The Cambridge family have visited Courchavele (Image: Getty)
As winter approaches and the first snowflakes start to fall, Europe’s ski resorts are preparing for another exhilarating season.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice on the slopes, Europe boasts some of the most picturesque, challenging and diverse skiing destinations globally, with France leading the pack.
From the expansive ski areas in the French Alps to the quaint villages nestled in the Pyrenees, France offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, top-tier facilities and a rich skiing heritage.
However, it’s the charming village of Courchevel that truly takes the crown.
A-listers such as William and Kate, Pippa Middleton, the Beckhams, Kate Moss, Robbie Williams, Elton JohnGordon Ramsay and many more have all been spotted enjoying the slopes of this beautiful French town.
60s icon Brigitte Bardot used to ski in the French resorts of Courchevel and neighbouring Meribel (Image: Getty)
It’s not just celebrities who are eager to feel the crunch of snow beneath their skis. According to travel gurus at OMIO, Google searches for ‘ski holiday’ have rocketed by a staggering 97%, with the peak expected between December and January.
Clever skiers could snag return flights from London to Lyon for a mere £25 in January – the perfect start to a promising ski season. This route is the gateway to the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps and Courchevel, but be warned, expenses can quickly mount up once you arrive.
Nestled in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, Courchevel is brimming with luxury hotels and top-notch skiing facilities. Expect five-star hotels, Michelin-starred eateries and high-end shopping in this ski resort renowned for its lavishness.
Screen siren Brigitte Bardot helped catapult it to fame in the 1960s, and the resort even has its own airstrip on the slopes, accommodating dozens of private jets daily during peak season.
Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles is a celebrity favourite (Image: Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles )
Where to stay
Courchevel offers a heady blend of luxury, seclusion, and breathtaking alpine views which continue to draw the glitterati year after year. Perhaps the most famous is the magnificent Hôtel Les Airelles, often likened to a “fairy tale castle.”
Just a stone’s throw from the slopes, it offers an overwhelming experience of extravagant decor, a sumptuous spa and gourmet dining options, all nestled amongst the pine-scented mountains.
Another favourite is the luxurious Hotel Cheval Blanc, part of the esteemed LVMH group, which boasts spacious rooms, a world-class spa, and fine dining by Michelin-starred chefs.
For those who prefer their own space, the Grandes Alpes Private Hotel & Spa offers slope-side apartments with personal butlers and five-star dining.
The Ramsay family rented a gorgeous four-storey house in Courchevel (Image: Daily Record/Holly Ramsay/Instagram)
When TV Chef Gordon Ramsay enjoyed a family ski trip in the Alps, he rented a lavish £150,000 per week holiday home, complete with a cinema room, private gym, swimming pool, four housekeepers and two butlers.
Where to eat
Courchevel holds the record for the most Michelin stars per square meter in the world, with 12 awarded across seven restaurants.
Among them is Pierre Gagnaire’s exquisite two Michelin-starred restaurant at Les Airelles, featuring Hermès tableware and stunning Saint Louis chandeliers.
Le Pilatus, known for its posh fondues, ritzy raclettes, and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, has welcomed guests like Kate and William.
For a night out, Les Caves de Courchevel Nightclub is one of the most talked about in the Alps, while La Grange has a trendy bar and legendary DJs popular with the type of partygoers who like to spend summers in St Tropez.
The pretty French ski resort is a celebrity favourite (Image: Getty)
Where to ski
The most famous slopes in the region can be found in the Courchevel 1850. The highest and most luxurious part of Courchevel, its here that plays host to upscale amenities, high-end hotels decadent nightclubs.
The is a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes. The Granges run is great for intermediates, while Creux is a popular choice for beginners. For advanced skiers, the Couloirs de la Loze provides a thrilling challenge.
Courchevel 1650 (Dourchavelle) is a more family-oriented area with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful tree-lined runs, while the Courchevel 1550 (La Tania) provides easy access to the entire Trois Vallées area.
You’ll need deep pockets to experience Courcehvel like a rock star, but at least you could save some money on the flights.