Courchevel | Properties and Insights into the Resort
Courchevel ski resort is distinguished by its diversity, spread across five distinct altitudes, each offering a unique experience, landscape, and approach to mountain life:
Saint Bon (1100m): Known as the birthplace of Courchevel, Saint Bon doesn’t have ski lift departures but is connected by free shuttles running every 20 minutes to the heart of the ski area. Ski return to the village is possible via a red slope.
Courchevel 1300, Le Praz: A traditional mountain village, Le Praz boasts charming houses, chalets, and narrow streets, preserving its incredible character and soul year-round. It’s famous for its Olympic ski jumps and provides a direct ski connection to Courchevel 1850, especially appealing to forest ski enthusiasts.
Courchevel 1550, Youthful Spirit: This level is family-oriented, offering great value for money. It provides quick and direct access to Courchevel 1850 and the entire 3 Vallées ski area, making it a popular choice for families.
Courchevel 1650, Ideal for Families: Known for its sunny location and a predominance of green and blue slopes, Courchevel 1650 is especially favored by families. Its location on a sunny balcony off the main relief adds to its appeal.
Courchevel 1850, A True Jewel: Courchevel 1850 is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, contributing significantly to the resort’s international reputation. It’s home to high-end establishments, offering an unparalleled level of excellence.
The connection between the different levels of the resort is very efficient, either by road or via gondola/chairlift. This easy accessibility enhances the experience of exploring the diverse faces of Courchevel.
Courchevel | Our Property Insights
hen considering the purchase of a ski property in Courchevel, it’s important to understand the unique characteristics of each village to determine the best fit for your lifestyle and budget:
Familiarize Yourself with Each Village: Courchevel is comprised of several villages at different altitudes, each offering distinct living experiences. From the more traditional and tranquil Saint Bon and Le Praz to the family-friendly Courchevel 1550 and 1650, and the luxurious and vibrant Courchevel 1850, each area has its own charm and amenities.
Seek Professional Assistance: If you need help navigating the property market in Courchevel, consider reaching out to real estate professionals who can provide tailored advice and arrange discussions to explore your options.
International Appeal and Investment Potential: Courchevel’s status as one of the top ski destinations in Europe, as recognized by CN Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, makes it an attractive location for property investment. Owning a property here not only offers a personal retreat in a prestigious resort but also the potential for strong rental yields during periods when you are not using the property.
Property Value and Capital Appreciation: The real estate market in Courchevel has shown growth, with a sustained increase in property prices for the last 20 years. Additionally, ongoing regeneration projects, especially in preparation for the Alpine World Ski Championships, hint at the potential for further capital appreciation.
Another important point is how Courchevel has invested heavily into transforming the once winter-only resorts into all-year-round destinations.
Range of Properties at Various Price Points: Courchevel offers a diverse array of ski properties for sale, catering to different budgets. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment or a luxurious chalet, there are options available across the different villages.
Convenient Lift Infrastructure: The resort’s efficient lift system facilitates easy, car-free movement between the villages, adding to the appeal of living in Courchevel.
In summary, buying a property in Courchevel can be a worthwhile investment, offering both personal enjoyment in a top ski destination and the potential for financial returns through rental income and property value appreciation.
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Best Time To Ski
► Courchevel Alpine Ski Area Courchevel is part of the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, offering 600 kilometers of well-maintained slopes. The resort boasts breathtaking landscapes, from the Mont Blanc Massif in the north to the Ecrins Massif in the south, and views of the Swiss and Italian Alps.
Courchevel itself comprises two main ski areas:
Courchevel Ski Area: This area has 150 km of slopes, including 27 green, 44 blue, 38 red, and 10 black runs, served by 62 lifts.
Les Trois Vallées Ski Area: Known as the world’s largest ski area with 600 km of slopes. It is renowned for its accessibility to all skill levels (50% easy slopes) and offers a range of challenging terrain with 111 red and 30 black runs, ideal for enthusiasts seeking long descents and varied terrain.
Courchevel also offers night skiing with music on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm on the Verdons slope and Family Park.
► Courchevel’s New Snow Sports Areas The resort is equipped with various fun and themed areas, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers:
“ZEN” Zones (Zones Evolution Novices): These areas are dedicated to children and families, offering a safe environment for beginners.
“Stop Zone”: Test your braking and stopping abilities.
Avalanch’ Camp: Learn about mountain safety and avalanche risks, including hands-on training with ARVA (Avalanche Transceivers), shovels, and probes, guided by professional ski patrollers.
“Snowcross”: A challenging course with obstacles like whoops and banked turns, perfect for friendly competitions.
“Railpark”: A new freestyle concept featuring various rail and box modules, replacing the old snowpark.
► Courchevel Nordic Ski Area While less renowned than its alpine counterpart, Courchevel’s Nordic ski area spans 66 kilometers. The cross-country trails meander through forests, offering a serene experience in the heart of nature.
► Essential Must-Dos in Courchevel
Courchevel offers a range of experiences and attractions for visitors:
Challenging Slopes in the Saulire / Creux Sector: Skiers seeking more advanced runs will find a variety of red and black slopes at altitudes between 2000 and 2700 meters. Notable black runs include Grand Couloir, Combe des Pylônes, Suisses, Turcs, and Roches Grises. For those needing a break, the red slopes like Saulire, Marmottes, or Park City are great options.
Mauduit Slope (Red): This run takes you swiftly from the summit of Saulire to the center of Méribel, offering an exhilarating skiing experience.
Piste-Basher Experience: For a unique adventure, try driving a snow groomer. This activity is available for individuals aged 8 and above and lasts for half an hour.
Shopping: Courchevel is home to around a hundred shops, although they might not be accessible for every budget.
Bars for a Drink: L’Equipe, the 8611, the Caterail, and the Chabotte bar are four excellent spots to enjoy a drink.
Nightlife: To experience Courchevel’s vibrant nightlife, venues like Les Caves de Courchevel and La Grange are highly recommended for at least one festive night out.
These activities and venues in Courchevel cater to a wide range of interests, from thrilling ski runs and unique experiences to shopping, relaxation, and nightlife, all set in the stunning alpine environment of the French Alps.
Courchevel | The Main Events
Courchevel hosts a variety of major sports and cultural events every winter, offering guests unique experiences during their stay:
Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup (Mid-December): This prestigious event attracts top international ski athletes, offering an exciting spectacle of ski racing.
New Year’s Dance Party (December 31st): A vibrant celebration to ring in the New Year, featuring music, dancing, and festivities.
Polo Masters (End of January): An exclusive event that combines the sport of polo with the unique environment of the snowy mountains.
International Festival of Pyrotechnic Arts (February): A stunning display of fireworks and pyrotechnics that light up the winter sky, showcasing the artistry and skill of top pyrotechnicians.
3 Vallées Enduro (April): An adventurous and fun ski event open to all, highlighting the vast 3 Vallées ski area.
Various Exhibitions and Weekly Events: Throughout the season, Courchevel features numerous exhibitions and weekly activities such as Dynafit Ski Touring, hockey matches, ice skating galas, and more.
These events add an extra dimension to the winter experience in Courchevel, providing entertainment and cultural enrichment alongside the fantastic skiing and resort amenities.
Courchevel | Learning To Ski
Courchevel, often perceived as a luxury destination, is also well-suited for family skiing. The resort offers ski instruction from two main ski schools, accommodating beginners and those looking to improve their skills:
ESF (Ecole du Ski Français): This renowned ski school has a presence in Courchevel 1550, 1650, and 1850. ESF offers a range of ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
Magic In Motion Ski and Snowboard School: Known for its multilingual instruction, Magic In Motion provides ski lessons in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Tibetan, and Russian. This diversity in language offerings makes it a great choice for international families and visitors.
Both schools are dedicated to making skiing enjoyable and accessible for families, with experienced instructors who ensure a safe and fun learning environment. This focus on family-friendly ski education helps make Courchevel a well-rounded resort for visitors of all ages and skiing abilities.
Courchevel Apres-Ski | Bars & Restaurants
Courchevel offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with various bars, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to different tastes and preferences:
Bars and Pubs: After a day on the slopes, relax in one of Courchevel’s many welcoming bars and pubs. Each village within Courchevel offers a unique atmosphere, from the cozy and traditional to the chic and modern.
Tea Rooms and Restaurants: The resort is known for its high-quality dining options, featuring over 70 restaurants, including 7 Michelin-starred establishments. These range from local Savoyard specialties to fine dining experiences, offering a festival of flavors to suit every palate.
Nightclubs: For those seeking a lively evening, La Grange and Les Caves de Courchevel are two of the most popular nightclubs in the area. These venues are known for their vibrant atmosphere and are perfect for those looking to enjoy a festive night out.
Each of the five villages at different altitudes in Courchevel – Saint Bon, Le Praz, Village, Moriond, and Courchevel itself – has its distinct vibe and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening or a night of dancing and entertainment, Courchevel has something for everyone, making it a great destination for both daytime ski adventures and nighttime revelry.