Courchevel: the insider guide

Why Courchevel

Courchevel is where the Alps go glamorous. Private jets land at the altiport, palace hotels line the slopes of Courchevel 1850, and there are more Michelin stars per square kilometre than almost anywhere else in the mountains. But what surprises first-timers is how good the skiing is: the grooming is immaculate, 85 % of the ski area is above 1,800 m, and the whole of Les 3 Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world, starts at your door.

It’s also more varied than its reputation. Courchevel is really five villages, each with its own character:

• Courchevel 1850: the famous one. Palaces, boutiques, the altiport and the best restaurants.
• Courchevel Moriond (1650): sunny, more relaxed, great for families.
• Courchevel Village (1550): quiet and charming, a gondola ride from 1850.
• Le Praz (1300): the old farming village, with a lake and wooden chalets.
• La Tania: car-free and wooded, the best value in the valley.

The ski area in numbers

The skiing

• Intermediates are in heaven. Wide, perfectly groomed blues and reds above 1850 and Moriond, and long cruises down to Le Praz through the trees.
• Beginners have dedicated easy areas and free lifts close to the villages. Courchevel is one of the best places in the Alps to learn.
• Experts head for the Grand Couloir from the Saulire, the steep couloirs around it, and the big off-piste days across Les 3 Vallées with a guide.
• Explorers ski across to Méribel and on to Val Thorens. A full 3 Vallées day is a must.

Marc’s insider tip Courchevel 1850 is the place to stay, but not necessarily the place to ski in the morning. Start on the quieter La Tania and Le Praz slopes through the forest while everyone queues for the Saulire, and save the high runs for after lunch, when they’ve emptied.

Where to eat on the mountain

Lunch in Courchevel ranges from fondue in a wooden hut to seafood platters on a sun terrace:

• Le Cap Horn: said to be the oldest mountain restaurant in Courchevel; seafood, sushi and a serious wine list.
• Le Chalet de Pierres: a classic on the slopes: traditional dishes, fondue, roasted meats and a famous seafood buffet.
• La Cave des Creux (2,112 m): at the top of the Gravelles chair above the altiport, with Savoyard dishes, truffle fondue and big views.
• La Soucoupe: meats cooked over an open fire at the top of the Plantrey lift.
• L’Anerie: Savoyard cooking in a historic farm building at the foot of the slopes.

Dinner in Courchevel

Courchevel is a fine-dining destination in its own right. Le 1947 at the Cheval Blanc holds three Michelin stars, and several other restaurants in the valley are starred too. For something more relaxed there’s excellent Italian, Japanese and grill cooking in 1850, and cosy fondue restaurants in 1650, 1550 and Le Praz. Peak-week tables book out weeks in advance; tell us your dates and we’ll reserve them.

Snow: what to expect

We analysed five winters of measurements (2021/22 to 2025/26) from the Météo-France snow station Courchevel (1,780 m), in the resort itself. Average snow depth:

The snowpack usually peaks at well over 1 m in February and March. The station is a manual measuring point that is only read during the season, so we don’t show an April average. With most of the skiing above 1,800 m and extensive snowmaking, Courchevel is reliable from mid-December to mid-April.

You can check today’s measured snow depth and the forecast in the box next to this article.

Getting there

• By plane: Geneva is the usual gateway (around 2.5 to 3 hours by road), with Lyon and Chambéry as alternatives. Private jets and helicopters can land at the Courchevel altiport.
• By train: to Moûtiers, then about 25 km by bus, taxi or private transfer.
• Private transfer: we organise door-to-door transfers, including helicopter transfers on request.

Good to know

• Lift pass: choose between the Courchevel valley pass and the full 3 Vallées pass. If you’re a confident skier, the 3 Vallées pass is worth it.
• Prices in 1850 are among the highest in the Alps. For more value, stay in Moriond, Le Praz or La Tania and ski the same slopes.
• Non-skiers have plenty to do: the Aquamotion spa and leisure centre, boutiques, dog sledding and scenic flights.

Planning a week in Courchevel? A palace in 1850, a chalet in Le Praz or a family apartment in Moriond, plus the right tables for lunch and dinner: tell us what you’re after and we’ll send you two tailor-made proposals.