Smith tip
Courchevel is famously popular with Russians so New Year here has some unusual elements to it. Russian tradition says tthat his is when Ded Moroz, or Father Frost, and his grand-daughter Snegurochka the snow girl pay a visit. Father Frost certainly isn’t Father Christmas; he wears blue and can freeze anyone who’s been naughty, so behave yourselves! Children sing songs or recite a poem before receiving gifts hidden underneath a decorated pine tree.
Chalet Chamois
Courchevel, France[view map]
Slope off for lunch
The terrace at Les Chenus, at the top of the Chenus bubble, is high altitude without the astronomically high prices of some of the other slope-side restaurants. Reservations: +33 (0)4 79 08 06 84.Activities
Courchevel’s vast ski area and its high altitude ensure some of the best skiing in the Alps, suitable for all levels of ability. If the snow is good then you can ski all the way from Saulire to St Bon – a drop of 1,600 metres. Serious skiers will love the black Les Suisses run. Try to ski the black runs at the beginning of the week as they become crowded towards the weekend as people build up courage. Courchevel also has good conditions for snowboarders and you can arrange heli-skiing trips over the border to Italy. You can also enjoy skidoos, hot-air ballooning, parapenting, ice-skating, tobogganing and snow shoeing. The adventurous can take a transfer to nearby La Plagne to shoot the bobsleigh run, while the unhinged can head to Tignes to try some ice-diving. Contact Whitetracks on +33 (0)686 12 34 17, www.whitetracks.co.uk.
Ski services
The chalet can organise ski equipment and lift passes at your convenience. Courchevel has a fantastic hands-free lift pass system. Guests are entitled to a 20 per cent discount at Gilbert Sports +33 (0)4 79 08 16 46. The chalet can also arrange ski lessons and the services of hand-picked guides who can help you get the most out of the 200 ski lifts and 330 ski runs.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 pair 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 spectacular 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 a mere one Michelin star – oh dear. The nine-course tasting menu is excellent.
Le Farçon, La Tania, Courchevel