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Courchevel (3 Vallées) High altitude resort |
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| Resort description |
Courchevel is the most extensive and varied ski sector of whole the 3 Valleys. Courchevel 1850 is the most widely recognised due to it luxurious chalets and hotels attracting the rich and famous who can fly directly to the mini-airport in the middle of the slopes. A holiday here though doesn't have to cost a fortune. Below is Courchevel 1650 which offers a great village atmosphere. It is surrounded by alpine forest and is bathed in sunshine from morning to evening.
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Courchevel
Courchevel
is
made up of 4 resorts with an efficient free bus
service running between them :
Courchevel
1850
is the largest and most cosmopolitan with designer
shops and exclusive nightclubs. Undoubtedly, it is
the benchmark in the French Alps for upmarket
resorts.
Courchevel
1650
is described by many reporters as still very lively
but a calmer and less crowed village, the most
convenient base for exploration the 3 Valleys.
Courchevel
1550
has a family atmosphere set in the heart of the
forest.
Le
Praz or Courchevel 1300 as it is also
know as is an old village with rustic charm set
amongst woodland.
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Skiing in Courchevel
Set
in a truly beautiful landscape, the slopes face north
or north east making them very snow sure.
Courchevel
1850 has some of the best access to the other resorts
of the 3 valleys and has a gondola that takes you up
to La Vizelle at
2695m.
Courchevel
1650 has its own ski area where some of the best
slopes for early intermediates can be found as well
as some of the best nursery slopes.
Courchevel
1550 and Le Praz has some
great wooded slopes.
For
expert skiers some of the best runs are at the top of
the Saulire cable
car.
Those
looking for a challenge there is the 2000m/6560ft
vertical from La Saulire
to Bozel which is below
Le Praz.
For
some great blue and red runs try the Chenus sector.
Click to view 3 Vallées
website
Safe Skiing with Children in Courchevel
Magnestick
is a new safety device for children, which can now be
found on 4 chairlifts withinCourchevel
:
Signal
(6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked), Pralong (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked), Gravelles (4 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked) and Roc Mugnier (6 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked).
This
is a simple yet very effective device: A permanent
magnet is fixed to the seat of the chairlift and is
activated for the whole ride up including when the
child gets on.
A
light (200g) back protector worn by the child
includes a metallic plate. Children wear this
protection throughout the day's skiing (not only when
taking the chairlift). This vest comes in a bright
colour so that children can be seen on the slopes and
to avoid collisions with other slope users. On their
way down, this CE-approved back protector protects
their backs if they fall or collide with someone
else.
On
arrival at the top, the magnet is automatically
deactivated when the child gets off. The child can
then get up from the seat normally.
The
risk of a child falling off before getting to the top
is prevented as the magnet is only deactivated when
the child puts their skis on the snow (even if
someone lifts the restraining bar well before
arrival).
As
soon as the metallic plate in the back protector
comes into contact with the magnet on the chairlift,
the child is ‘attached’ to the seat. The
aim is to protect children at each stage of the
chairlift transport process!
STAGE
1 - Getting on: As soon as the child is sat with
their back against the back of the seat, the system
prevents any risk of sliding off even if the person
accompanying does not immediately lower the
restraining bar.
STAGE
2 - The ride up: The child can still move about
freely but is ‘attached’ to the seat
during the whole ride up. The system avoids any risk
of sliding under the restraining bar.
STAGE
3 - Getting off: Even if the restraining bar is
lifted before arrival, the child remains safely
‘attached to the seat' until their skis touch
the snow.
Magnestick
Vests
can be purchased or hired in Courchevel from:
Société
des
3 Vallées (Skipass office).
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Snowboarding in Courchevel
The
Plantrey terrain park is
located just below 1850 and has a half pipe
The
is also the Verdons
terrain park just above 1850 which is great for all
level or boarders
There
is also a boarder cross at Pralong
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Cross country skiing
There
is 66km/41 miles of cross country trails in
Courchevel.
Some
of the best trails can be found near Le Praz
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Ski School
The
ESF in Courchevel 1650 & Courchevel 1850 offer
skiing and snowboarding lesson to both adults and
children.
For
children aged 3-5 there is the Piou- Piou club where they can learn
how to ski.
For more
information about pre-booking Ski School in
Courchevel please select
here
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Lift Passes
Lift
passes give access to Courchevel and the whole of the
3 Valless
For
more information about Courchevel lift pass, please
click
here
Photos
supplier by Courchevel tourist office, taken by
Patrick Pachod and J.Kelegopian
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| The Skiing |
| Courchevel is part of Les 3 Vallées that many skiers rightly regard as the greatest of intermediate playground in the world. This massive lift-linked ski area is formed with the neighbouring resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel, Courchevel, and La Tania. The 3 Vallées has slopes of all extreme. On the edge of the traditional wide ski runs, the eastern side of the 3 Vallées ski area is waiting to be discovered: in the Saint-Bon valley and on the borders of the Courchevel ski area you will find sunny Moriond. The Saint Bon valley offers some of the most beautiful wooded sectors of the 3 Vallées. The western side of the 3 Vallées is represented by the Belleville Valley and at the top of the valley sits the imposing resort of Val Thorens and its circle of glaciers and peaks that reach over 3000m. Great skiing can be had from the very beginning of the season in the 3 Vallées and there is something for every one no matter your style or ability. |
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| Après Ski |
| There are over 60 bars and restaurants in the whole of Courchevel villages.While 1850 has the finest restaurants, 1650 offers a good selection of welcoming and reasonably priced restaurants like L'Erterlou, La Montagne L'Albaron, le Petit Savoyard. After diner places in 1650 are reported to very enjoyable too. |
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| Amenities |
| All of the resorts in Courchevel have a wide selection of amenities including: food stores, bakeries, pharmacies doctors, banks, hairdressers, beauty salons, sport shops, not to forget in 1850 all of altitude fashion shops you can dream of! |
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| Activities |
| There is a wide selection of activities available in all the resorts of Courchevel including bowling, going to the cinema or the ice rink, ice climbing, snow shoeing or ice karting |
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| Getting there |
Driving distance: From Calais: 580 miles, approximately 9 hrs.
Airport access: Chambery: 60 miles, approximately 1hr 30. Lyon: 113 miles, approximately 2hrs 30. Geneva: 115 miles, approximately 2hrs 30. |
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| Ski Facts |
| Village height: |
1260m(4,130ft)-1850m(6,070ft) |
Slope range: |
1260m(4,130ft)-3230m(10,600ft) |
Ski area: |
Les 3 Vallées |
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| Piste coverage |
600 |
| Ski lifts |
180 |
| Ski runs |
300 |
| Green |
40 |
| Blue |
124 |
| Red |
106 |
| Black |
30 |
| Snow cannons |
2091 |
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| Beginners |
*** |
| Intermediates |
**** |
| Experts |
**** |
| Boarders |
**** |
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| Local Ski Area |
Courchevel has 150km of slopes, 67 ski lifts, 31 green runs, 41 blue runs, 40 red runs and 12 black runs. |
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| Tourist Office |
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| Accommodation |
| Les BriguesOur rating: *** |
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Studio Sleeps 4
(c 25m2) Living area, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, 1 alcove in the entrance with bunk beds & bathroom with WC.
1 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 6
(c 30m2) Living area with a double pull-out bed, 1 alcove in the entrance with bunk beds, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom & separate WC.
3 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 8
(c 50m2) Living area, 1 bedroom with a double pull-out bed & 2 single beds, 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, bathroom, shower-room & separate WC.
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| Le Portetta Mountain LodgesOur rating: ***** |
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Petite Marmotte
Sleeps 2 (35m2) Lounge area and shower room, mezzanine with double bedroom.
Marmotte
Sleeps 8-10 (250m2) located over 3 floors. Lounge and kitchen area, 4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, mezzanine with snug, sauna, heated boot/ski room and an outdoor hot tub.
Blanchot
Sleeps 10-12 (320m2) located over 3 floors and suitable for 8 adults and 4 children. Lounge and kitchen area, 4 double bedrooms, 1 bedroom with bunk beds, 5 bathrooms, mezzanine with snug, steam room, heated boot/ski room, garage and a outdoor hot tub.
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| Village MontagnettesOur rating: **** |
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1 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 4
Living area with fireplace, 1 bedroom with a double bed, alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom & 1 WC.
2 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 6-8
(c 72m2) Living area with a pull-out sofa bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, 1 alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom with a bath, 1 shower-room & 2 WCs.
4 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 10
(c 95m2) Living area with fireplace, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 3 shower-rooms & 2 separate WCs .
4 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 8-10
(c 95m2) Living area with fireplace and pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 3 shower-rooms & 3 WCs (1 separate). Arranged over 3 floors.
4 Bedroom With Sauna Sleeps 10
(c 95m2) Living area with pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 bathroom, 3 shower-rooms, 3 WCs (2 separate) & a private sauna with shower. Arranged over 3 floors.
5 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 12
(c 115m2) Living area with fireplace, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 4 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, alcove with bunk beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 4 shower-rooms & 4 WCs (1 separate). Arranged over 4 floors.
5 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 10-12
(c 105m2) Living area with fireplace and pull-out bed sleeping 2, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 4 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 bathroom with bath, 4 shower-rooms & 4 WCs (1 separate). Arranged over 4 floors.
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| Les Chalets du ForumOur rating: **** |
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1 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 5
(c 40m2) Living area with a double sofa bed, 1 bedroom with 3 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate).
1 Bedroom Alcove Sleeps 6
Living area with a double sofa bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 alcove with bunk beds, 2 bathrooms & WC (may be separate).
2 Bedroom Classic Sleeps 7
Living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 single pull-out bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate).
2 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 7
Larger apartment with a living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 single pull-out bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate). Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.
3 Bedroom Alcove Espace Sleeps 10
Larger apartment: Living area with double & single sofa bed, 1 bedroom with double & single bed, 2 bedrooms each with 1 single bed, 1 alcove with single bed & single pull-out bed, bathroom & WC (may be separate). Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.
3 Bedroom Classic Sleeps 10
Living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 single pull-out bed, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds & a single pull-out bed, bathroom & WC (may be separate) & shower-room.
3 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 10
Larger apartment with a living area with 2 single sofa beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate) & shower-room. Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.
4 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 12
Living area with 2 single sofa beds & 1 pull-out bed,1 bedroom with double bed,1 bedroom with 2 single beds & 1 pull-out bed, 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 2 bathrooms & WC (maybe separate), shower-room & Nespresso coffee machine. May be split level
5 Bedroom Espace Sleeps 13
Larger apartment with a living area with 3 single sofa beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 3 bedrooms each with 2 single beds, 1 mezzanine with 2 single beds, bathroom & WC (may be separate). Also has a Nespresso coffee machine.
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Click to Courchevel (3 Vallées) website