide a safe environment for progression.

Advanced skiers head higher up. The Saulire sector features long, sustained red runs like the popular Creux, alongside some of the most challenging lift-served terrain in the Alps. The Grand Couloir, accessed from the Saulire cable car, is a notoriously steep, unpisted black run that demands respect. For off-piste skiers, the powder fields of the Les Avals valley offer a wilder, unpatrolled experience away from the main lift network.

The village & après-ski

The atmosphere varies dramatically depending on which village you choose. Courchevel 1850 is the centre of luxury, featuring high-end retail, exclusive nightclubs, and a remarkable concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. The après-ski here is expensive, often starting on the terraces of high-altitude mountain restaurants before moving down to the village.

Moriond offers a stark contrast. It has an informal après-ski scene driven by British-style pubs and lively bars, making it the preferred base for a relaxed evening after a day on the hill. Le Praz and Village are much quieter, focusing on traditional Savoyard dining and cosy chalet evenings. La Tania provides a handful of friendly, family-oriented venues.

Snow & season

Courchevel benefits from an excellent snow record, largely due to its geographical orientation. The majority of the slopes face north, which protects the snowpack from the intense afternoon sun and preserves cold, dry conditions even during warmer spells.

The season typically runs from early December through to late April. To guarantee coverage on the lower runs connecting the villages, the resort has invested heavily in snowmaking infrastructure. Because 85 percent of the ski area is located above 1,800 metres, skiers can reliably find good conditions on the upper mountain throughout the winter.

Summer & year-round

When the snow melts, Courchevel shifts its focus to summer alpine sports. The lift network opens for hikers and mountain bikers, providing access to high-altitude trails and panoramic views of the Vanoise National Park.

The villages host several events, including the Ski Jumping Grand Prix at Le Praz. For families, the Aquamotion centre, situated between Village and Moriond, offers indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and wellness facilities. Golfers can also play the nine-hole course located at 2,000 metres, which is one of the highest in Europe.

Safety & mountain etiquette

The sheer scale of the Three Valleys means skiers must pay close attention to lift closing times to avoid being stranded in the wrong valley. The journey back from Val Thorens to Courchevel requires several lift connections and should not be left until the end of the day.

While the groomed runs are heavily patrolled, the off-piste areas, particularly around Saulire and Les Avals, carry significant avalanche risk. Skiers venturing beyond the markers should carry appropriate safety equipment and consider hiring a local guide. The resort also enforces strict speed limits in designated slow zones, particularly around the busy beginner areas in 1850 and Moriond.

Who it suits best

Courchevel works well for a wide range of skiers. The dedicated beginner zones make it a good fit for novices and families, particularly those staying in Moriond or La Tania. Intermediate skiers have endless cruising options across the Three Valleys, while experts will find enough steep couloirs and off-piste terrain to stay busy. However, the resort is less suited to budget-conscious travellers. Accommodation, dining, and lift passes – particularly in 1850 – are priced at a premium.

Getting there

Courchevel is accessible from several major transport hubs. Geneva Airport is approximately 140 km away, while Lyon-Saint Exupéry is 180 km and Chambéry Airport is 110 km distant. The nearest rail hub is Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains, which receives high-speed TGV and Eurostar Snow services during the winter. From Moûtiers, the winding mountain road leads up through the five villages, ending at 1850.

Written by the Alps2Alps editorial team.

This guide is published by Alps2Alps for general information only. It is not affiliated with Wikipedia or any resort, airport, or lift operator. Facts were accurate at the time of writing; always check official sources before travel.