Why Choose Courchevel
Courchevel delivers polish. The pistes are famously well groomed and you can ski directly from many hotels. Lifts reach Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, so even strong skiers rarely repeat a run in a week.
The hotels are the other draw. Courchevel 1850 has several properties holding France's official palace distinction, including Cheval Blanc Courchevel, Les Airelles and Le K2 Palace, plus Aman Le Mélézin. Each offers big spas, ski valets and service that feels personal.
It also works for couples with mixed abilities. Beginners have gentle slopes near the villages and ski schools with English-speaking instructors. Confident skiers can head off-piste with a guide or race to the far end of the valleys.
Best Time to Visit
Lifts typically open in early to mid December and close in mid April. January has the coldest temperatures, crisp snow and lower crowds outside the first week. February is the busiest month with French and British school holidays. March has longer days and plenty of sunshine, which makes it the favorite month for many couples.
Christmas and New Year are the most expensive and glamorous weeks. Book hotels many months in advance.
In summer, roughly July and August, some lifts reopen for hikers and mountain bikers. Lakes, wildflowers and paragliding make it a pleasant base, but many of the palace hotels close outside the winter season. Check opening dates before planning a summer stay.
Where to Stay
Courchevel 1850 is the main luxury village, with ski-in hotels, designer boutiques and the busiest après-ski. Cheval Blanc Courchevel and Les Airelles sit near the Jardin Alpin area with direct piste access. Le K2 Palace and Aman Le Mélézin are also in 1850.
Courchevel Moriond, just below, is sunnier and slightly more relaxed, with good chalets and four-star hotels. Courchevel Village is quieter and family-friendly. Le Praz, the lowest village, keeps an old Savoyard feel with stone houses and a forest setting at a lower price.
Private catered chalets are popular for couples who want privacy, a chef and a hot tub. Some include drivers and ski hosts.
Romantic Things to Do
Ski the Three Valleys together with a private instructor for a day. They know the quiet runs and the best lunch stops.
Book a long lunch on a mountain terrace. Many restaurants on the slopes serve fresh seafood and good wine with views of the peaks.
Spend an afternoon in a hotel spa, or visit Aquamotion in Courchevel Village, a large aquatic center with pools, hammams and a wellness area.
Try night sledding or a snowshoe walk to a mountain hut for fondue. Or arrive in style by helicopter or small plane at the Courchevel altiport, one of the most unusual runways in Europe, with a steep, short strip carved into the mountainside.
Getting There and Around
Fly nonstop from the US to Geneva or Paris. From Geneva (GVA), Courchevel is about 2.5 to 3 hours by private transfer or shared shuttle, longer on busy Saturdays. Chambéry (CMF) is closer, about 1.5 hours, but has limited flights.
By train, take the TGV from Paris to Moûtiers in about 4.5 to 5 hours, sometimes with a change. Courchevel is about 30 minutes uphill by taxi or bus.
Once in Courchevel, you do not need a car. Free shuttles link the villages and many hotels drive guests around. If you rent a car in winter, it must have winter tires or chains. Parking is limited and expensive.
Food and Drink
Courchevel has an unusual density of Michelin-starred restaurants for a ski resort, many inside the palace hotels. Book well ahead for a celebratory dinner.
Mountain food is just as satisfying: fondue, raclette and tartiflette, a baked dish of potatoes, Reblochon cheese, bacon and onions. Beaufort cheese from the surrounding valleys is excellent.
Wines from Savoie, such as Apremont and Chignin-Bergeron, pair well with Alpine dishes. Génépi, a herbal liqueur, is the local digestif.
Après-ski ranges from Champagne bars in 1850 to simple cafés in Le Praz. Lunch on the slopes can be expensive, so mix in a few simpler mountain huts.
Honeymoon Tips
Altitude at 1850 meters is noticeable but rarely a problem. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol the first night and use strong sun protection, since snow reflects light.
Rent skis and boots at your hotel or a local shop that will deliver them. Book lessons early for peak weeks.
Dress codes are relaxed by day, ski wear or smart casual. For dinner at the top hotels, both partners can dress up a little, with a jacket and smart dress or trousers being typical.
Travel insurance with winter sports cover is worth having. Mountain rescue and medical care are excellent but can be expensive. Wear a helmet. Ski within your limits on busy days.
