Recommended
Mountain Lunch: La Cave des Creux
Après Ski: Le Planté de Bâton
Dinner: Baumanière 1850
Non-skiers: Skidoo ride
Best Off-piste: Les Creux Noirs
Best Ski Run: Combe de la Saulire
Skiing
Ski Elevation: 1,100m – 2,738m
Pistes: 150km
57% Blue runs
33% Red runs
10% Black runs
Snowparks: 1
Airports
Chambery (CMF):
1h 20m / 107km
Geneva (GVA):
2h / 139km
Grenoble (GNB):
2h / 177km
Courchevel 1300 Luxury Chalet
This village often wins the title of the prettiest one in the valley, making our selection of luxury Courchevel Le Praz chalets some of the shiniest in our Courchevel collection. While you’ll be further away from the buzz of 1850, the accommodation here gives you the same impeccable standards at a lower price point.
FEATURES – Despite their traditional exteriors, Courchevel Le Praz ski chalets are light and airy with chic modern design. We have several options with private wellness facilities, including swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
SIZE – We have chalets in Courchevel Le Praz to fit up to 13 guests. If your group is larger, get in touch and we can help you choose a combination of properties perfect for your trip.
CATERING – We have fully catered and B&B options so you can worry less about the cooking and more about your ski route.
LOCATIONS – Because Le Praz is so small, you can walk to the lifts or the village centre in just a few minutes.
There’s a glorious selection of luxury accommodation in Courchevel Le Praz. But keep in mind that this resort is a little smaller than its neighbours. We recommend starting your search early to find the best properties in the village. Browse our selection of luxury chalets below to start creating the ultimate Courchevel Le Praz luxury ski holiday.
Looking for inspiration? Why not consider …
Chalet Le 1946
This enchanting ski chalet is set in a historic building, creating a fairytale home for your week in the snow. Blending traditional wood fittings with thoughtful design makes coming back here a comforting embrace after a day in the cold. Pour a glass of bubbles from the wine fridge and curl up by the fireplace or sink into the bubbling indoor hot tub. With a huge kitchen and dining area and a south-facing terrace, this is the perfect destination for bringing loved ones together.
Chalet Le Loup Blanc
This is a great chalet for a large group, with huge social areas and 5 ensuite bathrooms. Immerse yourself in the leather, wood, and glowing fireplace of the stylish lounge or laze on the balcony in the sunshine with an aperitif. A games and TV room and a Sonos speaker are on hand to keep everybody entertained. But if you’re here to switch off, you can sweat it out in the hammam and let your worries drift away in the pool with snowy garden views.
Courchevel 1300 Chalet Collections
B&B chalets in Courchevel 1300
Corporate chalets in Courchevel 1300
Ski-in Ski out chalets in Courchevel 1300
Courchevel 1300 chalets with hot-tubs
Catered chalets in Courchevel 1300
Flagship chalets in Courchevel 1300
Courchevel 1300 chalets with cinemas
Courchevel 1300 chalets with spa area
Courchevel 1300 chalets with saunas
Self-catered chalets in Courchevel 1300
Large chalet in Courchevel 1300
Courchevel 1300 chalets with gyms
Courchevel 1300 chalets with swimming pool
Courchevel 1300
Most people hear the word Courchevel and the glitz and glam of 1850 instantly comes to mind. But perched on a plateau at 1300m, think of Le Praz as a charming and down-to-earth cousin of the other Courchevel villages.
Picture waking up in your luxury chalet in Courchevel Le Praz as the light climbs over the famous surrounding peaks. This authentic village in an alpine forest is something straight out of a storybook. After a day fighting for glory on the slopes, you’ll wander cobbled streets and share the day’s triumphs in candlelit wine bars and bistros.
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your stay, there are regular buses connecting the Courchevel villages and a bubble lift that’ll whisk you away to the dazzling Courchevel 1850.
The Courchevel valley has fantastic terrain, but its main draw is its position within the colossal 3 Vallees ski area. 600km of piste and a web of stellar runs could keep every type of skier entertained for a lifetime. As the world’s largest interconnected ski area, you’re sure to find something that’ll push you to your limits.
A luxury chalet rental in Courchevel Le Praz offers you the best of all worlds- a traditional mountain village, lots of variety, and some of the best skiing the Alps has to offer. Browse our collection of properties to start planning the winter break of a lifetime.
Courchevel 1300 Resort
Courchevel is a collection of villages resting in the Tarentaise Valley in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The peaceful Savoyard village of Courchevel Le Praz is the prettiest and most traditional resort in the valley.
Popular with families, it offers the benefit of easy access to the 3 Vallees ski area and the luxurious higher altitude resorts, while offering untouched charm and lots of original character. Its biggest claim to fame is the 1992 Winter Olympic ski jump, which they still use for the annual FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix every summer.
Adorable streets and wooden chalets in Courchevel Le Praz make it an atmospheric destination for the winter. Despite its quaint appearance, you’ll find an understated nightlife scene and some of the best foodie spots in the 3 Vallees.
Courchevel 1300 Travel & Transport
You’re unlikely to need a car in Courchevel Le Praz. Regular buses link all 4 villages, and you have lift-linked access to both Courchevel 1850 and Meribel.
Travelling by car
If you want the freedom of your own car during your stay, there are a selection of car parks on the outskirts of the village. Driving to Courchevel from nearby airports is a straightforward experience, but make sure you’re confident driving on mountain roads and in snowy conditions.
Travelling by train
The train can be a relaxing and eco-friendly way to get to Courchevel. The nearest train station to Le Praz is Moutiers, with connections to major transport hubs like Paris and London. From here you’ll be just a 20-minute taxi ride from the resort.
Airports
There are several international airports close to Courchevel but Geneva offers the most regular flights and widest choice of airlines.
Geneva (GVA) – 139km
By car – 2 hours
By train – 4 hours 44 minutes
Chambery (CMF) – 107km
By car – 1 hour 20 minutes
By bus – 2 hours 37 minutes
Lyon (LYS) – 186km
By car – 2 hours
By bus – 3 hours 27 minutes
Grenoble (GNB) – 177km
By car – 2 hours
By train – 3 hours 30 minutes
Private transfer
There are a number of private transfer companies and chauffeurs who will deliver you to Courchevel from major transport hubs. To start your trip in style, why not arrive in Courcheval via helicopter or private jet? At 2,007m, the Courchevel Altiport is the highest runway in Europe.
Courchevel 1300 Restaurants
You won’t have to stray far from your Courchevel Le Praz ski chalet to find an excellent meal. For a small and traditional resort, there’s a surprising number of excellent places to eat. Many people make the journey from the higher resorts down to 1300 for a night of gastronomic treats. And if you wanted to sample the stylish eateries in 1850, the gondola runs into the evening.
In the town
The village boasts its own Michelin-star restaurant, Azimut. And, in true Le Praz style, it’s a paired back and unpretentious way to experience exquisite dishes. The most popular spot in town is Bistro du Praz. Amongst cosy décor and a friendly ambience, you can try traditional dishes with fresh produce and plenty of modern flair.
For more Savoyard treats, head to La Table de Mon Grand Pere in Hotel Peupliers. Resting by an alpine lake, their stunning courtyard and dining rooms serve up mouthwatering plates of seasonal dishes. L’Oeil de Boeuf is a 200-year-old hut offering the ultimate old-world feeling. They specialize in excellent cuts of meat and cook them for you over an open fireplace.
If you want to add some decadence to your evening, take the lift up to 1850. Revel in the two Michelin-star dishes at the Pierre Gagnaire restaurant in the opulent Palace Les Airelles. Or visit the sultry Le Kintessence, for two Michelin star plates so immaculate they feel criminal to eat.
On the slopes
Thanks to a sparkling luxury dining scene and outstanding panoramic views, a mountain meal in Courchevel will be a highlight of your trip. Nothing beats retreating from the elements and enveloping yourself in rustic chic. Or, on a sunny day, sinking into a terrace chair and feeling the warmth on your face as you gaze at a tapestry of peaks.
One of the most stunning mountain restaurants in Courchevel is Bagatelle at the top of the Chenus lift. This luxury brand, with branches in London, Dubai, and Ibiza, offers decadent French cuisine while you take in 360° views on the heated terrace. La Cave des Creux sits at 2,112m. Its south-facing terrace with outdoor fireplace is a prime spot for admiring the high-altitude views. Once a cheese-ripening cellar and sheepfold, they serve a fun mix of Savoyard and Asian-fusion dishes.
Le Bouc Blanc is easy to access via the La Tania lift, making it an excellent option if you want to include non-skiers in your afternoon dining plans. Even when their huge sundeck is full, the food is excellent and the service is flawless. At the top of La Loze, La Soucoupe is perfect for slope-side dining. Curl up in the romantic restaurant and take in the views of the valley as your lunch is grilled over the open fire.
For something a little different, book a table at Le Cap Horn. It’s the oldest restaurant in Courchevel, boasts a prime spot by the altiport, and has an exquisite seafood and sushi menu. Or, escape to the Mediterranean at Le Base Kamp. This Lebanese restaurant on the Pralong Piste has a menu designed by the chef at the Michelin-starred Le Montgomerie.
Courchevel 1300 Apres & Nightlife
Apres ski in Courchevel Le Praz is a sophisticated but relaxed affair. And if you can’t tear yourself away from the party in 1850, there are lifts running back from here to Le Praz until 11:30 pm.
In Courchevel, you have the luxury of an on-mountain après ski experience across the four villages and Meribel. Just make sure you don’t miss the last lifts.
- Nobody can deny Folie Douce is one of the most infamous apres ski spots across the Alps. Stomp your boots on the table at the lavish afternoon cabaret show to the backdrop of sweeping mountain vistas.
- Head to La Tania and check out the rowdy Pub Le Ski Lodge. With live music three days a week, their huge sun terrace is always packed out. If you want to stretch the party into the evening, there are regular buses back to Le Praz.
- Grab a Vin Chaud and wrap yourself in a fur snug by the outdoor log burners at Fire & Ice. This stylish spot in 1650 has happy hour from 4:30 pm and is famous for their ice shots.
Looking for a nightcap before you retreat back to your Courchevel Le Praz ski chalet? You’ll find a few intimate spots to wrap up the evening in style.
- Set in an ambient wine cellar, La Cave Des Lys is a dreamy place to curl up for the evening. The relaxed wine bar serves up a sophisticated selection of wine and craft beers alongside indulgent grazing boards.
- Snuggle with a glass of wine by the fireplace at Le Norby’s. Hotel Les Peupliers provides this lively apres ski spot with lots of sofas and cosy corners.
For a week of epic clubbing experiences, you’d be better off basing yourself in 1850. But for a couple of later nights in great company, Le Praz will keep you satisfied.
- L’Elephant is a fun sports bar by day and a bustling live music bar by night. Unwind after a few hours on the slopes with pizza and pool. Then ramp things up a notch with a vodka freeze while you wait for the first act.
- Bar La Descent is a friendly spot with great cocktails and snacks. They keep the atmosphere relaxed for most of the week but stay open until 2 am on weekends and host fun events like karaoke.
Courchevel 1300 Ski Area
With dreamy runs through the trees and sweeping views all the way to Mont Blanc, Courchevel is a picturesque place to ski. Long and wide pistes are a pleasure to explore and you have the world’s largest interconnected ski area at your fingertips. Whether you’re planning on cruising between mountain restaurants or pushing your ability to the next level, you’ll find plenty of terrain to inspire and delight.
The perk of staying in Courchevel Le Praz is that you’re away from the heavy traffic while still having quick and easy access to the rest of Courchevel, Meribel, and Les 3 Vallees. Head to the frozen lake and hop straight on a modern lift in the morning. Then enjoy the tranquil runs back to your Courchevel Le Praz luxury accommodation at the end of the day.
The ski area
Within the Courchevel ski area, you’ll find 150km of piste reaching up to 2,738m. Unless you’re a beginner, we highly recommend buying a 3 Vallees ski pass for at least one day of your trip so you can experience the wider 600km of piste.
From Le Praz, you’re in a prime position to reach La Tania and Meribel via the Foret lift. Or you can reach 1850’s excellent transport hub in just 6 minutes via the Le Praz bubble. From here, efficient lifts will whisk you away to some of the best surrounding terrain.
From Courchevel Le Praz, these are the main areas you’ll be skiing:
- As the biggest resort in the valley, Courchevel 1850 has something for everyone. Enjoy the best selection of ski schools and nursery areas, a glorious choice of intermediate slopes, and challenging advanced and off-piste terrain.
- Courchevel 1650 is the ultimate cruising spot, with long intermediate runs and some fun backcountry when you’re feeling adventurous.
- La Tania is packed with fun intermediate, expert, and backcountry routes. If you’re looking for extra action, you can hop on a lift from here and explore Meribel.
Boarders
Snowboarders will have a fantastic time in Courchevel, with wide, north-facing slopes and some of the best-groomed pistes the Alps have to offer.
Keep in mind that the resort can be crowded, especially during school holidays, so it may not be the best option for less confident riders. Total beginners may want to avoid the drag lifts in 1650 and opt for the travelator at Biollay.
The Family Park at the top of the Verdons piste keeps growing every year. Show off your moves on boxes, rails, and kickers separated by ability, reach new heights on the giant airbag, and get competitive on the boardercross. If you want to mix things up, you’ll find more snow parks in Meribel and Val Thorens.
Freeriders will appreciate a good selection of accessible backcountry, especially the routes through the trees in Le Praz on bad weather days. Get your heart racing on the steep cliff drops in 1650 or ignite your inner adventurer with a day discovering the off-piste around Val Thorens.
Beginners
If you’re clipping on your skis for the first time, Courchevel is an excellent place to learn. There are dedicated ‘Zen’ areas to keep things relaxed while you build your confidence, and free lifts serving the beginner slopes spread across the valley.
The lift from Le Praz will drop you right next to the school meeting point in 1850. While there are some good nursery slopes at 1650, 1850 offers much more variety and excitement as you begin to progress. The fun network of greens here will have you feeling like you’ve done some serious exploring for your first week on the slopes.
There’s a beginner zone in Le Praz next to the Envolee drag lift. But there are no easy runs back to the village, so you’ll need to head back into 1850 to get home. La Tania also has limited options for beginner skiers but the only green here is a long one that’s a lot of fun.
Our recommended ski schools:
- New Generation have schools in 1650 and 1850. They offer group lessons in skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, and off-piste. They also have separate lessons for teenagers.
- ESF Courchevel offers lessons in 1550, 1650, and 1850. Their kid’s lessons are in small groups to enable fast progression. They offer group and private lessons for all levels and ages.
- Supreme Ski use friendly and knowledgeable instructors to teach skiing and snowboarding, with only 6 children or 4 adults to a group lesson.
Intermediates
Le Praz is an ideal spot for confident intermediates, with a fun choice of reds back to the village. Nothing beats riding the long Brigues run home after an epic day on the slopes.
In the rest of the Courchevel valley, and across the wider 3 Vallees domain, there are endless options to keep you entertained. Build your confidence on the blues in 1650 and 1850. From the top of Vizelle, you can embark on an endless route of blues from 2,660m all the way back to Courchevel village. Les Indiens in 1650 is one of the most popular blues in the valley. It weaves through the woods where you can stop for a photo at a Native American camp.
But the stunning collection of reds is where Courchevel really shines. If you’re just progressing from blues, the Chapelets run in 1650 is a great place to start, with quiet gentle slopes and rolling terrain. Won’t be satisfied until your legs are still burning at apres? Spend the morning working your way through the reds at the top of Vizelle, then take the Chanrossa lift over to the Jean Pachod run.
Advanced
To really go out in style, you can take the long Jean Blanc black back towards Le Praz. Or for ultimate bragging rights, get home via the World Cup l’Eclipse run. If your legs can take it, you can even join from the top of Dou Des Lanches and round off the day with almost 1,000m of black terrain in one go. Les Suisses from Vizelle is one of the more challenging black runs in the valley, but you can ease yourself into it by trying the quieter M piste first.
Overall, you’ll find the best backcountry around 1650 or over in Val Thorens. For outstanding and accessible off-piste, take the Saulire lift to the Grand Couloir. Once you’re confident on the piste, you can choose between three challenging red itinerary runs. To really get the most out of your time freeriding, we recommend hiring a mountain guide for at least one day. They know the area like the back of their hands and will help you to find those hidden gems.
Weather
85% of the runs in the 3 Vallees are above 1,800m. Paired with premier snow-making facilities, they are able to offer a snow-sure experience from early December until the end of April. Courchevel’s slopes are excellent at holding the snow and a strong dedication to grooming delivers satisfying corduroy pistes all season.
December
December sees Courchevel packed out for the festive season and you’ll need to book well in advance. Opening parties and adorable Christmas events make this one of the liveliest months of the year to visit.
Average snowfall: 76cm
Snow days: 6
January
The days are cold and short in January, so you’ll spend lots of time warming up with live music and vin chaud. This is the best time of year to visit if you’re looking for good snow and quieter pistes.
Average snowfall: 89cm
Snow days: 8
February
February is busy with various school holidays across Europe. As well as the romantic Valentine’s atmosphere, you can enjoy fun events like the International Fireworks Festival.
Average snowfall: 61cm
Snow days: 6
March
Long days on the slopes, apres ski in the sunshine, and lively St Patrick’s Day parties make March one of the most fun months to visit Courchevel.
Average snowfall: 61cm
Snow days: 6
Things To Do In Courchevel 1300
Courchevel Le Praz is a charming environment for wrapping up in your favourite jumper and wandering between cafes and patisseries. If you’re struggling to keep the kids entertained, there’s a Mediatheque where you’ll find plenty of books, comics, and games. There’s even a Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
If you’re looking for more to do, it’s a quick and easy ride on the gondola to 1850. Here you have a sparkling array of designer and specialty stores sure to give your credit card a workout. Stop for a sweet treat in one of the cafes or make some adorable friends at Le Village de Poneys.
Courchevel offers no shortage of active pursuits when you’re not on the slopes. You’ll find a lovely choice of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing routes. Why not take a stroll to the beautiful Lac de la Rosiere?
Higher up in the valley, there’s lots to keep you busy on a bad weather day. Make a splash in the aquatic centre, get competitive at the bowling alley, or glide across the outdoor Forum Olympic ice rink.
Or perhaps you’re looking for winter activities a little further outside of the box? Learn to ice climb at the 18m artificial icefall by the Altiport or try driving your own piste basher. With hot air ballooning and tandem paragliding also on offer, it’s easy to make your luxury ski holiday in Courchevel Le Praz one to remember.
Our luxury Courchevel 1300 chalets blog covers a wide range of topics: the latest luxury rental properties in Courchevel 1300, local news, snow conditions, new and top rated restaurants and bars, best rental shops, spa’s and swimming pools, top 5’s and of course, Ski Chalets in Courchevel 1300!