After a lacklustre start (little snow 1 run open) a heavy dump of snow soon rescued our weeks skiing in the second week of December (2004). Excellent time was had, apres ski took over for most of the week due to the early conditions! Although expensive (6 - 8 Euro's for a pint) the atmosphere created by the seasonaires in the bars and clubs was the best I have come across whilst skiing. Particular recommendations are Bar Le Jump that became our local, great staff who be warned will ensure you drink up on time when it closes as they like to party too!! Once closing time is reached a must every night is Kalico's night club, reps, bar staff, seasonaires all flock to this at about 1am to go crazy!! Beware the ski tourist who wants to ski early as you will get drawn into this mecca for partying until 4am if you arnt careful. My liver is still recovering and after dancing like a drunk monkey most nights more injuries were recieved from here than on the pistes (getting too old for break dancing!!)
Thanks to all the Reps (too many to mention!!)
Nick
good sking from jan onwards; very expensive, there,s a dent in the wall at bar le jump where the arsenal went out of europe last year; but i,m going back in dec 2004 so praying it snows hard, its a great place good atmosphere and very busy
I've stayed in Courchevel over a dozen times in the last ten years, and i've never had a bad week. Without doubt Inghams offer the best value for money deals in all of the courchevel vilages.
I'm going out there fo the second time this season at Easter. If anyone new to the area would like a guide I'll willingly show them around. This applies particularly to Canadians or other visitors. When I skied in Canada the local skiers were so hospitable and were only too willing to show visitors the slopes - I'd willingly reciprocate .
What a place to ski. Great snow, good for all levels of skier, on or off piste. The only negative comment I've heard about this ski resort is the high cost. So don't stay at 1850! I usually stay at Le Praz (1300). Theres a lift that takes you to 1850. The lift network is terrific - interlinked to all three valleys, Meribel & Val Thorens. Lots of places to eat on the mountain. If you're on a tight budget go for an all in challet package. Try www.skivolution.co.uk. I'm going back for my third season and can't wait to hit the slopes (might even try my first black run)
I can only really comment on 1850 - didn't go further down the valley. Overall it's a great resort - the most beautiful of the three valleys - and certainly the most expensive ! Prepare yourself mentally for paying ?8 for a beer and, if you go to Chalet du Piere (sp ?) ?18 for an omelete (a very nice omelete - but just a load of beaten eggs none the less !)
For beginners the resort is great - loads of easy, wide runs. For the more advanced it also has loads of good runs - It's also very easy to get over to Meribel and Val Thorens if you fancy going a bit further afield.
Courchevel is a fantastic resort. It has the best snow that I have ever experienced and the trails are long and interesting. There is terrain for all skiers and the village is spectacular! I strongly recommend this resort to any sierious skier!