COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

Courchevel is a cluster of four villages at the northern tip of the 3 Valleys ski area. The Courchevel villages include:
Courchevel Le Praz
Courchevel Village (1550)
Courchevel Moriond (1650)
Courchevel 1850 (1850)

All 4 villages are linked by a free bus service which runs frequently from early morning until late at night. Widely regarded as the winter playground of the rich, Courchevel boasts 7 Michelin-starred restaurants and two 6-star hotels, however it is possible to enjoy a holiday here on a much more reasonable budget.

Courchevel is a great option for all levels of skiers and there is plenty for non-skiers to do too. The local Courchevel ski area has a great selection of runs from gentle greens to the Grand Couloir, graded black, and of course the vast areas of off-piste. Experienced skiers will want to upgrade to the full area pass so they can explore Meribel and Val Thorens but the local area with 150km of pistes, three snowparks and a boardercross area offers more than enough to keep most entertained.

The immediate skiing in Courchevel is hard to beat and offers slopes for all abilities; anybody who tires of it during their ski holidays in Courchevel always have the rest of the 3 Valleys at their disposal.

Courchevel is the northern gateway to the 3 Valleys offering the most varied terrain from long gentle blues to steep couloirs, and superb skiing both above and below the tree line.

The lift system is also very modern, fast and efficient. Ski schools abound and offer classes in 8 languages for every standard and discipline, from snowboarding to telemark.

Lying to the west of Lyon the resorts of the 3 Valleys must have the greatest concentration of British skiers. Resorts include Courchevel, Méribel, St Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. There is a direct train to this area from London on Friday nights and Saturdays and it is relatively easy to make an overnight connection via Paris, Lille or Brussels.

With over 470 snow cannons and 22 piste bashers, the pistes are always immaculately groomed and snow is perhaps more reliable than the rest of the 3 Valleys as most of the slopes are North facing.

Separated into 4 villages, Iglu Ski has a wide selection of Courchevel chalets to choose from. Book a luxury Courchevel chalet in the exclusive resort of Courchevel (1850), enjoy a family skiing holiday in Courchevel Le Praz with a family or discover the buzzing nightlife of Courchevel Moriond with a group chalet, whatever your choice Iglu Ski has a Courchevel chalet to suit you.

Courchevel is a fantastic resort, especially for beginners. There are lots of smooth wide blue runs which are perfect for new skiers or snowboarders and children. Courchevel is a family friendly resort with many non-ski activities, including bowling, ice skating, hot air balloon rides, shopping and sledging. There are many ski schools to keep children well looked after during the day and to help them progress through their first turns.

There are plenty of things to do in Courchevel to keep the whole family entertained off the slopes. There are over 20 bars across the villages for lively après ski, after dinner drinks or late night dancing. Adults will enjoy the varied boutiques and shops while children will love the play areas and exciting activities to do in resort.

Other activities include:

• Big Air Bag
• Bowling
• Cookery Courses
• Fat Biking
• Gym and Fitness
• Hand Gliding
• Heli-Tours
• Hot-Air Balloon
• Ice-Skating
• Language Courses
• Library
• Micro-lighting
• Paragliding
• Private Functions
• Sightseeing
• Skydiving
• Sledging
• Snow Cat Driving
• Snow-Scooter
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Themed Evenings
• Torchlight Decent
• Ski Visits
• and so much more!

Geneva and Lyon are the nearest international airports to Courchevel. Chambery and Grenoble are also accessible and have a much shorter transfer time.