SherryStay Destination Guide
Courchevel
The world's most glamorous ski resort — Les 3 Vallées slopes, palace hotels, Michelin stars at altitude.
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.
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
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.
4–7 nights
- • Méribel (lift-linked)
- • Val Thorens (lift-linked)
- • Annecy (1.5h)
- • Geneva (3h)
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
Courchevel at a glance
- Courchevel is in France.
- The nearest airport to Courchevel is Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LYS), Chambéry (CMF) and Grenoble (GNB) also serve the resort.
- Getting in from the airport takes ~2.5 hours from Geneva.
- The best way in is Private or shared road transfer (snow chains in winter); Courchevel Altiport for private aircraft.
- A day in Courchevel costs roughly $150–250 per person on a budget, $350–600 mid-range and $1,200+ at the luxury end.
- Sherry suggests 4–7 nights in Courchevel.
- April is usually the cheapest month to visit Courchevel, February is the busiest, and January offers the best value.
Common questions
- Do I need a car in Courchevel?
- No — most arrive by transfer from Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry, and the resort runs free shuttles between its villages. Snow chains and parking make driving a hassle.
- Which Courchevel village should I stay in?
- Courchevel 1850 is the top, ski-in/ski-out luxury level; 1650 (Moriond) is sunnier and family-friendly; 1550 and Le Praz are quieter and better value.
- When is the best time to ski?
- January to March has the most reliable snow. Christmas and February school holidays are busiest and priciest; mid-January and March can be quieter.
- Is Courchevel only for expert skiers?
- No — the Trois Vallées has terrain for all levels, plus excellent ski schools, though prices are firmly high-end.
- How do I get there?
- Fly to Geneva (about 2.5 hours), Lyon, Chambéry or Grenoble, then take a road transfer; there is also a Courchevel altiport for private flights.
Where to stay in Courchevel
Looking for hotels in Courchevel? It helps to decide on an area first — our guide to where to stay in Courchevel sets out which neighbourhoods suit which kind of trip.
Around Chalet the options include Yellowstone Lodge Chalet 2, Yellowstone Lodge Chalet 3, Yellowstone Lodge Chalet 4 and Yellowstone Lodge Chalet 1.
Around sidence the options include Résidence Les Sapins and La Résidence Belledonne.
Elsewhere in the city you will also find Grandes Alpes Hotel, Le Coeur De Courchevel, Hotel Carlina Courchevel, Aman Le Mélézin, Les Monts Charvin, Le K2 Djola, Hôtel Le Courcheneige, chalet ayounguila, Hotel Tournier, Des Neiges, Hôtel Annapurna, Chalet Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, 5 pièces, 8 personnes - FR-1-575-66 and Six Senses Residences Courchevel.