Courchevel School Ski Trip

The most memorable event was on the second-to-last day, when I went right up to the top of the mountain, did a 20-minute hike on skis, and then skied back to the resort off-piste, gliding over untouched snow. Foodwise, the best thing I ate was a 3 euro crepe in La Grand Marnier creperie in Courchevel. They are the same company that makes the liqueurs and they even have a world record for the fastest time to make 1000 crepes!

Quick Tips:

You MUST buy a lift pass in Courchevel. They are much stricter here than in many of the other resorts and if you try to get on a lift without one you will be fined around 20 euros. For increased freedom, you can buy a pass that covers the entire Three Valleys area; Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. These resorts are all linked and form quite a formidable range of different runs to try. Try not to buy things on the slopes, as it is extremely expensive and you can expect to pay around 7 euros for a bottle of water. It is best to buy all supplies down in the numerous Spars down in the Valley.

Best Way To Get Around:

There are many more roads linking the individual districts in Courchevel, but as I was on a school trip, I was brought into the heart of the resort on a coach from where I was staying, saving hassle when it comes to parking. Otherwise, you can access all of the resorts by skiing from one of the others, and most of the nightlife is up in the resorts anyway.

The accommodations at Les Chalets were quite good, ideal for groups as there is a games room and it is within walking distance to the town centre. The rooms are OK and most have really good views of the surrounding mountains, but they do not have kitchens, so you have to eat down in the restaurant. The owners speak very good English, as do nearly all the residents of Bride Les Bains, so there is hardly any language barrier. It is only two stars, but it is comfortable and there is a nightclub 100 metres up the road for anyone who wants to go. When I went, the three schools staying down in Bride Les Bain joined forces and hired the nightclub out, so schools need not worry about the 16+ rule.