Description

Arguably France's most exclusive resort, well located at the eastern end of the world's largest truly inter-connected ski area (Trois Vallées) and with some of Europe's best on and off-slope in-frastructure, Courchevel would rate in the top 10 selection of resorts around the world for most dedicated skiers. Unsurprisingly Courchevel shares the reputation of St Moritz, Aspen or Lech for exclusivity and high prices but, equally unsurprisingly, the tourist board is keen to point out that it is possible to stay at and enjoy Courchevel 'on a budget'. The view from a distance gives little clue to the presence of exclusive boutiques, luxurious chalets and the wonderful restaurants serving dishes of high gastronomic calibre. The first winter tourists arrived in the valley in the 1930s, with the resort 'taking off' in terms of popularity in the late 1950s and the '60s, particularly with the opening of the Saulire cable car in 1950. Today Courchevel has its own special Charter which ensures hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses provide the best possible service and open as advertised throughout the season. The resort is made up of five different base stations, all self-contained villages and all known by their altitudes, (1300 which still calls itself Le Praz and the other authentic Savoyard village Saint Bon). The best known of the five, and the one on which the resort's reputation is based, is the highest and largest - Courchevel 1850.

Travelling to Courchevel

The nearest international airport is Geneva, 140km (87 miles) away, with the domestic airport of Chambery closer at 100km (63 miles). It is possible to get a transfer by taxi, coach, 'plane or heli-copter to Courchevel from either. Air links are into Courchevel International Altiport. A third option is Lyon International airport, 180km (113 miles) away from where train connections as far as Moütiers (25km /17 miles from Courchevel) and direct coach and taxi transfers are available. Moütiers is linked by TGV to Paris ( 630km / 395 miles) and a ticket including train and the bus link to the resort is available, alternatively there are many taxi companies to choose from. Drivers arrive via Moütiers and if coming from Paris will be on the A6 and A43 motorways then the RN90 dual carriageway. Traffic information is available by calling 0479 37 73 37 within France. For many years the town council in Courchevel has worked to decrease traffic congestion and give pedestrians priority in the different levels of the resort, particularly at 1850. Car parking spaces are being continually increased (especially underground) with parking rates kept 'reasonable' to encourage legal parking. Car rentals and limousine service are available from a number of companies in the resort.

Weather

Conditions for Courchevel, FR at 6:00 am CEST

Current Conditions:
Unknown, 3 C

Forecast:
Sat - Sunny. High: 22 Low: 11
Sun - Sunny. High: 24 Low: 13

Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather

(provided by The Weather Channel)

Snow Report

Latest snow report from onthesnow.com

Base depth

145cm

Snowfall last 48 hours

0cm

Surface conditions

Wet

Updated, about 21 hours ago

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Key Facts

Photographs

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Database and compilation (c) Snow24 plc 2009-11, Database Right: Snow24 plc 2009-11.