The best bits about living in Courchevel
Thinking of doing a ski season but not sure why would like to be based? Here we will tell you about why we think Courchevel is one of the best places to be based for the winter and what you can expect from spending as season there.
Courchevel is located at the Eastern end of the world’s largest ski area, so straight away that boasts a pretty good positive point to living in the resort. With 117 pistes, over 100 lifts and over 100 miles of ride area, you would be really spoilt to have this as your back garden!
The Skiing and Snowboarding
As we have touched on above, Courchevel is part of the biggest ski area in the world, with easy access to
Meribel and Val Thoren’s, you will still be finding new runs at the end of the winter.
Courchevel is a North facing resort , which means that the sun has less of an impact on the snow conditions than it does in its neighboring Valley, Meribel. Snow tends to stick around until the end of winter and the resort offers some amazing steep couloirs, tree runs and powder bowls such as the Valleys of Les Avals, Chapelets, La Tania trees and Creux Noir bowl.
If you are new to skiing or boarding or want to learn some new skills, as a seasonnaire you would be able to take advantage of the free seasonnaire sessions we run throughout the winter. Chat to our Sales Team in resort to find out more.
Eating out
Although in Courchevel there is good access to supermarkets just a short drive away in Moutiers, it is always nice to head out for a bite to eat every now and again. From Michelin Star restaurants to food on the go, Courchevel pretty much has it all. You can dine out at a Petit Savoyard in Courchevel 1650 to sample some of the best traditional cuisine around or try some of the best local beef, cooked on a fire at L’oeil de Boeuf in Courchevel 1550. If quick is what you are looking for, you definitely wont be disappointed with one of the famous Reblochon sandwiches from the deli bar next to our shop in Courchevel 1650.
Access
Courchevel borders both Switzerland and Italy and therefore has many great access points surrounding it. Within a 2hr drive of Lyon, Chambery, Geneva and Grenoble, you can take your pick of airports to choose from. Transfers to most airports take place everyday so you will never be stuck getting to and from resort. For a cheaper option you can always look at taking the bus from Geneva to Courchevel or for a no hassle journey from London you can take advantage of the Eurostar, which will bring you within a 20minute transfer of the resort.
When you arrive in resort you will be able to travel around resort for free on the Courchevel Ski Bus. This bus will take you between all areas of resort from Bozel right up to Courchevel 1850. The bus runs from 7:30am until the early hours of the morning meaning no expensive taxi journeys after a night out.
Night Life
Courchevel has a real range of places to visit on a night out. In the past Courchevel has been overshadowed by neighboring Meribel but in recent years the nightlife has really come on in leaps and bounds.
Courchevel 1850
With its high altitude comes high prices, and the bars and clubs are no exception to this. If you are planning a night out in some of the glitzier establishments like Le Cave, expect to see the magnums of champagne flowing!
Courchevel 1650
Courchevel 1650 offers much more in the way of a seasonnaire scene and has built up a real name for itself as being the hub of Courchevel nightlife. Whether it’s a DJ set at the Funky Fox or a band night at the Boulotte, there is always something going on to keep you busy!
Le Praz
Le Praz is the most French of all of the Courchevel Villages and with that comes the traditional Cave de Lys wine bar. This cute bar with domed ceilings and atmospheric lighting is a great place to spend a chilled out evening. If chilled is not what you are looking for, the Drop Inn and L’escourchel offer band, nights, drinks offers, quiz nights and open mic sessions.
La Tania
Still on the free bus route, La Tania offers some great pubs and bars with live music most days along with shot nights and ski raffles. Luckily, most of the bars and pubs in La Tania serve food as well, so you wont go hungry if you don’t make it home for dinner!
As you can see, Courchevel is a great all rounder resort with something for everyone. If you want to find out more about job opportunities in resort or taking one of our Instructor Courses here, send us an email to instructorcourses@skinewgen.com.
