Review of Courchevel

9th April 2017 by nrj53 

Stayed in Courchevel 1850 in January 2017.  Huge area of well maintained and groomed slopes, especially in a year with limited snow.  It had snowed a week before my arrival and the slopes were good at the start but becoming icy at the end of the week.  Large numbers of high speed lifts and gondolas with rapidly moving lines, never more than a few minutes waiting.  Some reliability issues with lifts closing down suddenly, not due to weather.  Slopes became quite busy and locals are not good at paying attention to the surroundings when merging or crossing a piste.  I skied mainly 1850 slopes off Saulire, and some down to Meribel.  Mainly red and an occasional black slope, both of which are quite steep, but a wide choice.  Some slopes are very long, especially from Saulire to Meribel.  US skiers should note that red generally equates to difficult blue or easy/moderate single black.  Lift ticket for entire 3 Vallée area €270 for 5 days is excellent vaue, especially compared with US prices, which are over double for a much smaller area.

Had two 2.5 hour private lessons with ESF.  Excellent value (€470).  Very personable English-speaking instructor in his 40’s who lived in town, structured lesson to enjoyment and technique while guiding me to different slopes. Good value and well organised.

Stayed at L’Apogée (5*), ski in and out.  Excellent, comfortable hotel with good restaurant.  Very good service, very helpful.  Concierge got us a local sim card for the phone and booked restaurants prior to arrival.  Excellent ski room, with skis out and ready on the snow, boots and gloves dried at any time.  Free shuttle into town.  Taxis are expensive at €50 for a 15 minute ride. Very good but expensive restaurant with wonderful breakfast buffet.

Town has lots of high end boutiques, but is quite small and easy to walk around. La Saulire restaurant very good, nice service, €250 for two with wine.  Azimut restaurant (Michelin *) excellent, very friendly, €200 for two with wine.  La Chabichou restaurant (Michelin **) wonderful food, very friendly and pleasant service, very expensive at €600 for two with wine.

Flew US to Geneva then Mountain Rescue shuttle to resort.  About 2.5 hours.  Very good service, on time, reasonable multi seat van.  We chose private shuttle at €560 round trip, but it is cheaper for shared rides.

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