Courchevel, the Saint Tropez of the snow

The history of Courchevel is not evolutionary, rather it was designed on the drawing board in the 1940s as a new approach to winter sports. This can be seen in the specially built airport at an altitude of 2,000 meters, which can still be recognised in the place names today. For easier orientation, they have altitude meters in their names: from Saint-Bon (Courchevel 1100) and Le Praz (Courchevel 1300) via Courchevel 1550 and 1650 up to Courchevel 1850, the resort spreads out in the corner of the Savoy Alps close to the Italian border that is considered snow-sure.

The higher, the better

As a rule of thumb when it comes to accommodation and meals, the higher the location, the higher the awards. For example, "1850" includes the "Baumanière", where chef Thomas Prod'homme builds culinary bridges between Provençal and the Alpine region, Sylvestre Wahid's restaurant in "Les Grandes Alpes", which interprets traditional Savoy flavors in a modern way, and "Le 1947" in the "Cheval Blanc" hotel, where Yannick Alléno treats his guests to contemporary cuisine that lends new, creative accents to haute cuisine.

Largest ski resort in the world

The range of slopes here is also superlative, between high alpine slopes interspersed with rocks and gentle, wide alpine meadows and forest descents. Courchevel, with its 150 kilometers of slopes, is part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest connected ski area in the world, together with Méribel and the Vallée des Belleville; with 150 lifts, a total of 600 kilometers of slopes and countless freeride opportunities. So there's plenty of variety - and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views too.

The best slopes

Combe Saulire - The gondola lift takes you up; head down on racy slopes with views of the Grand Couloir.

Creux - One of the most popular pistes in Courchevel: four and a half kilometers of enjoyable carving on easy, eternally wide terrain.

Combe du Vallon - At an altitude of almost 3,000 meters, this piste, which is listed as one of the longest red pistes in the Les Trois Vallées ski area, is around three kilometers long.

Les Grand Bosses - An underrated piste in the "1650" ski area; at the Roc Mugnier mountain station, it's a leisurely start before it gets more challenging - and faster! 

More information on all slopes: courchevel.com

Hotel tips

Les Airelles
Fairytale palace, situated in the heart of "1850"; luxurious design that transports you back in time. The elegant spa area can take your breath away. airelles.com

L'Apogée
An ideal place for ski fans, families and anyone looking for a luxurious retreat in the Trois Vallées. Convenient with ski-in/ski-out and a conveyor belt that takes guests from the piste directly to the ski room. oetkerhotels.com

Aman Le Mélézin
Elegant house in the style of a French château in "1850"; convenient proximity to the ski areas. Soft tones create a warm atmosphere while you enjoy the mountain panorama from the window. aman.com

Hôtels Barrière Les Neiges
Five-star palace with chalet charm, direct access to the slopes and a well-equipped spa. Luxurious, family-friendly (with Kid's Club) and decelerating thanks to natural materials. hotelsbarrier.com