Holiday Destinations around the World -Courchevel 1850

Courchevel 1850

Courchevel is made up of four villages, 1300, 1550,1650 and 1850, with Courchevel 1850 being the highest. The Courchevel Valley ski area has 62 chairlifts, with 27 green runs, 44 blue runs, 38 red runs and 10 black runs, covering 150km of piste, which alone is enough to satisfy most holiday skiers. It is also one of the resorts in the largest linked ski area in the world, the Trois Vallées, with 600km of pistes.

Skiing in Courchevel

For the keen skier, in a matter of a few hours, it is possible to reach the summit of the Trois Vallées massif, the Pointe de Thorens, in Val Thorens at a height of 3266m! For the expert skiers there is an opportunity to Heliski and explore the most breathtaking summits of the area. Families will also enjoy this resort, which has a specially designed ‘ Children’s Village, for ages 18mths and older, where safety and happy learning is a priority.

For those who prefer cross-country skiing, there are 9 trails covering 61km, with additional links to La Tania and Meribel. Snowshoeing and Nordic walking are also options catered for. Non-skiers can access most of the cable cars and gondola lifts with a ‘Pedestrian’ pass, should they decide to do more exploring past the high-end shopping available in the village! Don’t forget to try out the fun of sledging (tobogganing), with a dedicated 2km run, from 1850 -1550 and a vertical drop of 300m and a smaller children’s slope, with no skiers to avoid.

The Scenery

The scenery from Courchevel is truly spectacular, offering views of Mont Blanc, and the Swiss and Italian Alps. Whilst out skiing there are plenty of restaurants on the pistes to have a snack, lunch in the sun or drink to warm up and recharge your batteries.

The village of 1850 offers a number or restaurants, but beware, some of them only serve food until 6pm! After which it is entertainment and après-ski time. The Tremplin (La Créperie du Tremplin) has a fantastic atmosphere for all ages, great food, also offers take-away sushi, and with entertainment in the evening. In the village center there is often Après-ski entertainment, including torchlight descents by the ski school instructors, and fireworks. Other activities to enjoy off the pistes include 10-pin bowling, ice-skating, wall climbing, cinema in English and French, yoga and some great art exhibitions. If you are looking for more adventurous activities, try snowmobile rides, paragliding, tandem hang gliding or hot air ballooning.

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Accommodation

The Hotel des Neiges, located on the Bellecote piste is a four star hotel, with a relaxing and luxurious ambiance. It lives up to its reputation for elegance and quality of service, whilst also offering a warm and personalized service. The bar area with its open round fireplace makes for a great place to enjoy an evening apéritif, a great place to enjoy an evening with friends or a nightcap. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu; as well as nightly buffet and meals are also available from the bar during the day and on the terrace. For families with babies or toddlers, the hotel offers a special meal service which provides fresh cooked meals either pureed or not, with a wide variety of options available. Housekeeping will happily provide and cater to all baby needs. The Spa by Yon Ka offers a variety of massage treatments. In addition enjoy the heated pool, sauna and steam room. The hotel has a shuttle service should you be too tired to make it back to the hotel with your ski or après-ski weary legs! The staff are charming, efficient, helpful and friendly

Getting to Courchevel

Getting to Courchevel is possible by train, car, plane and helicopter. The Altiport of Courchevel is the highest in Europe at 2006m. Which makes for a quick transfer from the major airports of Lyon, Geneva, Nice, Chambery and Grenoble, by plane or helicopter. Not to mention the most amazing scenic experience when traveling over the Alps in a helicopter. If a helicopter ride doesn’t suit your plans or budget, most companies offer airport transfers or explore the options of train with regular bus connections to the resort or self-drive, if you are used to driving in snow conditions.

However you get there or whatever you do you are sure to have a wonderful experience. It is also reassuring that most information is written in French and English and English is widely spoken and understood in all areas from the Pharmacy to the boutiques and bars. Just remember to try any French you know as it is always appreciated.
Bonne chance!