Courchevel 1850 Ski Holidays
This is the jewel in the crown of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area on the planet. Synonymous with glamour, discretion, and seriously good skiing, it’s a resort that seems to exist in its own rarefied world, where the pistes are perfectly groomed, the service immaculate, and even the snow seems to fall with purpose.
Courchevel 1850’s reputation for luxury is legendary. It boasts the highest concentration of Palace and 5-star hotels anywhere on Earth, with many offering direct ski-in, ski-out access, allowing guests to glide from the breakfast buffet straight onto the slopes. The pedestrianised village centre is a glossy showcase of haute couture and fine jewellery, with names like Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton nestled alongside cosy pâtisseries and Michelin-starred restaurants. Yet, despite its star-studded clientele - royals, movie stars, and the ultra-wealthy - there’s a comforting sense of calm sophistication. Here, extravagance whispers rather than shouts.
The chic heart of Les 3 Vallées, offering direct access to the world's largest ski area!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Based at a resort altitude of 1,850m, Courchevel offers access to an impressive vertical drop of 1,638m within its valley, extending from the Saulire Summit at around 2,740m down to Le Praz. The resort boasts 150km of local, interconnected pistes, served by a modern network of 56 high-speed lifts. Plus, Courchevel offers seamless access to the vast Les Trois Vallées domain, connecting skiers to an unparalleled 600km of slopes.
Snow conditions in Courchevel 1850
Courchevel 1850 is recognised as one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps, a distinction earned through several key factors. Its high base altitude and the predominantly north-facing orientation of its primary slopes contribute to superb and consistent snow quality that is reliably maintained from early December through late April. The region benefits from a high average annual snowfall, and this natural bounty is further safeguarded by one of the world's most extensive and advanced snowmaking systems, which guarantees excellent piste conditions even during drier periods.
Skiing in Courchevel 1850
Courchevel 1850 is blessed with some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Alps - which, given the company it keeps, is saying something. Thanks to its high base altitude and a majority of north-facing slopes, snow quality here remains excellent from early December to late April. Even on the sunniest days, the pistes hold up beautifully.
The resort typically enjoys over 300cm of snowfall per year, and when nature takes a break, Courchevel’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system - one of the most extensive in Europe - steps in. Groomers work through the night to ensure the pistes are in pristine condition each morning. It’s no wonder the resort has built a loyal following among those who value reliability, performance, and a particular effortless polish on (and off) the snow.
Snowboarding in Courchevel 1850
Courchevel 1850 has come a long way from the days when snowboarders were treated as ski-school dropouts with attitude problems. Today, the resort is brilliantly equipped for riders of all abilities, offering seamless lift access and terrain that’s as varied as it is vast.
Freeriders will find plenty to love in the natural bowls and open terrain beneath the Saulire and Loze peaks. The snow here often stays light and dry thanks to the north-facing aspect - a dream for powder hunters. If you’re after a more playful day, head for the snow parks dotted around the area. The Boardercross course on the Cospillot slope is particularly popular, with its clever design of jumps, rails, and banked turns that keep both novices and veterans entertained for hours.
And unlike some resorts that make snowboarders feel like second-class citizens, Courchevel’s lift network is refreshingly boarder-friendly. Most chairlifts are high-speed detachables, so there’s no awkward shuffling or endless unstrapping - just smooth ascents and maximum time spent actually riding.
Accommodation in Courchevel 1850
The accommodation options in Courchevel 1850 are pretty luxurious, with choices including grand hotels and ultra-comfortable chalets.
All accommodation in Courchevel 1850
What's available at Courchevel 1850 ski resort?
Après-ski in Courchevel 1850
Après-ski in Courchevel isn’t about dancing on tables in ski boots (though you can find that if you really want to). Here, it’s more about unwinding in style - a glass of champagne in hand, good music in the background, and snowflakes drifting past the window. That said, there’s an incredible variety of atmosphere to be found, depending on your mood.
- Le Tremplin is a must-visit: a sophisticated slope-side spot that evolves beautifully from sunny lunch terrace to lively evening venue, with live music and top-tier sushi alongside mountain classics.
- For something cosier, Le Planté de Bâton offers a more traditional après vibe, perfect for that first vin chaud after a long ski day.
- If your idea of après involves more elegance than energy, Le Sidonie Bar at Le Chabichou is pure alpine serenity - all plush seating, expert mixologists, and a clientele who prefer conversation over chaos.
- Restaurant L’Altiplano at Le K2 Palace is another refined option, known for its Peruvian-inspired menu and ambient evening DJ sets, ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail or a mellow nightcap.
- For the ultimate in luxury lounging, venues like the Bar de L’Apogée combine live jazz with rare vintage champagnes.
- If exclusivity is your thing, Le Lys and Le Sylvestre offer low-key, high-end cocktail experiences hidden within Courchevel’s most luxurious hotels - the sort of places where the staff know your name, your drink, and probably your star sign.
Facilities in Courchevel 1850
The village centre is a genuine shopping destination in its own right, housing flagship boutiques from Chanel, Dior, and Cartier, alongside jewellers that make Bond Street look modest. Window-shopping here can feel like an Olympic sport, albeit one best enjoyed with a cappuccino in hand.
Wellness is another area where Courchevel shines. Almost every five-star hotel boasts a spa that could rival a London clinic - complete with saunas, hammams, and pools that overlook the snowy slopes. Treatments range from deep-tissue massages to high-altitude oxygen therapy and cryotherapy, perfect for reviving tired legs (or slightly overindulgent après sessions).
If you’re craving something beyond the slopes, there’s no shortage of adrenaline to be found. Try ice driving on a purpose-built track, snowmobiling under the stars, or even paragliding off the Saulire for a bird’s-eye view of the valley. Culture lovers aren’t left out either - Courchevel regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions and pop-up galleries, proving that even in a resort obsessed with snow, art still gets its moment in the sun.
Facilities for children in Courchevel 1850
Courchevel might be known as the playground of the rich and famous, but it’s also an outstanding destination for families. The resort takes its younger guests seriously - and it shows.
The ES in 1850 is one of the largest and best-organised ski schools in the Alps. They offer lessons for every age group and ability, including “Baby Skiing” for children as young as 18 months. It’s all about fun, confidence, and introducing little ones to the joy of snow in the gentlest way possible.
Off the slopes, the resort brims with family-friendly activities. The 2km toboggan run is a must-do - fast, safe, and absolutely thrilling. There’s also dog sledging, ice skating, and a sleek bowling alley that keeps kids (and parents) entertained well into the evening. Many luxury hotels go above and beyond for families, offering dedicated children’s clubs, games rooms, and bespoke dining options designed to suit young palates. Even fine-dining venues like L’Altiplano at K2 Palace offer children’s services, making everyone feel welcome.
Why choose Erna Low for Courchevel 1850 skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Courchevel 1850 is a place to be pampered, with Michelin-starred dining and a high-end atmosphere that makes it truly unique.
Jane Bolton, Product Director