Courchevel

France · Savoie · 1,300m - 2,738m · 150 km of own pistes · ~56 lifts · Les 3 Vallées (600 km)

Summary

Courchevel is not a resort: it’s five villages in a valley, each with its own character. From Le Praz (1,300 m), family-friendly and affordable, to Courchevel 1850, synonymous worldwide with Alpine luxury. In between: Village (1,550 m), Moriond (1,650 m) and La Tania (1,400 m), nestled among forests.

The valley itself adds up to 150 km of pistes and roughly 56 lifts, with terrain ranging from gentle forest runs to the crests of Saulire (2,738 m). It’s the western gateway to Les 3 Vallées: one lift over Saulire and you’re in Méribel.

Technical Data

The Five Villages

Why Ski Here

1. 150 km of own pistes with total variety From gentle greens through forests for beginners to technical blacks at Saulire. The Courchevel valley is one of the most complete in the Alps for all levels.

2. Five villages, five budgets Courchevel 1850 is the temple of Alpine luxury (Cheval Blanc, Airelles, 7 Michelin restaurants). But Le Praz and La Tania offer accommodation at a fraction of the price with access to exactly the same skiable domain.

3. Heart of Les 3 Vallées From Saulire, Méribel is one descent away. From there, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. The 3 Vallées lift pass (75-90€) opens 600 km of pistes from any Courchevel village.

4. World-class infrastructure Modern lifts, immaculate grooming, excellent signage. Courchevel’s investment in infrastructure sets the industry standard.

Pistes and Highlighted Zones

Saulire (2,738m)

The valley’s summit. Panoramic views over Les 3 Vallées. From here, technical red descents towards Méribel or back to Courchevel via Combe Saulire.

Biollay

Iconic black. Sustained gradient, demanding technique. The benchmark descent for advanced skiers in Courchevel.

Forêt de Chanrousse

Long red through trees. Perfect for poor visibility days — forests shield from wind and provide visual references.

Le Praz - La Tania Zone

Blue and green pistes through spruce forests. Ideal for families and beginners. Quiet atmosphere without 1850’s crowds.

Accommodation

Tip: Le Praz and La Tania are the smart way to ski Courchevel. Same domain, a third of the accommodation price.

Après-ski and Gastronomy

Courchevel 1850 has 7 Michelin-starred restaurants — the highest concentration in the Alps.

• Le Chabichou (2⭐ Michelin) — Gastronomic reference
• Azimut (1⭐) — Contemporary mountain cuisine
• Koala Lodge — Elegant après-ski
• La Folie Douce — Terrace and DJ (also in Courchevel)

In Le Praz and La Tania: more informal mountain restaurants at reasonable prices.

Getting There

Courchevel Le Praz has an altiport (small mountain airfield) for private jets — part of its luxury mystique.

How Much Does it Cost to Ski Courchevel and What’s Included When You Book with Scibasku?

Quick answer: daily lift pass 74-82€ Les 3 Vallées (600 km). Apartments in Le Praz or La Tania from 80€/night; 4-star in Moriond from 150€; 5*GL in 1850 from 500€. Booking with Scibasku includes accommodation in your chosen village, lift pass, transfers from Chambéry, Geneva or Lyon, extras (lessons, guide, insurance) and human contact CICMA 2283 with no middlemen.

Courchevel functions as five resorts in one: Le Praz at 1,300m, Village at 1,550m, Moriond at 1,650m, Courchevel 1850 (synonymous with Alpine luxury worldwide) and La Tania at 1,400m among forests. All share the same skiable domain (150 km of own pistes, expandable to 600 km of Les 3 Vallées with a single lift pass), but sleeping costs vary tenfold between villages. The sensible strategy for families and groups: sleep in Le Praz, La Tania or Moriond and head up to 1850 only for dinner at Le Chabichou (2 Michelin) or a coffee. The valley offers everything from greens among forests to the black Biollay; grooming sets industry standards.

What’s the Difference Between Courchevel 1850 and the Other Villages in the Valley?

Quick answer: altitude, luxury and price. Courchevel 1850 concentrates the 5*GL hotels (Cheval Blanc, Airelles), the valley’s 7 Michelin restaurants and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Le Praz, Village, Moriond and La Tania share exactly the same skiable domain at substantially lower prices.

Courchevel’s reputation was built on 1850, but the skiable domain is the same from any of the five villages. Le Praz (1,300m) is an authentic village with an altiport and access to the forest zone; Village (1,550m) is residential and quiet; Moriond (1,650m) offers good value and nightlife without ostentation; La Tania (1,400m), among spruces, is the valley’s most affordable option. The Les 3 Vallées lift pass is bought from any base and opens 600 km of pistes, so staying in 1850 only makes sense if gastronomy or luxury atmosphere is the priority, not skiing.

Scibasku’s Tip

We haven’t skied here personally. File based on verified sources.

Courchevel has two faces: the luxury face (1850) and the smart skiing face (Le Praz/La Tania). Don’t let 1850’s reputation put you off — the lower villages offer one of the best value-for-money experiences in Les 3 Vallées.

Must-do:

• Head up to Saulire and cross into Méribel for a ski safari
• If budget allows, dinner at Le Chabichou
• Ski the pistes through forests between Le Praz – La Tania

Ideal profile:

• Families (Le Praz, La Tania, Moriond)
• Couples with a high budget (1850)
• Groups of skiing friends (Moriond)

Strategy: 5-7 nights. Base yourself in Moriond or Le Praz if you’re watching costs. 3-4 days in the valley itself, 1-2 days ski safari around Les 3 Vallées.

Related Guides

• [[les-3-vallees]] — Full domain (600 km)
• [[meribel]] — Neighbouring valley, heart of Les 3 Vallées
• [[val-thorens]] — The highest, guaranteed snow
• [[la-tania]] — Forest village within Courchevel valley
• [[verbier]] — Swiss luxury alternative

SkiPedia Encyclopaedia

Extended guide at SkiPedia — Courchevel: historical context, honest anti-recommendations and seasonal data.