Courchevel

From WikiSki

Overview 

In the largest skiable domain in the world. Courchevel is one of the premier resorts not only in the alps but the world. Aimed at the moderate ability group there are literally hundreds of cruising reds that can be enjoyed. Meribel and Val Thorens are the easy to access neighbours and it is possible to get across the vast domain due to the excellent lift network. Probably the best base as Meribel is very crowded and Val Thoren particularly ugly with its 1960's architecture. However for the Easter months probably best to be in Val Thoren for the altitude.

Contents 1 Pros 2 Cons 3 Contacts 4 Planning 4.1 Getting There 4.2 Accommodation 4.2.1 On Mountain 4.3 Ski School 4.4 Activities 4.5 Dining 4.6 Shopping 4.7 Children 4.8 Maps

Pros

Excellent skiing especially if in a large mixed ability group with kids. Fairly easy to get to as close to Rail and Airport links. This resort is the height of luxury in the alps and restaurants like the Cap Horn are what alpine food should taste like. Also the vast terrain means even after a season there is still something to enjoy; you have to see it to believe the huge amount of terrain at your disposal.

Cons

With this luxury comes a hefty price tag; anybody thinking they could do Courchevel on the cheap would be wrong, you can quite happily spend €8 on a small bottle of water. There can be quite some conjestion in other resorts and make sure you get out quick on a nice day otherwise it will be very crowded with the swarms of ski schools. Also with the large piste mileage means there is an incredible lacking of off piste opportiunities. This means that powder hounds go elsewhere, this is where you go to flatter your skiing ability not test it.

Contacts

Phone: +33 (0) 479 080029

Planning

Getting There

Nearest Airports: Geneva (CH), Turin (IT), Chambery, Lyon Airport, St. Etienne, and Grenoble.

Or stay in neighbouring (and much cheaper) Meribel and ski across to Courchevel on your combined ticket.

Accommodation

On Mountain

Most of the Accomodation is ski in ski out or pretty close to it if you stay in Courchevel 1850. Although Courchevel 1850 is the priciest it is worth the extra cash as you get to the best skiing first and some of the lower resorts can suffer from slush throughout the year (even in Feburary). Probably the best place for a family is [The Courchneige][1]. For those with a slightly larger bank balance (or wanting to take out an extra mortgage), the

Ski School

ESF is the standard but the best are easily New Generation (book into one of their Clinics)

Activities

Nothing really to do other than skiing. Best thing is probably the ice skating but you really should be resting your weary legs after a hard days skiing.

Dining

All basically the standard affair. Probably the best food is on the mountain with Cap Horn and slightly less pricey is La Soucoupe which does brilliant steaks.

Shopping

Abit like Milan with loads of trendy deigner stores and only one supermarket in 1850 (don't self-cater if you are staying in Courchevel 1850!)

Children

If your children can't ski DON'T TAKE THEM. They will get bored and they will get irritable.

Maps

pdf piste map