COURCHEVEL, FRANCE
Courchevel might evoke memories of Victoria Beckham and her all-in-one Chanel ski suit in the mid-noughties, but it’s even cooler – and more impressive – than that. The buildings are all arched pine roofs, twinkling with fairy lights and Alpine charm, and the ski routes are varied and vast, ranging from long and gentle to steep and fast, each one bedazzled with views of frosted peaks shimmering under bright blue skies.
Courchevel is the sort of place both beginners and experts can enjoy. It’s flecked with lodges selling hot Negronis, chilled rosé and bowls of golden frites. It features black runs furious enough for even the most daring thrill-seekers, and greens and blues that are just adventurous enough for newbies. Ski in, ski out hotels add to the allure – Barrière Les Neiges, a five-star, chalet-style house at the start of an incline to a green run, is the last word in cosseted snowy luxury. It offers two restaurants, a sprawling spa and indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow, and a comfortingly plush boot room staffed with incredibly encouraging people who would hand-hold you out of it and on to the slopes if required. Soft leather and plush faux-fur duvets as thick as the snow outside make coming back to the hotel after a day of skiing as much of a treat as the skiing itself. The hotel’s quiet assurance, and stellar breakfast buffet, might even help you step out of your comfort zone on the slopes. If you need some lessons to polish up your turns, try Paul, the excellent instructor and director of The Snow School. For the less experienced, take a private lesson in the morning, stopping for chips and cheese and apple tart at lunch, then ski off with your group in the afternoon. But leave a lot of time for warming up in the hotel’s steam room, a massage and a nap. A lavish dinner. Bed. Repeat. This is the joy of Barrière Les Neiges, of the whole resort of Courchevel. It’s as smooth and polished as the freshly ploughed snow.
TRIP NOTES HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LES NEIGES double rooms from £1,524 a night. hotelsbarriere.com THE SNOW SCHOOL private lessons from £150 for two hours. thesnowschool.co.uk