Courchevel Rental Essentials in 60 Seconds
- Four villages, one resort: 1850 (luxury), Moriond (sweet spot), Village and Le Praz (families)
- Weekly prices: €2,250 for a studio up to €13,800+ for a 10-person chalet
- Book 3 months ahead for peak weeks—or pay the premium
- 90% of properties offer ski-in ski-out access according to Courchevel Tourism
- Moriond saves roughly 30-40% versus 1850 for similar properties
What You Actually Need to Know Before Booking Courchevel
Forget the prestige for a moment. Courchevel sits at the heart of Les Trois Vallées, which according to Wikipedia’s resort statistics offers approximately 600 kilometres of ski slopes connected by 183 lifts. That’s more terrain than most skiers cover in a lifetime. The resort itself splits into four distinct villages, each with its own character and price tag.
Here’s what the glossy brochures skip: not every 1850 property means skiing from your doorstep. I’ve seen families book central 1850 apartments expecting immediate slope access, only to discover they need a morning shuttle. The honest truth? Village choice trumps everything else.
Practical point: Official data from Les 3 Vallées confirms 85% of the ski area sits above 1,800 metres. Snow reliability isn’t the issue. Finding a property that matches your group—that’s where people struggle.
The Four Villages: Which Courchevel Suits You?
Which Courchevel Village Fits You?
- Budget is your priority:
Head to Moriond (1650) or Courchevel Village. You’ll save 30-40% compared to 1850 for similar space and quality.
- Luxury and prestige matter:
Courchevel 1850 delivers the address and the après-ski scene—but expect prices to match.
- Travelling with children:
Village (1550) or Le Praz offer quieter slopes, gentler terrain, and calmer evenings.
- Group trip or celebration:
Moriond balances lively nightlife with reasonable chalet prices—perfect for birthdays or reunions.
When exploring Courchevel vacation rentals, you’ll notice each village attracts a different crowd. Let me break down what that means for your holiday.
1850: The Prestige Address (And When It’s Worth It)
This is the Courchevel everyone pictures. Designer boutiques, Michelin restaurants, chalets with private chefs. Prices start around €4,500 per week for a small apartment and climb steeply from there.
Worth knowing: Some 1850 properties sit a 10-minute walk from lifts. I helped a group discover this the hard way last season. Check exact lift proximity before booking—don’t assume the postcode guarantees ski-in access.
When is 1850 genuinely worth it? Corporate groups entertaining clients. Couples celebrating anniversaries. Families who specifically want the champagne-bar atmosphere. For everyone else, the premium rarely justifies itself.
Moriond 1650: The Sweet Spot for Most Visitors
If I’m honest, this is where I point most groups. Moriond offers excellent ski access, lively bars and restaurants, and prices that make sense. A 6-person apartment runs around €4,550 per week—roughly a third less than equivalent 1850 options.
I remember advising Tom, a London lawyer planning his 40th birthday trip with 12 friends. He wanted the 1850 prestige. But his group included beginners. After one chalet fell through (already booked) and another had plumbing issues disclosed late, we found a Moriond property that worked brilliantly. Less prestigious address. Better ski access for mixed abilities. Nobody cared about the postcode after the first day.
Village and Le Praz: Family-Friendly and Authentic
The Hendersons—a British family of six I advised in 2023—originally wanted 1850. Budget stretched, stress mounting. I suggested Courchevel Village instead. Quieter slopes for their children, gentler pistes, 40% savings on accommodation. They’ve been back twice since.
Le Praz adds something extra: authenticity. This traditional village hosted the 1992 Olympic ski jumping. You’ll find local bakeries, proper restaurants, genuine French atmosphere. Less polish, more character.
| Village | Price Level | Ski Access | Après-ski | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | Premium (€€€€) | Excellent | Champagne bars | Luxury seekers |
| Moriond (1650) | Mid-range (€€€) | Very good | Lively pubs | Groups, value-hunters |
| Village (1550) | Affordable (€€) | Good | Quiet | Families |
| Le Praz (1300) | Affordable (€€) | Gondola access | Authentic | Traditionalists |
Apartments vs Chalets: The Real Differences Beyond Size
Size is obvious. A chalet fits more people. But the real differences run deeper, and they’re worth understanding before you commit.
Apartments suit couples and small families who plan to spend most time on slopes. You get what you need: beds, kitchen, maybe a balcony. Booking is simpler, check-in is faster, expectations are clearer. There are many compelling reasons to book a vacation home in the mountains, and apartments deliver the essentials without complexity.
Chalets offer something else entirely. Privacy. Character. That fireplace you’ll actually use. The trade-off? Higher prices, earlier booking requirements, and occasionally quirky layouts. Some older chalets have bedrooms across multiple floors, which doesn’t suit everyone.
Chalet Advantages
- Complete privacy for your group
- Traditional character (fireplaces, wooden beams)
- Often includes hot tub or sauna
Apartment Advantages
- Lower weekly cost (from €2,250)
- Easier last-minute availability
- Central locations near lifts and shops
Your Questions About Courchevel Rentals
When should I book for the best availability?
According to booking timing recommendations from Courchevel specialists, reserving at least 3 months ahead can save up to 50% off peak prices. For February half-term, I’d suggest booking by September. January bookings are increasingly competitive—book by October at the latest.
Is Courchevel genuinely affordable for a normal family?
Yes—if you choose the right village. Courchevel Village and Le Praz offer weekly apartments from around €2,250. That’s comparable to mainstream Austrian resorts, with access to 600km of skiing. The prestige image doesn’t reflect the full picture.
Do I need a car in Courchevel?
Rarely. Free shuttle buses connect all villages throughout the day. Most visitors park upon arrival and don’t touch their car until departure. The exception: Le Praz residents occasionally appreciate evening flexibility, though the gondola runs until late.
Which village has the best ski access?
Moriond and 1850 both offer excellent direct lift access from most properties. Village connects via short shuttle or walk. Le Praz requires a gondola ride—beautiful scenery, but factor in the extra few minutes.
Choosing a Courchevel rental comes down to honest self-assessment. What matters to your group: prestige or value? Nightlife or family calm? Immediate slopes or authentic village atmosphere?
For those planning a group celebration or ski trip with friends, exploring chalet rentals in the mountains offers the space and privacy that apartments simply cannot match.
Your Next Steps
- Decide your village using the decision tree above
- Set your budget (realistic range: €2,250-€9,550/week for most groups)
- Book at least 3 months ahead for peak weeks
Still unsure? Think about your group, not the postcode. That’s the advice I give everyone.