Courchevel

Courchevel is a purpose-built ski resort divided into four distinct altitude levels in the Tarentaise Valley. You navigate between tiers using free shuttle buses or connected lift networks that open into Les 3 Vallées. Higher levels deliver ski-in access and five-star luxury, while lower villages keep traditional Savoyard wooden architecture. Expect steep, immaculately groomed terrain paired with high prices.

Dining in Courchevel spans traditional Alpine cheese dishes to multi-course high-altitude menus. Local Savoyard cuisine relies heavily on Beaufort cheese, reblochon, and cured mountain ham. On the mountain, skip the self-service cafeterias at La Croisette and head toward smaller huts near Le Praz or Moriond for genuine mountain cooking.

• Lunch reservations

  Book mountain restaurant tables at least three days ahead for slots between 12:30 and 14:00.

• Apres-ski snack

  Grab warm tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart) from bakeries in 1650 around 16:00.

Courchevel was conceived after World War II as France's first purpose-built ski resort designed from scratch rather than expanding an existing village. Town planner Laurent Chappis and architect Denys Pradelle plotted pistes and chalet orientations before laying down roads. This urban layout prioritized direct ski access and minimal urban congestion.

1. 1946

   Resort founded

   Savoie department approves construction of a modern ski station at high altitude.

2. 1961

   Altiport opens

   Courchevel builds its mountain airstrip, attracting international high-net-worth travellers.

3. 1992

   Albertville Olympics

   Le Praz hosts the ski jumping and Nordic combined Olympic events.

4. 2023

   World Championships

   Courchevel co-hosts the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships on the new Éclipse slope.

Choose your base by altitude. Courchevel 1850 provides luxury ski-in access and night dining but demands maximum budgets. Courchevel Moriond suits families seeking sunnier pistes and friendlier pubs. Courchevel Village and Le Praz offer better value while keeping immediate access to the upper slopes via fast gondolas.

Moving between the altitude levels relies on free public shuttle buses and inter-connected lifts. Cars are unnecessary once inside the resort and parking in 1850 is expensive.

• Navettes run every 15 minutes between 1300, 1550, 1650, and 1850 until midnight.

• Eurostar and TGV service reaches Moûtiers station, where Altibus coaches connect to resort.

• The Grangettes lift links 1550 to 1850 in 5 minutes until 23:30 during winter season.

• Pedestrians can buy daily or weekly lift passes to ride main gondolas without skis.

Courchevel is one of the most expensive alpine ski areas in Europe, particularly at the 1850 level. Planning grocery runs at lower village supermarkets cuts daily spending significantly.

• 3 Vallées Day Pass: €75–85

  Unlocks all 600km of slopes across Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens.

• On-piste lunch: €25–50

  Main course and drink at a standard mountain chalet restaurant.

• Espresso on slope: €4–7

  Prices scale directly with altitude; expect highest costs at 1850 and top lifts.

• Aquamotion entrance: €18–30

  Standard entry pass for adults covering pool and wellness areas.

• Lift ticket savings

  Buy your ski pass online at least 7 days before arrival for early discounts.

• Ski equipment delivery

  Rental shops in 1850 offer hotel chalets boot fitting and gear delivery.

• Lift closing times

  Valley connecting lifts close around 16:30. Missing the last link back from Val Thorens means a €200 taxi.

• Sun exposure

  Courchevel Moriond faces west, giving it up to two extra hours of afternoon sunlight.

• Language spoken

  English is universally spoken in hotels and restaurants across all altitude levels.