Luxury Ski Holidays in Courchevel 1850

Skiing in Courchevel 1850

A combination of factors makes Courchevel one of France's most in-demand ski areas. As part of the Three Valleys, it is a vast space, filled with a range of slopes to explore.

With so many gradients and difficulty levels to try, it's worth indulging in a tailored trip that makes the most of a week’s skiing here. We know from experience that the most important elements of consider are the exposure and the variety of pitch.

The slopes are predominantly north-facing, meaning that the snow in Courchevel is in perfect condition. The mountain is concave in shape too, so the lower slopes around the chalets and hotels principally comprise confidence-building green and blue runs below the tree line. For skiers in this area, visibility and exposure to the wind are never much of a problem.

The further up the mountain you go, the steeper it gets and wide red runs perfect for huge carving turns are topped with steep mogul runs and narrow couloirs to challenge the most expert skiers. If you're a seasoned skier, these are the runs for you.

Courchevel prides itself on the way it maintains its pistes. Every night, the dedicated team works to ensure that there are endless miles of perfect corduroy the next morning. The well-maintained slopes, variety of green, blue, red and black runs, plus the easy ski home, mean that Courchevel 1850 is one of the leading resorts in the Alps.

Things to Do on a Courchevel Ski Holiday

Glitz, glamour and glorious skiing. Courchevel combines great altitude and a huge ski area with one of the most luxurious resorts in Europe. For an all-access look at what's on offer, here's your Courchevel resort guide.

Here are some suggested ski schools in Courchevel. All of the ski schools we work with have English-speaking instructors to ensure no language barriers. If you'd like help identifying the best ski schools for…

Insider Tips for Your Courchevel Ski Holiday

Whether you're sticking with 1850 or heading to 1650, here are some top insider tips to be aware of before you hit the slopes, eateries and more in Courchevel:

Ski tips

• Avoid starting each day by taking the lift to the top of the mountain. The central ski area beneath La Saulire draws the crowds and much of the best (and less busy) terrain lies lower down.
• There are some thigh-burningly long descents. These include the two black runs, Jockeys and Jean Blanc, which are true classics.
• Unless there is a blizzard, take the Plantrey chairlift instead of the main gondolas first thing in the morning. There is rarely a queue, and the first run down is a wonderful fast and wide blue, which offers incredible carving turns.
• Don’t miss the Chapelets run in Courchevel 1650. It is usually overlooked and one of the most fun in the valley.
• Think like a local when planning your skiing. Most people head for Courchevel 1650 on day three or four and plan to ski the Three Valleys on day four or five. Turn this on its head and you should find that you rarely wait in a queue.
• The toboggan run from Courchevel 1850 to 1550 is free (with a lift pass) and is a real highlight - great fun for adults and kids.
• In a whiteout, ski the runs on the Loze side down to La Tania and Le Praz. The tree cover gives you much better visibility.

Dining information

• Le Chabichou, the double Michelin star-winning restaurant usually seen as an evening venue, has a wonderful sunny terrace right next to the piste and a delectable “plat du jour” menu.
• Try lunch at La Bouitte, the starred restaurant in St Martin de Belleville. The run down to St Martin, Jerusalem, is an epic way to build up an appetite.
• Le YaCa in Le Praz is well worth the trip down the hill. This tiny restaurant has bags of character. Another good option is Le Bistrot du Praz, which specialises in foie gras.