These resorts have every type of lodging from luxury chalets to dormitories. Accommodations in the Courchevel villages all fall in the same price range, except for Courchevel 1850, which is slightly higher. Even though its prices are higher than the other resorts, Courchevel 1850 still offers somewhat reasonably priced accommodations in luxury surroundings, but you must be very careful to make arrangements for low season. The tourist office will send a complete list of hotels with information about White Week (discount/off-season) periods, and details of making reservations.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy during February with half board. €€€—€125+; €€—€75–€124; € is less than €75.

Bellecote (479 08 10 19; €€€; photo above) This hotel is more Alpine, cozier and exclusive than the Byblos, described below. Its wealthy guests have had their fortunes for some time and are not interested in letting the world know their every activity. Much of the furniture was imported from the Himalayas; that which is in the lobby is leather and very soft. Heated pool and a well-equipped exercise room.

Byblos Courchevel (479 00 98 00; €€€; photo right) The mountain version of the world-famous Byblos in St. Tropez, this was conceived as an all-encompassing hotel. The soaring wooden archways, the heavy wooden columns in the bar, the secluded pool and the luxury rooms cater to hedonism at its best. Here you can rub shoulders with the winter jet-set elite and visit the Alp’s first cigar lounge.

Hotel Trois Vallées (479 08 00 12; €€€) This, for our money, is the best of the four-star properties in Courchevel. Its designers paid special attention to the bathrooms, which are at the leading edge of design, featuring giant tubs—some marble, others black, with brass fittings and every amenity. The hotel is only steps away from the finest restaurants, as well as the wildest nightlife.

Au Rond-Point du Pistes (479 08 04 33; €€€) This hotel is right in the middle of the action and is one of the relative bargains among three-stars.

Chabichou (479 08 00 55; €€€) This four-star hotel is entirely white on the outside with modern woodsy rooms on the inside.

Crystal (479 08 28 22; €€€) This hotel is great for children with some of the best slopeside accommodations. It is a short walk to the downtown area.

Hotel Mercure Coralia (479 08 11 23; €€€) This hotel out of the center of the “commercial” district in what is called the residential area but, right on the slopes. The views are lovely, the location is right on the lake. The rooms very businesslike.

Les Ducs de Savoie (479 08 03 00; €€) This is one of the best of the three-star lot with spacious rooms, a great swimming pool and lots of wood. The hotel is right on the slopes and within easy reach of the gondola. But, at night you’ll have to walk 10 minutes to get back to the hotel or take a cab.

Hotel de la Croisette (479 08 09 00; €€) Right in the middle of the town, steps from the lifts and close to a parking garage, this place is very convenient. Rooms are good for skiers with spacious baths and plenty of closet space.

Courcheneige (479 08 02 59; €€) A good two-star find, with 79 rooms, 4 suites, sauna, Jacuzzi and terrace on the slopes.

L’Aiglon (479 08 02 66; €€) This recently renovated hotel is an excellent three-star property in town, with exceptional rooms for comparatively low rates. Its location near the slopes is excellent, with only a short five-minute walk into town. People who stay keep coming back.

In “1650” head to Hotel du Golf (479 00 92 92; €€; photo left) that offers great value, good rooms and great views right on the slopes.

Also in “1650” is Le Portetta (479 08 01 47; €) which is a bit less expensive than the Hotel du Golf, not as traditional but just as convenient.

Ancolies (479 08 27 66; €) is a good example of how prices drop dramatically when you head to “1550.” Rooms are about half of the costs of “1850.” Rooms are beautiful and the hotel is a great value.

Les Flocons (479 08 02 70; €) is another traditional hotel with a great reputation.

Les Peupliers (479 08 41 47; €€) down in the village of Le Praz across from the Praz and La Forêt lifts has a wonderful following. Great value.

Ski Chalets: Crystal, Inghams/Bladon, Thompson, Thomas Cook/Neilson. Click here for more information on ski chalets.

Apartments, condominiums, flats
Apartments are the French choice for accommodation. In fact, apartment beds outnumber hotel beds by at least 5 to 1. What you get is the ability to schedule off-slope life at your own pace and a good way to avoid the high hotel prices. In most of January, two-room apartment rates in “Residences” in Courchevel 1850 at Belledonne and Chalets du Forum are about €780–€950 a week. In “1650” the rates for varying luxury with a more out-of-the-way location range from €500 to €900. In “1550” Domaines du Soleil has high season rentals for €680 to €1,050.

There are ten rental agents for apartments in Courchevel. The tourist office will send more information and a registration card, and will help make reservations.