COURCHEVEL GUIDE
Newport Travel Guide
WINTER LUXURY
Exclusive Courchevel
In the department of Savoie in southeastern France we find the ultra-luxurious ski resort of Courchevel 1850. Courchevel is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, and the place attracts everyone from the crème de la crème of the jet set crowd to members of royalty and other celebrities. Here you can enjoy the good life in the company of five-star hotels, cosy chalets and luxury boutiques.
WORLD´S GREATEST
The world’s largest ski system
Courchevel 1850 is often referred to as the ski capital of the Trois Vallées in southeastern France, which is the largest contiguous ski area in the world. There are over 600 km of spectacular pistes and 200 ski lifts. Courchevel refers to the villages of Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550 (the original Courchevel), Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and Courchevel 1850, which are named after their height in metres above sea level. The names were chosen for marketing reasons, to be able to compete with the resort’s arch-rival, the village of Val d'Isère.
CELEBS FAVORITE
A celebrity hotspot
Courchevel is a popular destination for snow-loving celebrities. David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted here, as have the actors Gerard Depardieu, George Clooney and Ewan McGregor. But probably never together – that would have sent the gossip rags into overload! Lionel Richie is also said to be a regular at Courchevel. In addition, rumour has it that the composer Jean Michel Jarre likes the place so much that he bought a house here.
FAMOUS ALTIPORT
A challenging runway
Courchevel Altiport (LFLJ) is located smack in the middle of Courchevel’s ski system. It is the archetypal altiport, an airport for planes and helicopters located high on a mountain, with a sloping runway. Courchevel Altiport has an extremely short runway, just 37 metres in length with a slope of 18.6 per cent, making it one of the most difficult places to land in the world. The runway is also famous from the opening scene of the 1997 Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies. Because the runway has no auxiliary lighting, it is almost impossible to land there in fog or low clouds. Today, the altiport is mainly used by smaller private jets and helicopters.
AMAN LE MÉLÉZIN
5 STAR HOTEL
Aman Le Mélézin
Aman Le Mélézin is an impressive 5-star hotel with world-class skiing directly from the hotel. The hotel is located on the magnificent Bellecôte piste in Courchevel 1850, with chalet-style rooms and suites with an exclusive atmosphere.
5 STAR HOTEL
L'Apogée
L'Apogée is a masterpiece of a hotel, and part of the exclusive Oetker Collection. A precious gem that offers the finest in traditional European hospitality, it delivers the very best in everything from design and gastronomy to spa and cultural experiences.
BAUMANIÈRE 1850
DINNER WITH A VIEW
Baumanière 1850
Courchevel 1850 is considered to be the ski resort with the most Michelin restaurants. Among them is Baumanière 1850. With Mediterranean influences, the restaurant showcases some of the region’s finest ingredients and also offers an absolutely fantastic view of the mountains.
HAUTE CUISINE
Le 1947
Le 1947 is the only restaurant in Courchevel that has succeeded in garnering three Michelin stars. The emphasis here is on finesse and aesthetics, and you can always expect creative and playful creations featuring the finest seasonal ingredients. Le 1947’s dreamy interiors were designed by the famous French decorator Sybille de Margerie.
CAP HORN
SUN-DRENCHED
Cap Horn
Cap Horn is the oldest mountain restaurant in Courchevel 1850. With its location high on the mountain top, a magnificent south-facing terrace, décor incorporating elements of details from the world’s explorers, and refined gastronomy, Cap Horn is the ideal spot to enjoy everything from a festive meal to a sun-drenched lunch.
Getting there
The airport in Courchevel is beyond most people’s means, because it requires a helicopter or private jet to land. Most visitors prefer to book a ticket to Geneva or Lyon; both cities are about a two-hour drive away. If you are arriving by train, for example from Nice or Paris, get off at Moûtiers Salins, which is about 30 minutes from Courchevel.
