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)
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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
