Cheval Blanc Courchevel: A Skier’s Guide to 1850
Planning a winter stay at Cheval Blanc Courchevel places you in the quiet upper reaches of Courchevel 1850. Opened in 2006 as the founding Maison of LVMH Hotel Management, this property holds France’s official Palace distinction alongside Three MICHELIN Keys. It blends an intimate chalet atmosphere with contemporary craftsmanship and direct mountain access.
Inside, an extensive private art collection and interiors by Sybille de Margerie balance traditional alpine woodwork with tailored modern fabrics. It is a quiet, highly polished base built for skiers who want smooth transitions onto the slopes, three-star gastronomy, and thorough service from morning to night.
At a glance
| Type of stay | 5-star luxury Palace hotel |
|---|---|
| Village | Courchevel 1850 (Jardin Alpin) |
| Ski access | Direct ski-in/ski-out (Jardin Alpin / Bellecôte) |
| Rooms | 36 rooms, suites, chalet, and penthouse |
| Dining | Three-star fine dining, alpine brasserie, terrace, and lounges |
| Spa and pool | Guerlain spa, infinity pool, banya, and fitness centre |
| Season | Mid-December through early April |
| Price range | Top tier for 1850; entry rates reported from roughly €2,500 to €2,900 per night |
Who Cheval Blanc Courchevel Suits Best
Cheval Blanc Courchevel is designed for travelers who value privacy, polished service, and exceptional dining right by the snow. With only 36 rooms and suites, the property feels more like a private residence than a large resort hotel. It works remarkably well for couples seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, families who want dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, and skiers who appreciate having their boots warmed and laid out before the lifts open.
It may not suit travelers looking for a budget-friendly trip or anyone who wants to be surrounded by late-night foot traffic. The Jardin Alpin quarter is residential and serene, set away from the energetic center around La Croisette. If you prefer lively village streets right outside your front door or simple self-catered apartments, exploring Courchevel Village (1550) or Le Praz (1300) might serve you better.
Mountain Location and Direct Slope Access
You will find the hotel in the upper Jardin Alpin district of Courchevel 1850, an area shaded by tall pines and quiet chalets. The slopes border the property directly, giving you seamless ski-in/ski-out access onto the Jardin Alpin and Bellecôte pistes. These gentle, well-groomed trails make coming and going comfortable even at the end of a long ski day across the valley.
Starting your morning run is simple. The Jardin Alpin gondola and the Pralong chairlift are the nearest lifts, whisking you up toward higher runs and connections across Les 3 Vallées. You can warm up on the mellow green slopes that cut through the trees or push higher toward the Saulire ridge for steeper alpine descents. You simply step into your skis outside the ski lounge and slide onto the snow.
Chalet-Style Rooms, Penthouses, and Private Chalets
Designer Sybille de Margerie styled each of the 36 accommodations using warm alpine timbers, textured textiles, and original contemporary artwork. Over 200 modern artworks are displayed across the property, including pieces by Jean-Michel Othoniel and Bruno Peinado. The room configurations cater to solo guests, couples, and multi-generational groups.
- Superior Rooms and Deluxe Superior Rooms: Intimate, comfortable spaces with custom woodwork and modern mountain styling.
- Junior Suites: Generous floor plans featuring dedicated sitting areas to relax after removing your ski gear.
- Duplex Suites: Two distinct split-level layouts measuring 70 square meters and 105 square meters, separating entertaining areas from private sleeping quarters.
- The Chalet: A private 315-square-meter residence spread over four storeys, featuring three bedrooms, direct ski-in/ski-out access, a private screening room, and an independent spa.
- L’Appartement: A top-floor penthouse measuring 650 square meters across two levels, complete with four bedrooms, private elevator access, butler service, and an exclusive ski lounge.
Dining and Apres-Ski at the Maison
The hotel is home to one of the most celebrated culinary addresses in the French Alps. Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc, led by Chef Yannick Alléno, holds three MICHELIN stars. The kitchen focuses on technical mastery and modern French gastronomy, presenting inventive sauces and precision cooking in an intimate dining room. Tables are limited, so reservations are essential well before your trip begins.
Several other dining and social venues operate on the property for relaxed daytime meals and evening gatherings:
- Le Grill Alpin / Le Restaurant de Cheval Blanc: The welcoming Maison brasserie, serving refined alpine classics and comforting seasonal dishes.
- La Table de Partage: A private room created specifically for convivial, shared meals among groups of friends and families.
- Le Bar & La Terrasse: A slope-side outdoor terrace and indoor lounge that serves lunch in the sun, hot drinks, and fireside cocktails after skiing.
- The Cigar Yurt: A quiet, sheltered yurt dedicated to a curated selection of fine cigars and digestifs.
In France, the legal drinking age is 18. If you are enjoying wine or cocktails on the terrace, remember to walk carefully along icy village paths or take advantage of local transport rather than driving.
The Guerlain Spa, Ski Service, and Family Facilities
Recovery after skiing is a central focus at the Cheval Blanc Spa. The wellness center offers signature Guerlain wellness rituals, private treatment rooms, and the dedicated Orchidée salon designed for couples. Guests can also schedule appointments at the on-site hair salon by John Nollet before evening dinners.
The thermal and leisure facilities include an indoor infinity pool lined with comfortable relaxation loungers, an ice-cold plunge pool, a hammam, and a traditional sauna. Step outdoors into the snow to experience the authentic Russian banya and Nordic bath, or maintain your workout routine inside the equipped fitness centre.
Ski logistics are managed through the Ski Service Lounge. Dedicated ski valets dry, warm, and inspect your gear overnight and place your skis directly on the snow each morning. Families traveling with children will find Le Carrousel kids’ club and Le Paddock teens’ club, offering tailored entertainment for different age groups. On-site retail options include dedicated boutiques from Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.
Local tip: Tell your ski valet what terrain you plan to explore each morning. They can tune your edges and select the right wax for morning hardpack on the upper peaks or softer spring snow lower down the mountain.
Season Dates, Pricing, and Advance Planning
Cheval Blanc Courchevel operates exclusively as a winter destination, opening its doors from roughly mid-December through early April. Because the hotel features only 36 accommodations, peak weeks during the Christmas holidays, New Year celebrations, and the February school breaks fill up months in advance.
Rates reflect the hotel’s Palace status and place it at the very top of Courchevel’s price scale. Winter entry rates have been reported to start around €2,500 to €2,900 per night, with larger suites and standalone residences pricing considerably higher. Room rates fluctuate depending on the dates of your stay, board inclusions, and seasonal demand. For current availability and exact pricing, book through the official Cheval Blanc website or consult the Courchevel tourist office.
Getting to Courchevel 1850 and Getting Around
The hotel sits along the Rue du Jardin Alpin in Courchevel 1850. Guests arriving by car will find on-site valet parking and a secure private covered garage. Private chauffeur services and helicopter charters can also be arranged directly to the property upon request.
Major regional transport hubs and approximate road travel times include:
- Courchevel Altiport: About 10 minutes by car, accommodating helicopters and private STOL aircraft.
- Moûtiers – Salins – Brides-les-Bains railway station: Roughly 30 to 40 minutes away by road, serving Eurostar and TGV rail lines.
- Chambéry Airport: Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
- Geneva Airport (GVA) and Lyon Airport (LYS): About 2.5 hours by car.
Once you arrive, getting around Courchevel 1850 is simple without a personal vehicle. Free village shuttle buses loop regularly between the Jardin Alpin and the central hub at La Croisette. Pedestrians can also ride the Jardin Alpin gondola down to the village center during its operational hours. If you head out on foot for an evening meal, make sure to wear sturdy winter boots with good tread, as alpine pathways can ice over quickly once the sun goes down.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“Meilleur hotel de Courchevel 1850 🇫🇷”
“Amazing hotel! I highly recommend it!”
“Hi, having spent 5 nights here with friends i wanted to thank all the wonderfull staff for the wonderful experience we had. Mathieu was amazing at all times, always made sure we were very well looked after. Walter always kept is…”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheval Blanc Courchevel directly on the slopes?
Yes, the hotel provides direct ski-in/ski-out access via the Jardin Alpin and Bellecôte pistes. Dedicated ski valets set your gear out on the snow each morning, allowing you to ski directly toward the Jardin Alpin gondola and the Pralong chairlift.
Can outside guests dine at Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc?
Non-residents can reserve tables at Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc, but seating is limited and demand is high for Chef Yannick Alléno’s three-star menu. It is advisable to book reservations several months ahead through the hotel’s official dining channels.
What amenities are available for children and teenagers?
The hotel provides two separate activity spaces for younger travelers. Children can spend time at Le Carrousel kids’ club, while older children have access to games and activities in Le Paddock teens’ club.
What wellness facilities are located on site?
The property features the Cheval Blanc Spa with Guerlain rituals, an indoor infinity pool, a hammam, a sauna, and a cold plunge. Outside in the snow, guests can use an authentic Russian banya and Nordic bath, along with an indoor fitness center and hair salon.
Find it
Address: Rue du Jardin Alpin, 73120 Courchevel, France
