12 chalets for between 6 and 22 guests

The skiing
Courchevel lies at the eastern end of the Three Valleys, the largest ski area in the universe (as far as we know) with a phenomenal 600km of piste waiting for you to explore. With more skiing than Vail, Verbier, St. Anton and Jackson Hole put together there’s plenty for every level of skier – from novice to nutter! As you’d expect from such a huge and popular area, it has an incredibly efficient lift system, so you won’t freeze to the chair or spend too much time queuing. It also has an impressive ‘piste-bashing’ schedule, ensuring that lots of pistes are smooth ‘corduroy’ when you start out every morning (these are shown on a special free map printed each day so you know where to go for an easy time!). The Courchevel Valley alone features 67 lifts and 117 runs and links easily with Méribel and Val Thorens then down to Orelle, the 4th Valley. Complete beginners can find their feet on the free lifts, and those with no sense of mortality can throw themselves down the super-steep and infamous Grand Couloir. Courchevel is also well known for its intermediate skiing, with wide reds and blues to perfect your carving technique. The Courchevel Valley is North-facing (you can see Mont Blanc from most runs), which means that it keeps its snow longer than neighbouring Méribel. If you’re new to the area or simply fancy learning some new routes, just join our free Ski Guiding programme.

The resort
Each of the four smaller resorts that make up Courchevel has its own distinct character. Starting at the highest altitude (in metres): Courchevel 1850 is the place to be for A-list celebs, Russian oligarchs and fanatic people-watchers! Down the road at 1650 (also known as Moriond) we feel much more at home – quieter slopes, better value bars and restaurants and more of a village feel. Further down the road is 1550 with not much to recommend it and at the bottom of the hill is Le Praz at 1300m where you’ll find real Savoyarde character in the pricier but atmospheric restaurants. Our fourteen chalets are all in 1650 where relieved skiers were first delivered to the top of the slopes by a lift in the 1950s, rather than having to hike up! We have been in 1650 for over 25 years and really feel part of the community. We’ve seen big changes too, and the village is still being improved and upgraded with smart new chalets and hotels springing up each summer. The latest addition is the 4* Hotel Manali, which has a pool and spa facilities available for public use. Free, regular buses run from morning until late evening between all of the different levels of Courchevel and also link to La Tania.

Our chalets in 1650
Le Ski’s 12 chalets are all close to the village centre and easily within 10 minutes’ walk of the lifts. (See the village map for precise locations). Our chalets in ‘Vieux Moriond’ – the original part of the village – are close to the slopes and French-owned with stacks of character and are great for families and groups. Several of our newer chalets also have fantastic facilities like steam rooms and saunas. Courchevel 1650 is great for spectacular views and sunsets and most of our chalets have balconies from which to admire the scenery with an aperitif! Read on for further details, and to see more pictures and videos of the resorts and chalets.

The rest
Courchevel has many experiences to offer beyond skiing: perhaps a gentle flight on the Le Ski paraglider over the forests of La Tania? Aeroplane trips from the Altiport in 1850 can also give you an entirely different view of the Valley. If you prefer your feet firmly on the ground, hire snowshoes and explore the terrain on foot, leaving you to relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery. There’s a great variety of shops up in 1850, selling anything from the local liquor ‘Génépi’ to designer ski-wear as seen on certain celebrities who have been known to holiday in the area! There’s also a bowling alley, an ice-rink and a climbing wall, a gym for those who can’t get enough exercise, and hotels with spa centres for our guests who’ve come on holiday to take it easy. There’s truly something for everyone in Courchevel.

Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2009 awarded Courchevel 1650 'Best Family Resort'