Tuesday, November 24, 2015

It's Snowing in the French Alps and I am already missing my skiing days at Courchevel...its one fabulous experience


Courchevel is at one end of the world's largest lift-linked ski area, the Trois Vallées, which has 600km of pistes ( ski runs) and over 170 lifts. Because of the north-facing aspect of many of Courchevel's local slopes, the snow here is usually some of the best in the whole ski area, and there's terrain to suit everyone from beginner to expert. Indeed, many visitors never feel the need to leave the Courchevel valley, despite having the rest of the Trois Vallées to explore: 
Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1300 

 They are linked by lifts, pistes (ski runs) and a road All resort villages are linked by an efficient and frequent free bus service and enjoy pretty woodland settings. Courchevel (1850) is by far the biggest resort village, and it’s the prestige place to stay, where the rich Russians and Parisians head to be seen and to flash their cash. It's also the main lift hub with gondolas from the centre heading up in three different directions, with mainly easy pistes (ski runs) back down. 

It’s also home to huge numbers of luxury chalets and swanky hotels, plus some pricey shops (but fewer than you’d expect for such an upmarket place, Courchevel is only the highest village in the area, where prices are almost universally mind-numbingly high – not surprising when you consider it caters for rich Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern Royals, Fun loving and rich Brazilians and stylish, rich Parisians and it has more plush hotels than any city in France other than Paris, including three with the top “Palace” rating, 16 with five-star status and five restaurants with two Michelin stars. Think of Monaco on Steroids, but to me it’s a fabulous space to winter and there is no summer resorts here (as in the USA), the ski area is ONLY open for 3 ½ months.

 I love this place and can’t wait to go back…skiing, French style and pure fantasy, what could be better



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