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CourchevelEighteen Fifty
CourchevelEighteen Fifty
Editorial · Honest

Sustainability in 1850

The serious progress, the convenient marketing, and the choices a guest can actually make.

We try to be honest about a luxury ski resort in a warming climate. Some things are genuinely changing; others are not. Here is the editorial team's read.

What's actually changing

  • Building moratorium

    Since 2023

    Courchevel has frozen new chalet construction above 1,800 m. Renovation of existing buildings is permitted; greenfield development is not. Significant for a resort where land speculation drove a building boom.

  • Snowmaking with stored summer water

    70% of pistes

    Snow cannons now run primarily on water captured in summer reservoirs (Plan du Vah, Biolley) rather than diverted from rivers in winter. Energy still comes from the French grid (~70% nuclear).

  • Lift fleet electrification

    All gondolas electric

    Every gondola and chairlift in 1850 runs on grid electricity. The diesel piste-bashers are being phased to hybrid models — first hybrid Prinoth arrived 2024.

  • Flagship eco-certified hotels

    Cheval Blanc · L'Apogée · K2

    Cheval Blanc holds the Green Globe certification; L'Apogée and K2 Palace operate to similar standards on linen reuse, food waste and local sourcing. Most other 5★ properties have committed but not certified.

  • Local food sourcing

    Beaufort · Tomme · Savoie wine

    AOP cheese, charcuterie and Savoie wines are local within 50 km. Truffle, foie gras, oysters and most fish are not — and remain on every Palace menu.

  • What hasn't changed

    Honest note

    Heated outdoor pools, private-jet arrivals, twice-daily helicopter shuttles, the new generation of supercars on Rue du Rocher: these define 1850. They are part of the choice you make in coming here.

Frequently asked

  • Is skiing in 1850 viable in 30 years?

    1850 sits at 1,850 m with skiing to 2,738 m on the Saulire. It is one of the highest French resorts and the most snow-secure in the Trois Vallées. Industry modelling suggests reliable winters through 2050 with snowmaking; beyond that the picture is less clear.

  • Which hotel is the most sustainable choice?

    Cheval Blanc Courchevel holds the only Green Globe certification in 1850 and is the most rigorous on operations. K2 Palace and L'Apogée follow closely.

  • How can a guest reduce impact?

    Take the train to Moûtiers (TGV from Paris) and a chauffeur the last 30 km, instead of flying private. Choose a chalet you can ski to and from. Eat the cheese and skip the imported sashimi.

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