Courchevel is the name given to the ski resort situated in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Courchevel is a series of small villages whose names reflect their height in metres. Part of the three valleys (the largest collection of ski runs in Europe) it offers endless opportunities for alpine adventure. Courchevel 1850 was the first place to be built from nothing (rather than developing from an existing village.
Courchevel 1850 benefits from excellent town planning which places the village at the start and end of ski runs. Created in June 1946 by Laurent Chapis it was the model of the future ski resort and now maintains a reputation as a real jet-set resort that caters to the most cosmopolitan of skiers.
The real draw of Courchevel is its proximity to the vast three valleys ski area. With a magnificent lift system that can transfer skiers to over 600kms of marked ski runs Courchevel really makes the most of what's on its doorstep. The sophisticated ski lift system has developed a great deal from the 1930s when the first skiers used to spend the entire morning climb up the mountain before skiing down.
Faced with this problem Courchevel soon constructed the first ski lift in the Saint-Bon valley. The Ste-agathe ski lift was made entirely of woodland was put into service in 1945.
The three valleys area is suitable to skiers and snow boarders of all abilities. The wide green and blue ski runs are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers will appreciate the steep black ski runs, moguls and couloirs.
The range has enough to challenge even the most adventurous skier or snow board enthusiast and you can conceivably ski a whole season and not visit the same run. In addition to this 8 snow parks cater for those skiers and snowboarders that want to freestyle and there are endless off-piste opportunities.
The villages benefit from a wide range of bars and restaurants and the accommodation in the area is excellent. There are 50 mountain restaurants, 15 bars and two nightclubs in the area. 1850 boasts the lion's share of these hotels, bars and entertainment venues.
There is a regular bus service between 1550 and 1850 that runs all night, so there is no reason to miss out on the nightlife. It is also possible to catch a gondola between the two. There are some great restaurants to be found in the three level township especially for those that are not restricted by a strict budget.
There is also plenty for those looking for an alternative to skiing. Alternative alpine activities include snowmobiling, dog sledding, tobogganing, ice skating and ice climbing. There is also a sports centre where visitors can play squash and for the adrenaline junkies it is possible to try paragliding.
If you are transferring from Geneva or Lyon it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the resort. If you are travelling from Chambery allow 1.5 hours for your journey.
Author Resource:-
Shaun Parker is an expert on travel. For more information on Courchevel Chalets, visit PowderWhite
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