Courchevel: A magic traditional village

The perfect location

Courchevel village is situated in the Tarentaise in Savoie, nestled at the heart of the 3 Valleys ski area, the world's largest completely linked ski area. Courchevel is divided into 5 separate villages, spread over different altitudes: Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, Le Praz or Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550, Moriond or Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850.

Whilst Courchevel is known for the natural beauty of its location, it is no less known for the luxury it offers. It is in fact one of the planet's most prestigious winter sports resorts and is a favourite holiday destination for the jet set, royal families and show-business stars. But Courchevel also hides a much simpler face, full of mystery and magic, ideal for those who love fairy-tale atmospheres.

Exceptional facilities

Courchevel resort was created in 1946 with the encouragement of the Savoie Departmental Council who wanted to make the mountains accessible to all. It owes its success to a handful of visionaries and pioneers, one of the best-known of whom was Jean Blanc. Over the decades, the resort developed to become one of the essential names in luxury. Courchevel used this change as its brand image, which is continues to cultivate by offering ever-growing hotel facilities (9 5-star luxury hotels) and high-end services such as a mountain airfield and a free shuttle service linking the resort's 5 levels.

Courchevel can be justifiably proud that it is able to offer visitors one of the world's largest ski areas. Winter sports fanatics and beginners alike are all amply catered for here. Everything has been done to ensure perfect conditions and to leave visitors with lasting memories, with 90% of accommodation offering "doorstep skiing" and almost 800 instructors available to teach you to ski or guide you as you discover this unrivalled ski area.

For all winter sports lovers

As far as runs are concerned, the main characteristic of Courchevel is the enormous variety of difficulty (the summit, Col de La Saulire is situated at 2,738m) and levels on offer (10 black runs, 38 red runs, 44 blue runs and 27 green runs, totalling 119 runs). Among the best known are the Grand Couloir for free ride enthusiasts and the legendary Jean Blanc run, where some great ski champions have showcased their speed skills. This run was named after Jean Blanc in recognition of his enormous contribution to the creation of the resort.

The resort also offers numerous new winter sports facilities and a large cross-country ski area.

Courchevel's rich event programme

Courchevel has many more surprises in store for you, and invites you to enjoy a variety of prestigious events throughout the year. The resort hosts numerous European Cup stages during the winter, and on 21st December 2010 the excitement will be at its height when a round of the FIS Alpine Ski world cup (Women's Giant Slalom) is held for the first time in nearly 40 years. Courchevel resort is also known for its ski jump arena which hosts the top names in the discipline as they take part in breathtaking events.