Welcome to our ski resort comparison exploring two contrasting neighbours within Les Trois Vallées – the world's largest ski area: Saint Martin de Belleville and Courchevel. Both resorts offer access to the same magnificent 600km of interconnected pistes, yet they represent opposite ends of the Alpine property spectrum. One is an authentic Savoyard village dripping with rustic charm and value, the other is the undisputed jewel of luxury skiing with prices to match. Whether you prioritise authenticity or exclusivity, investment value or prestige, both deliver world-class skiing within the legendary Trois Vallées. Let's compare them based on access, après-ski, ski areas, signature runs, summer activities, and property investment potential.

Access and Location

Saint Martin de Belleville: Nestled at 1,450m in the Belleville Valley, Saint Martin de Belleville sits at the gateway between Les Menuires and Méribel. The resort is approximately 2 hours from Chambéry Airport (110km) and 2.5 hours from Geneva Airport (200km). The transfer to Moûtiers train station takes 25 minutes, providing rail connections from major European cities, including London via Eurostar. The village’s relatively low altitude and south-facing position mean year-round convenient road access, though early- and late-season snow can be variable on local slopes. The traditional village layout preserves authentic mountain architecture with stone buildings, narrow streets, and genuine Savoyard character.

Courchevel: Courchevel comprises six distinct villages at varying altitudes: Le Praz/Courchevel 1300 (1,300m), Courchevel Village/1550 (1,550m), Courchevel Moriond/1650 (1,650m), and the flagship Courchevel 1850 (1,850m), plus La Tania. Transfer times mirror Saint Martin: approximately 2 hours from Chambéry and 2.5 hours from Geneva. Courchevel 1850 features a private altiport – one of the world’s highest altitude airports – allowing helicopter and private plane access for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The efficient lift network connects all villages car-free, whilst the higher altitude villages offer superior snow reliability compared to Saint Martin’s south-facing base.

Après-Ski and Bars/Restaurants

Saint Martin de Belleville: Saint Martin delivers authentic mountain après-ski focused on quality rather than glitz. Le Saint Martin and La Bouitte (2 Michelin stars) showcase exceptional Savoyard cuisine in intimate settings – a world apart from Courchevel’s palatial establishments but arguably more genuine. Le Montagnard provides traditional fare and local wines, whilst La Voûte offers cosy atmosphere for post-skiing drinks. The village lacks late-night clubs and champagne bars – by design. Instead, it offers charming bistros, family-run restaurants, and genuine mountain hospitality. This isn’t where oligarchs party; it’s where discerning skiers appreciate authenticity, value, and the absence of pretension. The Christmas market and village festivals maintain traditional Alpine culture rather than importing Parisian nightlife.

Courchevel: Courchevel 1850 represents the absolute pinnacle of Alpine luxury dining and nightlife. With 7 Michelin-starred restaurants – a record for the mountains – including Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc (3 stars) and Le Kintessence (2 stars), the culinary scene rivals Paris. Après-ski at La Folie Douce Courchevel combines champagne, live DJs, and dancing on tables at altitude. Le Mangeoire and La Grange deliver high-energy slope-side partying, whilst Les Caves de Courchevel provides late-night clubbing for the international jet-set. Luxury boutiques from Hermès to Chanel line the streets. Prices reflect the clientele: €30+ cocktails, €500+ wine bottles, and €200+ per person dining are standard. This is where celebrities, royalty, and billionaires gather – the resort actively cultivates exclusivity and glamour.

Ski Area Overview

Saint Martin de Belleville: Saint Martin contributes 160km of pistes to the Trois Vallées’ 600km total, served by 42 lifts ranging from 1,400m to 2,850m. The resort’s two main lifts – Saint Martin 1 and Saint Martin 2 gondolas – swiftly access the Tougnete peak (2,437m), connecting to both Méribel and Les Menuires. Local terrain comprises predominantly blue and red runs (62% beginner/intermediate-friendly) with minimal blacks, making it ideal for families and intermediate skiers seeking long, scenic cruisers. The south-facing position means sunny skiing but can affect snow quality in late season. However, quick connections to Les Menuires’ Pointe de la Masse (2,804m) and Val Thorens’ glacier skiing (3,230m) provide abundant challenging terrain and reliable snow. The lift network is modern and uncrowded compared to Courchevel.

Courchevel: Courchevel’s 150km of local pistes integrate seamlessly into the Trois Vallées, served by 55+ ultra-modern lifts including high-speed six and eight-seater chairlifts, gondolas, and cable cars. Terrain ranges from 1,300m to 2,738m across three distinct north-facing bowls – Saulire, Chanrossa, and Loze. The resort boasts 85% of slopes above 1,800m ensuring exceptional snow reliability, complemented by France’s largest snowmaking operation covering 50% of the terrain. The piste distribution favours intermediates (27 greens, 44 blues, 38 reds, 10 blacks) with impeccably groomed slopes – widely considered the best-maintained in the Alps. Advanced skiers find legendary challenges including couloirs, mogul fields, and extensive off-piste. Seven beginner zones with free lifts and the innovative ZEN (Zones Evolution Novices) areas make it excellent for families despite premium pricing.

Top Slopes and Signature Runs

Saint Martin de Belleville: Saint Martin’s local slopes focus on cruisy blues and reds rather than extreme challenges. The longest run extends 8km from Tougnete back to the village – a scenic, confidence-building descent through varied terrain. For accomplished skiers, quick access to Les Menuires’ Lac Noir and Masse blacks provides moguls and steep pitches in a magnificent wide-open bowl. Off-piste opportunities excel – Saint Martin is renowned for some of France’s finest backcountry itineraries including routes into the Vallée des Avals and descents from Col de Chanrossa. The Combe Rosael from Val Thorens offers a spectacular black run plunge. Saint Martin’s strength lies in providing effortless access to the entire Trois Vallées’ varied terrain rather than relying on challenging local runs.

Courchevel: Courchevel’s signature run is “Les Suisses” – a sublime black groomer descending from La Saulire, offering 1,000m+ vertical of perfectly manicured steep terrain. The Grand Couloir challenges experts with a narrow, exposed entry and sustained pitch. Creux Noirs delivers relentless moguls on north-facing slopes that hold cold snow all season. For intermediates, the Chapelets red run provides a quiet, backcountry-style descent with stunning views. Plan Fontaine offers an endless twisty green through pine forests to La Tania – perfect for beginners. Advanced skiers explore the Saulire couloirs, Roc Merlet face, and Les Avals valley for technical off-piste. The Jean-Blanc black run honours the former French champion. Courchevel excels across all difficulty levels whilst maintaining world-class grooming standards.

Summer Activities

Saint Martin de Belleville: Summer in Saint Martin emphasizes tranquillity and authentic mountain activities. 70 marked walking routes access spectacular high-altitude trails including passes, lakes, and viewpoints across the Belleville Valley. 40 mountain bike trails cater to all levels from family-friendly paths to technical enduro descents. The village maintains its peaceful character with outdoor concerts, traditional markets, and cultural events celebrating Savoyard heritage. Activities include via ferrata, rock climbing, paragliding, and fishing in alpine lakes. The Passeport Ascensionnel provides discounted lift access for hikers and bikers throughout summer. Unlike purpose-built resorts, Saint Martin retains year-round village life with local shops, artisans, and genuine community atmosphere beyond tourism.

Courchevel: Courchevel transforms into a luxury summer destination rivalling its winter season. The resort hosts major events including the Courchevel Air Show and the 3 Vallées VTT mountain bike event, with Tour de France stages occasionally passing through. Aquamotion centre features pools, water slides, surfing area, spa, and climbing wall – open year-round. Golf, tennis, and hiking complement mountain biking across extensive trail networks. Summer lifts operate for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst high-end restaurants and boutiques remain open. The Jardin Alpin botanical garden showcases Alpine flora. Helicopter excursions, luxury spas, and gourmet dining ensure the jet-set clientele finds summer appeal. Courchevel’s investment in four-season infrastructure ensures year-round rental income potential significantly exceeding Saint Martin’s quieter summer months.

Property Investment and Value Potential

Saint Martin de Belleville: Saint Martin represents exceptional value within the Trois Vallées, offering identical ski area access at substantially lower prices than Courchevel. Authentic village chalets range €800,000-€2 million for traditional properties with expansion potential and panoramic views. New-build developments like Naos 1570 offer modern apartments from €6,000-€10,000/m² – less than half Courchevel 1850 pricing. Rental yields are respectable at 3-4% net, though lower than purpose-built neighbours due to quieter village atmosphere. The resort’s authentic character attracts families and discerning skiers seeking value over status. Capital appreciation is steady rather than explosive, but the gap between Saint Martin and Courchevel prices represents opportunity for buyers prioritising ski access over prestige. VAT reclaim schemes apply to qualifying new-builds.

Courchevel: Courchevel commands the highest property prices in the French Alps, with Courchevel 1850 averaging €10,000-€40,000/m² depending on location and specification. Prime ski-in/ski-out apartments start €2 million+, whilst luxury chalets exceed €20 million for trophy properties. The new-build Chalet Bear in La Tania represents more accessible entry from €490,000 for one-beds, rising to €2.74 million for five-beds with pool and spa (delivery Q4 2026). Despite astronomical entry costs, Courchevel delivers prestige unmatched in the Alps. It hosts 2 of France’s 8 palace hotels, 11 five-star hotels, and attracts celebrities from five continents. Rental yields average 3-4% – lower than functional resorts but respectable for ultra-luxury. Capital appreciation benefits from severe supply constraints and international demand. This is legacy investment for ultra-high-net-worth buyers seeking the ultimate Alpine status symbol.

Domosno Properties

Saint Martin de Belleville Properties

Explore our selection of Saint Martin de Belleville properties, featuring:

• Naos 1570 – High-end mountain living in new-build development with modern amenities
• Authentic Village Chalets – Traditional properties from €800,000 with expansion potential and panoramic views
• Stone Chalets in Bellevillois Villages – Character properties in Saint Marcel and surrounding hamlets

Courchevel Properties

Discover luxury opportunities in Courchevel properties for sale:

• Chalet Bear, La Tania – New-build 1-5 bed apartments from €490,000 to €2.74 million (delivery Q4 2026)
• Courchevel 1850 Apartments – Prime ski-in/ski-out properties on the slopes
• Luxury Chalets – Exceptional properties in Courchevel 1850, Le Praz, and Moriond

Read more about Trois Vallées properties and market analysis.

The Verdict

Choose Saint Martin de Belleville if: You prioritise authentic Savoyard charm over glitz, want exceptional value (€6,000-€10,000/m² vs €10,000-€40,000/m²), prefer genuine village atmosphere to resort artificiality, seek family-friendly skiing with easy Trois Vallées access, value peace and tranquillity over nightlife, and want identical ski area access without paying the Courchevel premium. Saint Martin suits buyers seeking smart investment in authentic Alpine living, families wanting traditional mountain culture, and skiers who measure resort quality by snow rather than Michelin stars.

Choose Courchevel if: You want the pinnacle of Alpine luxury and exclusivity, can justify €10,000-€40,000/m² for prestige location, desire world-class dining (7 Michelin stars), appreciate perfectly groomed slopes and modern lift infrastructure, seek vibrant après-ski and international jet-set atmosphere, want year-round rental appeal and legacy investment, and prioritise being seen in France’s most prestigious resort. Courchevel attracts ultra-high-net-worth buyers for whom price is secondary to status, those seeking the ultimate Alpine trophy property, and investors who understand scarcity value in luxury real estate.

The value proposition: Both resorts access the same 600km Trois Vallées skiing. A €1.5 million budget buys a luxury chalet in Saint Martin or a modest apartment in Courchevel 1850. The skiing, snow, and mountain scenery don’t discriminate – only the village atmosphere and price tags differ. Saint Martin delivers authenticity and value; Courchevel offers prestige you can’t quantify but everyone recognises.

The investment mathematics: Saint Martin’s €800,000 chalet with 3.5% yield generates €28,000 annually whilst preserving authentic character. Courchevel’s €3 million apartment with 3% yield generates €90,000 annually whilst appreciating in one of Europe’s most supply-constrained luxury markets. Different strategies for different wealth levels and investment goals.

Both resorts excel within Les Trois Vallées – 600km of interconnected pistes, 180 lifts, and unlimited skiing across seven distinct resorts. Whether you choose Saint Martin’s rustic charm at accessible prices or Courchevel’s unrivalled luxury and prestige, you’re accessing the world’s largest ski area. The snow falls equally on both villages – your choice reflects whether you value authenticity or exclusivity, investment value or status symbol, mountain tradition or Alpine glamour.

For more information about property opportunities in Les Trois Vallées, visit:

• Saint Martin de Belleville Properties on Domosno
• Courchevel Properties on Domosno
• Trois Vallées Properties and Market Analysis
• Saint Martin de Belleville Official Website
• Courchevel Official Resort Website