When the Richardson family rang me last February, they had a problem I hear constantly. Three generations, one milestone birthday, a budget that could stretch to proper luxury – and absolutely no idea whether to book a chalet or an apartment. Or which of Courchevel’s villages made sense for grandparents who needed ground-floor access and teenagers who wanted independence.
That conversation reminded me why I find this work genuinely interesting. Courchevel accommodation ranges from around €2,250 to €30,500 per week. Properties span 35 to 170 square metres. The gap between marketing promises and reality? Massive. And the difference between the right choice and a regrettable one often comes down to questions nobody thinks to ask.
Courchevel luxury rental essentials in 30 seconds:
- Weekly prices genuinely range from €2,250 (entry luxury) to €30,500+ (ultra-premium)
- Courchevel 1850 is prestigious but Moriond (1650) often delivers better family value
- February half-term 2026 runs 14-22 February – book 12 months ahead or expect slim pickings
- Ski-in ski-out claims vary wildly in accuracy – always ask for exact lift distance in metres
- Chalet-apartments frequently offer the best compromise for families
What you’ll find in this guide
What genuine luxury looks like in Courchevel
Luxury means different things to different clients. What I have learned from walking through dozens of properties is that the gap between “marketed as luxury” and “genuinely delivers” can be striking. Some €4,000-per-week apartments outperform chalets at twice the price. Others disappoint the moment you step inside.
6 villages
spread across Courchevel’s mountainside, from Saint Bon at 1,100m to the main resort at 1,850m
According to official Courchevel tourism information, the villages have actually been renamed. Courchevel 1850 is now simply “Courchevel”. Courchevel 1650 became “Courchevel Moriond”. Courchevel 1550 is “Courchevel Village”. Marketing teams still use the old altitude-based names because clients recognise them – but the resort itself has moved on.
The genuine markers of luxury? According to industry standards from luxury chalet specialists, five-star properties typically feature ski-in ski-out access, private pools or hot tubs, spa facilities, professional chef service, and daily housekeeping. Cinema rooms and private gyms appear at the premium end. If a property claims luxury status without at least three of these elements, I would question what you are actually paying for.
Genuine ski-in ski-out check: One issue that crops up regularly – clients book a property advertised as ski-in ski-out, only to discover it requires a shuttle or significant walk in ski boots. Properties in Moriond or La Tania marketed this way often have caveats. Always ask for the exact distance to the nearest lift in metres, not marketing speak.
Chalet versus apartment: the honest comparison
This is the question I get asked most frequently. And honestly, the answer has changed over the years as residence standards have improved dramatically. The distinction is not as clear-cut as it once was.
Chalet, apartment or chalet-apartment: which suits your group?
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If privacy is essential and budget is flexible:
Standalone chalet. You control the entire property, set your own rhythms, and avoid shared spaces entirely. Worth the premium for groups who value exclusivity.
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If you have teenagers and want amenities on-site:
Residence apartment. Teens get independence, you get a spa downstairs, and shared facilities mean less compromise on location budget.
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If you want space plus some independence:
Chalet-apartment. Private entrance, chalet feel, but within a smaller building. Often the sweet spot for families of four to eight.
Standalone chalets: when privacy justifies the premium
A proper standalone chalet gives you something an apartment cannot: complete control over your environment. No shared corridors. No timing breakfast around other guests. No waiting for the sauna.
The tradeoff? Cost and location. True ski-in ski-out standalone chalets in Courchevel proper command serious premiums – we are talking the upper end of that €30,500 range. Many standalone properties sit slightly off-piste, requiring a short walk or driver.
Residence apartments: the underrated luxury option
Soyons clairs – modern luxury residences in Courchevel have raised their game considerably. Some offer concierge, spa, pool, ski room, and boot warming services that match or exceed what many chalets provide. The difference is you share these facilities with other guests.
For families with teenagers, this can actually be an advantage. Independence for the kids. Amenities for the parents. And typically better slope-side locations because residences occupy prime real estate that standalone chalets cannot access.
Chalet-apartments: the middle ground that often wins
This category confuses some clients. A chalet-apartment typically means a large apartment within a small building – maybe two to four units total. You get private entrance, chalet proportions (often 100m² plus), but within a managed structure.
For exploring reasons to book mountain vacation homes generally, the chalet-apartment format hits a practical sweet spot. Space of a chalet. Convenience of apartment management. Usually better value than equivalent standalone properties.
| Factor | Standalone Chalet | Residence Apartment | Chalet-Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy level | Complete | Shared common areas | Private unit, minimal sharing |
| Typical weekly cost | €8,000-30,500+ | €2,250-12,000 | €4,500-18,000 |
| Ski-in ski-out likelihood | Variable – check carefully | Often excellent | Depends on building location |
| Best suited for | Groups wanting exclusivity | Families with active teenagers | Couples or smaller families |
Choosing your Courchevel village: 1850 is not the only answer
I need to be direct here. Many clients assume Courchevel proper (the old 1850) is the obvious choice. It has the prestige, the high-end boutiques, the Michelin restaurants. But for families? I frequently recommend looking elsewhere first.
Courchevel Moriond (the old 1650) sits on a high plateau with exceptional mountain views and sunny slopes, according to Three Valleys ski domain information. Extended gondola hours now run between villages from 7:45am to 11:30pm, making inter-village movement seamless. And the Aquamotion wellness centre – situated between Village 1550 and Moriond – offers a 25-metre swimming pool, indoor and outdoor lagoons at 32°C, and a 110-metre rapid river slide that teenagers actually enjoy.
The Richardson family I mentioned earlier? I matched them with a Courchevel Moriond apartment with lift access for the grandparents and easy walking distance to Aquamotion. They paid roughly 40% less than equivalent quality in the main resort. The teenagers were delighted by the independence; the grandparents appreciated the flatter village layout.
My recommendation for first-time Courchevel visitors: Start your search in Moriond. If nothing suits, then explore the main resort. The quality differential has narrowed significantly, while the price gap remains substantial. Properties listed through specialists like Altitude Courchevel cover all villages, making comparison straightforward.
Your questions about Courchevel luxury rentals
These are the questions I answer most frequently. If yours is not here, the answer is probably “it depends” – which is why personal guidance matters for bookings at this level.
Your questions about Courchevel luxury rentals
How far in advance should I book a luxury Courchevel property?
For February half-term – which runs 14-22 February 2026 according to February 2026 half-term booking data – serious luxury properties require 12 months advance booking. Christmas and New Year need 6-8 months. January or late March? You might find options 3-4 months out. Genuine last-minute deals on premium properties are rare; what appears last-minute is usually properties that did not book for a reason.
What does ski-in ski-out actually mean in Courchevel?
Honestly, definitions vary wildly. Some properties claiming ski-in ski-out require a 200-metre walk in boots, or face a tricky traverse. Others deliver genuine door-to-piste access. My recommendation: ask for the exact distance in metres to the nearest chairlift or gondola. Anything over 100 metres deserves scrutiny.
Is Courchevel 1850 worth the extra cost over Moriond?
For prestige, Michelin dining, and luxury shopping – yes. For families focused on skiing and value – often not. Extended gondola links mean you can ski the same slopes from any village. The main resort suits couples wanting evening atmosphere; Moriond suits families wanting space and savings.
What is typically included in Courchevel rental prices?
This varies enormously. Always clarify: weekly cleaning, linen changes, end-of-stay cleaning, tourist tax, heating, and any resort charges. Some luxury properties include concierge and airport transfers; others charge separately. Never assume – request an all-inclusive breakdown before booking.
Can I book just 3-4 nights or is it weekly only?
Peak season (Christmas, half-term) typically requires Saturday-to-Saturday weekly booking. Outside peak weeks, many properties offer flexible stays of 3-7 nights – worth asking. If you are considering chalet rentals in the mountains with friends for a shorter trip, shoulder season flexibility improves considerably.
Your next step
The search for the right Courchevel property often takes longer than people expect – not because options are limited, but because the differences between properties genuinely matter at this price point. A week in the wrong location or property type is a week you cannot get back.
Before you start enquiring
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Define your non-negotiables: ski-in ski-out, ground-floor access, hot tub, specific village?
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Set your realistic budget including extras – add 15-20% to base price for incidentals
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Book peak weeks now if targeting February 2026 – waiting reduces options dramatically
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Request exact lift distances in metres – never accept marketing descriptions at face value
Choosing between Courchevel villages and property types is not about finding the objectively best option. It is about finding the right fit for your particular group, your particular week, and your particular priorities. Get that match right, and the premium you pay for genuine luxury delivers memories that justify every euro.