Postcard from Courchevel
We say that someone from the Local Foreigner team is always on the road, visiting destinations across the globe - but we really mean always. Our monthly Postcard takes you along for the ride, and this month, we're just back from Courchevel.
Courchevel is a skier's dream. Part of the Trois Vallées, it boasts 375 miles of groomed slopes and countless off-piste runs. The town is composed of five villages, distinguished by altitude, with the most luxurious being the highest, Courchevel 1850, because of its access to the best snow, restaurants, and hotels. There's an unapologetic, old-school glamour to the place - the type of destination that attracts royals, movie stars, and the sort of regular folks whose ski gear of choice is head to toe Moncler. If you summer in St. Tropez, you likely ski in Courchevel, and we'll raise a fondue fork to that.
Courchevel has the highest concentration of five-star hotels in France outside the capital, and also offers world-class skiing and Michelin-star dining. Part of the epic Trois Vallées ski area, the world’s largest lift-linked region, Courchevel offers terrain for all levels, from beginners to expert freeriders like local legend Manu Gaidet. The resort is famous for its efficient lift system, connecting to Meribel and Val Thorens, but if you're less of a snow bunny and more of a fashionista, you'll be very happy here as well - the world's most exclusive brands are well represented on the racks of local boutiques and on fellow skiers.
L'Apogee Courchevel
A sibling to iconic Oetker Collection hotels like Paris’s Le Bristol and Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, in Cap d’Antibes, L’Apogee is located in Courchevel 1850’s highest village. Ski-in/ski-out access to the vast terrain is by private conveyer belt - but what more would you expect from a hotel built atop the ski jump from the 1992 Winter Olympics? Inside, rooms strike a perfect balance between chic and cozy; kids are very welcome here, but definitely not required. | View the hotel
Aman Le Mélézin
Tucked away on the exclusive Bellcôte piste, Aman Le Mélézin looks more like a fortress than a chalet, and its super power is a location that leads straight to the gondola. The signature Aman hotel aesthetic is clear in the minimalist design and contemporary Asian details, but the alpine-style finishes like cedar paneled walls and stunning terraces root the experience in the local setting. A stay here, with its ever-gracious staff and peaceful environment, is the perfect complement to a busy day on the slopes - it's also home to the best wellness facilities in town. | View the hotel
Airelles Courchevel
Airelles Courchevel, in the heart of Courchevel 1850, offers ski-in/ski-out access to the iconic slopes. Inspired by Austro-Hungarian architecture, the palace exudes old-world charm with its lavish interiors, antique furnishings, and warm alpine ambiance. This historic property has hosted discerning travelers for decades and features a renowned dining scene, including Pierre Gagnaire’s Michelin-starred restaurant and a legendary breakfast buffet. If the idea of living inside the winter scene from Beauty and the Beast and getting driven around town in a Rolls appeals, Airelles is the hotel for you. | View the hotel
Hotel Barrière Les Neiges
On the Bellecote piste, Hotel Barrière Les Neiges is situated in the heart of Courchevel. The property has major ski bonafides - it is, of course, ski-in, ski-out, and also boasts the best ski room in town (picture your gloves warmed and skis laid out for you, marked with your room's personal flag). It's also home to the alpine outpost of famed Parisian restaurant Loulou, which has everything you could want in a mountain restaurant - fondue, raclette, and a DJ in a treehouse, obviously. With decor that toes the line between chalet and contemporary, Les Neiges is one of those goldilocks hotels. | View the hotel
La Cave des Creux
Situated at 7,000 feet, La Cave des Creux was originally an Alpine cheese ripening cellar and sheepfold. Enjoy incredible views of Mont Blanc and the Courchevel Valley alongside Asian fusion dishes - perfect for when you need a break from fondue (though don't worry, you can also get...fondue.)
La Soucoupe
The deck and loungers at La Soucoupe offer truly jaw-dropping mountain views, but the meats cooked over the open fire are worth the trek on their own. Make sure you book in advance, as this is a must-stop lunch spot at the top of La Loze.
Cap Horn
Cap Horn is a lot of things: The oldest high-altitude restaurant in Courchevel 1850, a former alpine farmhouse, a quirky tribute to marine explorers (with a few sharks hanging from the ceiling), and a spot to dance under the disco balls during apres. It all adds up to one of Couchevel's most beloved slope side haunts.
La Folie Douce Méribel Courchevel
La Folie Douce translates to "a little madness," and if you're looking for Courchevel's party scene, this is the spot to find it. There are performers with feathered headdresses, skiers on tables, and magnums of champagne - all the key apres ingredients. At the middle station of the Saulire Express between Meribel and Courchevel.
Baumanière 1850
Courchevel offers a lavish setting for Chef Thomas Prod’Homme’s inventive cuisine at Baumanière 1850. Trained at L’Oustau de Baumanière, Prod'Homme blends local ingredients with Provençal flavors to create dishes like wild mushrooms in casserole, endives with pears, smoked butter, and foie gras, and pigeon with spelt.
Loulou Courchevel
Loulou's arrival in Courchevel is big news this season. The Parisian hotspot's new sibling will offer warm wood decor inspired by Savoyard culture and curved seating with views of the Bellecôte run, a vibrant terrace with cocktails, and DJ beats. The menu features truffle pizza, pasta al pomodoro, and Piedmont specialties, finishing with a delightful dessert buffet.
Private Husky Sled Ride
Embrace the winter with a husky sled ride through the stunning landscapes. As snowflakes drift gently down and the sun sets, experience the thrill of gliding through pine forests and snow-covered plains. Once a traditional mode of transport, the husky sled has become a fun way to connect with nature as you feel the rush of wind in your hair and the joy of meeting these incredible dogs. For an extra thrill, try your hand at driving the sled and learn about the musher’s skillful craft.
Courchevel Moriond Tobogganing Course
Start your tobogganing journey from Courchevel 1850, where you can hop on a toboggan and race through a 2km course, winding through snow-covered fir trees to Courchevel Village. For even more thrills, head to Courchevel Moriond for the 3km Moriond Racing toboggan run, a fast-paced descent to the foot of the slopes. Dedicated areas for children are also available in Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel La Tania.
First Tracks
Wake up to a stunning mountain view as the resort sleeps beneath the early morning sky. Strap on your skis and carve the first tracks on untouched slopes, experiencing the thrill of having the mountain all to yourself before the crowds arrive. At 2,738 meters, the Saulire peak offers an exhilarating playground for ski enthusiasts, with fresh powder beneath your skis and panoramic views of the Three Valleys, Vanoise, Ecrins, and Mont Blanc. This exclusive experience offers an intimate, crowd-free adventure on the slopes, whether you're a beginner or expert.
C'est Cheese
Hop over to Paris to start your European adventure - winter is the perfect time for long, cozy dinners in the French capital, and fueling up on fromage is the perfect way to prepare for a ski trip (and more on-piste raclette.)
Carne-vallées
If site-specific parties are you thing, there are few better pairings than the Carnevale di Venezia and bubbly-soaked afternoons in Courchevel. Venice's Carnevale takes places in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, and the city has nonstop flights into Geneva.
Sand and Snow
Nonstop flights from Geneva into Abu Dhabi operate through April (or you can go into Dubai starting in March) - perfect for connecting the slopes with some time to warm up at Six Senses' Zighy Bay, where you can arrive by paraglider.