Smith tip
You can transfer from the main regional airports to Courchevel by small private plane. Chalet Les Sorbiers is on the road up to the Altiport. Take-off and landing is not for the faint hearted, with the runway built on a slope. This means you either have to land facing uphill or take off pointing downhill – gulp! A helicopter may be a better idea (www.helicopter-courchevel.com).
Chalet Les Sorbiers
Courchevel 1850, France[view map]
Slope off for lunch
The Bergerie is just above 1850, on the right hand side of Bellecôte. There's no terrace but the rustic interior of this former sheep shed is a great place for hot chocolate and a hearty lunch on an overcast day.Activities
Courchevel is part of the Trois Vallées ski area – the largest in Europe. There are over 200 ski lifts and almost 350 runs in the immediate area, offering suitable terrain for both beginners and experienced skiers. The resort’s high altitude usually guarantees excellent conditions and serious skiers will love the black Les Suisses run as well as the off-piste couloirs from The Saulire. Try to ski the black runs at the beginning of the week as they become crowded towards the weekend, as people build up their courage. Courchevel also has excellent snowboarding conditions and heli-skiing trips over the border to Italy can be arranged. You can also enjoy skidooing, hot-air ballooning, parapenting, ice-skating, tobogganing and snow shoeing. For really extreme sports, take a transfer to nearby La Plagne to shoot the bobsleigh run or head to Tignes to try some ice-diving. Contact Whitetracks on +33 (0)686 12 34 17, www.whitetracks.co.uk.
Ski services
Hotel Kilimandjaro has its own ski hire shop and can arrange for in-chalet equipment fittings. If you’re here for one week or less then your ski passes can be ready and waiting for you. All activities such as ski lessons, mountain guides, skidooing, snow shoeing and parapenting can be booked in advance.Restaurants
The Bateau Ivre
(+33 (0)4 79 00 11 71)Courchevel 1850 is the only place in the Alps where you’ll find a brace of two-Michelin-star restaurants right next to each other. This restaurant at the Pomme de Pin hotel has the best views of the slopes.
Le Bateau Ivre, La Pomme de Pin Hotel, Courchevel 1850
Chabichou
(+33 (0)4 79 08 00 55)Right next to the Bateau Ivre is the gastronomically spectacular Chabichou, also with two Michelin stars. There’s no shortage of fantastic ways to blow your cash at 1850.
Chabichou, Rue des Chenus, 73121 Courchevel 1850
Le Farçon
(+33 (0)4 79 08 80 34)This restaurant in La Tania has one Michelin star, which may be low by Courchevel standards but is still high enough to guarantee an unforgettable meal. The nine-course tasting menu is excellent.
Le Farçon, La Tania, Courchevel
La Crêperie du Moulin
(+33 (0)4 79 08 10 90)This informal and friendly restaurant is great for crêpes and Breton pancakes in the afternoon and fondue and Savoyard reclettes in the evening.
La Creperie du Moulin, Place du Tremplin, Courchevel 1850
Le Genépi
(+33 (0)4 79 08 08 63)The only thing this restaurant lacks is a terrace but it’s a firm favourite serving excellent, classic French food in traditional surroundings.
Le Genépi, Rue Park City, Courchevel 1850