Summary

Courchevel’s ski area is the most compelling sector of the famous Trois Vallées, the biggest linked ski area in the world; if we’re heading for the 3V, we generally head for Courchevel.

But it’s not one destination, it’s four. Back in 2011, the resort rebranded its villages. The highest and swankiest, with its airstrip, ritzy hotels and countless Michelin-star restaurants, used to be called 1850 but is now just Courchevel – how crazy is that?

The lower villages are Courchevel Moriond (used to be 1650), Courchevel Village (used to be 1550) and Courchevel Le Praz (used to be 1300). These have none of the pretensions and sky-high prices of the highest village; in these lower villages, the restaurants and bars are not cheap, but they are not noticeably more expensive than in other top French resorts. Sadly, on the slopes there are few affordable lunches to be had. But thanks to the many UK tour operators who feature the resort, there are plenty of affordable catered chalet holidays on sale here in all four villages. 

Blogs, features and news

• Skiers caught in Courchevel avalanche
• Courchevel unveils new black run
• 10 great ski areas for intermediate cruising
• Le Ski skips a season
• 3 Valleys launches its winter season