Courchevel

Courchevel is made up of four separate ski resorts, all within the Trois Vallées - or Three Valleys - ski area, which also incorporates Meribel and Val Thorens. Courchevel 1850 has been rebranded as simply Courcheval; it is the highest and most expensive of the four villages and is known as a playground for the rich and famous attracting celebrities and Russian oligarchs. Courcheval 1650 is now called Moriond, 1550 is now known as Courchevel Village and finally there is Le Praz at 1300 meters. La Tania is another small, purpose-built holiday ski resort situated on a ridge between Courchevel and Meribel. Courchevel 1850 is the smartest and most expensive of the resorts; it has the best restaurants, nightlife and access to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 and 1550 are quieter, more suited to families, and Le Praz is a pretty village with narrow streets, but due to its altitude has less reliable snow.