Where do the super-rich go skiing?

Courchevel in France has six villages in total, with Courchevel 1850 being the one that attracts the upper class. Gucci-branded cable cars leading to ski slopes, Michelin-starred restaurants, a private runway for business jets, five-star chalets at the foot of the snow-capped slopes... all can be found in Courchevel 1850.

Based on the total revenue of its portfolio of over 60 resorts, Oxford Ski Company stated that Courchevel 1850 was the world's most luxurious ski resort as of December 2021. Courchevel 1850 also features on top resort lists from websites such as Ski Solutions, Luxury Columnist, and Jet Finder.

To truly understand Courchevel 1850, you must take a moment to slow down and admire the majestic scenery of The Three Valleys. Located in the Alps, Les Trois Vallées, or The Three Valleys, is the world's largest ski resort. The Three Valleys comprises three resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens, with a total of approximately 603 km of ski slopes.

In The Three Valleys, the resort town of Courchevel is nestled to the east. According to The Telegraph, Courchevel boasts 52 ski lifts and nearly 500 feet of ski runs. Courchevel is divided into six villages, with Courchevel 1850 being the tallest and most luxurious. Wealth is evident throughout the village. For example, the average high-end property in Courchevel 1850 is valued at $2,381 per square foot (approximately 0.092 m²).²) and is ranked as the world's top ski resort, according to Mansion Global.

The luxurious lifestyle at Courchevel 1850 attracts celebrities, royalty, and ultra-wealthy tourists. With world-class amenities alongside ski slopes, Courchevel 1850 is the only village in Courchevel with its own runway and airport for business jets and helicopters. In terms of accommodation, Courchevel not only boasts luxurious chalets ranging from $83,000 to $104,000 per week but also has the highest concentration of 5-star hotels in France.

According to Forbes, Les Airelles offers guests everything from Hermés horse-drawn sleigh rides to a children's kingdom with heated treehouses. Les Airelles Courchevel is among the world's most unique hotels, with an average room rate of around $3,000 per night. Courchevel 1850 boasts the highest daily occupancy rate of any major resort in the region.

With the demand for high-end dining, many accommodations have private chefs ready to cook whatever a wealthy guest desires. "For example, if you want lobster at midnight, you'll get it," shared India Hogg (22), owner of a 5-star chalet.

In addition, Courchevel has 14 Michelin-starred restaurants and 8 restaurants with stars. Notably, at least 6 of them belong to Courchevel 1850. Hogg says the meals are impressive and, of course, expensive: "48 euros for a burger is usually the cheapest thing on the menu," she says.

Besides delicious meals, there are plenty of places to relax and unwind after skiing. Popular stops include vibrant French-Mediterranean restaurants with 360-degree views of the snow-capped peaks.

The super-rich flocked to Courchevel in 1850 to ski. The village had ski runs suitable for everyone, from beginner to intermediate to professional levels. Visitors needed to pay a considerable sum to participate in this activity. A 6-day pass for the entire Courchevel area cost $336.

Many tourists have skipped the chairlift experience. Instead, they opt for helicopter skiing. Helicopters transport skiers and snowboarders down to remote mountain areas. This experience costs between $1,238 and $3,303, depending on how many times they want to ski in a day.

This place also offers paragliding and many other attractive winter activities. The village has an ice rink, a movie theater, and an indoor climbing wall for you to enjoy. Here, visitors also have the opportunity to experience luxurious spa treatments. The Diane Barriere Spa offers caviar and cryo treatments for $750. There are five spas in Courchevel 1850 and nearly 20 spas spread throughout the resort.

Another highlight here is the presence of leading global fashion brand stores such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and Fendi, all located on the storefronts of Courchevel 1850.

Courchevel 1850 is not only charming during the day but also vibrant at night. Trendy bars, clubs, and nightclubs are scattered throughout the village. Visitors can easily spot champagne flowing freely and DJs playing until dawn. Accommodations often host lively parties that last all night.

The renowned ski town of Courchevel 1850 offers a range of luxurious experiences, like a charming winter wonderland.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao