Ultima Hotel Courchevel

Worth getting out of bed for

Like bring first in line for the ski lifts? Ultima understands the need for efficiency. Your ski pass, ski rental and ski instructor (if you want one) will all be arranged when you arrive at your residence, leaving you free as a bird on your first morning. You’ll have plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast, spa session or dip in the pools without cutting into valuable slope time. On your return, book in for an après ski massage or a Swiss Perfection skin treatment, the ultimate antidote to mountain-stressed skin.

Beyond the hotel, the greatest attraction is of course Les 3 Vallees, the world’s largest ski area. A single pass gives you access to 600km of runs spread between seven ski resorts. If you don’t plan to stray far (or prefer to spend your afternoons on the terrace of an après bar), you’ll be pleased to hear that Ultima is on the side of the valley that's home to Courchevel’s sunniest slopes. For all activities beyond skiing, the concierge should be your first port of call. They’ll create a bespoke itinereary that can include hot-air-balloon flights, paragliding, husky sledding and wine tastings. They can even arrange for a helicopter to fly you to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy or Switzerland, returning home in time for sundowners.

Local restaurants

Slopeside favourite Bagatelle brings the Cote d'Azur to the Alps, serving French Mediterranean cuisine against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The dining room has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the terrasse has a lively atmosphere on sunny days. Start with a sharing platter of king crab legs, follow with the sea urchin and truffle linguine or the Black Angus tenderloin. For àpres snacks or a casual dinner, try Bistro Le C in Moriond (Courchevel 1650). One of the more reasonably-priced spots in town (by Courchevel standards, anyway), this laid-back bistro turns out excellent meat dishes like stuffed hare with foie gras, red wine jus, sweet potato gnocchi and grated chestnuts. For show stopping fine-dining, you can do no better than Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, Courchevel's only restaurant carrying three Michelin stars. The hotel looks fairly traditional from the outside, but the restaurant, named for the maison’s most famous vintage, is anything but. The dining room – a space-age vision of smooth curves and monochromatic furniture – wouldn't look out of place in a Stanley Kubrick film. It’s all intentional, of course, as this is dining at its theatrical best. Book well in advance.

Local bars

Le 8611, the cocktail bar at Le K2 Palace, is a cosy den with mountain views, live music and a top-drawer mixologist at the helm. If you’re partial to a cigar, check out Le K2’s smoking lounge, which has a humidor filled with fine tobacco and an open cellar stocked with top-shelf whisky, cognac and rum.