My hierarchy of ski regions is usually built on the principle of “first the route, and then everything that directly or indirectly falls into the category of apres ski.” Courchevel took an honorable place in it, where the latter is undoubtedly in the lead. There are 5 palace hotels (31 in France), 8 Michelin-starred restaurants, and pop-up boutiques of fashion brands can be seen just on the tracks, as well as people sitting at the next table and whose names are too famous to call their voice.
Last year turned out to be very difficult for the region. All the infrastructure of the resort was closed, except for one of the palace hotels, which still decided to accommodate guests and even managed to organize a special service for them to climb the mountain. The resort’s portfolio is replenished with new places to visit and relax.
Courchevel is rightly called the world capital of skiing. World championships and sports competitions, which are regularly held on the tracks of the region, add points to the treasury of bonuses. Although the Alps today is a place that offers more than just a ski holiday. Scandinavian sports, gastronomy, spa, shopping, balneology no longer seem something exotic and harmoniously fit into the schedule of winter vacation. And, of course, the ESF 1650 ski school is always open for those who want to improve their skiing technique.
A few years ago, Courchevel opened the largest water entertainment center in the Alps – Aquamotion. On the 15,000 m2 set aside for health and recreation, everyone can spend their leisure time according to their wishes: have fun, relax or get the most out of their experiences, such as aquatriathlon or water training in swimming, aquabike and aquajogging. Why not?
My current visit to Courchevel was special … This place opened to me not only from the height of my heart – Courchevel 1850, but also in the charm of the nearby villages – Praz, Moriond, Tania … And, of course, very impressed with Lac de la Rosiere – lake with one of the most picturesque landscapes. It is better to walk here early in the morning. If you are lucky with the weather, you can see the sun rising over the valley and the light changing. Even at -12 ° this spectacle can lead to ecstasy. And here you can listen – the river that flows into the lake, the snow that squeaks underfoot, the roar of planes flying high in the sky … Bonus for lovers of a healthy lifestyle – 8000 steps from the parking lot to the lake and back. I recommend it to all lovers of walks in the fresh air.
Where to stay: The Chabichou Hotel, opened after a complete refurbishment in 2019, is located in the heart of Courchevel 1850. Designer Emily Rolle, who was responsible for the refurbished look of the establishment, did her best to make guests feel comfortable in a chalet-style chapel.
You will find suites and apartments where you can comfortably accommodate the whole family, picturesque terraces overlooking the slopes, its own spa area of 1000 m2, children’s club, gourmet restaurant, two Michelin stars, led by Stefan Buron and even a grocery store. a shop where you can buy branded delicacies of the region, including the most delicious jams made according to a special recipe of the local chef. And, of course, the famous and very convenient ski-in ski-out system, for which lovers of downhill skiing love France so much.
