Courchevel — Luxury Skiing Without Breaking the Bank
Yes, Courchevel has Michelin stars and private jets. But 1650 and Moriond are surprisingly affordable.
Courchevel's reputation for oligarch excess is only half the story. Yes, Courchevel 1850 has private helipads and Chanel boutiques. But venture to 1650 (now "Moriond") or 1550 ("Village") and you'll find genuinely affordable skiing with access to the entire Three Valleys — the largest linked ski area in the world.
Getting There
Geneva is 2.5 hours by road. Chambéry (1.5 hours) is closer and often cheaper for flights. There's also a direct TGV from Paris to Moûtiers station, followed by a 25-minute bus ride to the resort — one of the most civilised ways to reach any ski area.
Where to Stay
Courchevel has four distinct village levels — and the price difference is dramatic:
- 1850 (Le Praz-adjacent) — the luxury flagship. 5-star hotels from €400/night. Beautiful but eye-watering.
- 1650 Moriond — the sweet spot. Proper skiing village with its own lifts, restaurants, and apartments from €80/night. Best value in the Three Valleys.
- 1550 Village — even cheaper, quieter, great for families. €60–90/night.
- Le Praz (1300) — the original old village. Charming, tree-lined skiing above, traditional restaurants. €70–100/night.
Local tip: Stay in 1650 Moriond. You get the same Three Valleys lift pass, the same slopes, and save 50% on accommodation compared to 1850.
On the Mountain
With a Three Valleys pass (€410 for 6 days), you access 600km of linked skiing across Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. From Courchevel's perspective:
- Beginners: The Pralong nursery area in 1850 is excellent — gentle, wide, and well-served by magic carpets. Le Praz's green runs through the trees are lovely.
- Intermediates: The Vizelle sector has some of the best cruising reds in France. Long, perfectly groomed, with views into the Méribel valley.
- Advanced: The Grand Couloir is Courchevel's famous steep — a narrow couloir visible from the village that's been a test piece for decades.
Where to Eat & Drink
- Le Bel Air (Moriond) — proper mountain restaurant with honest prices. The plat du jour with a carafe of vin rouge is the best lunch deal in the Three Valleys.
- Le Tremplin (Le Praz) — right at the base of the ski jump. Local crowd, wood-fire grilled meats, no pretension.
- La Saulire — mountain restaurant at the top of the Saulire cable car. Outstanding views and surprisingly good tarte aux myrtilles.
Local Insider Tips
- The free shuttle bus between all four Courchevel villages runs every 10 minutes until midnight
- Ski over to Méribel for lunch — the Rond-Point des Pistes area has better-value restaurants than Courchevel 1850
- Buy your Three Valleys pass online in advance — saves queuing and sometimes offers early-bird discounts
- Le Praz village has the best evening atmosphere. Less flashy than 1850, more authentic Savoyard
- Avoid the Verdons gondola at 9am in peak weeks — take the Jardin Alpin or Grangettes lifts instead
Budget Breakdown (7 days, per person)
| Item | Budget (Moriond) | Mid-Range (1850) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | £120 | £200 |
| Airport transfer | £55 | £90 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | £400 | £1,200 |
| 6-day lift pass (3 Vallées) | €410 | €410 |
| Equipment rental | €100 | €160 |
| Meals & drinks | £220 | £600 |
| Total | ~£1,300 | ~£2,700 |