Courchevel, FRANCE — ski capital of the world in the French Alps. Although its dubbed as a playground for the rich, you don’t need to be a millionaire to be able to enjoy the largest linked ski areas in the world. Get ready to ski, eat, après –repeat!
Our Stay
6 nights / 7 days
IAH-AMS-GEN via KLM (drive 2.5 hours to Courchevel from Geneva)
LYS-CGD-IAH via AF (drive 2 hours from Courchevel to Lyon)
Where to stay?
There are three main areas to stay in Courchevel based on their elevation — 1550, 1650, and 1850. We chose a ski in ski out VRBO at Courchevel Moriond 1650 since it’s near good restaurants and not as expensive as 1850. Rule of thumb – the higher you go in elevation, the higher the prices will be. Essentially 1850 is more exclusive, glamorous, and expensive. 1650 is the best of both worlds with less expensive lodging and quick access to the Moriond Village. 1550 is more quiet, affordable and great for families.
The Three Valleys is huge! We didn’t even get to explore one whole valley (missed Val Thorens) after 4 days of skiing! It’s worth noting that the last lift to get you back to 1650 (Roc Mugnier) closes at 4:30pm. We were legitimately the last people off the mountain after hanging out at Le Folie Douce in Meribel. If you fail to make this lift, you’ll only be able to descend to 1850 and take the bus back (and then another bus to Zenith).
For frame of reference, our lodging was roughly $100 per person per day for an apartment near Belvedere/Zenith — what a steal! If you are heading into the village or Aquamotion, there is a 5 minute bus that will pick you up right outside this VRBO. It comes roughly every hour (so plan accordingly) and the last return is at 8:30pm. We took the bus down and walked our dinner off with a 20 minute trek back to the apartment (at least the exercise kept us warm!). Extra bonus for me who rents skis, there was an Intersport location in the hotel across the street from us.
There is a 6 day pass for the price of 5. €340 for adults (13-65 years old) which nets out to €57 per day –way cheaper than Vail! Plus, if your party is 3 or more, purchase together (one payment) for additional savings.
RECOVER
Let’s just say, I’m not a pro skier so my quads were on fire this trip (red slopes are not for me). Take the escalators down from Moriond to Aquamotion for indoor / outdoor pools, water slides, and spa facilities. The Aquawellness pass (€39/pp) gets you access to the saunas, steam rooms, hammam, caldarium, and salt water pool.
EAT
Grab breakfast essentials at Carrefour Montage in Courchevel Moriond; croissants, breads, and sweets at Au Pain D’Anton Maison Gandy bakery; and local meats and cheeses at the shops in the village.
Average lunch €25 / dinner €50-60 per person
Henri – excellent French cuisine with friendly staff
Le Grenier – upscale French dining in a cozy, candlelit setting. Make reservations via Facebook or Whatsapp.
Copiña – Authentic Spanish tapas with a Galician flare and curated cocktails
Pizziamo – casual, cheap but delicious pizza spot
La Tremplin – crepes at the bottom on 1850, perfect for lunch
APRES
Poor visibility and dumping snow prevented us from “aprèsing” on the mountain, but the sun finally came out on the last day so we headed to the famous Le Folie Douce – Meribel. Expect to pay €7,50 for a small 25cl beer or €17-€25 for a glass of champagne. Honestly, I thought the prices would be higher.
Le Schuss – Off the mountain and looking for a drink? Head across the street from Ariondaz Moriond gondola to this wine and tapas bar where glasses of wine are €4-8 and you don’t have to think about how you are getting down from the mountain(!!).
Now to explore the gastronomic capital of France!
Tarmacs And Tequila 