First Time in 1850
A week to learn the geography, the rhythm and the rituals. This is the order most repeat visitors wish they had followed on their first trip.
The first-week sequence
Day 1 · Get your bearings
Take the Verdons gondola up, ski back down twice on blue runs. Lunch on Le Cap Horn's south-facing terrace. Walk the Croisette in the afternoon.
Day 2 · Saulire summit
First gondola at 8:30 to Saulire — the 2,738 m panoramic view. Ski to Méribel for lunch, return via the Saulire Express.
Day 3 · The Trois Vallées
Cross to Val Thorens via Méribel. Lunch at La Folie Douce or La Bouitte. A full day's adventure — leave early.
Day 4 · Lesson + local lunch
Half-day private lesson to unlock technique. Lunch at Le Chalet de Pierres or Bistrot du Praz.
Day 5 · Off-day
Spa morning, Michelin lunch, boutique afternoon. Recover for the second half of the trip.
Day 6 · The signature experience
Pick one: heli-ski to the Italian glaciers, ice-driving with Porsche pilots, or snowshoe gastronomy at dusk.
Day 7 · Send-off
Easy morning on familiar pistes. Long lunch at Le 1947, La Saulire or Baumanière. Late checkout if you can negotiate it.
Frequently asked
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Yes — Michelin tables 6–12 weeks ahead for high season. On-mountain restaurants 1–2 weeks in February.
Is Courchevel suitable for beginners?
Excellent. The Pralong, Verdons and Bellecôte nursery slopes are wide, gentle and central. Beginners ski back to the village from day one.