Courchevel - The Local Area

Courchevel & Its Surroundings

Bubble Lift in 1850 What makes Courchevel different is that it is not one single resort, but spread across four different altitudes; Courchevel Le Praz 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850; each offering a very different image and village feel. Courchevel 1850 is where the rich and famous come 'to see and be seen'. The secluded Jardin Alpin sector is where all the spectacular chalets and hotels are located, however there is still reasonably priced accommodation in the centre of town. There are gentle beginner slopes and a vast array of intermediate, advanced and off-piste couloirs to keep even the most accomplished skiers busy. Courchevel 1650 Courchevel 1650 is lower down the valley, and the price scheme. 1650 still has much to offer with a welcoming atmosphere encompassing its own unique character and style. Piste wise, there are some cruisey wide blue runs in 1650, where frequently you will often find some of the best snow and quietest slopes in Courchevel. Courchevel 1550 is markedly quieter, with just a few chalets and hotels. A new high speed 6 person chairlift was installed in winter 2004/05 offering a very quick connection to the pistes of 1850. There is also a bubble lift which runs daily from 09.00 until 19.30 taking you into the centre of 1850. Courchevel Luxury Chalet Courchevel 1300 sits on a large flat ledge and so is very easy to get round on foot with no hills to navigate. A couple of thousand people live there all year round so it has the feel of a real village all the year round. There is a school, supermarket, 5 restaurants/bars, 2 ski shops, post office, baker, butcher etc. – in fact everything you need. The 2 bubble lifts from the village take you rapidly up to 1850 in less than 8 minutes. The village has lots of little nooks and crannies and is easily the prettiest part of Courchevel. You can ski back to 1300 all season due to the investment in snow cannons and the 2 black runs (Jean Blanc & Jockeys) are 2 of the greatest runs in skiing. To read more about the ski areas of Courchevel please see Courchevel Skiing Revealed. You can find our top tips on where to eat, drink and be merry in Courchevel Food & Drink and for a real insider's view why not follow the exploits of our Snow Reporter and Apres-Ski Reporter?

last updated 27-Jun-2008