Skiing is said to be the ultimate transportation to freedom. And freedom’s always a bit expensive. Well, if investing a few more bucks will bring you a pair of wings, why not? It’s an experience of a lifetime; not just a random dinner at some downtown restaurant. So, if you have a ski plan in mind and want to make this experience unforgettable, invest in the best!
Speaking of the best, Europe is home to some of the most iconic and glamorous ski destinations on this planet. The European Alps cover a vast area. In such a vast expanse the opportunity to ski is plenty and it has the ability to attract your pocket.
With a wide array of ski terrain options, reliable snow records, wonderful nightlife, and luxury facilities Europe’s premium resorts are standing high. So, if you don’t want to settle for less and go for the glamour and luxury, we can navigate you to the most expensive ski resort in Europe that can cater to your every demand.
Courchevel 1850 is one such chic ski destination that has risen to the top of the premier league. Favorite with the stars and the royals, Courchevel 1850 is situated at the heart of the great Three Valleys and offers every level of skiing along with luxurious activities like spa, shopping, and clubbing.
Courchevel 1850
Nestled in the furthest east of the Les Trois Vallées ski domain in the Tarentaise région, Courchevel is one-third of the world’s most extensive ski area. It’s one of the first ski destinations in the world to be constructed from scratch. Courchevel started to take shape around the end of WWII.
The Best Time to Visit
The most awaited event of Courchevel 1850 is definitely the Christmas and New Year season till the end of February. During these days, all hotels, clubs, bars, and small restaurants hold fun parties, various events, and shows, that include fireworks, live music, special markets, children’s animations, etc.
How Do I Get There?
The fastest way to get to Courchevel is to fly into the local airport. Snowlinx, Snow White Transfers, Sky2ski, Snowbound Transfers to Courchevel- these transfer companies offer both private and shared airport transfers. It’s far cheaper than the buses and trains as they’d involve several changes.
If you want to drive all the way down to Courchevel, it’s almost a 9hr journey. Pros- no luggage restrictions and you’d get an extra day skiing during a week’s holiday. Cons- the tolls on the highways can be quite pricey.
If you are into overnight journeys then trains are one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to reach the Alps. And you can carry as many bags as you can!
Where to Stay and Eat?
Courchevel 1850 remains to be the only resort of France with ‘the palace’ ranking. It has a total of 11 five-star hotels and has been ranked as one of the 8 most prestigious 6 star hotels in France. Cheval Blanc, L’Apogée Courchevel, Le K2 Palace are some of the best hotels you can consider.
With more than 70 restaurants spread across its 5 levels, Courchevel 1850 is where we find the most exquisite and sophisticated restaurants in the Three Valleys. Here, even the restaurants on the slopes are gourmet.
Skiing at Courchevel
With stunning snow cannons, a wide variety of slopes- the Courchevel ski lifts system is considered the best in Europe that’s capable of moving more than 200,000 skiers every hour.
Courchevel has ski slopes for all levels of skiers- 27 green slopes near to the station for beginners that are pretty wide and not very inclined, 44 blue, and 38 red slopes for more experienced skiers, and 10 black slopes for the most professional ones. Its black slopes are among the most difficult slopes in the world.
In 2013, Courchevel invested around 166 million euros in all of its lifts, from Courchevel 1550 to Courchevel 1850. No surprise, why its lifts are the world-best!
Activities off the slope
Being located on the cusp of the largest ski area in the world, Courchevel has endless possibilities for outdoor activities, winter and snow activities that complement the sport. Heli-Skiing is the most exciting one among them. Besides that, there are dog sledding, quads, tours, excursions, hiking, luge, hot air ballooning, paragliding, ice skating, helicopter rides, and many more activities.
And you just simply want to have some chill, Courchevel 1850 has famous clubs such as Les Caves de Courchevel, Le Coyote, or La Grange, among others to make your winter nights unforgettable! Plus, it is considered one of the best shopping destinations of the Alps for having stores for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermes, Valentino, Prada, Zilli, Chanel, or Jean-Claude Jitrois, etc.
Who’s at the Hotel Lobby?
Hasn’t the urban dictionary added Courchevel 1850 as a synonym to glamour and wealth yet? I mean how can you not! A place where you can blow million euros a day (not in the pages of fairy tales) on top quality skiing, the world’s leading fashion, jewelry, and sporting goods brands.
No wonder why the international jet-setters have made it a home away from home, where they are ready to spend all their Rubles! Sure you will find hundreds of low-budget lodges in the same region; but not every day, in every hotel lobby you will get to bump into David Beckham or George Clooney, right?
Courchevel 1850 is very popular among the Russians of the highest purchasing power and other countries around the world. It’s called the stars’ paradise for attracting wealthy people and royal families.
The Stats
Altitude: 1300m-1850m
Lifts: 200
Top lift: 3230m
Ski area: 600km of piste in the 3 Valleys
Adult lift pass: 283€ for six days
