What to do in Courchevel this winter?

As usual during the same period, the winter migration of the "Rich and Famous" to the mountains is in full swing... With its six villages, its ski area of more than 600 kilometers of linked slopes (the largest in the world!), its starred hotel park and its fashion boutiques, Courchevel is the show-off destination par excellence. Here, there is no high-rise construction or concrete, but 4 and 5 star hotels and superb wooden chalets which, inside, favor spacious rooms, very luxurious suites and personalized service. Here, the ski lifts are branded Gucci , the refuges are Louis Vuitton pop-ups and the carriage rides are sponsored by Hermès . Incarnation of "French-style" excellence, prized by the happy few from all over the world who come to find, in addition to the charm of its villages, reinforced concrete security and VIP society life, Courchevel also hides a collection of addresses for insiders at affordable prices, from the family hotel to the friendly canteen. Follow the guide.

Put down your suitcases

To learn about this high-altitude luxury at affordable prices, nothing beats a stop at Moriond . It is in this mountain village that looks like an entrenched camp that you put down your suitcases for a retirement without ostentation. Elected "Best New Ski Hotel in the World" at the Travel Ski Awards ceremony in 2018, the Fahrenheit Seven Courchevel has fun shaking up the codes of traditional alpine hotels. From the top of its well-received four stars punctuated by a vintage atmosphere adapted to the peaks, the cozy address adopts all the codes of luxury without adding to the bill: cozy ski room, family rooms with view of the slopes, ESF at the foot from the hotel and sunny terrace all day… Here, no bedspreads with "hearts and snowflakes" motifs, but retro sliding shelves, velvet seats and curtains, steel bedside tables, bed linen with geometric patterns... Friendly and cozy comfort that extends into the bathrooms with marble tiling, black furniture and fittings. In the kitchen, the establishment gives pride of place to local products, from breakfast to dinner, without falling into clichés. So, if you want a raclette, go your way! On the other hand, if a brasserie meal tempts you, you have come to the right place. At the Chimney , we settle down for a break with the flavors of pancakes and hot chocolate, an aperitif or a digestive, or quite simply to drink a tea and read a book by the fire... La Rôtisserie is an altitude restaurant open to all on the Courchevel 1650 snow front while the Zinc offers live concerts and well-executed Savoyard dishes such as the raclette bowl (served in a casserole dish) and the fondue accompanied by its vinegar salad. Without forgetting the youngest of the gang… The festive Bar Seven Kings offers a dive into the vibrant atmosphere of English pubs, with a sharp selection of 7 English and Scottish draft beers, gins and tasty signature cocktails, live concerts and even a barber corner.

Thrills

Local pride and son of the owners of the famous five-star Annapurna hotel in Courchevel 1850, Alexis Pinturault , world ski champion, is a pure product of Courchevel… To follow in his footsteps, this winter we are taking the new piste for the first time. Eclipse … The future theater of the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships which will take place in 2023 is a long track with a steady slope, ideal for those who would like to challenge themselves to play on the same terrain as the champion. And for those who want more, the Vertical Xperience and its two black runs (the steepest in the 3 Valleys!) offer the opportunity to experience thrills with an average slope of 33°. We will choose that day to hire them alongside another pro… Five-star ESF teacher, Cyril , his Colgate smile slung over his shoulder, speaks several languages including Russian and Portuguese, and obviously wears the traditional bright red jumpsuit – except that here it is sponsored by the very hype brand Fusalp (Courchevel obliges). True to its reputation as one of the most beautiful alpine playgrounds, Courchevel therefore combines luxury and adventure with dizzying descents on skis and toboggan, but also torchlight tours at night, dog sled or snowmobile rides. The multi-glide area of Courchevel Aventure located just next to the altiport allows you to taste the joys of these motorized machines on routes suitable for young and old alike. At sunset, when there is no longer a cat on the slopes, take off your shoes to join Quentin from Espace VTT at the bottom of the Jardin Alpin gondola. On the program: Fat Bike ride between dog and wolf. Translation: two-hour descent on two wheels between the fir trees, breathtaking panorama and high speed… We come back exhausted but seduced by this energetically sober activity, right in tune with the times.

Party a little, a lot

To party on the slopes and to the good sounds of guest DJs like the star of the nineties Cut Killer , head for Cape Horn … In this flagship of java and overpriced cocktails, all nationalities mingle in an atmosphere boosted. Another dancefloor, another atmosphere: La Ferme Saint Amour offers friendly and generous cuisine but also and above all a trendy atmosphere with beautiful and friendly waitresses who dance on the bar after 10 p.m. Late at night, the DJ cranks up the sound and it's the customers' turn to get on the tables. Fun fact : ex-ski champion Annie Famose is the owner of this traditional and trendy place. A place where it is fashionable to put on your 31 if you do not want to fail at the entrance! Same concept at Piaf (from the Parisian group Paris Society ), a festive restaurant with decor and slick menus like you come across in summer in Saint-Tropez. Booking well in advance is not a bad idea.

Children first

A must for relaxing after a day on the slopes: Aquamotion in Courchevel and its Wellness Area reserved for adults. If you go there with children, the slides and the heated outdoor swimming pool will be a hit. Special mention also for the "Adventure" courses on Wednesday afternoons with an introduction to surfing for the youngest in a state-of-the-art wave pool. And for intrepid families, the 2 km toboggan run linking Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel Village with tunnels and bends, all lit until late in the evening, is an experience to live at least once in a lifetime!