Courchevel 1650 Ski Resort Guide

For the more advanced skiers, a fast and efficient lift system makes Courchevel 1650 a perfect location to access the enormous 3 Valleys ski area.

The combination of fast lifts, immaculately groomed pistes, a variety of luxury ski chalets and very good snow-making facilities keep visitors coming back to this excellent ski resort in France.

For the beginners and intermediates, 1650 is spot on. Plenty of easy-going blues and reds with numerous options to go for something more challenging or more relaxing. The children’s learning area, the ESF Club des Piou-Piou, is right in front of the cafés in the heart of the village, so parents can enjoy a chocolat chaud whilst keeping an eye on the children in the crèche.

Part of the appeal of Courchevel 1650 as a luxury ski holiday destination, is that it has the relaxed, intimate feel of a smaller resort, whilst at the same time you have the extensive 3 Valleys ski area (one of the largest in the world) at your fingertips. The 3 Valleys incorporates Meribel and Val Thorens, and a raft of smaller villages along the way. The result is 600km of pistes, so there are endless options for all levels of skier.

What We Love About Courchevel 1650

The crowd-free, wide-open slopes and the fast access to the superb skiing of the enormous 3 Valleys ski area make Courchevel 1650 an idyllic luxury ski destination for all levels.

Courchevel 1650 offers a slightly more laid-back experience compared with the glitz and glamour of Courchevel 1850. There are plenty of lovely ski shops, restaurants, and local bars to enjoy at a much more palatable price!

Best Time to Visit Courchevel 1650

In Courchevel 1650, the lifts usually run from the second week of December to around the third week of April. This can change so it’s always worth checking with a member of our team or the tourist board.

Getting to Courchevel 1650

The nearest airport is Chambery, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes drive, whilst Grenoble and Lyon airports are approximately 2 hours 10 minutes and Geneva airport is 2 hours 20 minutes drive away. Moutiers rail station is also just 30 minutes’ drive.

There is also an altiport in Courchevel 1850 for those travelling by helicopter or private jet.

Skiing in Courchevel 1650

Skiing in Courchevel 1650 is a wonderful experience whether you’re a beginner or advanced. With the long, wide slopes, the sun warming your cheeks, amid stunning panoramic views, it is easy to see why guests return year on year.

With the crowds heading for the likes of Courchevel 1850 and Meribel, often the slopes in Courchevel 1650 are peaceful and the snow remains excellent throughout the day. And although it can be hard to part with the calm and space Courchevel 1650 offers, access to the biggest ski area in the world is at your fingertips.

The 3 Valleys span several villages including Meribel and Val Thorens with over 600km of epic terrain to explore. Something the 3 Valleys can be proud of is the ultra-efficiency of the lift system which makes getting around this vast area seemingly effortless.

Exploring this beautiful ski area with one of our luxury ski chalets in Courchevel 1650 as your base, will no doubt be one of the most memorable trips for the whole group.

Things to Do in Courchevel 1650

Whether you’re 5 years old or 70 years old, you won’t want to miss the Moriond Racing Toboggan Run. 3km of pretending you’re racing for Ferrari! From the top of the Ariondaz gondola down to the centre of Courchevel 1650, there is a whole load of fun to be had racing your friends and family.

The adventure doesn’t end there. When you’re not relaxing in your luxury ski chalet in Courchevel 1650, why not try your hand at ski touring or snowshoeing along a beautiful track between the snow-covered trees. Dog sledding, skidoo tours, heli-skiing, and paragliding are some other adrenaline-infused activities to sink your teeth into!

In everyone’s luxury ski trip, there needs to be time for relaxation and Courchevel 1650 certainly got the memo! Aquamotion is a fantastic leisure centre with a large swimming pool and spa. While the kids are enjoying the waterslides, grown-ups may want to book themselves in for a massage treatment. Of course, these can also be arranged in-house, with a masseuse treating you in the comfort of your own luxury ski chalet in Courchevel 1650.

Best Places To Eat and Drink in Courchevel 1650

Up the mountain, there is a huge array of lunch options, ranging from self-serve cafeterias to gourmet restaurants. The Bel Air, just above Courchevel 1650, with a lovely, tiered terrace and good service, comes recommended.

There are some excellent dining options in the village of Courchevel 1650 if you are staying in a self-catered luxury ski chalet. The Portetta Hotel is one of the best, serving a combination of classic and modern French cuisine using the freshest locally grown ingredients. The Portetta Hotel also serves a superb lunch on its sunny terrace overlooking the slopes.

Ski-in/Ski-out Chalets in Courchevel 1650

Our luxury ski chalets in Courchevel 1650 are an eclectic blend of old and new. There are old dinky farmer’s cabins clad in old pine weathered by a century of hard alpine living sat alongside new fashionably grey wooden palaces. It’s a diverse range and one that echoes the sentiments of this wonderfully endearing ski resort.

With drivers so frequently to hand in these luxury ski chalets, ski-in/ski-out chalets aren’t as sought after as they once were. That doesn’t make the feature any less luxurious. The feeling of clipping into skis on the doorstep of your luxury ski chalet is almost unbeatable – that’s why we have a fantastic collection of luxury ski-in/ski-out chalets in Courchevel 1650.

One for the shortlist is Chalet Bacchus. Positioned on the edge of the Belvedere piste, not a single moment is wasted in the mornings. Whether you’re on skis or not, Courchevel 1650 is moments away with all it’s fantastic offerings. The dreamy features don’t end there with Chalet Bacchus however. Inside this contemporary luxury chalet, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling glass doors that flood the space in light and open to reveal the outdoor hot tub with mountain views.

Other notable ski-in/ski-out chalets in Courchevel 1650 are the Ultima Prestige Residences. Again off the Belvedere piste, step into your heated boots, put on your newly buffed goggles, and ski straight into town. A few of the residences are a little more of a walk to get to the boot room but once you’re there, you won’t need to lift a finger thanks to the ski butlers.

When you’re not on the slopes, you have a stunning spa area to enjoy with a swimming pool, steam room, and sauna. All of this whilst back in your chalet, a delectable evening meal prepared by an experienced chef awaits you.

Self-Catered Chalets in Courchevel 1650

With the impressive number of Michelin star restaurants to marvel at, we understand that some prefer to stay in a luxury self-catered chalet. In Courchevel 1650, we have a variety of modern and traditional self-catered options to choose from.

The beauty of self-catered luxury living is the flexibility it allows throughout the week. Even if you’d rather not eat out every evening, there is always the option to hire a private chef on one or two nights from the comfort of your chalet.

The luxury self-catered Chalet Cendrillon in Courchevel 1650 has a prime ski-in/ski-out location. This exquisite chalet offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, boasting outdoor hot tub facilities to soothe weary muscles after a day on the slopes, as well as an indoor Jacuzzi and sauna for unwinding in style. With its opulent spa amenities and a prime location for accessing the world-class skiing Courchevel has to offer, Chalet Cendrillon promises an unforgettable retreat for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate winter escape.

The Portetta Hotel’s self-catered apartments are absolutely perfect for small families or groups of friends. Not only have you got access to the excellent hotel spa facilities, but also the Portetta Hotel’s very own Cucina Angelina Restaurant. The restaurant offers classic and modern Italian cuisine with a carefully selected wine list. The alfresco terrace bar and restaurant, Fire and Ice is a great option for children too if they’re pizza cravings become overwhelming!

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