One of the world’s most famous resorts, Courchevel has built a reputation as the ‘St. Moritz of France’ attracting the rich and famous from around the world, most notably Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich who caused a stir by trying to ‘buy’ the resort (he is believed to have ended up with half a dozen properties after a public outcry) and a Hyundai boss who tried to get private use of a few ski runs on the mountain, again causing an uproar.
All the interest of the wealthy is on the original and highest resort of Courchevel 1850, established just after the war and taking the crown of top status from the original French luxury resort Megeve. However Courchevel has four other resort bases beneath 1850, linked together by a bus service. These are Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550 (both purpose built), Courchevel 1300 – based on the original village of Le Praz, and the old village of Saint-Bon (at 1100m, though that’s not mentioned!). It’s important to realize when you book that if you are in one of these lower resorts, although each has a selection of shops and cafes, the bulk of resort facilities are up in 1850.