The Three Valleys, (even though there are now four valleys to ski), is arguably one of France's most exclusive resorts. Its is easily accessible and forms the worldÃs largest truly inter-connected ski area.
Courchevel would appear in the top ten selection of resorts for the most dedicated skier. Notable regulars include Jean Michel Jarre, Roman Polanski, Damon Hill, Eddie Jordan and Claudia Schiffer, not to mention the Danish and Spanish Royal families. No doubt they enjoy being gawped at whilst trying to enjoy a quiet meal.
The resort is made up of four different base stations, all self-contained villages known by their altitudes, apart from 1300 which still insists on calling itself Le Praz.
The best known is 1850 where chic Parisians swathed in fur clutch poodles and try to ignore the C&A clad English holiday makers.
Whilst there a ride in the impressive Saulier cable car is not to be missed. Its motto should be, 'There is always room for a few more', and it is here that you can experience your neighbours bad breath and body odour from closer quarters than you might actually prefer. You may feel that were you any closer you would feel obliged to marry said neighbour. Finally you get the opportunity to walk on air as you emerge at the top, carried out on the tide of skiers. All said and done its pretty similar to rush hour on the London Underground.
The town has its very own charter ensuring that hotels, restaurants, shops and staff provide an arrogant service to all xenophobic English tourists believing that foreign diplomacy means talking very s-l-o-w-l-y a-n-d c-l-e-a-r-l-y.
