Often alluded to as the “Saint Tropez of the slopes,” and home to some of the best ski hotels in Europe, Courchevel’s groomed pistes call to the old money European folk who set alarms for fresh powder and trudge home through deep snow—skis over shoulders—for fireside backgammon. A few of these folks endure, devouring all 600 km of Trois Valées slopes, but a new, Fendi-clad tribe have also moved in, and—amid the slope-side Louis Vuitton cafés and plateau de fruits de mer—are firmly holding court. Of Courchevel’s four varied-altitude villages, it’s the highest, Courchevel 1850, they’re here for, with more luxury boutiques than boulangeries, Gucci gondolas whizzing skiers up-mountain, and an “altiport,” poised for private jet arrivals. (Slide down-mountain to Courchevel Moriond (1650), and the rates will follow suit.)
At Courchevel 1850’s heart lies La Croisette (the main lifts), around which merry-go-rounds, hot chocolate stands, and horse-drawn carriages coalesce. But it’s the curious abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants that sets this resort apart from its alpine contemporaries. And amid their waiting lists and the Dom Perignon dramatics, it’s easy to forget the main event: Courchevel’s skiing is the gold standard, with a vast squiggle of cannon-lined, mainly north-facing runs (receiving a hefty annual investment) for all levels to whoosh down, and thrilling off-piste for the advanced lot to explore.
The former are typically conquered between breaks on sun-drenched terraces, followed by lobster-raclette-tartiflette lunches, with gentle runs carrying squiffy skiers home to afternoon teas and spa treatments. Courchevel first-timers snaking up the mountain in Bentleys will notice the heated driveways and coded boot-room doors of the snow-laden chalets. Interspersed among these dacha-style lairs are the Alps’ swankiest hotels, ranging from contemporary Bond villain-esque marvels to dialed-up Habsburg-era hunting lodges, all riffing on the Savoie style. Ready to book a stay to see the sights for yourself? This is our edit of the best hotels in Courchevel, France.
How we choose the best hotels in Courchevel
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.