The Louk · 9 min read · Resort guide
All levelsLuxuryFamiliesFoodieSki-in ski-out
Courchevel is the byword for luxury skiing — immaculate pistes, Michelin-starred tables, designer boutiques and some of the best hotels in the Alps. It's actually four villages: traditional Le Praz (1300), 1550, family-friendly Moriond (1650) and the glamorous hub, 1850. Whether you want château-level pampering or a relaxed family week, it's beautifully done — and it opens the door to the vast Three Valleys.
Altitude1,300–1,850m (4 villages) · up to 2,738m
Ski areaThree Valleys — 600km (world's largest)
Best forAll levels · luxury · families
SeasonEarly Dec – late April
AirportGeneva ~2.5hr · Chambéry ~1.5hr · Lyon ~2hr
Trip typeLuxury · families · foodie
Budget££££ · luxury (better value in 1650)
⛷️The skiing
From Courchevel you can access the entire Three Valleys — around 600km of linked pistes, the largest ski area in the world. Beautiful tree-lined runs, gentle nursery slopes at Moriond (1650), long cruisers and quick links to Méribel and Val Thorens. Superbly groomed and genuinely beginner-friendly, with plenty for experts too.
- Moriond (1650)sunny, gentle terrain, brilliant for beginners and families.
- Combe de la Saulirea long, satisfying red from the top of the Saulire.
- Le Praz couloirssteep, tree-lined challenges for confident skiers.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (courchevel.com) →
The Louk tipStay in 1650 (Moriond) for sun, value and gentle slopes, then head up to 1850 for one big glamorous night out. Best of both worlds.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Les AirellesFairytale palace hotel in 1850 — the ultimate.
- Cheval BlancLVMH luxury, home to the three-Michelin-star Le 1947.
- L'ApogéeSleek 5-star with a superb spa, ski-in ski-out.
Boutique & mid-range
- Hôtel Le Saint RochDesign-led 5-star with a lovely pool.
- Hôtel ManaliCosy alpine-luxe with a great spa in 1850.
Chalets & cosy
- Le Praz (1300)Stay in the traditional lower village for charm and value.
- Catered chaletsCountless catered chalets across the villages for groups.
🍽️Where to eat
On the mountain
- Le Cap HornChic slope-side lunch by the altiport — see and be seen.
- Bel AirSunny terrace, classic mountain fare above Moriond.
- La SoucoupeLong-standing favourite on the Loze — great grills.
In town
- Le ChabichouTwo Michelin stars — a Courchevel institution.
- La MangeoireLively, traditional Savoyard — book ahead.
- Le GénépiRefined mountain cooking in 1850.
🍾Bars & après
- Les Caves de CourchevelThe legendary nightclub — dress up.
- Le KalicoBuzzy late-night bar and club.
- La GrangeGreat spot for a first drink in 1850.
- Le TremplinCentral après terrace as the lifts close.
❄️Off the slopes
- AquamotionEurope's largest alpine aquatic centre — pools, surf wave, spa.
- Designer shoppingDior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more in 1850.
- Altiport flightsScenic light-aircraft flights over the peaks.
🚡Getting there
The nearest airports are Chambéry (~1.5hr), Geneva (~2.5hr) and Lyon (~2hr). There's even a famous altiport for private planes and helicopters.
Transfers & travel
- Ben's BusBudget shared transfers from Geneva & Chambéry.
- Three Valley TransfersPrivate transfers specialising in the area.
- Alps2AlpsShared & private, good value.
- HelicopterFrom Geneva/Chambéry for the full glamour arrival.
