The Hendersons called me last February, completely stuck. Family of six from London, budget around £5,000, and they’d spent three evenings scrolling through property listings without getting anywhere. Sound familiar? With over 111 properties ranging from €2,250 to €13,800 per week across six different Courchevel villages, analysis paralysis hits hard. Here’s what actually helps you cut through the noise.
Your Courchevel Rental Essentials in 30 Seconds
- Weekly rentals run €2,250 to €13,800 depending on location, size, and ski-in access
- Moriond (1650) typically delivers better value than 1850 for families
- Book March-May for best selection, September-October for competitive rates
- “Close to centre” often doesn’t mean “close to slopes” — verify piste access specifically
What Actually Matters When Choosing Your Courchevel Rental
The mistake I see constantly? Guests booking based on stunning photos without checking one critical detail: actual slope proximity. “Close to centre” in Courchevel marketing speak frequently means a 20-minute uphill walk to the nearest lift. One family I assisted last season chose a beautiful apartment for its price, only to face that reality every single morning. Their teenagers were not impressed.
Before diving into listings, get clear on three decisions. First: which of the six Courchevel villages suits your travel style. Second: apartment or chalet. Third: must-have amenities versus nice-to-haves. According to Les 3 Vallées official resort information, Courchevel comprises six distinct villages spread up the mountainside, each with its own personality — and price tag. Once you’ve navigated these, browsing properties through agencies like Altitude Courchevel becomes far less overwhelming.
Which Courchevel Suits Your Style?
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Prestige and fine dining are priorities:
Courchevel 1850. Seven Michelin-starred chefs work here. Expect to pay accordingly.
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Family with teenagers, value matters:
Moriond (1650). More relaxed atmosphere, easier on the budget, same lift system.
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Authentic Alpine feel, flexible on location:
Le Praz or Courchevel Village. Traditional charm, local restaurants, lower prices.
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First time, genuinely unsure:
Start with Moriond. It’s the balanced middle ground without the 1850 premium.
Which Courchevel Area Fits Your Ski Holiday Style
I remember the Hendersons I mentioned earlier. Initially fixated on a 1850 address for the prestige. Problem was, their budget stretched to smaller properties than their family of six actually needed. We ended up looking at Moriond instead — and found a spacious penthouse with mountain views that gave them proper space to spread out. Sometimes stepping down one altitude level unlocks the best value.
Here’s what separates the villages beyond just altitude numbers. As Alpine Fleet‘s resort guide notes, Moriond has a more relaxed family atmosphere while 1850 boasts exclusivity and luxury. Free shuttle buses connect everything, so you’re never stuck.
| Area | Vibe | Best For | Slope Access | Price Level | Hidden Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | Exclusive, glamorous | Luxury seekers, fine dining fans | Excellent | €€€€ | New Chenus gondola (2025) doubles capacity |
| Moriond (1650) | Relaxed, family-friendly | Families, value seekers | Very good | €€-€€€ | Often 30-40% cheaper than 1850 equivalents |
| Le Praz / Village | Traditional, authentic | Character-seekers, budget-conscious | Good (short bus/walk) | €-€€ | Genuine Savoyard village feel, local restaurants |
Courchevel 1850: The Prestige Address
Frankly, 1850 delivers if you want the full luxury experience. Seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Designer boutiques. The new Chenus gondola opening for the 2025/2026 season — according to Les 3 Vallées’ winter developments update — brings 10-seater cabins doubling capacity to 2,400 skiers per hour. The ski-in/ski-out properties here genuinely live up to the promise.
Honest warning though. If your main goal is maximum time on snow rather than evenings at Chabichou, 1850’s premium feels steep. The skiing itself is identical whether you’re staying at 1850 or Moriond — same lift pass, same 600km of Les Trois Vallées terrain.
Moriond (1650): The Family Sweet Spot
This is where I direct most families with teenagers. More relaxed atmosphere. Properties typically run 30-40% cheaper than 1850 equivalents for similar specs. The lift system connects everything seamlessly, so you’re not missing out on terrain — just the prestige postcode.
Sophie and Marc, a Belgian couple I advised last February, had their hearts set on a romantic chalet near 1850. Hot tub, fireplace, genuine ski-in access, under €5,000 a week. Their first two choices were already booked. We compromised — found the perfect property in Courchevel Village instead, slightly longer lift access but saved them around €1,500. Sometimes flexibility on exact location pays off significantly.
Le Praz and Village: Authentic Alpine Living
What the brochures don’t tell you: Le Praz hosted the 1992 Olympic ski jumping. It retains genuine village character that 1850 traded away decades ago. Local restaurants where Savoyard families actually eat. Traditional chalets that haven’t been renovated into minimalist boxes.
The trade-off is slightly less immediate slope access. You’ll use the free shuttle or walk 10 minutes. For some guests, that’s a dealbreaker. For others looking for authenticity over convenience, it’s the whole point. If you’re considering booking timing, I’ve covered useful tips to book a ski vacation rental that apply here.
Apartment or Chalet: Making the Right Call
A guest I helped last season — couple with two kids — initially wanted a traditional chalet. Fireplace photos, private hot tub, the whole Alpine dream. Reality check: chalets sleeping four start around €4,000-5,000 per week in decent locations. A well-appointed apartment in the same area? Often half that, with pool and spa access in the residence.
The decision comes down to group dynamics and priorities. Neither is objectively better.
Apartment vs Chalet: The Real Trade-offs
Apartment Advantages
- Lower price point for equivalent bedrooms
- Shared facilities (pool, gym, spa) often included
- Central locations with ski locker rooms
Chalet Advantages
- Complete privacy, no shared spaces
- Private hot tub, fireplace, terrace
- Better for larger groups (8+ guests)
My honest take: for couples or small families, apartments deliver better value. For groups of six or more who’ll spend evenings together, chalets justify the premium. The worst choice is booking a cramped apartment when you really need chalet space — or paying chalet prices for two people who’ll rarely use the extra rooms.
Your Questions About Courchevel Rentals
These come up constantly. Worth addressing directly before you commit.
Is Courchevel 1850 really worth the premium over Moriond?
Depends what you’re buying. For skiing? No — the terrain is identical. For après-ski, dining, and luxury shopping? Yes. According to Powder Magazine’s comprehensive resort analysis, peak season lift tickets cost €81 per day regardless of which village you’re staying in. The price difference is lifestyle, not access.
What does ‘ski-in/ski-out’ actually mean in practice?
True ski-in/ski-out means you can clip into skis at your door and reach a piste within 50 metres. Many properties claiming this require a 5-10 minute walk first. Always ask specifically: “How far in metres to the nearest lift or marked piste?” Photos rarely clarify this.
When should I book to get the best selection?
March-May for next season offers widest choice. September-October brings competitive rates before peak booking pressure. December-January means limited availability and premium pricing. The 2025/2026 season runs 6 December to 17 April according to official resort dates.
Do I need a car if I’m staying in Courchevel?
Not at all. Free shuttle buses run between all villages. The journey from Geneva Airport takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes via transfer service. Once you’re in resort, a car becomes more hassle than help — parking is limited and expensive.
What hidden costs should I expect beyond the rental price?
Budget for taxe de séjour (tourist tax, typically €1-4 per person per night), end-of-stay cleaning (often €80-200), and security deposits (refundable, but commonly €500-2,000 held on card). Ski passes add up quickly for families — factor roughly €80-90 per adult per day during peak weeks.
Your Next Move
Picking your Courchevel rental doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Decide on village first — be honest about whether 1850’s prestige matters enough to justify the cost. Settle the apartment-versus-chalet question based on group size and social style. Then, and only then, start browsing specific properties.
Once you’ve secured your accommodation, the practical preparation begins. I’ve put together tips for your ski vacation preparation covering everything from transfer bookings to packing essentials. Rather than feeling done, consider: have you confirmed exactly how far your chosen property sits from the nearest lift?