How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Courchevel, France

Nestled in the French Alps, Courchevel has earned a reputation for being a glittery, see-and-be-seen destination where luxury knows no bounds. It’s a spot where royalty is often spotted shredding the slopes, celebrities can be seen sipping Champagne at the peak, and private jets land directly on the slopes at Courchevel Altiport for a ski-in, ski-out experience unlike any other. 

But here’s the thing about Courchevel: It’s got serious bona fides as a ski destination, too. It’s part of Les 3 Vallées, which is the world’s largest interconnected ski area. It’s home to more than 370 miles of groomed slopes ranging from rolling beginner trails to steep and deep black diamonds. It’s also got miles upon miles of accessible backcountry, making it easy for those looking to hunt down private powder stashes and escape the crowds. 

Courchevel is also a spot where everyone can find their mountain bliss. The whole of Les 3 Vallées is comprised of multiple smaller villages, each boasting its own alpine personality, including the charming Méribel, known for its lively après-ski vibes; La Tania, beloved as a family-friendly haven; Brides-les-Bains, a wellness-seekers paradise; Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, a spot with more rustic charm; and Les Menuires, a destination for the most avid skiers among you, as it’s home to Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort. 

“Courchevel is an ideal destination for families, couples, and groups alike,” Bénédicte Peroz, communications manager for Les 3 Vallées, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Families will love the dedicated ski zones for children, world-renowned ski schools, and family-friendly activities both on and off the slopes. Couples can enjoy Courchevel’s romantic atmosphere with luxurious spas, fine dining, and beautiful, quiet runs. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the steep terrain, while beginners and intermediates will appreciate the gentle, impeccably maintained slopes. Courchevel’s diversity makes it a haven for all.”

Courchevel Village is also a place where Michelin-star dining abounds and where après-ski is more like a competitive sport than a mere relaxing drink. Below, find everything you need to plan a trip to Courchevel.

When to Go

“Courchevel, like the rest of the 3 Vallées, offers a superb experience throughout the ski season, from early December to late April,” Peroz explained, adding that those looking for the best snow and quieter slopes should aim to visit between January and February. “March and April bring warmer weather, longer days, and spectacular spring skiing.” And while we’re here for the ski season fun, Peroz noted that Courchevel still makes for an amazing summer destination. “The mountains come alive with outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and even via ferrata, making it a year-round playground.”

Where to Stay

L’Apogée Courchevel

Located at the top of Courchevel 1850, by far the fanciest of all the fancy locations in Courchevel, is L’Apogée, a ski-in, ski-out resort that will make you feel like a king or queen for a day. “At L’Apogée Courchevel, we aim to provide our guests with a ski trip that is unlike any other,” Valérie Muller, the regional head of communications at L’Apogée, shared. “Our personalized quality of service, stylish accommodations, and expertly crafted experiences are designed to create unforgettable moments and allow guests to create a deep connection to the destination.” And really, it is indeed a rather stylish spot, with oversized suites looking out over the mountain, a charming lounge that hosts tea time every afternoon, and several fantastic dining venues like Giovanni’s, its Italian pop-up restaurant, and Carmen, a Spanish tapas restaurant where I ate the best patatas bravas I’ve ever had.

It’s also a hotel that will cater to your every whim. While staying here, my husband and I asked the concierge to assist us in packing a charcuterie-filled lunch box so we could snap a few Instagram-worthy photos on the mountain. Without batting an eye, the concierge dipped into the back and popped out with a packed backpack ready to go. Want a hot chocolate before hitting the slopes? Done. Someone to take off your boots? Say no more. A snack at midnight? It’s already there. And it’s all done with a smile so infectious, you feel happier just from chatting with the staff. 

Ultima Courchevel

Oh, you need something even more exclusive? That’s fine; Ultima Courchevel is just down the road. Located at 1650 Courchevel, Ultima offers a collection of private chalets that blend traditional alpine architecture with contemporary luxury. Each chalet comes with personalized services, including a private chef and a butler who is on hand to take care of your every need (and after 24 hours, I couldn’t imagine my life without her.) The chalets even have elevators, because why should you have to suffer walking up a set of stairs after a long day of skiing? The accommodation also has state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, an indoor/outdoor heated pool, and full spa services. And yes, it has ski-in,ski-out access, ensuring seamless transitions from the comfort of your chalet to Les 3 Vallées. 

Hotel Le Coucou Méribel

One more charming stay can be found over in Méribel, at Le Coucou. The hotel also offers direct access to the slopes and is designed to pull in all that alpine charm with plenty of the luxury you expect in the French Alps. Here, you’ll find the expected spacious rooms and suites and two private chalets, but there’s also a comprehensive spa by Tata Harper and some seriously divine dining thanks to Beefbar and Bianca Neve. But perhaps the most special dining of all is at Le Fumoir, the hotel’s restaurant dedicated to the fine art of fondue. 

Where to Eat

Bagatelle Courchevel

Make your way to the top of the Chenus Gondola to find the chicest lunch destination on the mountain: Bagatelle. The restaurant is known for its party vibes, so be ready to dance and sing your way through your meal, which includes French Mediterranean bites. The seared scallops are a must, as is the artichoke salad, though you can’t go wrong with its truffle pizza. And, of course, wash it all down with a glass of bubbly. (Note that Bagatelle closes at 4 p.m., but it also makes for an excellent après destination. Take your last run around 2 p.m. and head over for a drink and a dance.)

Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc

Book a table at the fanciest of all the restaurants in Courchevel at Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc. The restaurant is the only one in town boasting three Michelin stars, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience from the moment you walk in. Here, Chef Yannick Alléno whips up a contemporary take on French cuisine, and though the menu is always changing, you can always expect the finest ingredients. You can also expect an intimate setting, as the restaurant only has five tables total. 

Pizziamo

If you’re after something far more low-key but still ultra-delicious, make your way down to Pizziamo, a tiny pizza shop that offers outsized flavors. It’s a super-friendly, family-run spot where you can dine in if you’re lucky enough to snag one of its tiny tables or get an order to go. The veggie pizza is phenomenal, while my husband remarked that the diavola was his favorite pizza ever.

Where to Après-ski

La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel

Again, Courchevel has great skiing, but its après scene goes above and beyond, and nowhere does it better than La Folie Douce. The massive bar is a must for party-goers who are ready to enjoy a late afternoon and evening of dancing thanks to live music and DJ performances, all taking place right off the slopes. 

Le Tremplin

For another great time, head to the base of the mountain at Courchevel 1850 for Le Tremplin. The popular bar comes with a heated terrace where you can enjoy one of its cocktails as you dance long into the night to its live musical performances. The best part? You don’t need to ski down the rest of the mountain when you’re done. 

Off-mountain Activities

Aquamotion Courchevel

Those looking for an off-mountain adrenaline rush will find it at Aquamotion. As one of the largest aquatic centers in the Alps, it offers a range of indoor activities, including swimming pools, spa facilities, water slides, and even a surf wave for those who want to hang 10 in the mountains. 

Snowshoeing Tours

Explore the serene beauty of Courchevel’s off-piste landscapes with a guided snowshoeing tour. There are hundreds of miles of winter trails to explore, which can all be seen with a local guide who will take you on excursions through the forests and up to the top of the peaks for views you’ll never forget.

Helicopter Tours

You’ve seen the mountains from down low. Now it’s time to see them from above by booking a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour over the Alps. See all of the Les 3 Vallées ski area, Mont Blanc, and beyond on tours ranging from 15 minutes to a half-day outing with companies like Savoie. Just be ready to say “wow” about a million times within those 15 minutes.  

How to Ride

Tickets

Skiers and snowboarders can access those over 370 miles of interconnected slopes by getting the Les 3 Vallées Lift Pass. Get a single, multi-day, or season pass, with pricing starting at about $81 for a single day (though pricing varies throughout the season). Families and groups can also find discounted rates, as can customers who purchase early and online. 

Rentals

Courchevel has no shortage of rental shops offering top-of-the-line ski and snowboard equipment. Skiset Courchevel and Intersport Courchevel are two of the best, with multiple locations in the area, making it easy to find one near your hotel. Pre-book your equipment before your trip to make it seamless — and to get the best prices. 

Skiing and Snowboarding

As we said, Les 3 Vallées is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, with over 300 marked runs, including 51 green, 131 blue, 107 red, and 23 black runs. It also has 156 lifts to get you to every corner of the terrain, including plenty of gondolas that will keep you warm and toasty all the way up. The highest point of the mountain is a whopping 3,230 meters (10,597 feet) at the Pointe de Thorens, though really, the entire region sits at spectacular heights. According to the official Les 3 Vallées website, more than 80 percent of the mountain sits above 1,850 meters (5,905 feet), which is why it’s a spot that nearly guarantees great ski conditions. 

Programming

Courchevel is excellent for newbies thanks to its exceptional ski schools that cater to all ages and abilities. ESF Courchevel is one of the largest providers of lessons, offering group and private sessions for skiing, snowboarding, and even free-ski classes for those looking to go off-piste.

Courchevel also has several dedicated beginner zones and kid-friendly programs, like Club Piou Piou, that make for both a fun and safe learning environment for the youngest of skiers and riders.