As one of the most well known French ski resorts, Courchevel is possibly the finest example of a well-designed and all-incorporating resort in the world. While the skiing has a reputation for being brilliant and the conditions near perfect, Courchevel also has numerous other attractions that make it a fantastic destination for every kind of holiday-maker.
Whether it’s a romantic long weekend with your partner, a first family ski holiday or an adrenaline filled getaway with your friends, Courchevel has plenty to offer. Here we take a look at what you can find at the ski resort when you’re not flying down the slopes.
Restaurants
Courchevel boasts some of the most fantastic dining experiences of any French ski resort. While many of the finer restaurants may be a little on the expensive side, there are plenty of other opportunities for fine but affordable eating.
At the top end of the price range are the Michelin starred Bateau Ivre, the Table du Kilimandjaro and the Strato, all of which will leave your wallet considerably lighter. If you fancy good food, but don’t want to spend as much, take a look at highly recommended establishments such as The Refuge, Cloche, Cendree and the Anerie.
Nightlife
No popular ski resort would be complete without a spectacular nightlife that’s varied enough to attract a wide spectrum of visitors but exciting enough to ensure a dynamic atmosphere. Courchevel does the pub, bar and club scene brilliantly and is home to a number of fantastic venues.
Le Grange, one of the oldest clubs in Courchevel, is an incredibly popular place to be once you’ve finished skiing for the day whilst Le White Bar is an incredibly up-market affair located at Cheval Blanc. The most popular drinking spot for billionaires, businessmen and those who won’t drink anywhere else but in the finest luxury, the bar is beautiful but extraordinarily expensive. Le Kaliko is one of Courchevel’s most lively bars and is usually home to great live bands and DJs, as well the younger and more excitable drinking crowd.
Shopping
Courchevel has a huge range of shops, from the high-end Gucci and Dior to the more modest Rip Curl and Quicksilver, all of which are fairly easy to access. Most of the high-end stores, including Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Dior and Fendi, are all found at 1850, while other shops are found at every other stop. There are two local markets in Courchevel. Each market consists of around 20 stallholders and will usually set up for one day a week, selling a range of products including clothing, sunglasses, sweets, cheeses and local sausages.
Courchevel is a great place to visit, whether you’re skiing or not, and doesn’t necessarily belong solely to fans of extreme sports. With such a wide variety of things to do, places to eat and people to meet, it’s a brilliant holiday destination for anyone that wants to enjoy picturesque mountain views and have a little fun.
If you’re interested in the best resorts for nightlife, eating or shopping head on over to Mad Dog Ski for more ski resort guides.
