Courchevel is a one end of the famous Three Valleys or "Trois Vallee" ski area. Many claim this vast expanse of terrain to be the largest ski area in the world. Courchevel alone would be a hefty resort and really does its size justice in terms of providing a brilliant array of runs and terrain. The resort is very well located short breaks as there are various airports within a couple of hours drive - Chambery is the closest at about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
I have a few friends who have done seasons at this resort and they all had an amazing time; “great skiing and a great social scene”, they said to me. I totally believe them too. During my week-long stay in Courchevel 1850 I had a really good time and, despite some not so great weather and snow conditions, got some excellent skiing.
During a three day stint of whiteout on the upper mountain, I was more than happy to entertain myself on some of the more cruisy runs by the villages of Courchevel 1850 and 1650. The snow was quite firm at the time , but the standard of grooming was excellent so getting up early enough in the morning led to some brilliant groomer bashing. The runs under the Pralong Chair were awesomely wide and smooth and there was a cool run which snaked through the village which I couldn't get enough of.
Eventually the skies cleared and I had two days of good, clear weather on the upper mountain. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of beginner and intermediate runs, but wow a lot of the terrrain is steeper than it looks on the piste map!
A great point to start exploring the steeps from is the Vizelle Chairlift which takes you to a high plateau beside the 2739m peak, Dent de Burgin. Various ridges and couloirs lead down from this impressive spot which give rise to a plethora of great red and black runs. The more timid skier needn't miss out on the trip though as it is very easy to take the Saulire cable car back down to the shallower slopes surrounding the village.
For the more extreme skiers among you there are lots of things to jump off and plenty of potential for hiking and getting amongst some untouched gnar. From the plateau which I mention above extends a ridge which staggers its way towards another high peak, Rocher de la Loze. There are an almost never-ending number of lines to choose from down this face. They may not be the longest off-piste runs you'll get, but they should get your blood flowing.
If I had to pick one resort of the Three Valleys to spend a lot of time at, I think it would be Courchevel. Meribel or Mottaret may be better placed for a short break as they are better positioned for exploration of the other two valleys. Val Thorens is good but the resort is the most out of the way of the three. The scene, the vibe, the “Je Ne Sais Quoi”, appears to me to be firmly set in Courchevel. You might pay through the teeth for it though!!
