Family Holidays: Courchevel family skiing holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

Courchevel occupies one of the famous Three Valleys (the other resorts in this area are Meribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires), and is actually four different resorts named by altitude: 1850, 1650, 1550, 1300 (La Praz). The latter is the most attractive and is connected to 1850 and above by gondola.

Your family can enjoy some or all of 600 kms. of piste and ride on almost 200 lifts. In reality you'll find more than enough skiing in the Courchevel area, but if you're all accomplished skiers then a day's exploration of the whole region will prove both exhausting and exhilarating.

Top left: Shops
Top right: Skiers

Bottom left: Gondola
Bottom right: Slopes

When

The ski season runs from mid-December through mid-April. Because of its high altitude, the Three Valleys ski region offers good snow cover into the Spring. If you have younger kids then consider January (cheaper, but cold) or March (more expensive, less cold). February half term is both busy and expensive...to be avoided if you possibly can.

How

take the plane

There are frequent flights a day from UK airports to Geneva in Switzerland. From here it is around a two and a half hour drive. Alternatively, fly to Chambery, France and transfer in one and a half hours.

Do

Skiing – You're spoilt for choice in the Three Valleys region with 275 pistes covering 600 km. of slopes accessible through nearly 200 lifts.

Beginners generally learn at Courchevel 1850 where there are extensive nursery slopes.

Intermediates and advanced skiers cannot fail to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Courchevel itself is extensive. Add to that the skiing in and around the resorts of Meribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires and St. Martin and there’s more than enough to keep you busy for a week. And that’s just on the pistes. If the groomed pistes can’t excite then take advantage of guided off-piste tours. And snowboarders and cross-country skiers are well catered for too.

Besides skiing there are numerous other activity options. These include ice-skating, swimming, squash, dog sledding, snowmobile rides and toboggan runs. Or watch a film at the local cinema.

Eat

If you're staying in a chalet or hotel you'll be looked after for dinner. If you're staying in La Praz reputable dining options include Le Bistro and Ya Ca. And during the day you can sample fare at over 45 mountain restaurants.

Cost

Cost will vary significantly depending on when in the ski season you plan to travel with your family, with school holidays and, in particular, February half-term putting more pressure on your budget. During February half term adults may not expect much change from £1,000 with ski passes and equipment on top. At other times prices can be half that amount.