Courchevel travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Courchevel ski resort is a centerpiece of of the Trois-Vallees (three valleys) region of the French Alps. When you start ascending the Saulire lift nearly 3,000 feet there comes a moment when you realize what it is that’s missing from your trip. There are 360 miles of trails in the three valleys. There are more than 180 lifts in a network serving terrain that is more than three times larger than the biggest North American resorts.

You will have a wide range of options to spend your nights. With five distinct villages, there is no single best location. The Courchevel villages are separated by elevation and economics, providing hotels for every budget taste.

There are superb restaurants rise between the mountain peaks like epicurean mirages. Sixty more dining options grace the village streets and nearest ski lodge cafeteria with chicken fingers is probably in Maine. You can also step out of one of the dozens of hotels with access to the slopes and almost never lose sight of your room’s balcony.

One of the things that separates Courchevel from other resorts is that it has built its villages at various elevations. The villages are named for their meters, and each has characteristic differences. The pace of life seems to quicken with the altitude. For example Courchevel 1300, also known as Le Praz, is small, quaint and quiet, attracting many families. At Courchevel 1650, there are more bars and a greater variety of quality hotels. At the top of the range, is Courchevel 1850, a stylish, woodsy enclave of pricey shops, haute cuisine and chic gathering spots.

Photos by: Christophe Margot