We all know Courchevel to be one of the world’s most iconic winter destinations, but few know of its origins, 70 years ago in post-World War Two France. The original concept was first conceived during the war by the French Vichy regime and Courchevel was developed soon after as the first French resort built entirely from scratch. Courchevel remains the most eastern resort of the Three Valleys, the biggest connected ski area in the world. It is renowned for its excellent lift system, which is virtually queue free, even at the busiest of times.
Although the resort consists of four satellite villages – Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850 – it is most famous for its highest resort; the exclusive village of Courchevel 1850 (so named for its altitude). Guests now have access to the biggest concentration of world-class ski resorts, with neighbouring ski networks including Paradiski (Les Arcs, La Plagne) and Espace Killy (Val d’Isère and Tignes), and more than 10 five-star hotels, with a “palace” rating (a six-star equivalent introduced in 2011) awarded to two of the area’s hotels; Hôtel Les Airelles and Hôtel Le Cheval Blanc. There are only 16 in total and no others are based within a ski resort.
NEW ACCOMMODATIONS
If you don’t opt for palace life for your fun in the snow and sun, you may be interested in the resort town’s latest openings. The 42-room Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges (below) is the Barrière group’s first mountain hotel, and boasting the resort town’s largest spa (at 1,000 square metres) it’s sure to make a quick impression on the landscape. The seven-storey building also boasts a cinema room, a ski room at the foot of the slopes, Le Studio by Petit VIP, two restaurant offers, an indoor bar and a large terrace directly facing onto the slopes.
Aside from the town’s own 70th celebration, another birthday is being marked at the hotel once known as “Le Kilimandjaro” – the five-star hotel is reopening after a seven-month transformation for it’s 15th season as Hotel K2 Altitude. All 32 suites have been redesigned by designer, skier and wakeboarder Thomas Capezzone, including the foremost 140-square metre suite, which exudes the same “contemporary Himalayan ambience” that’s on offer throughout the hotel. The revamped property won’t be accepting guests until December but it’s probably worth planning ahead and booking a table at the hotel’s own Michelin-starred restaurant, “La Table du Kilimandjaro” – we have a feeling it might be quite popular.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
In other news, the winter season’s ski lift opening dates have recently been announced. Subject to snow conditions, the Three Valleys lifts will be operating roughly from December 5 to April 17, 2017, with a few variations. The lifts open every day of the week, even on Christmas and New Year’s Day, from 9am until about 4.20pm each day, and differently abled ski enthusiasts will also be thrilled to learn there’s a new “handiski” area at the resort.
The Courchevel Village, 1650 and 1850 French Ski Schools have joined forces to provide a shared starting point in the Pralong quarter, where a site was chosen for its ease of road access and terrain layout, situated in a “ZEN zone” and served by two specially adapted ski tows, as well as a six-seater detachable chair lift. Two dedicated parking spaces have also been created nearby to make access easier for those with reduced mobility.
