Courchevel 1850 Ski Holiday Resort
Overview
The highest of the four Courchevel villages, 1850 has long been a favourite spot for the rich and famous. Its top hotels and restaurants have always been among the most expensive in the Alps. 1850 is the largest village, and the focal point of the area with most of the smart nightlife and shops. Two gondolas go over its lower slopes towards the links with Meribel and the rest of the Three Valleys. You can pay a lot to stay, eat and drink, but more affordable places can be sought out.
The slopes around the village are ideal for early intermediate and beginner skiers and there is nothing in and around the village that is likely to catch out nervous skiers.
For the more mileage hungry, the position of 1850 offers skiers a great opportunity to get full value for money on the Three Valleys lift pass. A real favourite of ours close to the resort is the red Dou de Midi from the top of the Plantrey chair..... but remember to watch out for the compression in the middle, which catches many out.
Experts are well catered for with some of the most testing blacks anywhere in Europe. Tthose that know the narrow ridge to get to the Petit and Grand Couloir runs will testify to this fact!
The lift system is second to none with a huge amount of modern fast lifts and only a few slow lifts in the area.
Apres ski is lively and good fun with the Refuge (one of our favourites) and the Kudeta (formerly the Kalico) offering live music and happy hour prices.
Snowboarders are as well catered for in the Three valleys ski area as anywhere in the world. Huge investment in modern fast lifts means there are hardly any drag lifts. There is a great snow park above 1850 for those that want it.
A little known fact is that whilst most people assume Courchevel 1850 is at 1850m, it isn't. It is situated at 1747m; the resort management decided to call it Courchevel 1850 to rival the popularity of Val d'Isere. You can't trust those Frenchies you know!
Offslope/apres ski
1850 has the most varied nightlife with exclusive nightclubs, some with top Paris cabaret acts, bars and restaurants. There is a cinema showing English speaking films and a bowling alley. There are many shops and markets, and a pedestrian lift pass is available for use on buses and gondolas in Courchevel and Meribel. The tourist office produces a non-skiers guide.
Overview
A high altitude chic resort in the world's largest ski area. Huge variety of runs to suit all levels from nervous beginners right through to hardcore experts.
At a glance
- Pistes:
- 600km
- Resort height:
- 1747m
- Top station:
- 3248m
Suitability
Positives
- Highest of the four villages
- Some great restaurants
- Wooded setting is pretty and useful in bad weather
- Varied terrain
- High quality accommodation
Negatives
- Some pistes can get crowded
- Can be expensive
- Losing its French feel
The ultimate in boutique luxury, Le K2 Palace is one of Courchevel's most sophisticated hotels. Close to the Croisette and with a lift directly outside for ski in/ski out access...
The luxurious Hotel Annapurna boasts exceptional views and fantastic facilities set in a fabulous slopeside location in Courchevel 1850. It is a perfect choice for families, with a young children’s...
One of Courchevel 1850’s latest contenders in the race to achieve the last word in luxury, Hotel Le Strato prides itself on balancing excellent service with essential home comforts and...
Hotel La Sivolière is located in the Chenus area of Courchevel 1850, in a ski-in/ski-out position on the Dou du Midi slope (a red run, not suitable for beginners), making...
The Résidence Chalets du Forum is situated close to the ski lifts and slopes with picturesque mountain views. Located only 100m from the pistes and the ski slopes, the residence allows...
The stunning Hotel Le Lana is located in the centre of Courchevel 1850, with beautifully decorated guest rooms, a choice of two excellent restaurants, a chic bar, games room and...
The Carlina enjoys a fantastic ski-in, ski-out location right on the Bellecôte piste, just 150 metres from the centre of the resort an La Croisette. Offering superb facilities, fine cuisine...
The recently-built ski-in/ski-out Hotel Barrière Les Neiges is perfectly positioned at the foot of the Bellecôte ski slope, with everything within easy reach and just a few minutes’ walk from...
Courchevel 1850. If direct access to the skiing in this incredible ski area is essential, then this is the ultimate choice. It is only 20 metres to the ‘Renard’ piste...
Situated high on the slopes at the top of the former Olympic ski jump the stylish Hotel L’Apogée occupies an unrivalled ski-in/ski-out location. The hotel’s unique interiors combine bespoke furniture...