Courchevel climbs the Allues valley in four stepped levels from 1300 to 1850, each with its own lift hub and parking rhythm. The resort sits inside Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest linked ski domain, yet Courchevel’s south-facing cruisers and hotel density give it a distinct identity from Méribel/)’s birch woods or Val Thorens‘ altitude. Prestige addresses cluster at 1850, but lower hamlets still reach the same pass network with shorter walks to the car.
Mountain culture & milestones
Courchevel opened in 1946 with a single drag lift at 1300; planners added 1550, 1650, and 1850 in stages through the 1950s–70s. The 1850 level became the prestige address that still defines the brand in travel press.
The commune remains a year-round Savoyard village beneath the hotels: farming hamlets, a Baroque church at Saint-Bon, and craft workshops persist outside peak weeks.
Valley bases: where to stay
1850 suits groups who want lift queues at the doorstep and late dinners within walking distance. 1650 and 1550 trade some glamour for easier parking and shorter walks from chalet rentals.
1300 and Le Praz appeal to self-caterers and families who accept a bus hop to the main lift hub. Agree one base for the week – swapping hotels mid-stay rarely saves time in the 3 Vallées.
| Village | Base alt. | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Courchevel 1850 | ~1,850 m | Prestige hotels, south-facing links to Méribel |
| Méribel Centre | ~1,450 m | Wooden chalets, birch forests |
| Val Thorens | ~2,300 m | Above treeline, late season |
| Les Menuires | ~1,850 m | Efficient lifts, family mileage |
| Saint-Martin | ~1,400 m | Stone barns at Belleville foot |
Ski sectors at a glance
Courchevel’s local pistes fan off the Saulire ridge toward Méribel/) and the Col de la Loze. South-facing reds stay pleasant in cold January; north bowls hold powder longer after a thaw.
The Vizelle and Creux sectors add tree-lined options when high cols close. Use the 3 Vallées map to plan return routes before 16:00 on busy weeks.
The mountain & skiing
The Forfait Les 3 Vallées covers Courchevel, Méribel/), Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Saint-Martin, Brides-les-Bains, and Orelle on one ticket. Day loops toward Val Thorens cross high cols that wind can close without warning.
From 1850, blues and reds link toward Méribel/) Centre on groomed cruisers – mileage intermediates can tour the domain without touching a black. Saulire adds steeper pitch when snow is stable.
Courchevel hosted Albertville 1992 Olympic jumping at Le Praz; the ski-jump hill still overlooks the valley. Racing heritage sits in the infrastructure rather than on today’s leisure piste map.
On powder mornings, tree runs off Creux and Biollay hold cold snow when exposed cols are wind-hold. Check the daily sector bulletin before committing to a Thorens loop.
The village & après-ski
Rue des Tovets and parallel streets at 1850 concentrate Michelin-star dining, luxury boutiques, and hotel bars. Lower levels lean pub-and-bistro with pizza and Savoyard fondues.
Supermarkets at 1550 and 1850 stock self-catering apartments; boot fitters cluster near the Saulire gondola. English works in most shops; French helps for medical visits.
Snow & season
South aspect turns pistes springy by afternoon in March; start north-facing sectors early on sunny weeks. January and February bring the coldest snow on shaded runs.
Snowmaking backs lower links when natural cover thins in late April. Val Thorens, not Courchevel, anchors the domain’s late-season calendar – verify lift dates before booking a May week at 1300.
Summer & year-round
The Tour de France regularly climbs the Col de la Loze above Courchevel; cyclists share the road with hikers on corniche paths in July. Lift-assisted bike parks open on selected summer dates.
Spa hotels stay open for wellness weeks; hiking trails link to Méribel/) and the Vanoise National Park boundary.
Safety & mountain etiquette
Off-piste couloirs off Saulire are not patrolled like groomed runs. Carry transceiver, probe, and shovel, and read the Météo-France avalanche bulletin before leaving marked terrain.
High cols toward Thorens strand skiers when lifts close early – agree a meeting point and carry a charged phone. Sun and wind burn quickly above 2,500 m.
Who it suits best
Intermediates who want linked cruising on one pass without changing hire cars daily. Groups mixing luxury dining with mileage toward Méribel/) and Thorens.
Budget-conscious families often prefer Les Menuires or Saint-Martin on the same pass. Complete beginners should confirm nursery slope location relative to their level before booking 1850.
Getting there
Air gateways (km only): Geneva Airport (~150 km), Chambéry (~100 km), Lyon–Saint-Exupéry (~180 km). Rail: Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains.
External links
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.
Deadline: February 13th
Winner Announcement: February 14th
