Grandes Alpes Courchevel: Historic Luxury on the Slopes
Finding a slopeside base in the center of Courchevel 1850 often means choosing between large resort hotels and freestanding chalets, but Grandes Alpes Courchevel offers something distinct. It pairs the generous proportions of private residences with the round-the-clock service of a boutique five-star hotel, putting you steps from the village center.
First opened in 1948 on the very same day Courchevel launched its first ski lift, the property holds deep roots in local history. It originally housed the resort’s post office, ski school, and bank. Today, redesigned by French interior architect Jean-Marc Mouchet, it provides an intimate retreat right beside the snow front.
At a glance
| Type of stay | 5-star boutique hotel and private serviced apartments |
|---|---|
| Village | Courchevel 1850 |
| Ski access | Direct ski-in/ski-out to La Croisette |
| Rooms | 9 modular apartments split into 21 to 30 rooms and suites |
| Dining | Sylvestre Wahid (2 Michelin stars), Bellini’s Lounge Bar, in-suite chefs |
| Spa and pool | Indoor pool, sauna, hammam, gym, salon, 111SKIN treatments |
| Season | Winter only (scheduled mid-December to early April) |
| Price range | Top tier for Courchevel 1850 (suites from roughly €4,500 per night) |
Why stay at Grandes Alpes
Grandes Alpes is an ideal match for skiers who want maximum privacy without giving up hotel comforts. Instead of long hallways of standard rooms, the property is designed around private residential apartments that can be rented whole or split into individual suites. If you are traveling as an extended family or a group of friends who want shared living areas, a private fireplace, and room to spread out, this layout works exceptionally well.
Because it has an intimate boutique footprint, the atmosphere is quiet and personal. Dedicated butlers take care of ski gear, unpack bags, and arrange reservations, allowing you to relax the moment you step through the door. It also appeals directly to food lovers thanks to its two-star Michelin table, which seats only four parties a night.
On the other hand, this may not be the right choice if you are seeking a lively resort with sprawling grounds, buzzing communal lobbies, or lower price points. It is an exclusive, quiet address focused on personal space and personalized service at the highest tier of Alpine hospitality.
Location and ski access
The hotel sits at 1 Rue de l’Église, directly adjacent to La Croisette in Courchevel 1850. La Croisette is the central hub of the entire resort, meaning you have shops, rental boutiques, ski school meeting points, and cafes right outside the door.
Skiers benefit from direct ski-in/ski-out access straight onto the gentle slopes of the main snow front. You can clip into your bindings outside the ski room and glide directly to the main lift network. The Verdons gondola is roughly a two-minute walk away, whisking you up the mountain toward intermediate cruisers or higher connections into Méribel and Val Thorens.
Local tip: The central snow front can see a heavy flow of ski school groups and returning skiers around 16:00. If you are skiing back to the hotel late in the afternoon, keep your speed controlled and watch for beginners making wide turns near the lift bases.
Always keep mountain safety in mind before you click into your skis. Wear a properly fitted helmet, stay on marked runs unless you are skiing with a certified local mountain guide, and check the daily avalanche risk bulletin at the lift ticket windows if you plan to ski near the edges of the pistes.
Rooms and private suites
The accommodation at Grandes Alpes is unique in Courchevel 1850. The building contains nine large luxury apartments ranging from 150 square meters to 300 square meters, named after precious gemstones such as Emerald, Ruby, and Onyx. Each apartment has between three and four bedrooms. Depending on guest bookings, these residences can be divided flexibly into individual rooms and suites, creating between 21 and 30 distinct units in total.
The interior design by Jean-Marc Mouchet blends clean contemporary styling with warm timber, rich fabrics, and Alpine stone. Common features across the residences include spacious living rooms with open fireplaces, professional-grade kitchens, private wine cellars, and balconies overlooking the ski runs.
Select high-category suites also offer private wellness facilities directly inside the apartment, including individual steam rooms, hot tubs, or dedicated massage rooms. Every reservation includes personal butler service to assist with breakfast setup, fire lighting, and ski prep.
| Accommodation Type | Approximate Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Rooms & Junior Suites | Varies | Configured from larger apartments, slope-facing balconies, luxury finishes, butler service |
| Large Suites | Varies | Separate living area with fireplace, wine cellar, select suites with private hammam or hot tub |
| Private Apartments (Emerald, Ruby, Onyx, etc.) | 150 m² to 300 m² | 3 to 4 bedrooms, full kitchen, dining room, fireplace, dedicated butler service |
Dining and drinks at the hotel
The gastronomic centerpiece of the hotel is Sylvestre Wahid – Les Grandes Alpes, an exceptional fine-dining venue awarded two Michelin stars. With an open kitchen and just four dining tables, it provides one of the most intimate culinary experiences in the French Alps. Guests watch the culinary team prepare intricate seasonal tasting menus at close quarters.
For casual evenings and pre-dinner drinks, Bellini’s Lounge Bar serves classic cocktails, fine spirits, and champagne in a comfortable setting. It is an easy place to unwind after a day on the Saulire slopes.
Guests staying in the private apartments can also take advantage of private in-apartment chef services. Your butler and chef will arrange custom multi-course dinners served in your personal dining room, which is ideal when you prefer to dine in your slippers after a demanding ski day.
Spa, wellness, and hotel services
Downstairs, the wellness spa offers a tranquil environment for recovery after cold mountain runs. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a traditional dry sauna, a steam room and hammam, a fitness workout area, and a hair salon. The treatment menu focuses on high-performance facials and restorative body treatments powered by skincare specialist 111SKIN.
Ski logistics are managed through the property’s dedicated ski room and on-site Zaï ski boutique. Technicians prepare and warm your boots each morning, hand you your skis right at the snow line, and assist you when you return. You can rent high-end gear or have your personal equipment tuned overnight.
Families can take advantage of supervised childcare services arranged through the concierge team, while housekeeping and personal butlers keep your living quarters in immaculate order throughout the week.
Booking, opening season, and prices
Grandes Alpes opens exclusively for the winter ski season. For the 2025–2026 winter, the hotel is scheduled to welcome guests from December 13, 2025 through April 6, 2026. Exact opening and closing dates can adjust slightly based on resort conditions, so check the official website when finalizing travel dates.
Rates place Grandes Alpes squarely in the ultra-luxury bracket, even for Courchevel 1850. For the 2025/2026 winter season, published rates from ski booking operators show Junior Suites starting from roughly €4,500 per night during low-season periods, with prices climbing notably during peak holiday weeks. Rates for larger suites vary depending on the week and apartment layout, while multi-bedroom private apartments start from around £11,013 GBP per night. The local city visitor tax is €3.96 per person per night.
Because there are only nine master apartments and a maximum of 30 individual configurations, availability during the February school holidays and the Christmas to New Year stretch disappears many months ahead. Bookings should be secured directly through the hotel website or through the Courchevel tourist office.
Getting there and exploring nearby
Chambéry is the closest airport, roughly 100 km away by road. Travelers also arrive via Lyon-Saint Exupéry or Geneva, both of which require a drive of roughly two to two-and-a-half hours depending on mountain weather and weekend traffic. The hotel concierge can schedule private transfers by luxury limousine or private helicopter. Private airport transfer vehicle fees are listed at approximately €690 per vehicle.
If you drive up to Courchevel 1850 yourself, on-site garage parking with valet service is available at the hotel. Keep in mind that winter driving in the Tarentaise valley often demands winter tires or snow chains during snowstorms.
Once settled, you rarely need a car. The village center around Rue de l’Église and La Croisette is completely walkable. For exploring other altitudes such as Courchevel 1650 Moriond, Courchevel Village 1550, or Le Praz, free resort shuttle buses connect the villages regularly. Remember that the legal drinking age in France is 18. If you enjoy drinks at Bellini’s or out in the village, use the local shuttles, take a licensed taxi, or walk carefully on icy pavements rather than getting behind the wheel.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“Beautiful hotel but closed due to a fire.”
“The onage is fantastic…they have the most delicious hot chocolate.”
“Amazing experience with the Hotel, great ski experience with the hotel ski room and location.”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Does Grandes Alpes have direct ski-in/ski-out access?
Yes, the hotel is located right alongside the snow front at La Croisette in Courchevel 1850. You can ski out directly to the central lifts, including the Verdons gondola, which is roughly a two-minute walk away.
How many rooms are there in the hotel?
The property consists of nine modular private apartments with three to four bedrooms each. Depending on how they are configured for guests, this translates to between 21 and 30 individual rooms and suites.
What dining is available on site?
The hotel features Sylvestre Wahid – Les Grandes Alpes, a two-star Michelin restaurant with an open kitchen and just four tables. Guests can also enjoy drinks at Bellini’s Lounge Bar or arrange for a private chef to prepare meals inside their apartment.
Is the hotel open during the summer?
No, Grandes Alpes operates only during the winter ski season. For the 2025–2026 season, it is scheduled to run from December 13, 2025 to April 6, 2026.
Find it
Address: 1 Rue de l’Église, 73120 Courchevel, France
