Courchevel & its Surroundings

What makes Courchevel different is that it is not one single resort, but spread across four different altitudes; Courchevel Le Praz 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850; each offering a very different image and village feel.

Courchevel 1850 is where the rich and famous come ‘to see and be seen’. The secluded Jardin Alpin sector is where all the spectacular chalets and hotels are located, however there is still reasonably priced accommodation in the centre of town. There are gentle beginner slopes and a vast array of intermediate, advanced and off-piste couloirs to keep even the most accomplished skiers busy.

Courchevel 1650 is lower down the valley, and the price scheme. 1650 still has much to offer with a welcoming atmosphere encompassing its own unique character and style. Piste wise, there are some cruisey wide blue runs in 1650, where frequently you will often find some of the best snow and quietest slopes in Courchevel.

Courchevel 1550 is markedly quieter, with just a few chalets and hotels. A new high speed 6 person chairlift was installed in winter 2004/05 offering a very quick connection to the pistes of 1850. There is also a bubble lift which runs daily from 09.00 until 19.30 taking you into the centre of 1850.

chevel 1300 sits on a large flat ledge and so is very easy to get round on foot with no hills to navigate. A couple of thousand people live there all year round so it has the feel of a real village all the year round. There is a school, supermarket, 5 restaurants/bars, 2 ski shops, post office, baker, butcher etc. – in fact everything you need. The 2 bubble lifts from the village take you rapidly up to 1850 in less than 8 minutes. The village has lots of little nooks and crannies and is easily the prettiest part of Courchevel. You can ski back to 1300 all season due to the investment in snow cannons and the 2 black runs (Jean Blanc & Jockeys) are 2 of the greatest runs in skiing.

Closest Airports to Courchevel

The most convenient airport for the Three Valleys is Chambéry, situated 109 kms (1 1/4hrs) away. From here, you have a number of different methods of transport to choose from to get you up to resort. If you can’t get a flight to Chambéry, the next best options are Grenoble (2 hours), Lyon (2 hours) or Geneva (3 hours) – all of these airports are serviced by a number of the major airlines.

Each airport has it pros and cons. Chambery is closest but may close in bad weather and your flight be diverted elsewhere. Geneva has excellent bus/shuttle links to Meribel, Courchevel & Val Thorens, but finding the route in a hire car isn’t particularly easy. Lyon St-Exupery has fewer links to resort, expecially midweek, but the journey is easier and quicker than from Geneva if you hire a car.

Remember, before succumbing to a bargain flight into one of these airports, take a few minutes to investigate your onward transfer options; your flight may only cost you £50 but your transfer to resort could set you back €300 – €400!!

Helicopter Transfers-Whitetracks

Shared helicopter transfers can be booked on a per seat basis, meaning that you do not have to foot the cost of chartering a private helicopter. Sharing the helicopter means sharing the cost amongst the passengers.

This service is ideal for business travellers who need to arrive quickly and efficiently, for couples who want to enjoy a romantic flight over the Alps, or for holiday-makers looking to treat themselves to an unforgettable experience.

Flights can be booked for up to three passengers at a time; sharing the transfer with two other passengers will save nearly half the cost of a private helicopter.

Whitetracks Helicopters can make shared transfers from all airports in the Northern Alps; Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble (St Geoirs) and Lyon (St Exupery), as well as all airports in Switzerland; Geneva, Zurich, Sion, Bern-Belp and Basel to any Swiss ski resort.

+44 (0)779 664 0841

http://www.whitetracks.co.uk/Helicopter_Share_Helicopter_Sharing_Helicopter_Transfers_Heli_Transfers_Airport_Transfers.htm?utm_source=skinets.com&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=contract

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Alpine Cab

Door to Door Courchevel airport transfers

Alpine Cab has been operating in the French Alps for 17 years, offering ‘door to door’ airport to Courchevel transfers for skiers, boarders, climbers, mountain bikers & alpine residents.

Vehicles are fully equipped for all-weather conditions and baggage requirements; thereby ensuring you & your luggage have a safe & comfortable journey to your destination.   Alpine cab passengers will be met inside the airport terminal building, (Geneva, Lyon, Chambery, Grenoble and St Etienne all serviced) at the exit from the customs hall.   Alpine Cab drivers will assist you with your baggage and wait while you change money or use airport facilities. Your comfort and safe transfer is the top priority and drivers are happy to stop en route, particularly where there are children concerned (time permitting).

Alpine Cab is fully licensed with all relevant authorities and use a fleet of luxury vehicles, carrying 1 to 8 passengers. For larger groups please email Alpine Cab below for a quotation. Alpine Cab aim to give clients the most professional & effective service available in the Alps.

Alpinecab

SARL Alpinecab Chalet Les Iris, La Beunaz St-Paul-en-Chablais, 74500 France

+33 (0) 450 73 19 38

http://www.alpinecab.com/

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Alpes Taxis Transports SARL

Courchevel Taxis, Minibuses, Buses and Limousines

Alpes Taxis Transports is an English-speaking company providing taxis, minibuses, limousines, 4x4s and buses, servicing all the French Alps.

For the last 16 years Alpes Taxis Transports has been organising all types of transfers for different people such as; individuals travellers, families, tour operators, travel agents, seminar groups and corporations, VIPs and their entourage and medical assistance companies. Vehicles can also come equipped with trailers, baby-seats and DVD-players.

Airport transfers can be booked for the following ski resorts in particular:The Tarentaise Region :
• Méribel, Courchevel, La Tania, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Valmorel
• The HauteTarentaise Region : Val d’Isère, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne

From the following airports:
• SWITZERLAND: Geneva (on the Swiss side), Lausanne, Zurich etc
• ITALY: Turin, Milan
• FRANCE: Geneva (on the French side), Lyon, Chambéry, Annecy, Grenoble, St Etienne, Nice, Paris

And the railway stations of:
• Moutiers Salins, Aime, Bourg Saint Maurice, Albertville, Chambéry, Aix les Bains, Annecy, Lyon, Genève

Alpes Taxis Transports is also a fully licensed in-resort taxi service operating in Meribel and Courchevel, for your trips to and from the pistes, shopping, nightlife and day time excursions.

ALPES TAXIS TRANSPORTS sarl
Yann LERAY
Le Cassiopée N° 2
73550 Meribel France
Fax :+ 33 4 79 00 42 98
Tel. : + 33 4 79 00 47 37
info@alpestaxistransports.com

http://www.alpestaxistransports.com/uk/

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information

climate

During the winter ski season, from December to February, average temperatures range from -15°C (5°F) to 5°C (41°F). During the spring ski season, from March to April, average temperatures range from -5°C (23°F) to 20°C (68°F). Snow conditions are excellent, with six to eight metres each winter and very well maintained slopes. Artificial snow is used to ensure good snow conditions over the Three Valleys round trip at the beginning of winter.

language

French is the main language of communication. English spoken    Italian, German and Spanish.

currency

The Euro is the only currency accepted in Courchevel. There are opportunities for exchange of U.S. Dollars, Swiss Francs or Sterling Pounds.

immigration requirements

European Union nationals do not require visas but valid passports and visas are required for visitors from most other countries. Guests are advised to check with their nearest French embassy or consulate.

travel tips

Electricity is 220 volts and the sockets take standard two-pin round plugs. Courchevel’s time zone is plus one hour GMT.

Hotel

Le Mélézin

Opened in the heart of the Trois Vallées region as an Aman resort in 1992, Le Mélézin combines a ski experience with the classic traditions of the finest French Chateaux.

Rising to breathtaking heights where the air is tangibly crisp, resides an intimate alpine retreat, Le Mélézin, in the French Alps. Standing four storeys high under a distinctive black slate roof it provides an après-ski home set in a mesmeric wonderland of groomed slopes – both nursery and couloirs – framed by snow caressed conifer forests under a piercingly blue midday sky. Ideally situated on the Bellecôte ski slope, the hotel is a lively home of glowing warmth, a stroll from the epicentre of one of Europe’s most fashionable and exclusive resorts, Courchevel 1850, with access to some of the most exceptional skiing in Europe…directly from the front door.

Le Mélézin’s 31 guest rooms and suites use red-cedar planks. The floors are covered in wool or silk carpeting, with walls finished either in cedar or in a light chenille fabric. Many rooms feature unobstructed views of the ski slopes and surrounding peaks and 24 come with balconies. All rooms have a large, separate dressing area and are equipped with IDD phone, television with CD and DVD player, refrigerator and a safety deposit box. The bathrooms are finished in rose-tinted granite and offer twin washbasins, a deep bathtub and a separate shower.

Warm down after a day’s strenuous exercise in our hammam (steam room) which opens until 9pm daily. Spa treatments are available in two massage rooms, one massage/facial/treatment room and one Thai/Shiastsu room. Choose from a range of treatments to suite your needs. To reduce muscular fatigues, calm the nervous system, improve circulation and reduce stress from a day on the slopes, the Massage sportif would be your perfect choice. Other treatments include foot reflexology, Shiatsu and Thai massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and other massage and beauty treatments.

Le Mélézin

Rue de Bellecôte 73120 Courchevel 1850 France
tel   (33) 4 7908 0133 fax   (33) 4 7908 0896

email lemelezin@amanresorts.com

http://www.amanresorts.com/lemelezin/home.aspx

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Hotel le Saint Roch

Relax and get away from it all in this luxury hotel dedicated to art de vivre. Whether you’re by yourself, with a partner, or staying with family or friends, everything is designed to ensure you feel comfortable, relaxed, restful and completely at home. With its warm welcome, high-quality service, and Skin Ceuticals spa with hammam, swimming pool and UV centre, this exceptional hotel is perfect for unwinding and escaping the stress of city life.

Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, the one of the absolute musts in Courchevel. In the evenings, the ‘piano ’ atmosphere offers an ideal setting to sample our wide selection of cocktails.
The lounge is also perfect for escaping the crowds or a drink with friends.
Le Saint Roch caters for your every need and desire.

The Spa, right in the heart of the resort, is somewhere you can really relax and
unwind. In the middle of the afternoon or after a day’s skiing, why not visit
this haven of peace for its pool, its hammam and its two treatment and massage
rooms.
Amongst the treatments on offer: “Facial Beauty”, “Body Beauty”
“Beauty and Well-being”. This wonderful setting is ideal if you want to recharge
your batteries and get away from the stresses and strains of city life.

LE SAINT ROCH

- Piste de Bellecote – BP 3 – 73121 Courchevel cedex
Tel. : +33 (0)4 79 08 02 66 -

Fax : +33 (0)4 79 08 37 94 -

reservation@lesaintroch.com

http://www.lesaintroch.com/uk/index.php

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Les Suites de la Potinière

Les Suites is a unique and supremely luxurious boutique hotel that benefits from an exceptional setting in the very heart of Courchevel 1850. The internationally renowned ski resort Courchevel offers a big range of activities for skiers, families, jet setters, shoppers or gourmets.

Outstanding facilities and a small number of spacious suites to ensure exclusivity and privacy, provide guests a unique experience. The lounge bar, La Suite, in an informal environment, invites to discover a creative menu for lunch, “après-ski” or dinner. The Spa by Omnisens offers a complete treatment menu using 100% natural products. A swimming pool, a large shower, sauna, steam room and fitness centre encourage relaxation.

All 16 spacious suites embody the elegant luxury of the modern design, where every detail is thought out – from the colors, lighting, decorative materials and original decor.

In the hotel’s excellent spa center with indoor pool, sauna and hammam, fitness room, massage and spa treatments.

Suites de la Potinière – Luxury Hotel

- Rue de Plantret 73120 Courchevel 1850

- France – Tél : +33 (0)4 79 08 00 16 -

Fax : +33 (0)4 79 08 28 19 -

hotel@suites-potiniere.com

http://www.suites-potiniere.com/GB/concept.html

Restaurants

Lunch

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Le Denali

Boasting an ideal location, both in the center of the village and the slopes, the restaurant welcomes you to The Denali heart of Courchevel 1850 and throughout the winter until the Easter holidays.

Relax comfortably on our sofas coming directly from the slopes on skis main Bellecôte Verdons and Loze.

Located in the heart of Courchevel 1850, its sheltered south-facing terrace will delight you with his sight and outer counter.

 From 11h to 23h, discover a refined menu in the authentic atmosphere of an old cottage with stunning views of the mountain.

When the weather’s nice, our immense terrace enables you to fully take advantage of the sun.

In our private lounge perched on the rooftops of the world, snow navigators can have something to eat or drink, contemplate the summit, and take part in our ski competitions.

The Cap Horn team can plan your special events . .  the sky’s the limit

Tel. : +33 (0)4 79 08 33 10
Fax : +33 (0)4 79 00 17 90

Dinner

La Via Ferrata

Italian cuisine, soft lighting, warm tones, music crescendo throughout the night for a balance of warmth and celebration

Pizzas and Italian specialties delight customers of their notes sunny all winter courchevelois. A Via Ferrata, from the cocktail hour, savor a corner bar, the ambience and neo-baroque, from 23.00, the lounge atmosphere for parties that extend until 2:00 am. Open from 19:00 to 02:00.

RUE PARK CITY

73120 Courchevel 1850

FRANCE

+33 (0)6 50 66 80 42

http://www.mangeoirecourchevel.com

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Le Chabichou

This 2 michelin starred restaurant lies at the heart of Courchevel 1850, and offers you a choice of dining on the terrace, the elegant dining room, the new bistrot, or at one of the chefs tables in the kitchen. From here you can watch chefs Michel Rochedy and Stéphane Buron at work, creating their gastronomique wonders right in front of you.

Le Chabichou Restaurant, Courchevel 1850

+33 (0)4 79 08 00 55

http://www.chabichou-courchevel.com/en.php

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The Saint-Nicolas

The Saint-Nicolas Restaurant is open for dinner every evening and offers authentic Savoyard cuisine in a mountain-style ambience.

HOTEL***** LE LANA – BP 95 – 73121 COURCHEVEL – Savoie – France
Tel. : +33 (0)4 79 08 01 10 – Fax  : +33 (0)4 79 08 36 70 – info@lelana.com

http://www.lelana.com/uk/index.php#restaurant-et-bar.php

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On the Roch

With its large fireplace, our restaurant offers meat dishes and other specialities prepared over a wood grill. Perfect after a day on the slopes, for a business meal, or family dinner. Diners will enjoy its chic, relaxed atmosphere, impeccable service, exceptional wine cellar, and original cuisine. A delight for gourmands and lovers of fine dining experiences and gourmet delights.

After a day’s skiing or mountain hiking, our chef will tempt you with a range of hot and cold starters, from the sea and land, followed by fish, crustaceans and shellfish or meats, poultry and game. And, to round off your meal cow’s, ewe’s and goat’s milk cheeses and desserts. Do try the “Brownie-style” chocolate croustillant, Pecan nut fraicheur, white chocolate and liquorice sauce, or if you’re feeling the chill:  hot Chartreuse soufflé, pan-seared quince and pear, and a choc ice.

LE SAINT ROCH***** – Piste de Bellecote – BP 3 – 73121 Courchevel cedex

+33 (0)4 79 08 02 66 – Fax : +33 (0)4 79 08 37 94 -

reservation@lesaintroch.com

http://www.lesaintroch.com/uk/index.php#restaurant.php

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La Sivoliere

The restaurant takes you to the heights of local delicacies and delectable surprises, from supremely refined starters to the sweet summits of dessert.

Whether you’re craving creative cuisine or traditional Savoyard specialities, the Chef and his team welcome the opportunity to please you.

Rue des Chenus
73120 Courchevel 1850

lasivoliere@sivoliere.fr
tel. +33 (0)4 79 08 08 33
Fax. +33 (0)4 79 08 15 73

http://www.courchevel.com

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du Pralong Restaurant

Located in the heart of one of the most gastronomic resorts in France, the restaurant Alpes Hotel du Pralong has an elegantly decorated dining room, dressed with wood furniture, offering a simple, generous and friendly cuisine that is refined and well presented.

Once  a week the chef prepares his famous sesafood buffet which is not to be missed

+33 (0)4 79 08 24 82

http://www.hotelpralong.com/en/?utm_source=courchnet.com&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=contract

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Winter Activities in Courchevel

Well, it’s all about the skiing really isn’t it?! Whether you are a snowboarder, a backcountry thrill-seeker or new to snowsports, you’ll find all you need to know about the Courchevel Ski Area, Snow Conditions & Open Lift Status in this section.   We have information on the local Courchevel Ski Schools / Private Instructors & Mountain Guides, as well as the latest Ski Pass Prices & where to Rent Skis & Snowboards from.  The Local Transport Network is free & included on your Lift Pass in winter & we have copies of the latest Maps to help you navigate your way around the valley.

Three Valleys Ski Area

The Three Valleys is the home of eight ski resorts that are linked together by a unique network of ski lifts and ski runs. As implied by its name, the area originally consisted of three valleys: Saint-Bon (Courchevel & La Tania), Allues (Meribel & Brides-les- Bains), and Belleville (Val Thoren, Les Menuires & St Martin de Belleville).

The skiing area has since been extended into a ‘fourth’ valley, the Maurienne valley that is adjacent to Val Thorens. The Maurienne valley can also be accessed using a long gondola lift from Orelle. The Three Valleys is one of the largest ski areas in the world with 600kms of ski slopes which equates to 2,500 hectares of groomed runs. The snow cannon count currently lies at 1500! The area boasts 200 ski lifts that can transport 260,000 skiers hourly. Phew!

Everyone but a beginner should buy a Three Valley pass. It’s easy to get carried away and ski into the next valley without realizing it. Take note though, and make sure you don’t miss the last lifts back to your own valley at the end of the afternoon as a taxi home is expensive (lift closing times are printed on the lift map

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Ski Schools &  Lessons in Courchevel

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First Tracks Ski Coaching, Courchevel

Whether you are skiing for the first time, or looking for an experienced guide to show you the most thrilling off-piste spots, First Tracks highly qualified snowsport instructors can help you achieve your winter sports goals.

For reservations and for further information, either give us a call on +33 456 14 70 28 or email us at contact@first-tracks.fr