Courchevel
600km of linked terrain, a private jet airstrip, and the most expensive lunch menu in alpine skiing.
Our Take
Courchevel is what happens when you build a world-class ski resort and also invite everyone with serious money to build chalets nearby. The skiing is legitimately excellent -- as the centrepiece of Les 3 Vallées, the world's largest linked ski area at 600km of pistes, you could explore new terrain every day for a week without repeating yourself. The Saulire ridge at around 9,000 feet connects Courchevel to Méribel to Val Thorens in a circuit that rewards any skier who can handle intermediate terrain with enough stamina to explore it. The snow quality is solid for the Alps -- usually 250 inches per year -- and the resort's high-altitude access keeps temperatures cold enough to preserve it. But everyone comes here knowing the reputation: private jets on the purpose-built airstrip, hotel suites with price tags that require a separate budget conversation, and restaurant bills that make Aspen look restrained. If that's your thing, Courchevel will exceed your expectations. If you're here purely for the skiing, the mountain will still absolutely do the job.
Nerd Stats
Les 3 Vallées Total
600km
Avg Annual Snowfall
250"
Summit (Saulire)
8,983'
Village Elevation
6,070'
Fun Facts
- Courchevel has an actual commercial airstrip -- the Altiport -- at 2,008m elevation. Private jets and helicopters land there routinely during peak season. The approach is steep enough to be considered technically demanding.
- Les 3 Vallées connects Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and Orelle -- 600km of runs and 183 lifts on a single pass.
- Courchevel 1850 is widely cited as the most expensive ski resort in the world. Hotel rooms in December can top €5,000 per night before you've bought a lift ticket.
- The Saulire cable car reaches 2,738m (8,983ft) and sits at the crossroads of the 3 Vallées circuit. From the top you're equidistant from three completely different ski areas.
Why Courchevel?
The 3 Vallées system is the largest linked ski area in the world. Courchevel is its most glamorous entry point. The skiing alone would justify the trip -- the fact that it comes with the best resort infrastructure in Europe is either a major selling point or an explanation for your credit card bill, depending on your perspective.
The Lowdown
Local's Tips
- 1.The Vizelle gondola in Courchevel 1850 is the fastest connection to the Méribel valley -- leave early if you want to complete the full circuit without spending the whole day on lifts.
- 2.Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) has a noticeably lower price point than 1850 for essentially identical terrain access. If you're here for skiing, not the lobby scene, consider basing there.
- 3.The ski-in/ski-out access in 1850 is genuine -- meaning you can ski back to most accommodations at the end of the day. Use this aggressively. It changes your whole relationship with après.
Don't Miss
The full 3 Vallées circuit
Courchevel to Méribel to Val Thorens and back in a single day. 40km of touring, three completely different atmospheres, and the satisfaction of having actually earned that late lunch.
Lunch somewhere unreasonable
Courchevel's mountain restaurants exist at a different price tier than the rest of the ski world. Pick one that's famous, order what they're known for, and accept the experience for what it is.
Where to Eat
Our picks -- not just the Google results
Le Chabichou
$$$$French/Savoyard
Two Michelin stars in a ski resort. The cuisine is modern French with Savoyard influences and the wine list is as serious as the cooking. This is Courchevel operating at full luxury.
Book well in advance. The prix fixe menus are more reasonable than à la carte and give you the full experience.
Courchevel 1650 mountain restaurants
$$-$$$French/Savoyard
If 1850's prices feel extreme, base yourself in Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and use the on-mountain restaurants there. Same terrain access, noticeably more reasonable prices.
La Bergerie de Méribel at the Saulire saddle does good tartiflette at prices that won't require a conversation with your accountant.
Things You Should Actually Do
Beyond the obvious -- our insider picks
The full 3 Vallées circuit
Snow Sport
Courchevel to Méribel to Val Thorens and back in a day. Plan for 6+ hours of actual skiing, an early start, and a pace that prioritizes movement over stopping. The circuit is 40km and genuinely rewarding.
Start before 9am if you want to complete the circuit without rushing. The Val Thorens lifts close at 4:30 and you need time to get back.
Courchevel Altiport watching
Culture
The world's highest commercial airport at 2,008m gets private jet and helicopter traffic throughout peak season. The approach is steep and dramatic. Worth positioning yourself near the airstrip for a few minutes on a busy weekend.
Weekend mornings in January during school holidays see the most traffic. The runway is right beside the ski area -- you can watch from the chairlift.
The Vibe at Courchevel
Courchevel is the gateway to Les 3 Vallées, the world's largest linked ski area at 600km of runs. It's also Europe's most glamorous ski resort. These two facts coexist comfortably because the skiing is good enough to justify either reason for being here.