Courchevel Ski Resorts: A Guide to All Five 

As part of the biggest ski area in the world, a trip to Courchevel is a must-do for any mountain addict. But there are actually five different Courchevel ski resorts, and choosing between them can be confusing. 

Thankfully, I’ve been skiing in Courchevel since I was earning my snowflake badges in ski school, and I’ve discovered everything there is to know about the five different Courchevel ski resorts. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about skiing in Courchevel, including which resort to pick for your budget, the best way to get around, and where to find the best accommodation in each resort. 

I’ll also answer some FAQs about skiing in Courchevel at the end. If you have any other questions, feel free to fire away in the comments!

Courchevel Ski Resorts in More Detail

Courchevel 1850

Best for: Luxury seekers, après addicts, and advanced skiers who want the best snow and fast access everywhere.
Where to stay: Ski-in, ski-out hotels like Le Strato or Courcheneige, or premium catered chalets.
Best après spots: La Mangeoire (late-night dancing), Le Tremplin (lively terrace), Le Cap Horn (champagne on the slopes).

1850 is the pinnacle of all five Courchevel ski resorts, the valley’s glittering, crowning jewel. 

Set in a small hollow on the mountainside, the streets here are lined with designer boutiques and the slopes are bordered with luxury chalets and hotels. 

There are multiple ski lifts to whisk you into the three valleys, including the Verdons gondola, followed by Vizelle or Saulieres, from where you can drop straight down into the Meribel valley, or head back towards Courchevel. 

1850 is definitely the most exclusive of all the Courchevel ski resorts, with a food and drink scene to match. At the foot of the slopes, there are a handful of upmarket après bars where you can partake in champagne showers once the lifts close. 

Le Tremplin is a popular choice, or you can try the 80s After Ski Bar for something a little easier on the wallet. 

There are also a few iconic slopeside spots where a late lunch on the mountain leads to dancing on tables in your ski boots, with the most famous parties happening at Cap Horn and Bagatelle.

When it comes to where to stay in Courchevel 1850, the Courcheneige is the highest hotel in the resort – perfect for serious skiers who want to stay slopeside.

Le Strato is a modern, ultra-luxe option, with ski-in, ski-out access and a beautiful swimming pool and spa. 

Courchevel 1650 (Moriond)

Best for: Intermediates, sun-seekers, younger groups wanting good skiing without 1850 prices.
Where to stay: Mid-range hotels (e.g. Hotel Portetta) and self-catered apartments near the Ariondaz lift.
Best après spots: Funky Fox (live music, parties), Le Pelican (casual, central), Fire and Ice  (sunny piste bar at the base).

As the furthest village left on the piste map, Courchevel 1650 feels less connected to some of the other ski resorts. Also called Courchevel Moriond, this satellite is set in a compact sun trap, meaning it gets more rays than the rest of the north-facing valley.

Because it’s a little bit separated from the rest, Courchevel 1650 has established its own après scene, and is popular with younger crowds looking for access to the three valleys ski area in a more laid-back atmosphere. 

Fire and Ice is your foot-of-the-slopes après option, perfect for that first post-ski drink. Le Pelican is a cosy spot in town with live music, sports, burgers and beers. 

Finally, Funky Fox is open ‘till late with regular live music, parties and events. 

In terms of accommodation, you want to base yourself close to the main Ariondaz gondola for a swift exit in the mornings. Fahrenheit Seven is a swish 4* option with an on-site spa and sauna. 

From the main Ariondaz gondola, followed by the Signal chairlift, you can get up to 2250m where there are plenty of runs back down into 1650. Otherwise, you’ll need to take a handful of lifts to ski over the ridge for access to the rest of the three valleys. 

Alternatively, Ecrin Blanc is an upmarket hotel which gets you free access to Aquamotion, a sprawling swimming, wellness and fitness centre tucked between 1650 and 1550. You also get one free entry to this centre with Courchevel area ski passes.

From here, the Grand Combes chairlift links you back towards Courchevel 1550 and the rest of the resort. 

Courchevel 1550 (Village)

Best for: Families and budget travellers wanting good connections to 1850.
Where to stay: Self-catered apartments, family-run hotels, and chalets (many ski-in/out close to lifts).
Best après spots: Quiet compared to others, Le Caterail or slope-side bars for a low-key drink.

Courchevel Village is every bit as charming as the name suggests, but it’s no smaller than the other Courchevel ski resorts in terms of size. It’s spread out on a flatter plateau, with winding roads lined with chocolate box chalets. 

Families are fans of this spot because of the selection of nursery slopes at its base, where ski lessons set off from.

However, it’s just one quick gondola to reach the centre of the action in 1850, so it still feels well connected to the rest of the ski areas. 

In terms of après, things are pretty quiet, but you can catch a sports game in the English pub The Bar, or pop out to Le Caterail for a drink – they usually have live music on once a week.

Since it’s so well connected to 1850, lots of people choose to enjoy the après there before catching the gondola back down to 1550. The gondola runs through the evening, ensuring you can always get back after a few drinks or a meal in town. 

Accommodation here is also pretty low-key – think self-catering apartment blocks and independent chalet rentals. 

For easy access to the slopes, try to choose somewhere near the Grangettes gondola. You can browse for catered chalets and hotels on a comparison site like SNO, which gives options for accommodation-only bookings and packages with flights and transfers included. 

Courchevel 1400 (La Tania)

Best for: Families, beginners, and groups after value for money in a quieter setting.
Where to stay: Self-catered apartments, chalets in the forest, and mid-range hotels.
Best après spots: Le Ski Lodge (Brit-run, lively, live bands), Taiga Bar (cocktails, DJs) – surprisingly fun for a small place.

La Tania is where I learnt to ski for many years as a child, and while it might not be the prettiest of the Courchevel ski resorts, it’s still got plenty going for it. 

The purpose-built ski resort is nestled in a big forest, so the whole thing feels very alpine despite the 60s apartment buildings. It offers easy access to both the Courchevel and Meribel valleys, which makes it a firm favourite with first-lift skiers who like to explore the whole area.

Simply hop in the Tania bubble at the start of the day, and then take the Bouc Blanc chair to reach Courchevel or the State and Dou des Lanches to drop into Meribel. 

A big range of self-catering apartments make this place a hit with families too. However, there’s also an iconic après bar at the foot of the slopes called Le Pub where you can toast to a successful day on the slopes. You’ll often see live music here. 

A little bit further up the mountain, Le Bouc Blanc is a slopeside spot not to be missed, with live bands ramping up the atmosphere from lunch till sundown. 

If it’s a catered, chocolate-box chalet experience you’re after, I’ve stayed with Ski Magic many times and can personally recommend their range of accommodation, ideal for larger groups. 

If you prefer to go self-catering, Yellowstone Lodge is an upscale collection of chalets located right by the main gondola, sleeping 8-10. Each one comes with a terrace with its own hot tub, and secure parking is available for a small additional fee. 

Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz)

Best for: Traditional Alpine charm, couples, and foodies who prefer a village feel.
Where to stay: Cosy chalets and rustic hotels like Hotel Les Peupliers in the heart of the village.
Best après spots: Les Peupliers bar terrace (chilled atmosphere), small local wine bars. More dining than raving.

Le Praz is the lowest of all the Courchevel ski resorts at just 1300m. Therefore, it’s best avoided during the start and end of the season when the snow might not be at its best. 

Because of the lower altitude, accommodation prices are lower too, meaning it can be a good choice for those on a budget. 

Just like Courchevel village, it’s connected to 1850 by a singular (albeit longer) gondola, which runs into the evening for easy access at any time of day. 

The main gondola into Courchevel 1850 is simply called Praz, and there’s also a chairlift that takes you out of town towards La Tania. Staying near either of these lifts is the best idea. 

In terms of food and drink, it’s more about cosy wine bars than late-night dancing here. La Table de Mon Grand-Père, inside Hotel Les Peupliers, is where you’ll find refined Savoyard dishes and seasonal specialities – this is also a great spot to base yourself near the Praz gondola. 

And if you’re craving Alpine comfort food, La Petite Bergerie delivers hearty portions of fondue and raclette in a rustic chalet setting, perfect after a day on the slopes.

Courchevel Ski Resorts: FAQs

Which Courchevel is the best?

It depends on what you’re after. Courchevel 1850 is best for luxury and snow-sure slopes, 1650 for sun and lively après, 1550 for family value, 1300 (Le Praz) for authentic Alpine charm, and 1400 (La Tania) for good value skiing with easy links to the rest of the three valleys. 

What is the difference between Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel 1650?

1850 is the high-end, glamorous hub with Michelin dining, designer shops, and immediate access to the whole 3 Vallées. 1650 (Moriond) is more relaxed, sunnier, and affordable, with great intermediate slopes and a younger, livelier vibe.

Where to find the best catered ski chalets in Courchevel?

For five-star luxury chalets with full service, Courchevel 1850 is the place to be, with options from high-end operators like Consensio Chalets, Ski in Luxury, and Alpine Escape, offering private chefs, spas, and ski-in/ski-out convenience.

For stylish but more affordable catered chalets, Courchevel 1650 and La Tania are the sweet spots, where companies such as Ski Magic, Alpine Elements, and Snow Retreat provide comfortable, well-located chalets that balance quality with value.

What Are Some Similar Resorts to Courchevel?

If you like Courchevel, Méribel is a natural alternative – it’s also in the 3 Vallées, with the same vast ski area but a more traditional chalet feel. Val Thorens is another 3 Vallées alternative, with a big apres scene but more of a modern look.

Val d’Isère in the Tarentaise Valley offers similar prestige and reliable snow, with a lively nightlife and a mix of luxury chalets and hotels. Read my in-depth guide to Val d’Isère here.

For something outside France, Verbier in Switzerland combines glamorous après-ski, challenging terrain, and plenty of stylish accommodation. All three deliver the blend of world-class skiing and upscale atmosphere that Courchevel fans love.

When is the best time to visit Courchevel? 

The best time to visit Courchevel during the winter season is usually around February and March, when the snow is at its best and there’s the possibility of long, sunny ski days.

However, since most of Courchevel is located at a high altitude and its slopes are north-facing, it’s a particularly snow-sure resort, with good conditions through the entire season from December to April.

If you do want to go a little earlier or later in the season, choose one of the higher towns, such as Courchevel 1850 or Courchevel Le Praz (1650), for the best conditions. 

Where to stay in Courchevel?

• Luxury: 1850, look for iconic and modern hotels like Le Strato
• Mid-range: Couchevel Moriond (1650), try Fahrenheit Seven near the lifts
• Family-friendly: Courchevel Village (1550), try the basic but comfy Hotel los Flocons 
• Authentic charm: Courchevel Le Praz (1300), check out locally-loved Hotel Les Peupliers
• Best value: La Tania (1400), try Ski Magic chalets

Have more questions about skiing Courchevel? Let me know in the comments!