©Courchevel Tourisme / Patrick Pachod

Courchevel is where the stars and those select few in the know get together. The resort is truly the envy of its neighbours, featuring old-world log chalets, a superb ski area, endless opportunities to recharge, and of course an altiport that is a permanent link to the rest of Europe including Italy, where you can go heliskiing. By Alexandra Chassin 

Courchevel is the new Eldorado of jetsetters and snow sports enthusiasts. It’s the ultimate winter resort, and this is no idle boast: Courchevel is linked to the expansive Three Valleys ski area, featuring 600km of beautifully snowy ski runs. Over a 60 year period, the resort has carved out an exclusive reputation for itself and has become a resort like no other, where every slate-roofed chalet and every Alpine palace-residence features direct access to the slopes. At Courchevel, excellence is manifest at every turn, including the opportunity to shop the most exclusive names in the world.  

Luxury, designer chic and exquisite pleasure 

Where lesser resorts have tended to plump for Savoie-style opulence, this ultimate winter resort features designer interiors and a contemporary look. Courchevel has been revamped as an exclusive winter break destination, featuring well known names such as the Cheval Blanc, the Lana, the Saint Roch and the brand new Strato, whose vibrant colour schemes and designer furniture really bring out the blonde wood and the iconic Rossignol ski brand. Courchevel is playing its reputational hand well and will feature twelve 5 star palace residencies this winter, with this many 4 star hotels as well. Fans of gourmet cuisine will not be disappointed either – the resort features a top-flight range of award-winning Chefs including Pierre Gagnaire at the Airelles, Guy Martin at the Lana, Michel Rochedy at the Chabichou and Yannick Alléno at the Cheval Blanc.  

Departure point for heliski activities 

The real draw of course is the fact that Courchevel features the only alitport at altitude that is kept snow-free all winter. The Pure Ski Company offers an ultra VIP service for those interested in the ultimate free ski nirvana where you have the chance to glide through pure virgin powder snow. After a quick telephone call, a twin engine EC135 Eurocopter will pick you up from Courchevel and take you to Sestriere in Italy, the side of the Alps where heliskiing is permitted. You will be taken to the summit at an altitude of over 3000m where ski guides who specialise in off-piste skiing will take you down the mountainside on a thrilling ride, negotiationg a stunning variety of chutes, corridors, combes and snowy forest terrain. You get to ski almost completely alone, safely, and without hindrance. Truly the last word in mountain luxury!