As a child I spent every weekend at our family apartment in Courchevel 1850, and now I spend most of my adult life selling the resort. It is my favoured French ski resort, it is quaint and has a magical air to it. Yes, it is glitzy and expensive but, for a weeks ski holiday, it is the perfect escape.
Only have 24 hours in Courchevel? This is how I would spend it…
Arrive by private charter; this is an experience in itself. Courchevels airport is very short and steeply sloped, only specially certified pilots are able to land here. On approach you will fly through deep valleys and get a birds eye view of Courchevel getting the opportunity to spot the untouched powder and plan which piste-side restaurant looks most appealing for a spot of lunch.
Once you have disembarked, I would have the chauffeur take care of the luggage and have my skis set up ready to blow the cobwebs away and tear down the mountain and arrive at the Croisette in time for first lifts.
Spend the morning exploring the mountain, stop at the Soucoupe at the top of La Loze for a coffee, sit outside on the deck chairs with one of their fur blankets wrapped around your shoulders to keep the chill at bay and watch life pass you by.
The latter part of the morning would be spent with a guide, discovering the off piste of the Three Valleys, skiing through trees until reaching the Verdons slope and skiing straight into Le Chalet de Pierres for a spot of lunch. Famous for its seafood platters and dessert buffet. The terrace is covered and heated allowing you to lunch on the piste. There is also an outdoor ice rink with a valet skater. Great entertainment for the kids! There is also a rope-tow to get to the Les Coqs chairlift. Great location!
After lunch, ski back to the centre of resort in fact, ski straight into your luxury accommodation of Les Grandes Alpes leave your skis for the butler to look after and head straight to the spa for a massage. Jump in the pool, relax in the sauna and detox in the steamroom. The spa here is just fabulous, it is small and intimate and it’s unlikely that you will bump into any other guests.
After an afternoon of pampering, get rugged up and have a stroll around the centre of Courchevel. It is so magical in the evening, the whole village lights up like a fairytale. Stop by Maison Georges Larnicol for a hot chocolate. The finest Chocolatier in France! Then walk through Espace Diamant luxury mall and view the newest art collection in town.
Pre-dinner drinks must be spent at Le Bar at Hotel La Sivoliere; here you will find a wide assortment of creative cocktails for every taste. Soft, dry, shaken, chilled or alcohol free. This is the best place to start a party!
Dinner, of course, has to be spent in Bizan back at Les Grandes Alpes. Let Head chefToshiro Kuroda take you on a taste adventure, not only is Mr Kuroda a sushi chef, acknowledged for his 40 years of service, he is also a self-styled sakeologist, the first person to bring the magic of sake to France! The flavours will leave a delightful lingering feel in the mouth long after your visit.
Finally, take a night cap in Penthouse Emerald while your personal 24 hour butler stokes the fire, making sure you are nice and toasty. Relax and dream of your next days adventure in the finest ski resort in the French Alps.
Bon nuit. Bon Reux.
