Courchevel 1550, also known as Courchevel Village, is a family-friendly ski resort found within the Three Valleys — the world’s largest ski area. With easy access to 600km of pistes, it caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to seasoned experts. A high-speed gondola whisks skiers up to Courchevel 1850 from the village centre in under five minutes. This allows easy access to a vast ski network while maintaining the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere of 1550, making it a popular choice for families.

Accommodation in Courchevel 1550 ranges from convenient ski-in ski-out apartments to luxurious chalets featuring swimming pools and wellness facilities. The resort also boasts a selection of welcoming restaurants, ski hire shops, and essential amenities, making it an ideal choice for families and those looking for fantastic skiing without the premium costs of Courchevel 1850.

Resort Centre

Along the main street, “Rue des Rois”, you’ll find a selection of high-end self-catered apartments of varying sizes. Many feature direct access from the ski slopes or are just a short walk to the main snow front, ski school meeting points and ski lifts.

Accommodation is also spread along the “Rue des Grangettes”, which is another convenient location, along with newer development on the “Rue des Gravelles” that provides very convenient access to the slopes and resort centre.

Along with apartment accommodation, chalets are tucked away in the resort centre as well as in private chalet cul-de-sacs that are just a short walk away from all resort amenities. “Impasse Cote Chalets” and “Impasse des Proveres” feature an eclectic collection of traditional and modern chalets, many with spa facilities and available on a self-catered or bed & breakfast basis.

Les Brigues

For a more exclusive retreat, the hamlet of Les Brigues offers stunning standalone chalets, both catered and self-catered. This area sits above 1550, alongside the blue Tovets piste that descends from Courchevel 1850 to the centre of Courchevel 1550. Properties here are usually location very close to the piste, from where you can ski down to the village centre and ski lifts.

Courchevel 1550 is part of the vast Three Valleys ski area, offering 600km of interconnected slopes across Courchevel, Méribel, St Martin de Belleville, and Val Thorens. A modern, efficient lift system makes it easy to explore the entire region whilst covering plenty of ground each day.

Located just below Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1550 enjoys excellent snow conditions thanks to its north-facing slopes and extensive snowmaking, ensuring reliable skiing from December to late April. Its tree-lined pistes also provide better visibility on snowy or overcast days.

The resort caters to all ability levels, with a dedicated beginner area with a free lift on the snow front. The Grangettes gondola whisks skiers up to Courchevel 1850 in under five minutes, opening access to a huge variety of terrain. Beginners can enjoy wide, gentle green slopes, intermediates have plenty of blues and reds, while advanced skiers can tackle black runs and off-piste challenges, including the legendary Grand Couloir and L’Eclipse World Championship downhill course. Courchevel 1550 also offers easy onward access to the rest of the Three Valleys.

There are two blue and two red home runs leading back to 1550, along with a 2km luge run back into resort centre that always provides for a fun descent. You can also choose to enjoy some après ski in Courchevel 1850 without worry, as the gondola runs late into the night for return trips back down to 1550. This well-connected and versatile resort truly has something for everyone.

BEGINNER SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

Courchevel is one of the best resorts in the Alps for beginners, with excellent ski schools and gentle slopes for building confidence.

In Courchevel 1550, the Maison des Enfants provides a fantastic starting point for young skiers. This child-friendly area welcomes little ones from 18 months to 12 years, with ski lessons available from age three and includes a free lift next to a gentle green piste.

Easily accessible using the Grangette gondola, Courchevel 1850 is particularly well suited to beginners, offering dedicated learning areas and wide, forgiving slopes. Courchevel 1850 has over 10 green runs and multiple ski schools, including British and international options with multilingual instructors. Group lessons typically accommodate six to eight people, while private sessions cater to individuals or small groups — early booking is highly recommended to secure the most popular time slots. Most ski schools meet at La Croisette, the main lift hub in 1850 and where the Grangettes gondola conveniently arrives. Flags mark each ski school’s designated meeting point.

Courchevel 1850 offers two beginner zones, Pralong Zen is a spacious area with two drag lifts, while the Golf Zen zone, accessible from the Jardin Alpin gondola, features magic carpets in a fenced-off space ideal for first timers. Once comfortable, beginners can progress to nearby green runs such as Bellecôte, a wide, gentle slope leading down to La Croisette, where a drag lift provides easy access back up. Other beginner-friendly runs include Jardin Alpin and Altiport, while the Verdons gondola offers access to further gentle greens. For those ready to step up, the Pralong chairlift provides access to manageable blue runs perfect for progression.

With its well-designed beginner areas, excellent tuition, and easy-to-navigate slopes, Courchevel is an outstanding choice for those learning to ski.

INTERMEDIATE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

Is Courchevel good for intermediates? In one word – YES! Courchevel is an intermediates paradise, with a vast network of scenic blue and red runs. To explore further afield then the Three Valleys’ 600km of pistes offer endless opportunities for intermediates, with half of them graded green or blue — perfect for clocking up some serious ski mileage.

For those progressing from beginner slopes, luckily Courchevel 1850 is an excellent starting point. Wide, rolling blues like Biollay and Pralong offer a step up in both length and gradient. Creux, a popular 4.8km descent from the top of Saulire, is a must-try for intermediates. It’s best tackled in the morning before the snow gets chopped up and bumpy, as it’s a key return route from Méribel. Of course, the home runs back into Courchevel 1550 are perfect for those intermediate skiers with two blue runs and two red runs taking you easily back to the main snow front and resort centre.

Red run enthusiasts will love Combe Saulire — a steep but rewarding piste that also provides a great vantage point to watch skiers brave the famous Grand Couloir. For a long and varied descent, follow it all the way down to Courchevel Le Praz, a 7.3km route blending red, blue, and green sections. If après-ski at La Folie Douce in Méribel is on your agenda, getting there is achievable on only blue runs. Just be sure to catch the last lift back and have some energy left in your legs for Creux, the main return run, as it has been known to feature a fair few moguls later in the day.

For quieter slopes and plenty of space to refine your technique, Courchevel 1650 is a great alternative. With only green, blue, and red runs, it’s a confidence-boosting area that remains relatively peaceful, even in peak season. You can access Courchevel 1650 on the ski slopes, but also quickly via the resort ski bus.

ADVANCED SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

Courchevel and the Three Valleys offer advanced skiers a thrilling mix of steep pistes and off-piste terrain. In the Courchevel valley you will find 36 red runs and 12 black runs, along with easy access to the vast 600km of slopes in the Three Valleys, there’s no shortage of challenges.

For high-adrenaline descents, head to the top of Saulire. The legendary Grand Couloir and Couloir Tournier are steep, patrolled off-piste routes, with the Grand Couloir often getting tracked out quickly. It’s best tackled after fresh snowfall, and if you’re inexperienced, hiring a guide is recommended.

Another must-try black run is L’Éclipse, the 2023 World Championship downhill course. This 3.3km run to Courchevel Le Praz features a demanding 30% average gradient, testing even expert skiers. For a classic mogul challenge, Suisses is a long, steep descent that guarantees serious leg burn.

For a final challenging run of the day head up either the Plantrey or Loze chairlifts and enjoy the steep descent of the long black Jean Blanc run all the way down to Courchevel Le Praz. Alternatively, you can also veer off onto the red run Deviation 1550 taking you all the way back in Courchevel 1550 ready for you to enjoy a well-earned après ski beverage.

Though not well known for off-piste skiing, Courchevel has some excellent hidden gems. The Bel Air area above Courchevel 1650 offers some gentle powder fields, while a short hike from the Chanrossa chairlift leads to the Equinox pitch for strong and experienced off-piste skiers only. For those seeking untouched terrain, hiring a guide is essential. Always check avalanche reports and conditions before venturing off-piste, and if you’re new to it, lessons are highly recommended.

SNOW PARKS

There is no snow park in Courchevel 1550, but the nearest one is close by in Courchevel 1850. The Family Park, a snow park designed for all ability levels has something for everyone, from beginners to experienced park riders.

The Family Park is situated just below the top of the Verdons gondola. It has two areas for different levels, green being beginners, blue for intermediates and then a more advanced section, all with kickers, boxes and rails. There is also a fun ski-cross course giving you the opportunity to race friends and family along a twisting track with gentle rollers and dips.

If you wish to practise jumps with a soft landing, the park has a big airbag available for a few euros per jump or an hourly pass.

The 3 Valleys offers additional snow parks, including two in Méribel and two in Val Thorens, providing a plethora of opportunities to experience some of the best snow parks in the world.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING & WINTER WALKING

In the 3 Valleys you will discover over 90km of cross-country skiing trails with Courchevel valley holding the largest share with nearly 70km of groomed routes suitable for all abilities, from beginners to experienced cross-country skiers. The trails are maintained for both classic Nordic skiing and skating, with dedicated tracks running parallel to each other and following a one-way system.

In Courchevel Le Praz, a delightful 2km green piste provides the perfect introduction to cross-country skiing, and there are additional beginner areas available in Méribel too. Once you have built confidence and are ready for a greater challenge, there are 12km of blue trails to explore in the Courchevel valley.

One such trail is Les Brigues Chantery, a 5km blue route from Courchevel 1550 that winds through the forests towards La Tania. As this is not a loop, you will need to return via the same route or using the resort ski bus service.

In Courchevel 1850, the Bou Blanc trail offers a scenic 5km route starting from Plantret and weaving through the forest but do watch out for skiers when crossing downhill pistes. The Cole de Loze trail has spectacular views and is an enjoyable 2.5km blue trail at the base of Rocher de la Loze.

In Courchevel 1650, the Boucle du Belvédère is a picturesque 5km blue trail that winds through woodland and past traditional farmhouses. For those seeking longer routes, there is a 15km trail from La Tania up to Courchevel, or you can explore Méribel via red trails spanning 18km.

Another activity many people are now enjoying is snowshoeing, a fantastic alternative to exploring the tranquillity of the Vanoise National Park without skis. Courchevel offers 18 well-maintained snowshoe trails, allowing you to enjoy routes needing only a gentle stroll to a more challenging hike. For higher-altitude routes, a pedestrian lift pass is available for access to these trails.

Cross-country skis, snowshoes, and poles can be hired from selected ski hire shops in the resort. If these activities are new to you, many ski schools offer cross-country skiing lessons to help you master the basics and guide you along some of the trails. Guided snowshoe tours are also available, led by experienced guides so you can also learn all about the area’s flora, fauna, and history.

If you are looking for something different to do while on holiday in addition to skiing, then the Courchevel villages will not disappoint. On snowy days when you prefer not to ski, hop on the Grangettes gondola and head up to Courchevel 1850 to Le Forum which has an ice rink, climbing wall, bowling alley, arcade games, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Situated at the exit of 1550 is the Aquamotion centre that has a plethora of activities for all the family to enjoy. For family fun, the centre boasts water slides, a surf wave pool, a wild river, and swimming pools suitable for both babies and adults. Additional facilities include an indoor climbing wall and on-site restaurants, and for added convenience, towels are available for hire.

If you’re in the mood for a relaxing spa day, Aquamotion also offers an exceptional wellness area, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a saltwater pool, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, and a caldarium — perfect for treating those tired ski legs. A varied selection of spa treatments are also available. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the fully equipped gym, which includes cardio machines and weights, as well as group classes such as Pilates, yoga and aqua classes.

For children and your inner child, why not indulge with a trip on the fun filled 2km luge from Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel 1550, featuring 15% gradient slopes. With thrilling twists, banked turns, and straights, the luge run is flood lit so can be a great way to end the day. Sledges can be hired from many of the ski hire shops in resort.

For more sledging fun, travel over to Courchevel 1650 and experience the thrilling toboggan run starting from the top of the Ariondaz gondola. This exciting 3km course, featuring tunnels and numerous twists and turns, takes you back to the main snow front and is also illuminated for night-time descents.

For other non-ski activities such as dog sledding, horse riding, ice climbing, fat biking/scooter riding, and snowmobiling, these can be arranged through adventure providers in Courchevel 1850 at La Croissette. The altiport in Courchevel 1850 also has further thrill-seeking adventures to offer such as paragliding, skydiving, hot air ballooning, helicopter and aeroplane sightseeing journeys.

Courchevel 1550 is a smaller village than neighbouring Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850, and as a result features a smaller selection of amenities. The quick and easy links, by gondola and ski bus, means it is quick and easy to access the other resorts if needed. Along the main street of Courchevel 1550 you will find several ski hire shops, some of which also have ski wear and apparel to purchase.

There is a well-stocked mini supermarket where those self-catering will find all the essentials they need while in resort. There is also a bakery for your freshly made morning pastries and breads. Every Tuesday a weekly street market offers a selection of foods such as speciality meats, cheeses and other regional delicacies, along with a selection of clothing. You can also find a Tabac selling newspapers, tobacco products and souvenirs.

For those seeking a more luxurious shopping experience, Courchevel 1850 is home to prestigious boutiques, including Fendi, Dior, Gucci, Chanel, and Cartier. Additionally, a variety of sportswear shops offer the latest ski equipment, bespoke boot fittings using state-of-the-art technology, and the newest trends in winter sports fashion.

It is worth noting that Courchevel 1550 does not have a pharmacy or any medical facilities here, however there is a medical centre in Courchevel 1850 equipped for emergencies, trauma, X-rays, and other medical issues. There is also a medical centre in Courchevel 1650 and pharmacies in both Courchevel 1650 & 1850. Dentists and opticians are also present in Courchevel 1850 as well as physiotherapists and osteopaths, some of which might also do home visits to your accommodation in Courchevel 1550.

If you would rather leave your skis at the snow front, ski lockers are available next to the ESF office. These lockers can hold four pairs of skis and boots and include overnight heating. During off-peak weeks, they can be booked daily, while in peak periods, they are available for weekly hire. Advance bookings are not accepted, so you will need to book upon arrival in the resort.

In-resort ski buses that are free of charge, connect all four Courchevel villages, however if you wish to travel to Courchevel 1850 the fastest way is using the Grangettes gondola which runs from 7am until after 11pm. If there is someone in your party that is not skiing, they can purchase a pedestrian pass so they can use the gondola to Courchevel 1850, along with other selected ski lifts.

If you wish to travel between the villages by bus, it is a short 10-minute bus ride to Courchevel 1650 and then a further 10 minutes to Courchevel 1850. Buses from the main street in the village are less frequent (hourly) but run every 15 minutes from the Aquamotion centre until the evening when from 9pm they run every hour until 1am. Taxis are also available to take you to your destination.

Courchevel 1550 is the quietest of all the Courchevel villages, with a handful of restaurants and just one bar, making it a popular choice for families seeking a more relaxed and peaceful resort.

Located on the main street, Le Caterail is a laid-back après-ski bar with a welcoming atmosphere, popular with both locals and visitors. It screens a variety of live sporting events and hosts live music once a week. For a livelier après-ski scene, you can head to the bars in Courchevel 1850 and take the gondola back down, as it operates until after 11pm.

You can also experience the famous La Folie Douce, situated between Méribel and Courchevel located below the mid-point of the Saulire Express gondola. Known for its open-air performances, DJ sets, and lively party atmosphere, La Folie Douce offers an unforgettable après-ski experience but be mindful of the last lift times. For those returning to Courchevel from Méribel must catch the lift by 4:30pm.

Another renowned slopeside après-ski spot above Courchevel 1850 is Le Cap Horn, which transforms from a fine dining lunch venue to a lively party scene with dancers and DJ performances.

In the centre of Courchevel 1850, Le Tremplin, located opposite La Croisette, hosts vibrant après-ski from 4pm to 8pm, featuring live music and DJ sets. For those looking to party late into the night, two restaurants in Courchevel 1850 transform into nightclubs — L’Adventure in Le Forum and the renowned Les Caves de Courchevel, both known for their exclusive clientele and glamorous settings.

Alternatively, a short bus ride to Courchevel 1650 offers a lively après-ski scene with bars such as Le Pelican and Funky Fox, both hosting live music and DJs. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Fire & Ice provides the perfect setting to enjoy a vin chaud or cocktail on its slopeside terrace decked out with heat lamps and log-burning fires.

While Courchevel 1550 is the quietest of the villages, excellent après-ski and nightlife remain easily accessible in the neighbouring resorts.

Courchevel 1550 offers a small yet charming selection of restaurants along the main street, providing cosy, family-friendly dining with something to suit all tastes.

For a delightful mountain lunch, head up to the pistes of Courchevel 1850, where there are plenty of slope-side restaurants. Many of these are also accessible to non-skiers, making it easy to meet up with your group for lunch while taking in the stunning alpine views.

The terrace of the Les Verdons restaurant, located at the top of the Verdons gondola, offers you the chance to soak up the sunshine with a breathtaking backdrop all alongside a diverse international menu. For a special treat, visit Chalet de Pierres on the Verdons slope, which offers a refined dining experience and a famous dessert buffet. A highlight for families is the fantastic children’s play area, allowing little ones to be entertained while you enjoy a leisurely lunch on the sun-drenched terrace or by the cosy open fire.

If you’re looking for a quick, casual bite, head to La Cabane de Sully’s at the foot of the Aiguille du Fruit and Roc Mugnier chairlifts. Here, you can enjoy locally sourced produce, with options such as burgers, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and soup. Dine on the sunny terrace or inside their inviting dome — perfect for recharging before hitting the slopes again.

Back in the resort, there is a selection of warm and welcoming restaurants for an evening meal. La Cortona, a friendly, family-run Italian restaurant, specialises in delicious wood-fired pizzas. For an authentic Savoyard dining experience, visit La Caveau at the bottom of the Tovets piste, where you can enjoy traditional Savoyard dishes and classic French cuisine by a roaring fire.

For those seeking a fine dining experience, the Grangettes gondola runs until after 11pm, offering easy access to Courchevel 1850, home to an array of Michelin-starred restaurants. Among the highlights is Le 1947, boasting an exceptional 3 Michelin stars, while the 2-starred Le Chabichou offers a more classic yet elegant dining experience with refined, beautifully crafted dishes.

Travelling to Courchevel 1550 is straightforward, with many options available for all visitors. The resort is located near four major airports: Chambéry (1hr 45mins/110km), Grenoble (1hr 50mins/130km), Geneva (2hr 30mins/190km), and Lyon (2hr 30mins/190km). From these airports, you can either drive — whether by hiring a car or arranging a private transfer, taking a train from the airport to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, or opting for bus travel.

Private transfers taking you direct to your accommodation are available from all airports. We strongly advise booking in advance, particularly during peak holiday weeks, as prices may vary. We can put you in touch with reliable transfer companies that will ensure a smooth journey up the mountain with friendly and professional drivers.

For those choosing to drive, the scenic route through the mountains offers breathtaking views. It is essential to be prepared for winter driving conditions. In France, it is a legal requirement to carry snow chains, a high-visibility jacket, a warning triangle, and a self-breathalyser. If you are hiring a car at the airport, we advise you check what equipment is provided.

Once you have in Courchevel 1550, if your accommodation does not have sufficient parking spaces, two covered car parks offer weekly parking. These are located at either end of the main street: the Grangettes car park with 166 spaces and the Dou du Midi garage with 220 spaces. It is advisable to book parking in advance, especially during peak weeks.

Visitors driving electric vehicles should check with their accommodation provider regarding charging facilities at their parking area. The Dou du Midi car park has a single charging point, while additional charging stations are available in Courchevel 1850 at Parking Bellecôte (one charging point) and Parking de la Croisette (four fast-charging points). In Courchevel 1650, you will find charging points at Parking des Cimes Blanches, while Courchevel Le Praz offers two fast-charging points in the Alpinium parking garage.

You can also reach Courchevel by train. The nearest train station is Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, approximately 19 kilometres away. The high-speed TGV service from Paris to Moûtiers takes around four and a half hours. Upon arrival, you can reach resort by local buses and taxis, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach Courchevel 1550 if the roads are clear.

Buses offer an economical and efficient way to reach Courchevel. Many services travel directly from major cities and airports to Moûtiers, where passengers can switch to local buses or taxis to reach the Courchevel 1550.

For those seeking a more luxurious arrival, Courchevel 1850 has its own altiport, allowing travellers to transfer directly to the resort via helicopter or light aircraft and continue onto their accommodation by taxi or pick-up by their chalet driver service.

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