🇫🇷 France · Places to discover
What to see in Courchevel ?
26 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
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Courchevel isn't a ski resort, it's a multi-tiered system. The 1850 level draws Russian fortunes and palace hotels, whilst 1650 and 1550 operate at a more ordinary, almost discreet pace. This stratification by altitude reflects an accepted social reality, and that's precisely what makes the place fascinating to observe, not merely to ski. The Croisette and its luxury shops sit alongside ski lifts that any intermediate skier can use.
High season runs December to March, with a peak between Christmas and mid-February when prices double without warning. Three to five days suffice to explore the Trois Vallées domain without retracing your steps. You ascend from Moutiers by shuttle or car; the train remains the most reliable option in snow. Don't confine yourself to 1850 if your budget is tight: the lower villages offer the same slopes for half the price.
Landmarks & heritage (8)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACourchevel Olympic Ski Jump
Landmark
A ski jump built for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, still operational and visible from Le Praz village. A monument to winter sport that few visitors take the trouble to visit up close.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACourchevel Sculpture Park
Landmark
Contemporary art trail set throughout the streets and green spaces of Courchevel 1850, featuring permanent works by international artists. An open-air museum waiting to be discovered on a stroll.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACourchevel Cultural Centre
Landmark
A municipal cultural hub housing a library, performance venue and rotating exhibitions of local artists' work. Where valley residents gather outside the season, far from the palace hotels.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALe Praz de Courchevel (Courchevel 1300)
Landmark
The valley's original village, predating the modern resort's construction. Authentic Savoyard character preserved, the 1992 Olympic ski jump visible from the streets, and genuine mountain village atmosphere intact.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAChurch of Saint-Bon in Courchevel
Landmark
18th-century Baroque church in the village of Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, the commune to which Courchevel belongs. Richly decorated interior exemplifying Savoyard Baroque art, often overlooked in favour of the slopes.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAChapel of Saint-François de Sales, Courchevel 1850
Landmark
A diminutive 17th-century alpine chapel at the heart of the village, spared from the property development boom of the 1950s. A rare testament to Savoyard religious architecture amidst an ultra-modern ski resort.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAFrench Ski School of Courchevel - Guides Bureau
Landmark
Courchevel's guides bureau, founded in the 1950s by the resort's first instructors. A repository of French alpine skiing heritage, housing archives and photographs of the station's pioneering figures.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACourchevel Altiport
Landmark
One of the world's most spectacular high-altitude airports, with a runway inclined at 18.5° at 2008m elevation. The takeoffs and landings of small aircraft are a spectacle in themselves, accessible from the adjacent ski slope.Nature & parks (5)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAVanoise Refuge from Courchevel
Nature
Hiking departure from Courchevel towards the heart of Vanoise National Park, with frequent sightings of ibex and chamois from 2500m upwards. The favourite route of locals for a restorative day in the mountains.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACourchevel Alpine Garden
Nature
High-altitude botanic garden showcasing over 300 species of alpine and mountain plants in their natural habitat. Open in summer, it reveals the rich flora of the Vanoise massif.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SASentier du Marquis
Nature
A summer hiking trail tracing the forest between Courchevel 1650 and 1850, punctuated with sculptures and open-air artworks. Little known to tourists yet beloved by local families.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALake Courchevel (Plan de l'Homme)
Nature
A modest mountain lake at 1,750m altitude, frozen in winter and accessible on foot in summer via a marked trail from Le Praz. Wild setting with views across to the Peclet peaks, mercifully removed from the tourist throng.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACourchevel 1550 Forest
Nature
Hundred-year-old larch forest crossed by quiet snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails. Winter and summer alike, it's the refuge for residents escaping the bustle of 1850.Viewpoints (5)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACol de la Loze
Viewpoint
A mountain pass at 2,304m linking Courchevel to Méribel, accessible by ski in winter and mountain bike in summer. Exceptional panoramic views across both valleys and launching point for numerous unmarked hiking routes.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SASignal Chairlift
Viewpoint
Historic chairlift accessing Signal at 2,050m, offering some of the finest panoramas over the Saint-Bon valley and the villages below. Less crowded than the major cable cars, for a serene ascent.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SASaulire Summit
Viewpoint
Highest point reachable by cable car at 2738m, offering a 360° panorama across the Three Valleys, Mont Blanc and the Écrins. Locals' favourite spot for watching the winter sunrise.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAAiguille du Fruit
Viewpoint
Summit at 3,051m dominating Courchevel, accessible only by ski or mountaineering. Commanding views over the Vanoise and Gébroulaz glacier, a training ground for the valley's high mountain guides.Crête de la Vizelle
Viewpoint
Ridge at 2600m accessible by ski from the Chenus sector, commanding a sweeping view over the Tarentaise and the Beaufortain massif. An insider's spot that ski patrollers treasure for its photogenic cornices.Activities (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAÉclipse Run
Activity
Mythical black run at Courchevel 1850, a technical descent lit by floodlights during evening ski shows. One of the Alps' most photographed couloirs, with direct views over the resort.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAChenus Toboggan Run
Activity
Floodlit 1.5km night-time toboggan run departing from Chenus, open several evenings weekly. An authentic family activity that village children have enjoyed for generations.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACourchevel 1850 Open-Air Ice Rink
Activity
Open-air skating rink at the heart of the resort, lit and set to music in the evenings. Local guides and ski instructors gather here after their day's work for impromptu sessions.Chanrossa Couloir
Activity
An emblematic off-piste couloir across the resort, accessible from Col de la Loze. Reserved for accomplished skiers accompanied by a guide, it's the secret playground of local piste workers and mountain guides.More to discover (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAFromagerie des Belleville in Courchevel
Place
Artisanal cheesery offering Beaufort, Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie from local alpine pastures. The essential stop for taking home genuine edible souvenirs rather than luxury shop trinkets.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAChristmas Market of Courchevel Village (1550)
Place
Authentic Christmas market held at Courchevel 1550, showcasing Savoyard craftspeople and local producers. A world away from the glitz of 1850, it captures the genuine spirit of an alpine village in celebration.Bakery-Patisserie Gallay au Praz
Place
Artisanal bakery in the village of Praz, supplying bread and pastries to valley residents for several decades. Cream brioches and Savoyard cakes are prepared here according to time-honoured recipes.Bar le Kalico
Place
Historic resort bar at Courchevel 1850, a haunt of seasonal workers and ski instructors since the 1980s. Genuine atmosphere far removed from palace lounges, with live music on certain evenings.