Courchevel

Background 

Located to the east of the largest linked ski area in the world, Les Trois Vallées, the glamourous resort of Courchevel was founded in 1942 when the town planner Laurent Chappis, seeing the potential of the area, began to build a ski resort up the mountain from the small village of Saint-Bon. In doing so he created the first alpine resort to be planned and built entirely from scratch, as opposed to being constructed around an existing village.
Although visitors had been coming to the area since the 1920’s to experience the mountain air and natural landscape, it was not until 1946 that the first ski lift was built. Over time the town grew and extended down the mountain creating several separate sections each with its own style and atmosphere. The construction of the altiport in the 1960’s enabled direct access to the mountain and prompted wealthy visitors to come to Courchevel. Nowadays the exclusive reputation of the upper part of the resort, Courchevel 1850, has given it the nickname of ‘the Saint Tropez of winter sports’ and it continues to attract people from all over the world who come to take advantage of the excellent facilities.

Courchevel can be split into four distinct villages heading up the hill from the small town of Saint Bon; each area is denoted by its altitude and has its own ambience. The lowest part, Courchevel 1300, also known as Le Praz, is a typical Savoyard village and retains much of its original alpine charm. Courchevel 1550 is the most family orientated area and very tranquil, while sunny Courchevel 1650 has a lively après-ski scene and appeals to a young, dynamic crowd. The most desirable and renowned part of the resort is Courchevel 1850 which, despite its name sits at an altitude of 1747m (it was named 1850 to put it in direct competition with the rival town of Val d’Isère) and offers excellent skiing as well as the most spectacular properties and luxury services. Many amenities, including some of the resort’s top restaurants, are located directly on the slopes in chalets which offer high-quality food and a trendy atmosphere.

Profile

As a world-famous resort Courchevel attracts a very international clientele who flock to the town during the ski season and purchase luxury properties in the area as second homes; among these the Russian and the British are the principal buyers. The fact that some of the most famous wealthy figures have bought property in Courchevel has meant that the available properties have often been renovated by renowned architects and offer a high level of style and comfort. For example, luxury chalets always come complete with a spa area, a covered swimming pool, private cellar and other exclusive features. High-end apartments which have been finely renovated can be found in the centre of the different villages while the most exclusive chalets are located around Courchevel  1850 and have private access to the ski slopes as well as affording amazing views over the valley below. Thanks to its extensive ski area being located at a high altitude, Courchevel is one of the resorts which offers the longest ski seasons, from the end of November until the middle of April the villages are also frequented during the summer months and the lively ambience and year-round activities ensure a consistent presence of both visitors and residents.