The French alpine ski resort of Courchevel has the highest concentration of luxury mountain hotels in the world, with seven of its restaurants, run by the biggest names in cooking, boasting no fewer than ten Michelin stars between them
It is impossible to get bored in Courchevel, according to a French resident. Skiing is the most popular activity, but the resort offers an increasingly wide range of leisure and sporting activities to keep even the most resolute non-skier entertained.
With a reputation for being an expensive resort, it nevertheless offers a variety of accommodation – hotels, apartments, chalets – ranging from standard to luxurious, from two star to five star. Awash with swimming pools and spas, it boasts 45 hotels, 50 shops and 60 restaurants.
Made up of four satellite villages named for their altitude, each of them with their own identity, Courchevel 1850 is considered the most exclusive. Of just eight hotels in France that have been awarded the coveted sixth star rating, elevating them to Palace status, two can be found here – Les Airelles and Cheval Blanc.
This is the where the jet set flock to for the skiing and après-ski – a combination of exceptional snow cover and perfectly maintained slopes makes this picture postcard resort an appealing winter sports destination.
It does have a reputation for being an expensive resort, although a variety of accommodation is available – hotels, apartments, chalets – ranging from standard to luxurious, from two star to five star. Awash with swimming pools and spas, Courchevel boasts 45 hotels, 50 shops and 60 restaurants.
Courchevel has some of the most difficult black runs – fast, steep slopes – in the world, but the resort appeals to cross country skiers as well and welcomes beginners. Baby ski essons start at 18 months and a patented magnet system operated throughout the resort keeps young children firmly attached to chairlifts. One thousand ski instructors speaking 15 languages are employed during the season from December to April.
Bottom line: Ranging from €70 per night for two people including breakfast to €500+ for a 5*. A six day family ski-pass (2 adults + 2 children) is €637
