Courchevel 1850
France
Welcome to Courchevel 1850, the epitome of Alpine luxury and the crown jewel of the vast 3 Vallées ski area. Nestled high in the French Alps, this renowned resort offers an unparalleled blend of world-class skiing, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional amenities. For the 2026/2027 winter season, spanning from December 5, 2026, to April 18, 2027, Courchevel 1850 provides direct access to the planet's largest interconnected ski domain, promising an unforgettable escape for discerning travellers and passionate skiers alike.
The Village: Courchevel 1850 – A Symphony of Luxury and Alpine Charm
Courchevel 1850 stands as the historic and symbolic heart of the entire Courchevel destination, envisioned from its inception as an integrated resort deeply connected to the mountains and focused on an unparalleled vacation experience. It has long been celebrated as the gathering place for the international 'Who-is-Who' in politics, sports, and media, drawing those with sophisticated demands and a taste for the finer things in life.
The village atmosphere is distinctively lively, pulsating with the rhythm of the seasons and a calendar full of events, all while maintaining a strong connection to local life. Here, you will discover an exquisite selection of accommodations, ranging from opulent chalets to luxurious hotels, complemented by an array of gourmet restaurants and chic bars. The exclusivity extends to its high-end boutiques, primarily located along the elegant Croisette street, making it a premier destination for luxury shopping right in the heart of the resort and close to the grand hotels and ski slopes.
Beyond its glamorous facade, Courchevel 1850 is a fully equipped hub, concentrating a significant portion of the destination's essential facilities. Visitors enjoy direct access to the ski area, a variety of cultural and sports venues, and convenient everyday services, all designed to enhance your stay. For the 2026-2027 season, Courchevel 1850 is enhancing its offerings with new additions, including a brand-new 300 sq m wooden panoramic terrace at the top of Chenus, providing skiers and pedestrians a fresh spot to relax and take in the spectacular Alpine views. Additionally, the toboggan run linking Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel Village will feature an entirely new immersive experience called Fera Lumia, transforming the descent with enchanting light installations woven into the forest.
While Courchevel 1850 caters to the most exclusive clientele, its sister villages – Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), Courchevel 1550 (Village), Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), and La Tania – offer a diverse range of experiences and price points, ensuring that the broader Courchevel area truly has something for everyone.
The Skiing: Unrivalled Access to the 3 Vallées
Courchevel 1850 offers immediate and seamless access to Les 3 Vallées, globally recognized as the largest interconnected ski area in the world. This monumental ski paradise encompasses seven distinct resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Val Thorens, and Orelle. With a single lift pass, skiers unlock an astounding 600 kilometers of meticulously groomed pistes, all seamlessly linked, allowing you to explore a different valley each day without ever repeating a run.
The scale of the 3 Vallées is truly breathtaking, boasting 337 marked slopes for the 2026/2027 season, comprising 50 green, 137 blue, 113 red, and 37 black runs. This incredible variety ensures that skiers of all abilities, from absolute beginners to seasoned experts, will find their perfect terrain. The area is serviced by 169 modern ski lifts, providing efficient and comfortable access to the vast network of slopes. For those who love off-piste adventures, the 3 Vallées offers an XXL off-piste ski area, alongside impressive continuous vertical drops of over 1,500 meters from iconic peaks like Cime Caron, Saulire, and Mont Vallon for advanced skiers.
One of the most compelling advantages of the 3 Vallées is its exceptional snow reliability. A remarkable 85% of the ski area lies above an altitude of 1,800 meters, complemented by an extensive network of over 2,800 snow cannons, guaranteeing optimal skiing conditions throughout the winter season, from early December to late April. The ski area spans an impressive altitude range, with a base elevation of 1,300 meters and soaring to a summit elevation of 3,230 meters at the Cime de Caron in Val Thorens. This high-altitude advantage, combined with sophisticated snowmaking capabilities, means that excellent snow cover is practically assured, making it a reliable choice even in less snowy winters.
Beyond downhill skiing, the 3 Vallées offers 100 km of cross-country skiing tracks and 10 toboggan runs, including the exciting new immersive experience in Courchevel 1850. The area also caters to those seeking unique mountain experiences, with opportunities for snowshoeing, ski touring, and even paragliding.
Who Courchevel 1850 Suits
Courchevel 1850 is a resort that truly caters to a diverse range of visitors, though it is undeniably a magnet for those seeking a premium experience. Its reputation for attracting the international 'Who-is-Who' makes it particularly appealing to sophisticated travellers, luxury seekers, and those who appreciate an exclusive ambiance.
For families, particularly those seeking a blend of luxury and excellent ski facilities, Courchevel 1850 is an ideal choice. The resort offers dedicated beginner zones, wide blue and green slopes just above the village, and a family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring that children and novice skiers can learn and progress in a safe and enjoyable environment. The comprehensive range of non-skiing activities, from bowling to hot-air ballooning, also ensures there's entertainment for all ages off the slopes.
Intermediate skiers will revel in the endless possibilities presented by the 600 kilometers of interconnected pistes. The sheer size of the 3 Vallées allows for extensive exploration, with countless blue and red runs to challenge and delight. Advanced skiers and experts will find their thrill on steep red and black runs off the top of Vizelle, challenging couloirs like the Grand Couloir, and fantastic off-piste terrain beneath the Tour du Rocher de l'Ombre. Freeride enthusiasts will also appreciate the black runs that are not systematically groomed, providing fresh snow and mogul fields.
Beyond the slopes, Courchevel 1850 is perfect for gourmands and those who appreciate fine dining, boasting numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and a vibrant après-ski scene focused on elegant dining and sophisticated socialising. The village also appeals to those looking for a lively atmosphere with a calendar of sporting and festive events throughout the season, including the Women's Alpine Ski World Cup in December 2026 and the Ski Mountaineering World Cup in January 2027.
Practical Travel Notes for Your Courchevel 1850 Holiday
Getting to Courchevel 1850 is straightforward, with several convenient options to suit various preferences. The most popular gateway airports are Geneva (GVA), Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS), Chambéry (CMF), and Grenoble (GNB). Transfer times vary, with Chambéry offering the shortest journey at around 1.5 hours, followed by Lyon at approximately 2.5 hours, and Geneva at about 3 hours.
For those seeking a seamless and luxurious arrival, numerous companies offer private luxury transfer services from all major airports and train stations. These services often feature high-end vehicles such as Mercedes S-Class, V-Class, Range Rover Vogue, or Cadillac Escalade, providing comfort, punctuality, and discretion. You can also consider helicopter transfers directly to the Courchevel 1850 altiport for the ultimate in speed and style.
Alternatively, more budget-friendly options include shared transfers or public buses that operate from the airports to Moutiers, the nearest train station, and then connect to Courchevel. The train station in Moutiers Salins is well-connected, with direct TGV services from Paris's Gare de Lyon taking approximately 3 hours to Chambéry, with a transfer to Moutiers. From Moutiers, a bus trip of about one hour completes the journey to Courchevel, with frequent services, especially on weekends.
If you prefer to drive, Courchevel 1850 is accessible via a scenic route: take the A6 to Lyon, then the A43 to Chambéry, followed by the A430 to Albertville, and finally the N90 to Moutiers, from where the D915 and D91A lead directly into Courchevel. While the roads are open year-round, it is essential to be prepared for winter conditions, as snow tires and chains may be necessary, particularly during heavy snowfall.
Once in Courchevel 1850, navigating the various villages and the wider ski area is made easy by a very good bus network that links all four Courchevel towns, ensuring convenient access to slopes, amenities, and après-ski activities. Ski passes can be purchased conveniently online in advance or at one of the ski offices located at each village level. To make the most of your trip, especially during high season, it is advisable to book ski school or private instructors well in advance, as the best guides are often reserved weeks out. Similarly, reservations at the most sought-after Michelin-starred restaurants should be made several weeks, or even months, ahead of your visit.
