Gypset Travel ~ Courchevel 1850, France

I had the opportunity in the last three weeks to hit the slopes and the clubs in the magnificent ski town of Courchevel, France. Courchevel (founded in 1946) is a beautiful ski resort located in the French Alps, and it is part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world! The name Courchevel is also used to refer to the French towns: Courchevel 1300 (now referred to as Le Praz), Courchevel 1550 (now referred to as Courchevel village), Courchevel 1650 (now referred to as Moriond), and Courchevel 1850 (simply Courchevel). The number after Courchevel refers to the altitude of the town (in meters). Of the four villages, Courchevel 1850 is the most famous.

What a view! Photo by the extraordinary photographer and my friend Christian Arnal

Notice the mountain range on the custom skies are the view behind me! Photo by Christian arnal

Spectacular day! Photo be Christian Arnal

Courchevel is sometimes referred to as the “St. Tropez” of winter destinations, and it is frequented my many international celebrities including: Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Beckham family, Christina Aquilera, Lionel Richie, the Saudi royal family, George Clooney, Giorgio Armani, the King of Morocco and many other VIPs. So, I knew when my friend invited me to join her on her getaway, I had to go to see what the fuss was about.

Walking to ski off piste. Photo by the amazing photographer and my friend Thomas Petit

It doesn’t get better than this! Photo by Christian Arnal

The Courchevel ski area is the eastern most third of the Les Trois Vallées. One of the huge draws to this linked ski area (other than the obvious stunning scenery) is that there are rarely lift lines (not something we are familiar with here in America at the ski resorts in the Northeast!). If you buy a weekly lift ticket, you can ski one day (or more) at each of the three systems that make up the Les Trois Vallées. That said, even in a week of skiing there it is next to impossible to ski all of Les Trois it is so expanse. So, the lack of lift lines of course provides countless opportunities to ski the deep powder off piste (off the trail) and to ski runs for every ability, from steep bump runs, to beautiful groomers for those who prefer not to go extreme.

If you are looking for ski instruction, there are over 1,000 ski instructors in Courchevel–more than any other ski resort in the world (more on this in a later post). As mentioned above, there is an enormous variety of trails for every level: 19 green, 35 blue, 34 red, and 8 black. Courchevel’s unparalleled pistes also provided a beautiful setting for the World Cup, held January 25-26, 2014.

A Karl Lagerfeld designed gondola…only in Courchevel. Photo by Thomas Petit

One of the furry locals. 🙂 Photo by Thomas Petit

If you plan to visit Courchevel, you will have many choices for lodging, including 11 five-star resorts. There are also two elite six-star resorts (there are only 8 in all of France!): the Airelles and the Cheval Blanc. These two super luxury hotels are located in Jardin Alpin in Courchevel 1850. In addition to these luxury hotels, there are also studio apartments and chalets for rent–there is something for everyone (and every budget) looking for a place to stay in Courchevel.

In addition to luxury accommodations, Courchevel boasts some of the best dining in the world. In fact, Courchevel has the most Michelin starred restaurants of all ski resorts in the world. For a selection of restaurants to please your palate (one of my personal favorites was Zinc), click HERE. For classic French cooking, you can check out Le Chabichou in Courchevel 1850. Other favorites include: Le Strato, La Cendrée, La Fromagerie, and La Chapelle.

Happy day! Photo be Thomas Petit

Courchevel is also a great place to experience nightlife. One place you don’t want to miss is Le Mangeoire. Le Mangeoire is a restaurant that turns into a discoteque after midnight. Don’t miss the extensive wine and champagne menu. If you are in Courchevel 1850, you may also want to check out  Les Caves, Le Kudeta, or La Grange.

My photographer Christian and I at La Mangeoire

Enjoying the festivities at La Mangeoire

Courchevel also has a fantastic art scene, hosting Art Over The Mountain Tops which celebrates and displays the works of French artists. This winter you can find pieces throughout the resort and town by Arman, Bruno Catalano, David Cintract, and Marinetti.

An exhibition piece from Art Over The MountainTops. Photo by Christian Arnal

I had so much fun visiting Courchevel. It felt like a slice of heaven skiing high on powder clouds, with the bonus of local hospitality that is unmatched. I was made to feel as if I were home, creating a sense of an extended global family with the people I was so fortunate to meet and spend such fun times with.  I would highly recommend visiting for the epic skiing, dining, and entertainment!

In the town center. Photo by Thomas Petit