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Courchevel Resort Reviews


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Visitor reviews for Courchevel Ski Resort

Courchevel Ratings

Overall: 4.3. Based on 66 votes and 68 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 4.5

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Courchevel is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 4.9

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Courchevel has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 4.3

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.4

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 4.1

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Courchevel.

Public Transport: 4.1

(1) There are no buses or taxis to Courchevel, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.4

(1) No places to stay in/near Courchevel, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 2.8

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 5.0

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Courchevel.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.8

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 4.3

(1) There are no child care facilities at Courchevel, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 4.6

(1) Courchevel relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.7

(1) There are no snow groomers at Courchevel, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Courchevel are groomed daily.

Shelter: 4.1

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Courchevel is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 4.2

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Courchevel, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.5

(1) Courchevel usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 4.3

(1) The staff at Courchevel are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Courchevel are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 4.0

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.8

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.8

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 4.6

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.9

(1) No intermediate terrain at Courchevel, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.7

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 4.0

(1) Not even a kicker at Courchevel, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 3.6

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Courchevel, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 4.2

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Courchevel has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 4.5

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.5

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 4.3

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 4.3

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 3.8

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 4.0

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 4.2

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 3.7

(1) Overall, Courchevel is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 3.7

(1) Overall, Courchevel is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Show all 35 ratings

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March 15, 2019
Ian from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Disagree with another reviewer. Last 3 seasons in 1650 have been great at the end of December over Christmas and New Year. The last 2 years being particularly good. The new Ariondaz lift (replaced for 2017 season) has close to doubled the capacity of the old lift and will get you over to Meribel or Val T in no time at all. But then you’ll hit the queues of hungover students in Val and wish you’d stayed in Courchevel.
October 27, 2017
Jonah from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I have been going to Courchevel every year for the last 12 years. I go at the end of December/ very early January. Often there is very little snow on 1650 and medium snow on 1850. This creates over-crowding on the limited slopes open at that time of the year. Snow is coming later and later in the season - ...?climate change. If you are going to Courchevel, I suggest you go mid-January onwards. If you go earlier, there is likely to be limited number of slopes open; lots of slopes but half of them mud and grass at the end of December. Val Thorens for me this winter.
March 07, 2016
Martin Dore from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
We stayed in Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and had a great time. It's at the far left end of the piste map and with very changeable weather we didn't make it as far as Val Thorens or Les Minueires but we did have one run down to St Martin. If you are planning a big ranging day from 1650, it's worth getting one of the very regular buses up to 1850 where the Verdons then Viselle or Saulire lifts will drop you over Meribel really quickly. Otherwise, 1650s ageing Arondinaz bubble will slowly get you above some lifts to take you to the same place. The skiing above 1650 is great with gentle wide blues, a few greens and a few good reds; all with great views. One thing to note, the Vallee des Avals accessible from here with a short hike is a great adventure but quite a serious avalanche risk (the clue's in the name) so take a guide if unsure. It's also got a longish hike at the bottom back to the lifts. The rest of the skiing in Courchevel and the 3 vallees is as good as everyone says. We went in the last of the French half term weeks and found a fair bit of piste-side powder although it was snowing a lot! Queues in the Courchevel valley were very short but the Chaudanne in Meribel was really packed at times. Mottaret seemed easier to get through. The village itself is cute enough but not Austrian chocolate box perfection. There are some good bars and our favourite was the Schuss Bar over the road from the bubble. Prices in 1650 are fairly high (7 euros for a pint) but not as bad as we'd feared. It's definitely not going after the same brash loaded crowd as 1850.
March 11, 2013
JK Oxford from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Have been lucky enough to have visited Courchevel for the last seven years and love it every time. The kids have learnt to ski here and with it's gentle runs down to the Croisette and a well marked green down from the top Chenus it made those early years enjoyable for all. We have always used Magic for lessons and their positive attitude has led to the kids enjoying their skiing whislt giving them confidence to push themselves. Some places are pricey, but go self catering. Stop off in Moutier on the way and enjoy some of the best skiing anywhere in the world. Love it.
February 02, 2013
Joe from Ski France France
I have been to Courchevel on numerous occassions, it gets better every year! The size of the ski area means you really will never get bored, there's always a new corner of the three valleys to explore. My family and I love to stay in le Praz, which has direct access to 1850, and has more of a traditional French mountain village feel about it than the other resorts, no high rise buildings, only beautiful wooden chalets! Our children have been having lessons with magic in motion, who have fun and friendly instructors, they love their lessons which allows us oldies to go off and explore at put own pace. Have a fun holiday!
January 01, 2013
Dom from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Been to lots of places including Austria and Switzerland. Going to 1650 for our 4th visit in Feb 2013 and can't wait. We don't spend loads as we drive from England and eat in at nights as a group after a few après beers. Doesn't need to be expensive to be good, just avoid expensive meals out and silly priced on resort shopping. You just can't beat it!
December 31, 2012
Russ from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Came back from skiing in Courchevel on the 22nd Dec. What an absolutely fabulous week. The snow was incredible. There was lots of new snow most days and because the slopes were quiet per Christmas, it was pretty much fresh tracks every day. The highlight being the off-piste down to St Martin de Belleville. It was waist high and like skiing in talcum powder. Wow. We stayed at the Saint Louis in Courchevel, run by FlexiSki. It was fantastic. I've stayed at the finest hotels in Courchevel but this was a revelation. If anyone says you can't stay cheaply in Courchevel well book this hote . It cost £595 inc flights and transfers from Geneve. This was half board!! Food: great and the staff were brilliant. They even throw in a ski guide for people who don't know the resort!! Historic!! Can't wait to get back in Feb. They have enough snow for the rest of the season. Getting booked for 2013. It's looking like it will be a good one.
December 06, 2012
russ from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Well the ski season is upon us and the snow looks incredible. Heading to Corchevel on the 15th Dec for what will hopefully be the first of several trips. Never skied pre christmas before so hoping it won't be too quiet. Booked to go to Le Mangeoire for the 21st Dec. If you havent been, book it! The party doesn't really get going until midnight but when it does its amazing! 9 days to go. Bring it on!
November 27, 2012
Harry from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Courchevel. Where to start. This February will be my 12th year, and I'm 16. We have an apartment in Courchevel 1650, which is directly next to a chairlift taking you up into the resort. The snow is usually great, 2010/11 was a rotten year, but earlier this year was absolutely incredible! There were 3m drifts off the sides of some of the higher pistes... It can be expensive, but my advice is to do the whole thing yourself - either drive from England or get the train (changing in Paris because it's cheaper!) and then get a bus up from Moutiers (some taxis are alright but be prepared to negotiate with the friendlier drivers!). At New Year, 1850 is full of Russians, but February half-term is great snow time, on average. 1650 or 1550 are cheaper and less crowded than 1850, but you can still get there with great ease. If you're competent, it really is worth and early start to hike it over to Val Thorens and Les Menuires - La Masse at Menuires has excellent runs! Another hotspot is Mont Vallon in Meribel, and the Olympic downhills (Jean Blanc and Jockeys) are incredible on a Saturday morning! Also, if you're new to the resort, take Grand Couloir with a pinch of salt - I've seen the best skiers and snowboarders go tumbling down: it is VERY easy to break bones if you fall there. Ski shops wise, Sport Gliss is the friendliest shop there - my parents have been going there for 20 years and we get Myrtle jam every year without fail. The patisseries may tempt you, but Au Pain D'Antan is monstrously expensive and Sherpa do fantastic pain au chocolats if you get there at 7:55 on the dot. Hopefully you'll enjoy Courchevel as well as I have, and by the way, definitely use Ecole Du Ski Francais even if your kids don't speak a word of French - it's their country, it's their resort, they have the best tuition! Enjoy!
March 13, 2012
fred from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
France in general and the Three Valleys in particular is becoming just way too expensive. 15 euros for a coffee and small piece of cake, more in an expensive place. 20 euros for a nasty bowl of spag bol, 200 euros to eat out for a family of four with a cheap bottle of wine. Transfer prices are often more expensive than flights, which are also high now..with extra charges for everything. It's also way too busy..sixty seven thousand people on a busy day...seemingly mostly all at the same lifts with a load of rude people pushing in and grumpy lift staff. And you cannot trust the snow reports from the resort; it's like putting a rabbit in charge of a lettuce! Independent reports would be welcome!! On the bright side, although the snow conditions in the last few years have been variable, it's great ski terrain when it's quiet and you can afford it!

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