A more down-to-earth and affordable resort than its glitzier neighbour further up the hill, with excellent access to the Courchevel valley’s skiing and the wider 3 Valleys network.
The Resort
Courchevel 1650 (also known as Courchevel Moriond) offers excellent skiing and authentic Savoyard character without the ultra-luxe price tag of its higher neighbour Courchevel 1850. Originally developed in the 1960s, the resort has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with modern lifts and thoughtfully designed buildings replacing dated infrastructure whilst maintaining the village’s traditional Alpine atmosphere.
Courchevel 1650’s position on a sunny plateau offers some of the best views in the valley, and its snow record is just as good as its higher sister resort. The village centre is relatively compact and mainly traffic-free, with most facilities clustered around the main street and lift station. Recent developments have brought enhanced facilities to the resort, including the Aquamotion center, which serves all the Courchevel villages.
The skiing around Courchevel 1650 is particularly well-suited to intermediates, with long cruising runs through the trees and excellent nursery slopes at village level. The modern Ariondaz gondola provides swift access to the ridge connecting with 1850, opening up the entire 3 Valleys network and its 600 kilometres of pistes. Less well known but equally rewarding are the sunny south-facing slopes towards Courchevel 1550, and the quiet valley runs through the woods to Le Praz.
Easily accessible via Chambery, Geneva or Lyon airports, with regular transfers from Moutiers train station, Courchevel 1650 offers a more relaxed alternative to 1850’s glamour. With an increasing number of luxury chalets, apartments and hotels, a good selection of restaurants ranging from traditional Savoyard to contemporary dining, and with bars and shops that cater to regular skiers rather than the jet-set, Courchevel 1650 is a more affordable and down-to-earth base for a holiday in the world’s largest ski areas.
Our Courchevel 1650 Properties
The Courchevel 1650 Ski Area
Courchevel 1650 offers some of the most enjoyable intermediate terrain in the 3 Valleys. The Ariondaz gondola provides rapid access up to an altitude 2,230 metres, opening up a network of wide, well-groomed red and blue runs that are perfect for intermediate skiers to build confidence and develop their technique.
The local slopes are known for excellent snow retention, particularly on the north-facing runs below Rocher de l’Ombre. The Bel Air sector is especially popular, with long cruising reds like Park City and Chapelets offering satisfying descents back to the resort. For expert skiers, the challenging Creux mogul field provides one of Courchevel’s most testing black runs, while the Jean Blanc downhill course offers an exciting route towards Le Praz.
Off-piste enthusiasts will find plenty of terrain to get stuck into, with the north-facing slopes holding powder days after storms. The trees between Courchevel 1650 and Le Praz provide excellent sheltered options in poor visibility, while the Mickey bowl offers multiple lines after fresh snow. For ski tourers, the Creux Noirs sector provides excellent terrain, with several routes possible including a challenging ascent to the ridge at 2,705 metres. The Col de la Loze also offers access to some memorable touring itineraries, particularly towards the hidden valleys above La Tania.
From the top of the Signal lift at 2,250 metres, skiers can easily connect with Courchevel 1850 and the wider 3 Valleys network. Less obvious but equally rewarding are the sunny south-facing slopes of Pyramid and Jean Blanc, which often provide excellent spring skiing conditions. Snowmaking installations cover most of the resort’s pistes and ensure reliable skiing throughout the season.
Beginners are also well served with gentle nursery slopes at village level and progression runs higher up, particularly around the Altiport area. With its sunny aspect and varied terrain, Courchevel 1650’s local ski area offers enough variety to keep skiers of all abilities entertained for days before even exploring the wider 3 Valleys network.