Courchevel - Resort Review
This fantastic resort has the reputation of being one of the world's leading ski resorts, forming part of the vast Three Valleys ski area which includes Meribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. There are beautifully groomed wide open pistes for the beginner, plenty of challenging skiing for the experts and a huge range of intermediate pistes in between. Courchevel itself is made up of four villages - 1850, 1650, 1550 and Le Praz. Our Chalets are situated in the most well-known and cosmopolitan level of 1850m and the increasingtly popular village of Courchevel 1650
Courchevel is in such a great valley for skiing and also building, and over the years has become one of the most popular and sought after resorts in the world with it's charming chalets and award-winning hotels.
It was not until the mid 1930’s that the French Commission of Tourism was researching the concept and location for a ‘Super Ski Resort’. The vision was to create an international ski resort with a system of lifts that would provide access to the largest ski area in the world. With the outbreak of World War 2, plans were placed on hold somewhat; Laurant Chappis the architect in charge of developing Courchevel was captured and imprisoned in an Austrian Prisoner of War camp for 5 years. However, by 1946 the first lift system was installed.
The key vision was to have a town built around the pistes so that the skiers could ski right to their doors. The first Hotel was opened in 1948 and in 1951 the area was linked to Meribel. In 1973, the 3 valleys was finally able to boast that it was the largest ski area in the world. Courchevel now boasts a metropolitan feel, attracting the rich and famous year after year.
The altiport in Courchevel even makes an appearance in the opening sequence of Goldeneye in 1995 where James Bond pulls off the extraordinary feat of riding a motocycle to the end of the runway to catch up with, jump into, and recover a falling plane! We don't recommend trying this though!
Working in Courchevel, you are assured of getting a great taste of the wonderful atmosphere that makes Courchevel such a popular ski resort. Not only will you experience this world renowned ski area on your doorstep, but there is also plenty more on offer off the slopes during the season from the International fireworks competition held each season to Polo at the altiport!!
This stunning backdrop provides a superb base for 5 months in the snow, experiencing a whole new way of life!