Courchevel 1850 - The Insiders' Guide

Courchevel 1850 has long been thought of as the best ski resort in the world. Immaculate pistes, superbly inter-linked skiing on the vast 3 Valleys ski area amidst beautiful scenery are just some of its features. Add to this an astounding range of bars, restaurants, chic boutiques and night-spots and it's no wonder that Courchevel is so highly rated. It's reputation for being the crème de la crème of the French Alps means that year on year celebrities, Royals and members of the glitterati gather there to enjoy the most glamorous and luxurious ski resort in the world.

Courchevel 1850 is the highest of the Courchevel resorts, which altogether encompass 63 ski-lifts and 117 downhill skiing runs. Perfect snow is guaranteed as the resort's 562 snow canons maintain perfect ski conditions whatever the winter weather brings.

One of the first things to think about when booking a luxury ski holiday is accommodation. The cold conditions and long days of physical exertion make finding the right place to stay absolutely essential. Courchevel chalets, especially those at 1850, range from the comfortable and welcoming to the spectacular and sumptuous. Courchevel luxury chalets have long been the gold standard and catered chalets where a chef is provided for the duration of your stay, along with a chalet host and baby-sitter if you require one are the norm at the resort. Specialist travel companies such as ski in luxury and Oxford ski offer a range of chalets to suit a variety of budgets.

It is essential to book early as the best Courchevel chalets are booked months in advance. Decide what matters to you most about your accommodation. Is it proximity to the slopes, the services provided by the chalet, such as hot tubs and cinema rooms, or is it facilities for children and being in the centre of town, near the shops and nightlife?

Once your accommodation is booked, talk to your travel company about arranging activities before your arrival. Companies such as Scott Dunn and Venture Ski have specialist teams that visit the resort every year and monitor closely every aspect of resort from the best restaurants and bars, to activities for children and new shops. They can liase with you and arrange days out, book restaurants and through their network of local contacts make sure that your trip is unique.

Courchevel regulars trust their travel contacts to provide them with the most up to date information and tips for their stay. Whether it's which restaurant is the new must try, or who the best children's ski instructor is. Holidays are too short to eat at the wrong place or stay in an unsuitable chalet. Plan ahead and contact the specialists to make sure your stay is as relaxing and stress free as possible.