Courchevel, by a local

The unmissable sights

Courchevel's levels and neighbourhoods

Courchevel isn't a resort, it's four resorts on four altitudes. The difference in price, atmosphere and clientele between 1850 and 1300 is massive — don't pick the wrong level.

• Courchevel 1850

  The top of the pyramid. 5-star palaces, luxury boutiques, casino, Michelin-starred restaurants, international jet-set. Ultra-chic, exceptional prices (palace €1,500-3,000/night). Direct ski-in.

• Le Jardin Alpin (1850)

  The most prestigious quarter of 1850. Cheval Blanc, Airelles, Apogée, Aman are concentrated here. Ski-in, quiet, open views. The world centre of alpine luxury.

• Cospillot (1850)

  Part of 1850 slightly downhill, more accessible price-wise while still officially 1850. Good high-end rental addresses without palace pricing.

• Courchevel 1650 (Moriond)

  4 km from 1850. Family-friendly, sunny all day (south-facing slope), prices 30-40% lower. Direct ski-link to 1850. Our recommendation for families.

• Courchevel 1550 (Village)

  Residential, calmer, traditional atmosphere. Less buzz, few restaurants. For those who want quiet nights and access to the big domain.

• Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz)

  The authentic village downhill, by the lake. Not ski-in but regular free shuttle. Markedly lower prices, traditional restaurants, Savoyard village atmosphere.

• La Praline (between 1850 and 1650)

  Small intermediate sector, quiet and residential, good rental opportunities. Ski-link and shuttle to both levels.

• La Tania

  Satellite resort officially attached to Courchevel, at 1,350 m, integrated into the domain. Family-friendly, affordable, relaxed atmosphere. Good option for tighter budgets.

The best things to do

• Ski the 3 Vallées in one day

  600 km of pistes, the world's largest ski area. Courchevel → Méribel → Val Thorens loop, doable in a day with good technique. The signature experience.

• Go up La Saulire at sunset

  Late-afternoon cable car (check hours). Sunset on Mont Blanc, 360° view over 3 massifs. The most powerful memory you'll keep of Courchevel.

• Lunch on the altiport terrace

  Le Cap Horn serves on a south-facing terrace facing the runway. Aircraft spectacle, valley view, grilled meats. An institution for 30 years.

• Helicopter flight to Italy

  From the altiport, 45-min flight to Courmayeur or Cogne, Michelin lunch, return at night. Allow €800-1,500/person. The ultimate excursion.

• Spa day at Cheval Blanc, K2 Palace or Apogée

  Day access available for non-residents (≈ €200). Pools, hammams, treatments, lounges. A luxury experience in itself on a bad-weather day.

• Pastry workshop at Le Sarkara (K2 Palace)

  Sébastien Vauxion, 2 Michelin stars, occasionally offers private dessert workshops. Book well in advance. Concept unique in the world.

• Courchevel casino in the evening

  A refined, chic atmosphere after dinner. For those who love the classics (roulette, blackjack) without pressure.

• Forum ice rink (winter)

  Open-air rink in the heart of 1850, open every evening. Family atmosphere, skate rental, mulled wine. An authentic break away from the bling.

• Paragliding from La Saulire

  Tandem paraglider with landing at 1850 or 1650. €150-200. Stunning view over the massif and pistes. Summer and winter.

Our favourite walks

• Lac du Praz loop (1300)

  30 min walk around the lake, flat and easy, authentic atmosphere. View onto the Olympic ski-jumps. Perfect afternoon or twilight stroll.

• Marquises trail

  1h from 1650, through the larch forest towards the Signal area. Shaded path, regular panoramas, family-friendly.

• La Saulire summit on foot (summer)

  For experienced hikers from the bottom of La Vizelle. 3h steep ascent, 1,200 m elevation. Exceptional summit panorama. Doable by cable car + short descent for others.

• Lac de la Rosière

  1h30 walk from Le Praz through the forest. A small wild mountain lake, lightly visited, perfect picnic spot. Summer only.

• Pralong nature trail (1850)

  Easy 1h loop from Pralong golf course. Flat, scenic, family-friendly. Open views onto the Vanoise and Mont Blanc.

• La Dent du Villard

  For experienced hikers. 4h round trip, 800 m elevation from Le Praz. Summit at 2,284 m, panorama over the 3 Vallées. Summer only.

• Tour des Avals

  Altitude trail from the top of Les Chenus. 2h, almost flat, continuous valley view. Take the chairlift up, walk down.

• Plan du Vah walk (1650)

  30 min from Moriond, calmer and more family-oriented sector. Good option with kids or as a post-meal stroll.

Savoyard specialities to taste

• Tartiflette

  Potatoes, lardons, onions, a whole reblochon melted on top. The French Alps' iconic dish, on every menu.

• Fondue savoyarde

  Beaufort + Comté + Emmental, Apremont white wine. To share. Courchevel version often uses 18-month Beaufort — excellent.

• Raclette

  Half wheel of cheese, scraped onto steamed potatoes and charcuterie. The festive winter dish shared among friends after skiing.

• Croziflette

  Tartiflette variant with crozets (small Savoyard buckwheat squares). More typical and lighter than classic tartiflette.

• Diots de Savoie

  Savoyard sausages simmered in white wine and onions. Often served with creamy polenta or crozets.

• Croûte aux morilles

  Toasted country bread with morel and vin jaune cream sauce. The smart Savoyard bistro speciality.

• Gratin savoyard

  Potatoes, onions, melted beaufort, broth. More rustic and lighter than gratin dauphinois.

• Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères ». Essential. Aged 12-24 months, enjoyed on a board or in fondue.

• Reblochon AOP

  Soft cheese from the Grand-Bornand valley. Served whole in tartiflette or at the end of a meal.

• Tomme des Bauges

  Tomme des Bauges AOP, more rustic. Enjoy on a board with a glass of Mondeuse.

• Savoie wines

  Roussette, Apremont, Mondeuse. Crisp and mineral, perfect with melted cheese. Ask for a Mondeuse d'Arbin for serious reds.

Restaurants by mood and budget

Cafés and tea rooms

Bars and places for a drink

• Le Tremplin (1850)

  Courchevel's cult après-ski. Packed terrace from 5pm in season, DJ, champagne, international and festive atmosphere. Carries on late into the evening.

• Bagatelle (1850)

  The institution of chic partying in Courchevel. Champagne, table-top dancing at lunch, nights that spiral into delirium. The emblematic jet-set venue.

• Le bar du Cheval Blanc (1850)

  High-end cocktails in the intimate setting of the LVMH palace. Hushed atmosphere, impeccable service. For a truly chic, calm drink.

• K2 Bar (K2 Palace)

  Lounge bar of K2 Palace, view onto the pistes, creative cocktails, chic and quieter vibe. Very good live pianist on some evenings.

• Le Skiroc (Hôtel des 3 Vallées)

  Essential pre-club stop. More approachable lounge atmosphere, decent cocktails, mixed clientele.

• L'Équipe (Hôtel Carlina)

  The Carlina's ski-front bar, lively end-of-day. Good alternative to Le Tremplin for an après-ski with a view.

• La Mangeoire (1850)

  Also a bar at night: festive atmosphere with a DJ that kicks off late. You dine, then you dance — a classic.

• Casino bar

  Quieter and chicer, with view onto the gaming tables. For a late-evening cocktail away from the crowd.

Panoramic terraces

Courchevel doesn't really have an urban rooftop — it's a mountain. But the altitude and ski-front terraces offer panoramas few resorts can match.

• Le Cap Horn (altiport)

  Terrace facing the altiport runway, south-facing, sun all day. Aircraft show on take-off and landing.

• Cheval Blanc terrace (Jardin Alpin)

  Ski-front of the LVMH palace, lunch or coffee in the sun with valley view. Absolute elegance.

• Apogée terrace (Jardin Alpin)

  Ski-front of the Oetker Collection Apogée, more discreet but equally prestigious. Exceptional service.

• Hôtel Carlina (1850 ski-front)

  The most accessible rooftop for non-residents. International menu, lounge atmosphere, open all day. A real gem for the view.

• La Vizelle summit restaurant

  At the top of the Vizelle cable car, altitude terrace, Vanoise and Mont Blanc view. Accessible altitude lunch.

• Le Bouc Blanc (Le Praz)

  Altitude restaurant at the top of Loze, accessible via the La Tania cable car. South-facing terrace facing Mont Blanc, memorable lunch.

Nightlife

• Les Caves de Courchevel (1850)

  Courchevel's historic club since the 1980s. International clientele, jet-set atmosphere, dizzying prices (€1,000 minimum per table). The absolute icon of the Courchevel night.

• Le Light (1850)

  Newer, trendier club, electronic and house atmosphere. International DJ programming in season. Younger and more modern than Les Caves.

• Bagatelle (1850)

  Starts at lunch, runs through to club hours. Champagne battles, table-top dancing, DJ. Courchevel's emblematic festive experience.

• La Mangeoire (1850)

  Restaurant that turns into a dance bar late. DJ until 3am, more accessible atmosphere than the clubs. Good plan for the end of the night.

• Le Skiroc (Hôtel des 3 Vallées)

  Pre-club and post-club, relaxed atmosphere compared to the clubs. Decent cocktails, easygoing vibe.

Good to know: nightlife in Courchevel is concentrated at 1850, extremely expensive (€50 minimum entry + obligatory champagne in tables), and is an integral part of the experience for the international clientele. On the other levels (1650, 1550, 1300), nightlife is limited to bar-restaurants — come to 1850 to party.

Markets

• Le Praz market (Tuesday morning)

  Courchevel's only real producers' market, at 1300 every Tuesday morning in season. Bauges cheeses, charcuterie, honeys, sourdough breads. Authentic.

• Christmas market (Forum, 1850)

  December. Wooden chalets on Place du Forum, mulled wine, crafts, magical atmosphere. Festive programme alongside (Andros Trophy, Pyrotechnic Art Festival).

• Bozel market (Saturday morning)

  15 min by car down the valley. A real Savoyard village market, local producers, reasonable prices. To escape Courchevel and stock up authentically.

• Seasonal farmers' stalls

  Some producers sell directly at seasonal points of sale at 1650 and 1300. Beaufort, génépi, honeys — ask at the tourist office.

Unique activities

• Helicopter to Courmayeur or Cogne (Italy)

  From the altiport, 45-min flight, Michelin-starred lunch, evening return. €800-1,500/person. The ultimate excursion from Courchevel.

• Off-piste skiing with guide

  Le Vallon, La Combe de la Saulire, Le Pas du Lac. Iconic itineraries with a certified guide (ESF or independent). €400-600/day for the group.

• Sarkara pastry workshop

  Sébastien Vauxion (2*) occasionally offers private dessert workshops at K2 Palace. Unique concept, radical experience. Book well in advance.

• Bobsleigh at La Plagne

  30 min from Courchevel, the 1992 Olympic track. Bobsleigh descent or taxi-bob with a pro pilot. Guaranteed thrills.

• Paragliding from La Saulire

  Tandem with landing at 1850 or 1650. €150-200. Summer and winter, exceptional view onto the massif.

• Courchevel casino

  Roulette, blackjack, poker, slots. Refined atmosphere, late opening. Good option for an after-dinner evening.

• Luxury shopping on rue de Bellecôte

  Hermès, Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada — every maison in one place. Visual experience even without buying.

• Spa day in a palace

  Cheval Blanc, K2 Palace, Apogée open their spas to outsiders by the day (≈ €200). Pools, hammams, treatments. Ideal on a bad-weather day.

• Andros Trophy (December)

  Snow motor-racing event unique in the world, Courchevel round every December. Spectacle, festive atmosphere, free.

• International Pyrotechnic Art Festival (mid-December)

  International firework competition launched from La Saulire every Friday in mid-December. Spectacular and free.

Outings by profile

Where to buy real souvenirs (not magnets)

• La Maison de Savoie (1850)

  Fine chocolates, ganaches, beaufort or génépi bars. The reference gourmet souvenir.

• Comptoir des Alpes (1850)

  Aged cheeses, Savoie charcuterie, honeys, génépi. To take home a serious high-end alpine spread.

• Rue de Bellecôte luxury boutiques

  Hermès, Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton — if you want to bring home « real luxury » from Courchevel, this is it. Same prices as Paris.

• Génépi Distillery

  Local artisan liqueurs, génépi, alpine eaux-de-vie. Sold in shops at 1850 or 1650.

• Regional Opinel knives

  The iconic Alpine knife, sold in souvenir and sports shops.

• Le Praz Pâtisserie (1300)

  For authentic viennoiseries and pastries at reasonable prices. Local sweets and chocolates.

• Courchevel bookshop (1850)

  Alpine design books, beautiful mountain books, hiking topo-guides. A good selection to bring home something other than a jumper.

• ESF boutique (1850)

  Iconic French Ski School jumpers, hats, accessories. A real reusable alpine souvenir.

Local products to take home

• Alpage Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères ». Aged 18-24 months. Travels very well for weeks in cool conditions.

• Farmhouse Reblochon AOP

  Keep cold. Vacuum-pack available at any cheesemonger.

• Tomme des Bauges AOP

  More rustic, hard cheese, ideal on a board.

• Alpine génépi (liqueur)

  Local distillery or Distillerie des Alpes. Hold luggage only.

• La Maison de Savoie chocolates

  Génépi, beaufort or mountain-honey bars. Original gourmet souvenirs.

• Mountain honey

  Floral, rhododendron or fir. Hold luggage (liquid).

• Dry Savoyard sausage

  Valley charcuterie. Holds up in carry-on.

• Bottle of Mondeuse or Apremont

  Savoie wines. Hold luggage. Ask for a Mondeuse d'Arbin for serious reds.

• Opinel n°8 knife

  The regional icon. Hold luggage only.

• Alpine design book

  Books on mountains, chalet design, alpine photography. Courchevel bookshop.

Getting around — practical tips

• Altibus (free shuttle between levels)

  Free shuttle linking 1850 / 1650 / 1550 / 1300 every 15-30 min. The most practical way to move between levels. Skip the taxi.

• Courchevel altiport (private jet)

  For private-jet travellers: altiport at 2,008 m directly in the resort. Otherwise used for helicopter flights to Italy.

• Chambéry airport (1h)

  The closest commercial airport. Shuttles or direct private transfers. Seasonal trains to Moûtiers.

• Geneva airport (2h)

  More international flights, longer transfers. Allow €250-400 for a private transfer.

• TGV train to Moûtiers

  The closest station, 20-25 min by shuttle from Courchevel. Direct TGV Paris-Moûtiers in 4h30. Eurostar London-Moûtiers in season.

• Car: avoid in 1850 in season

  Palace parking = €70-100/day. Park at Bozel or Le Praz (1300) and use the free altibus shuttle.

• Taxi between levels

  Expensive: 1850 → 1650 ≈ €30, 1850 → 1300 ≈ €45. The free altibus is far preferable.

• Skidoo (luxury private transfers)

  High-end private transfer service. Very pricey but discreet and premium. For airport transfers.

Mistakes to avoid

• Booking Le 1947 or Cheval Blanc last-minute

  3-6 months booking needed for the 3-star restaurant. Same for the palace itself in high season (Christmas, February).

• Underestimating prices

  Coffee €8-12, mid-range lunch ≈ €60/person, palace €1,500-3,000/night, a Bagatelle night €800+ easily. Courchevel is one of the most expensive resorts in the world.

• Confusing 1850 with 1650 / 1550 / 1300

  The levels are radically different in price, atmosphere and offering. 1850 = palaces and luxury, 1650 = family-friendly, 1300 = authentic village. Choose deliberately.

• Driving in 1850 in season

  Palace parking = €70-100/day, post-ski traffic jams, fines. Use the free altibus shuttle.

• Eating « savoyard » at a tourist trap

  Some Jardin Alpin addresses charge XXL prices for a mediocre tartiflette. Stick with La Saulire (1300) or La Mangeoire (1850) for authentic Savoyard.

• Only skiing Courchevel

  You're in the 3 Vallées — 600 km of pistes. At least one day at Méribel + Val Thorens. Classic beginner mistake.

• Underestimating the weather

  Even at 1850, -15°C on a January morning with wind, snow possible at any hour in season. Technical kit essential.

• Booking dinner at Le 1947, not lunch

  Lunch is less in demand (and cheaper), just as extraordinary. The trick to experience the 3-star without the full evening tariff.

• Buying your ski pass on the day

  Long queues and no discounts. Buy online 24-48h ahead to save time and money.

Insider tips from the locals

• Sleep at 1650 (Moriond)

  30-40% cheaper than 1850, sunny all day, direct ski-link to 1850 in 15 min. The right compromise for families and couples.

• Sleep at Le Praz (1300)

  The authentic village, accessible prices, lake, traditional restaurants. Regular free altibus shuttle to the slopes. Our favourite for those who want to avoid the bling.

• La Saulire at sunset

  Last cable car late afternoon (check hours), pink-orange Mont Blanc panorama. The most beautiful Courchevel memory, free.

• Mont Blanc view from the Verdons chairlift

  From 1850, in a few minutes, north-facing Mont Blanc panorama. Much less busy than La Saulire.

• 3 Vallées loop in one day

  Courchevel → Méribel → Val Thorens → return. Doable with good skiing, memorable. Leave early, lunch en route.

• Le 1947 for lunch

  Less in demand than dinner, identical 3-star experience, cheaper (€300 instead of €600). Book 1-2 months ahead.

• Early-season skiing (2nd week of December)

  Palaces full but hotel rates -30%, near-empty slopes, fresh snow guaranteed. The best value window.

• Le Cap Horn terrace in winter

  Aircraft show at the altiport, south-facing, accessible by ski. An institution less crowded than the central restaurants.

• Palace spa day in bad weather

  Cheval Blanc, K2, Apogée open day-access (≈ €200). Excellent ski-free alternative on a blizzard day.

Suggested itineraries

Courchevel is lived fully, without compromise: prices match the experiences, and the experiences match the legend. Prioritise the big moments (La Saulire at sunset, a Michelin-starred dinner, a 3 Vallées day) rather than spreading the spend thinly. And if you need advice during your stay — last-minute restaurant, helicopter, transfers, ski guide — our SmartStay team is reachable seven days a week.

Enjoy Courchevel — and don't forget to look up at Mont Blanc from La Saulire at least once.