Courchevel

The ski resort of Courchevel is one of the most important European resorts, attracting tourists not only with the guaranteed availability of natural snow and dizzying landscapes, but also the opportunity to enjoy long descents on well-equipped slopes.

The resort is located on four levels of the French Alps: Saint-Bon – 1300 m, Le Praz, Courchevel – 1550 m, Courchevel – 1650 m and Courchevel – 1850 m, each of these deserves special attention.

The slopes of the resort are numerous and varied, so that a route will always be unpredictable. At the same time, green and blue tracks, characterized by a wide and smooth canvas, will be relevant for beginners.

Features of  the Courchevel resort 

Ski trails

The Courchevel ski resort is designed for vacationers with a varying level of preparation. There are slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers.

The length of the tracks is only 150 km, of which green – 38 km, blue – 44 km, red – 53 km and black – 16 km.

The long and measured tracks in the Prelong and Bellecote skating area will suit the best for those tourists who are skiing for the first time. There are numerous green and blue tracks under the Jardin Alpin lift.

Vacationers with an average training level will appreciate the La Vizelle district, where such red routes like Creux, Marmottes, Bouc Blanc are considered particularly impressive. The same category includes simple black trails Pyramide and Grandes Boussees.

If the skiers want to make a descent on the “professional” route, the best black slopes are located in areas of Col du Pas du Lac, Grand Couloir and Les Avals.

There are half-pipes and snowparks at the resort for the lovers of various outdoor activities. But the icy route of Tobogan is especially popular, on which you can descend on the sleigh, inflatable pillows, sports beans.

Ski-pass and ski-service

In general, the ski service is very diverse in the resort. Here you can rent skiing, snowboarding, sleigh and related gear. It is relevant for people who prefer to hold their rest more often.

Day-to-day ski rental will cost about 30 EUR and Snowboard – 50 EUR, but helmets are issued for free.

A separate price is applied to the lifts. Among the holidaymakers, the daily tariff is the most popular ski pass, the cost of which is 62 EUR. It pays off for 5 lifts.

The resort also provides several types of ski-passes:
– DUO – for couples;
– PASS TRIBU – for organized groups;
– Pass Famille – for families with children.

Such tariffs are beneficial for six days, then the cost of one day of skiing will cost about 245 EUR per family.

Accommodation

The resort has a huge number of hotels and hotels. The higher level, the more expensive housing rental. The top ten includes Mercure Courchevel 1850, Fahrenheit Seven Courchevel, Hotel Club Blanche Neige, Hotel Carlina, Les Peupliers and others.

Under the condition of an early reservation in Courchevel 1650 a double room will cost from EUR 120 per night in the high season. The prices will be much higher in high mountain hotels.

However, tourists often choose small chalets as a budget residence. Renting such housing is cheaper, but each house is equipped with a compact kitchen.

Restaurants

There are 70 establishments at the resort, where you can have a nourishing and tasty meal and also enjoy the gourmet cuisine.

In Courchevel 1850, there are two restaurants at luxury hotels that have won two Michelin stars – Le Chabichou and Le Bateau Ivre. The price of a breakfast there starts from 50 EUR and for a dinner you will have to pay about 150 EUR.

Most restaurants and cafes offer visitors quite affordable and familiar food. The menu is dominated by Savoyard and Italian cuisine. Here you can order raclette, tartiflette, cheese fondue, pizza or pasta. The price tag of a set lunch will vary from 40 to 50 EUR.

Entertainment

Entertainment activities are designed for every taste and wallet and organized at a high level at the resort.

The most interesting:
– Extreme – paragliding, rock climbing, night snowmobile races, piloting courses;
– Measured – snowshoeing, classic skiing on safe trails, aromatherapy in spas, diving and aqua gymnastics in the pools.
– Gourmet – attendance at concerts, cinemas, libraries and art galleries.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Courchevel resort

The Courchevel resort is considered as one of the most fashionable. The organizers maintain the existing tracks in excellent condition and create new ones, improve living conditions and provide the comfort of stay on a high level.

Everything so that vacationers do not get bored and can fully enjoy their vacation.

By evaluating the resort objectively, it is possible to highlight both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go through the points.

Advantages:
– a large area of the ski region;
– a great selection of restaurants and hotels;
– equipped trails and virgin slopes;
– a ski jump at the Courchevel 1300 station (Le Praz);
– professional instructors;
– favorable classification of tariffs.

Disadvantages:
– high prices for accommodation and services;
– plenty of people in the high season;
– far from airports.

Summary on the Courchevel resort

The ski resort of Courchevel is definitely worth a visit to those people who prefer to combine active pastime with contemplating natural beauty. Here you can relax with comfort, breathe in fresh air and take part in various activities.

Staying at the resort is not cheap, but if you plan your vacation and book hotel rooms in advance, you can save some.

Although the ski season lasts from December to the end of April, it is worth remembering that the French Alps are striking in their beauty in any season. Mountain peaks remain snow-capped even in summer, so you can come to rest all year round.