Courchevel travel guide

SherryStay Destination Guide

Courchevel

The world's most glamorous ski resort — Les 3 Vallées slopes, palace hotels, Michelin stars at altitude.

France

About Courchevel

If you're flying to Courchevel, get your wallet ready — this is the top of the top, but honestly, it's worth it. Don't make the mistake of landing only in Courchevel 1850 because everyone says it's the place; understand that there are levels here. If you're after the chic and the luxury you can't find anywhere else on earth — go for 1850. But if you want something a little more down-to-earth that still gives you full access to the vast expanse of the Three Valleys without paying dinner prices for a coffee — look at 1650 (Moriond). Most important: don't waste the day inside the hotel. Be on the lifts at 8:30 in the morning while the snow is still untouched, rack up kilometres of skiing, and stop for lunch at some mountain chalet with a view of the Alps — that's the moment you understand why everyone is obsessed with this place. And in the evening? Skip the millionaires' parties, find a local bar with good fondue, sink a glass of mulled wine and just soak up the mood — that's the whole magic of the Alps. This is a once-in-a-lifetime destination (or once a year, if things are going well), so simply make the most of every minute on the snow.

Sherry's Take

Courchevel is FOUR villages at different altitudes and price points. 1850 is the palace-hotel flagship; 1650 (Moriond) gets the morning sun at ~40% less; 1550 and Le Praz are quieter and connect by free lifts. Decide by budget, not by brand.

Best For

SkiLuxuryFamilyFoodiesWinter
Go in
DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch
Avoid if possible
MayJuneOctoberNovember

Where to Stay

Courchevel 1850

Palace hotels, designer boutiques, ski-in/ski-out glamour

Courchevel Moriond (1650)

Sunniest slopes, family-friendly, better value

Courchevel Village (1550)

Quieter, residential, gondola link to 1850

Le Praz (1300)

Original Savoyard village, charm, Olympic ski jumps

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1A 3 Vallées pass only pays off if you actually cross to Méribel/Val Thorens — the Courchevel-only pass is ~20% cheaper.
  • 2January (after New Year) is the cheapest deep-winter window — same snow, half the February half-term prices.
  • 3Lunch on the mountain is €40+; the supermarkets in 1650 do picnic supplies for €10.

Getting Around

  • 1Geneva (3h) and Lyon (2.5h) airports both serve Courchevel — shared transfers ~€90, private ~€350.
  • 2Free ski-bus loops all four villages until ~midnight; the 1850 ↔ 1550 gondola is also free for pedestrians.
  • 3No car needed in-resort — and parking in 1850 costs €25+/day anyway.

Most Common Mistake

Booking Christmas / New Year week thinking it's "the" time — it's triple price and the lift queues are the season's worst. Mid-January skis better for far less.

Ideal Stay

47 nights

Combine with
  • Méribel (lift-linked)
  • Val Thorens (lift-linked)
  • Annecy (1.5h)
  • Geneva (3h)

Hotels Sherry Recommends

Useful Local Hotel Phrases

French
  • HelloBonjourbon-ZHOOR
  • Thank youMercimair-SEE
  • PleaseS'il vous plaîtseel-voo-PLEH
  • HotelHôteloh-TEL
  • Ski liftRemontée mécaniqueruh-mon-TAY may-kah-NEEK
  • SnowNeigeNEZH
  • BreakfastPetit-déjeunerpuh-TEE day-zhuh-NAY
  • How much?Combien ?kom-bee-AN
  • Where is...?Où est... ?oo-EH
  • HelpAu secoursoh-suh-KOOR