As the Winter season unfolds across the French Alps, bountiful amounts of fresh snow greet the low mountain villages. My journey through the heart of skiing paradise, Les 3 Vallées, unveils a world where luxury intertwines with the rustic charm of mountain life. Accompanied by the expertise of Carlton International and the savvy offerings of Riviera Lifestyle, We’ve navigated Courchevel’s enchanting villages, Meribel’s scenic slopes, and Val Thorens’ breathtaking vistas, all while anticipating the rugged allure of Chamonix. We’ve taken the time to do the hard-work so that you can enjoy! This tale isn’t just about skiing or real estate; it’s a celebration of Alpine culture, culinary delights, and the shared moments that define a Winter getaway.

Embarking on a winter tour across the French Alps, beginning with a stay in Courchevel 1550, revealed a world where majestic landscapes and human warmth intertwine, creating unforgettable memories. From the rustic charm of La Praz 1300 at the gateway to the grandeur of Courchevel 1850, each village of Les 3 Vallées offered its unique embodiment of Alpine life. Each village and ski station hold a different set of views, pistes, restaurants, lodging and elevated experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Whether you arrive by car or helicopter. A trip to Courchevel is a dream come true for everyone.

La Praz 1300: Where Value Meets Alpine Serenity

In La Praz 1300, the lowest altitude and first village to cross, we discovered a quieter, more value-oriented side of Courchevel. Chalet Les Cochettes exemplifies this perfectly, offering a panoramic vista of tranquility and amenities that cater to both relaxation and entertainment featuring a private pool. This village, with its easier access and less frill, serves as the perfect starting point for those seeking both adventure and serenity in the Alps at a price that won’t break the bank.

La Tania 1400: Family-Friendly Bliss Amidst the Pines

Ascending to La Tania 1400, we found a haven for families where Alpine warmth is felt through its community and chalets. We skied through the village with friends one morning and found its calming nature and family friendly vibes quite endearing. Here, the proximity to ski lifts transforms every day into a new adventure, making it an ideal spot for those who cherish the slopes and the simplicity of mountain living. This large chalet for 12 people is very close to the start of the ski lifts that take you to the 3 Vallées slopes. Comfort, panoramic views and the pedestrian heart of the resort make it a good place for families.

Courchevel Village 1550: The Heartbeat of Courchevel

The spirit of Courchevel pulses vibrantly in Village 1550, blending casual dining experiences with accessible luxury. It’s in 1550 where the Alpine lifestyle is most vividly celebrated, from the friendly service at local pizzerias to the essential amenities that make skiing and mountain living a breeze. Courchevel Village felt like any other Alpine village in France, with friendly people, local amenities and decent prices. None of the ostentatious elements of 1850 were felt during our stay in 1550.

Chalet Kibo is a beautiful new modern chalet with 5 bedrooms. Its elegant decoration, high-end amenities and location near the town centre and the ski slopes make it the perfect rental chalet for ski holidays.

Moriond 1650: A Confluence of Decadence and Ski Delights

Moriond 1650 offers a unique blend of indulgent dining experiences and exhilarating ski adventures. The renowned La Casserole restaurant, with its fireside warmth and innovative cuisine, offers a delectable respite from the cold. Here, the culinary artistry, from classic lobster rolls to inventive duck bao, and basic truffle fries, mirrors the decadent vibe of the village. As we left our cozy fireside meal onto the red carpeted terrace the oddly familiar sounds of Snoop Dog and Dr Dre. blared and bumped from the now sun drenched ski deck. We danced a little bit before clipping in to ski for the rest of the afternoon.

As skiers weave past picnickers enjoying the scenic beauty of one of the many dedicated indoor and outdoor picnic areas (some with bathrooms), emphasizing the ability to enjoy simple yet refined and budget conscience Savoyard meals, Moriond 1650 stands out as a testament to the joyous spirit of Courchevel’s ski culture. The vastness of this side of the mountain can be enjoyed from a variety of vistas that lead to a diverse set of ski runs from beginner to advanced and even “off piste”.

As our week at Courchevel warmed up our appetite for more challenging ski runs became evident. We quenched our thrill seeking call on the “off-piste” section of Chanrosa chairlift. As the Sun set on our day we felt really at home as we got to know the mountain a bit more each day. Skiing back from Moriond 1650 back through 1850 and down to 1550 for the night was a breeze and we felt refreshed and ready to ski the next day as we relaxed into our cozy accommodation.

This chic and warm chalet is located in a quiet area, close to the escalators to effortlessly reach the snow front, the resort center and the Aquamotion. You will appreciate the unobstructed view of the mountains and the southern exposure of this beautiful chalet.

A Journey Through the Thrills of Les 3 Vallées

Our adventure took an exhilarating turn as we ventured off-piste from the Chanrosa lift, a warm-up to the sheer adrenaline of skiing through Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens. This journey underscored the seamless blend of luxury, adventure and natural beauty mixed with friendly down to Earth Savoyard lifestyle that defines the soul of the interconnected resorts and mountain villages, authorizing boasting and bragging rights of being “the largest skiable domaine in the World”. An advanced skier can make it from Courchevel, through Meribel, to witness the glory of the immense heights and scenic glaciers of Val Thorens and back in one day with time to spare (depending on your ski level).

The Enchantment of Orelle and the Après-Ski Splendor of La Folie Douce

On a stormy yet spirited day, we found ourselves on the backside of Val Thorens, in Orelle (2300 meters), where the charm of Chalet Chinal Donat and its truffle fondue offered a delightful refuge. The day’s adventures culminated with the après-ski exuberance at La Folie Douce, where the sight of someone parachuting in as the DJ set the mood and the crowd went wild, encapsulated the joy of Alpine winters.

Meribel’s Majestic Sunsets and Luxurious Retreats

As we made our way back across the 3 Valley’s the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, our descent down Mont Vallon in Meribel was nothing short of magical. This moment, along with the discovery of luxurious chalets, including a notable retreat on the famous road of La Renarde where quality services, whether you are looking for a simple accommodation or a 5 star experience with pool, spa, and in-home cinema will delight both young and old.

Courchevel 1850: Where Luxury Knows No Bounds

Courchevel 1850, with its allure of high fashion, Michelin-starred cuisine, and star-studded après-ski scenes, represents the pinnacle of Alpine luxury. Here, a cozy renovated chalet near the Bellecôte area offers an intimate yet opulent experience, perfectly encapsulating the essence of 1850’s lavish lifestyle yet also addressing the misconception that skiing in Courchevel is beyond the reach of your average skier.

We have done our best to offer you a comprehensive glimpse into what a ski week in the famed “Les 3 Vallées” could look like for you and your family or friends. We have dispelled common myths about accessibility of the resort ticket prices and outrageous food costs. The price for a family lift pass, per person, at the resort is just 300 Euros for 6 days whereas a 1 day ticket in the United States can cost up-to $200 and even-more. If you are budget conscious about meals, pack a decadent picnic of local Savoyard charcuterie, cheeses, fresh breads, desserts and maybe even some wine. It’s what the locals do and the experience is nothing short of spectacular.

Living this Alpine dream can easily become a reality. Whether you are on holiday for a week, coming for the season or laying down roots, Carlton International along with Riviera Lifestyle not only offer access and expertise into the French Riviera, we clearly offer equal access and knowledge in the Alps. Now is a great time to think about investing in your Alpine dreams, from small to large budgets and from a memorable week to an indulgent rest of your life. From a personal residence, to a savvy investment we are here, as your trusted expert partner, to guide your every turn and ensure you come out on top.

Coming up next:

Chamonix: A Prelude to Extreme Skiing Adventures

As our narrative in Les 3 Vallées draws to a close, the anticipation of exploring Chamonix’s extreme terrains looms large. With Carlton International, the adventure into the heart of the Alps continues, promising a blend of thrill, luxury, and unforgettable stories.

Join us as we embrace the Alpine dream, where every property, from La Praz to Chamonix, tells a story of adventure, luxury, and the art of living.

As always please chime in with any commentary or questions or personal experiences. Thanks for tuning in.