Expert Advice
Quite simply this is the crème de la crème of The Three Valleys resorts. 1850 in particular has become an infamous retreat for the Paris jet set & international stars who come back year after year to promenade, eat fabulous food in wonderful restaurants, and explore this 600km paradise. It is the northern gateway to The Three Valleys offering the most varied terrain from long gentle blues to steep couloirs, and superb skiing both above and below the tree line.
Courchevel is split into four village areas, the accommodation we offer is in either smart, shop & bar filled 1850 or calmer 1650. A regular ski bus service links up the villages well into the night so it’s easy to sample the après-ski available in each. With a fantastic snow record and over 600km of pistes to conquer, this resort is definitely worth a visit at least once in your skiing career.
There are four very different villages that go to make up Courchevel. Each is named according to its altitude. Hence 1850 is the highest, while ‘Le Praz’ lies on the valley floor at 1300m, with 1650 and 1550 somewhere in between.
So why choose 1850? Well, not only is it widely recognised as one of the world’s top ski resorts because of its clientele as much as its on & off piste skiing, shopping & dining opportunities, it is also the main hub for the lift system with quick & easy access into the neighbouring resort of Méribel - just a short hop over the mountain. The main terrain parks are also closest to 1850. It may be the more expensive of the Courchevel resorts, but you can find cheaper options when eating out, and if you want to do it properly, with the nightlife too, then this is the place to stay.
Courchevel 1650 is a little off the beaten track compared to its higher altitude neighbour, and less busy for it. There is a charming village centre here, although surrounded by some newer, less attractive additions, but it has more of a genuine ‘village’ demeanour and is distinctly calmer, especially at night. The beginner slopes here are right next to the village, as are some of the best intermediate runs, so it’s a good choice for those who want to improve their skiing with the option of travelling further afield later in the week.