Courchevel is a luxury ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, within the commune of Saint-Bon-Tarentaise in the Savoie department. The resort was purpose-built beginning in 1946 under the direction of Laurent Chappis, making it one of the first French ski resorts designed from the ground up with modern urban planning principles. Courchevel comprises several villages at different altitudes, with Courchevel 1850 (now branded simply as Courchevel) serving as the most exclusive and internationally recognized. The resort forms part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world, offering access to over 600 kilometers of marked ski runs across eight interconnected resorts.
Courchevel 1850 has established itself as the preeminent luxury ski destination globally, attracting royalty, heads of state, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The resort is home to multiple palace-rated hotels, including Le K2 Palace, Cheval Blanc Courchevel, L'Apogée Courchevel, and Hotel Barrière Les Neiges. Courchevel's altiport, one of the most challenging airports in the world, allows direct access by private aircraft. The resort's high street features boutiques from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, and other major luxury houses, giving it a reputation as the most fashionable ski destination in Europe.
The ski terrain caters to all levels, with particularly well-groomed pistes, extensive snowmaking infrastructure, and access to challenging off-piste routes throughout Les 3 Vallées. Courchevel also hosts world-class dining, with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants including Le 1947, which holds three Michelin stars. Nightly rates at top Courchevel hotels during peak season regularly exceed $2,000, with luxury chalets available for $50,000 or more per week. The resort operates from early December through mid-April, with the busiest periods during Christmas, New Year, and the February school holidays.