anyone here been to courchevel skiing?

[slugger]

i'm in the middle of pricing up our ski holiday for next season and have a good offer on the table for going to Courchevel - a resort that i had previously assumed we wouldn't be able to afford going to.

Any skiers, or more importantly, families with young kids, here been there and what's your view of the place?

 

[medwayjon]

Someone in my wifes family owns a property out there.

They take kids ranging from 4 upto 12 with them and go back all the time so it cant be that bad.

 

[haplesshacker]

I've not been to Courcheval skiing. But Livigno in Italy has masses of lower slopes which are ideal for youngsters and starters. The upper slopes have some easier runs back down to the village, and they do literally finish in the village. So great for tired little'uns. Another bonus is that Livigno has tax free status, so is great for shopping.

The only downside is the 5 hour transfer time! But the coach does have a halfway stop for food etc, and the time soon goes. The scenery around the lakes on the journey is also stunning.

I wouldn't recommend Courmeyer though. They only have one training slope, which would get a bit dull, and the slopes are a cable car ride away from the village. So once you're up there, you're there for the day.

Sorry about not helping with your initial question, but I'd thought I'd share my thoughts.

 

[Adrena1in]

I've not been to Courcheval skiing. But Livigno in Italy has masses of lower slopes which are ideal for youngsters and starters.

Oh god, I wish you hadn't said that...I've been wanting to go boarding again for ages, and though I've not been to many ski resorts, Livigno was absolutely brilliant. What's the name of the bar/hotel at the very bottom of the ski school slopes? Stayed there the second time...best ski holiday I've ever had.

I'm going to start looking to book something...

 

[Macster]

I've Skied for many many years, but strangely haven't ever been to Courchevel/meribel as yet. However, as I'm in the travel trade, I know plenty of people who have....

One of THE best areas to ski in the world, and I'm certain has fantastic facilities for kids/families etc.
Downsides ? - well, its France, and they aren't the best for English speaking instruction in my experience, but I may be wrong.
The main potential downside for anyone going to Courchevel/Meribel is Cost, it can be painfully expensive, and I mean painfully. I've heard friends complain about 8Euro Coffee's before now, not to mention everything else.
Maybe if you stay in 1650 it may be better, but stop in 1850 and you'll possibly need DEEP pockets.

 

[sev112]

been there a number of times; the key is when are you planning on going.

Up to Mid Jan and you wont do too bad. Anything after that and it will start getting VERY Busy until about Mid-March.
Mid-March is warm and sunny; but then the snowline marches up eth mountain and you will be skiing back into resort (especially if you are at teh lower villages) in slush from lunchtime onwards.

There is some fantastic skiing there, and you can get away from teh crowds if you are confident intermediates and you are in a small group. Families don't generally fit into that unfortunately; and also unfortunately if you have a small family you really want to be skiing somewhere quieter, where yoru kids wont be at risk from the incerasingly preponderant speed merchants who seem to be injuring a lot of people these past few years.

We have been to Austria the past 4 years and had a fantastic time - much quiter, better food, and slightly chpeare than France.
I also went to Valmeinier in eth Maurienne Valley thsi year(next Valley over from the 3 valleys). MUCH MUCH quieter and beautiful runs that were never busy. (the reason it is much quieter is that the Parisiens think it is a bit "cheap".)


We are waiting this year instead of booking early; apparently many of teh independent chalets are having a really tough time with the recession and the poor Euro/£ comparison. There is a drop off in people expecting to travel, and the inside view is that there will be LOADS of cheap deals next year. When i was booking for a group of guys for March April 2010, i had so many really good offers from chalets, so i also think next year will be even fuller of bargains the closer it gets. Flights might be a different matter however

 

[slugger]

well, we're all booked up. Going on March 20th and staying in courchevel 1850. Half board though so all we really need is a packed lunch each day, or we can ski down to 1650 for some cheaper crepes or pizza - have done a bit of research, and cheap(er) food is available as long as you're prepared to look for it.

Having looked at the snow records as well, it seems the resort gets most of its snow in March (for the past 5 years) so i'm not too worried about skiing back to the hotel in slush!!!