NetChalets

Courcheval has been described in various ski and holiday publications as one of the “Big 4” ski resorts. Despite trying to avoid all the usual superlatives that people latch onto, it really is the “real deal”.

There is no doubt that it provides great skiing and snow activities on quite well-balanced terrain, great restaurants, food, bars, shopping and an active après-ski and nightlife, and it does attract some of the rich and famous.

However, Courchevel comprises of four separate resorts, each with its own individual appeal. Courchevel itself, also the highest of the four, is recognised at the premier destination for the skiing glitterati, potentially the world’s most luxurious and with prices to match. However, Le Praz at the ‘bottom’ (recognised at the ‘quaint’ one) and Courchevel Village are much more family-friendly, while Courchevel Moriond (the quieter one) is an older and more traditional ski village.

So Courchevel is truly a destination that holds appeal for all, offering as it does, something for everyone. When it comes to the important business of skiing, it truly is an all-round set of resorts, with runs from the most basic all the way through to the fiendishly devilish. There is an abundant combination of green runs (some of the best in the Alps where you can ski the entire Three Valleys on just green pistes, despite its fame as the home of the extreme ski championship), blues, reds and blacks to suit all capabilities. And there are also some great off-piste runs as well.

The excellent mix of skiing available means Courchevel provides well in excess of a week’s superb skiing regardless of your ability. And don’t forget you can also avail of an impressive range of other activities if you want to put your skis away for a few hours. You can taker guided hiking tours, hop aboard a snowmobile, try out snowshoeing (the large tennis rackets for feet so beloved by the movies), tobogganing, paragliding and rock climbing. Of if you prefer being a little more ‘contained’, there’s ice-skating, bowling, hot air ballooning and even a cinema.

And for those who just want to do a spot of luxury ‘nothing in particular’, you can always try one of the many beauty parlours and spas or head off for some shopping. Or perhaps you’d prefer to sit and watch the world spin by at one of the many bars or restaurants while enjoying a veritable range of cuisines from all over the world, all with matching wines, beers or spirits. Courchevel is certainly well-known for its gastronomic delights, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and some of the best Crêperies in the region. Many of the restaurants also specialise in providing wonderful home-cooked local cuisine.

Nightlife varies from gentle bars, with or without entertainment, to clubs and taverns that continue on to the very early hours, some allowing the previous night’s revellers on their way ‘home’ to their accommodation to meet the following days skiers on the way out to the slopes!

Courchevel is accessible by air, with a spectacular two to three hour transfers from Geneva, Lyon (the two nearest airports), Grenoble or Chambery airports. You may even wish to consider a high-speed train to Moutiers, just 24km from Courchevel.

Should your pocket allow, there is the option to transfer by helicopter from the main airports or to even take a private flight to Courchevel Altiport, recognised as the highest asphalt runway in Europe.