Courchevel isn’t one resort — it’s five villages stacked up the same mountain, each with its own altitude, atmosphere and price point. Choosing between Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and Courchevel 1550 (Le Praz) is one of the first decisions to make before booking a chalet, and it shapes everything from your daily budget to how far you’ll walk in ski boots.
All three villages sit within the Three Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world, so wherever you base yourself you’re never far from the slopes. What changes is the altitude, the style of the village, the price of a chalet rental, and exactly how far you are from the lifts. Here’s how the three compare, section by section.
Courchevel 1850: The Pinnacle of Luxury
Courchevel 1850 is the address most people picture when they think of the resort: five-star hotels, Michelin-starred tables, designer boutiques and some of the most exclusive luxury chalet rentals in the Alps. It sits at the top of the valley, with direct, true ski-in ski-out access to the Three Valleys’ lift network.
This is where you come for full chalet service — private chef, daily housekeeping, a driver on call — and for a village that never really slows down after dark. Rue de Bellecôte and Rue du Rocher are lined with the same names you’d find on Place Vendôme, and the after-ski scene runs late into the evening.
It’s also the most expensive of the five villages by a clear margin, and the busiest during the Christmas and February school-holiday peaks, when even a short walk to your chalet can mean queuing for valet parking. If budget isn’t the deciding factor, though, nothing else in Courchevel matches it for convenience and polish.
Best for
Guests who want true ski-in ski-out convenience, five-star service, and Courchevel’s most prestigious address, and who aren’t watching the budget too closely.
Courchevel 1650 Moriond: Family Charm, Better Value
Courchevel 1650, often called Moriond, is the family-friendly middle ground. It has its own gondola access into the Three Valleys, a gentler, more residential feel than 1850, and chalet prices that are typically 20–30% lower for a comparable standard of comfort.
The village centre is small but well equipped, with a good nursery slope right by the lift, an ESF ski school base, and a handful of solid restaurants without the queues you’d find further up the mountain. Evenings are quieter here, which suits families with young children as much as guests who’d rather have dinner at their chalet than fight for a table.
Many chalets here are a short walk or a quick shuttle from the piste rather than truly ski-in ski-out, so it’s worth checking the exact distance before booking, especially if you’re travelling with young skiers or heavy kit.
Best for
Families and groups who want easy access to the Three Valleys and a quieter base, without paying 1850 prices.
Courchevel 1550 Le Praz: Authentic and Affordable
Courchevel 1550, or Le Praz, is the original village and the most authentic of the five: a working Savoyard hamlet with a ski jump left over from the 1992 Albertville Olympics, traditional architecture, a proper village bakery, and a noticeably lower cost of living than higher up the mountain.
It’s linked to the rest of the Three Valleys by gondola rather than a direct piste, so journey times to the top of the domain are a little longer, typically adding ten to fifteen minutes to your first run of the day. In exchange, you get a genuine village atmosphere, some of the best-value chalet rentals in Courchevel, and the easiest road access of the three villages to Moûtiers and the valley below — useful if you’re arriving by train or want a quick airport transfer.
Best for
Travellers who want an authentic, lower-key base, don’t mind a gondola ride to the slopes, and are prioritising value.
Getting Between the Villages
A free shuttle bus runs between all five Courchevel villages throughout the winter season, so even if your chalet isn’t directly on the piste, getting to the lifts, a different restaurant, or a friend’s chalet in another village rarely takes more than fifteen to twenty minutes. Most guests also find that a short taxi ride covers the gap comfortably on a busy evening.
Which Village Should You Choose?
If ski-in ski-out access and full luxury service matter most, 1850 is worth the premium. If you want the Three Valleys on your doorstep at a friendlier price and a calmer pace in the evenings, 1650 Moriond is usually the sweet spot for families. And if atmosphere and value come first, and you’re happy with a short gondola ride each morning, 1550 Le Praz is hard to beat.
There’s no wrong answer, only the village that matches how you want to spend your week: full ski-in ski-out glamour, relaxed family convenience, or authentic mountain charm at a better price. Whichever suits your holiday, browse our full range of Courchevel chalet rentals to compare options across all three, or get in touch and we’ll help match you to the right chalet and location.
