67. Courchevel Celebrating 80 Years of Alpine Excellence

In this episode of the Alpine Property Podcast, Steve Thomas explores Courchevel, one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world, set within the vast Les Trois Vallées. As the resort celebrates its 80th anniversary during the 2025 to 2026 season, this episode takes a deeper look at its origins, evolution and why it remains one of the most desirable alpine destinations for visitors and property buyers alike.A Vision Ahead of Its TimeOriginally conceived in 1942 by Laurent Chappis and Maurice Michaud, Courchevel was designed as a purpose built ski resort that would exist in harmony with its surroundings. The vision prioritised low rise architecture, minimal environmental impact and seamless integration between lifts, slopes and accommodation. The now standard concept of ski in ski out living was pioneered here, setting a blueprint that many resorts still follow today.Four Villages, Four ExperiencesCourchevel is made up of four distinct villages, each offering its own atmosphere, lifestyle and property profile:Le Praz (1300): a traditional Savoyard village with cobbled streets, chalets and a strong sense of community. It offers a quieter pace and excellent value while still providing fast lift access to the wider ski areaCourchevel Village (1550): a balanced and family friendly setting with easy slope access and excellent amenities, including Aquamotion, a modern complex with pools, spa and leisure facilitiesMoriond (1650): lively and well connected, popular with international buyers and known for its vibrant atmosphere, accessibility and strong rental demand1850: the jewel in the crown, offering luxury at the highest level with five star hotels, fine dining, designer boutiques and some of the most exclusive ski properties in the AlpsWorld Class SkiingCourchevel delivers exceptional skiing, both locally and across the Trois Vallées:Around 150km of pistes within Courchevel alone85 percent of slopes above 1800m, ensuring reliable snow conditionsA full spectrum of terrain from beginner areas to advanced off piste routesDirect access to the wider Trois Vallées network, offering over 600km of skiingModern lift infrastructure ensures efficient movement across the resort, allowing skiers to maximise their time on the mountain.Beyond the SlopesCourchevel is far more than just a ski destination, offering a rich lifestyle experience year round:Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding and ice skatingSummer transforms the resort into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, golf and outdoor adventureLuxury shopping in 1850 features brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and PradaA world class dining scene, including Michelin starred restaurants like Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, alongside traditional Savoyard cuisine across all villagesAccessibilityDespite its alpine setting, Courchevel is highly accessible:Around 2 hours from Geneva and LyonTrain access via Moûtiers, followed by a short transferPrivate arrivals via its renowned altiport, one of the most unique in the worldProperty OpportunitiesCourchevel offers a diverse range of property options, catering to different budgets and objectives:Le Praz: excellent value and authentic alpine living1550 and 1650: strong balance between lifestyle use and rental potential1850: ultra prime real estate with global demand and premium pricingWhether you are seeking a second home, a rental investment or a long term base in the Alps, Courchevel provides flexibility, prestige and long term appeal.Subscribe to our newsletter www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ to learn more! For more information, visit www.alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk and contact us at:📧[e-mail]📧[e-mail] us on Instagram www.instagram.com/alpinepropertyinvest/Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/AlpineProp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.