Courchevel (1850)

Courchevel has a lot to offer other than beautifully groomed pistes. Just some of the other amenities include a bowling alley, an ice rink, a cinema (which shows films in English) and an indoor climbing wall. Families and friends can also enjoy the thrill of the Luge sledging run down to Courchevel Village or take a relaxing sleigh ride to view the breathtaking scenery.

As well as the ski area the resort is also a popular destination during the summer and there is plenty to keep guests entertained. As well as the hiking, climbing and mountain biking on offer, the hamlet has a nine hole golf course and a driving range with 27 bays (nine of which are covered). Visitors can also get involved in activities such as canyoning, rafting, paragliding and paint-ball, just to name a few. If you prefer to take your holiday at a slower pace, the resort is a popular destination for cookery courses, some of which are run by Michelin-starred chefs; or you can enjoy a peaceful hot air balloon ride over the Alps.

After an active day on the mountains, visitors can sample some of the gourmet treats to be had in Courchevel. One of the most popular Savoyard restaurants is La Mangeoire which serves a variety of regional and French dishes accompanied by a great selection of wines. There is also an equally popular Italian restaurant, La Cortona. For straightforward traditional specialities at reasonable prices, Le Refuge is a favourite with locals.

Courchevel also has an active nightlife and there are plenty of bars and nightclubs to be discovered, one of the trendiest being Les Caves de Courchevel.

As you'd expect in such a high-profile resort, some of the chalets on offer are pretty spectacular, coming with their own chauffeurs, chefs and a small army of staff. There are, however, many that suit a smaller budget and are just as comfortable and well equipped.

There is a great selection of apartments available in the heart of the resort, from the more affordable to the very expensive, catered or self catered, there's something to suit every budget and taste.

Just some of the exclusive hotels in resort include the Cheval Blanc, Le Saint Joseph, Le K2 Palace and Les Airelles. These hotels, like many others in the area, provide extensive services and include gourmet restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs. You don’t have to break the bank though to holiday here, there are plenty of good quality affordable places to stay and dine such as La Loze and Les Flocons.