5 reasons to choose Courchevel Le Praz as your next ski destination

One of the original farming villages of the Courchevel valley, Le Praz is a popular destination and well kept secret among French skiers who enjoy the authentic mountain village feel with its cosy bars and twinkling lights.

5 reasons to fall in love with Courchevel Le Praz and make it your next ski holiday destination

1. Not one, but two fast lifts

The Alpinium building, which opened in 2019, houses the speedy Praz gondola which whizzes up to Courchevel 1850 in just under 6 minutes. The smart building is home to the Tourist Office and Lift Pass Office (and very nice toilets!) From the top of Praz gondola, you can ski down to Courchevel Village or head higher to explore 1850 via the Plantrey chair, or head into the Croisette building to take one of the gondolas.

The other lift departing from Le Praz is the 6-person, covered Foret chairlift that takes you to just above the Bouc Blanc restaurant above La Tania. From there you can head over to Meribel in just one more chairlift, the Dou des Lanches, or ski the runs around La Tania and 1850.

With Courchevel Le Praz as your base you’re at a great starting place to access the Three Valleys ski area:
1. Take Le Praz bubble = you arrive in Courchevel 1850
2. Take Foret chairlift = ski straight down into La Tania or to Meribel via Dou des Lanches

Forested slopes around Courchevel Le Praz 

2. Add a little ‘je ne sais quoi‘ to your ski holiday
With strictly low-rise chalets and apartments, you really feel as though you’re part of an authentic French ski resort when you stay here.

Courchevel Le Praz is very popular with French skiers who have holiday homes in the village and only a few British skiers have cottoned on to this charming mountain village resort. Ski Magic’s Chalet Chez Mamie is one of a very few catered chalets here, or you could choose to go self-catered and stay in the beautiful Chalet Chu Lo Dou.

Ski Magic’s self-catered Chalet Chu Lo Dou

3. Ideal for non-skiers and smaller children
Some ski resorts are (necessarily) situated on steep slopes, but when you stay in Courchevel’s Le Praz, it is quite flat to walk around the village and towards the lifts, or take a stroll around the frozen lake. This means people who aren’t keen to ski, or parents with pushchairs, can get around easily and enjoy walking the many footpaths to explore the area.

The new Alpinium Centre also makes a nice destination for young children. Within the Alpinium Centre there’s a nice library/games space called the Mediatheque – a lovely place to entertain little people for an hour or so. You can also ride the bubble lift up to Courchevel 1850 to meet friends or skiers for hot chocolate or lunch.

4. Which bar?
Atmospheric vaulted wine bars, understated but divine Michelin star dining, posh burgers and the famous Bistrot du Praz….  You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and restaurants in Le Praz. Meander the winding streets bedecked with twinkling lights and your tummy will be rumbling as you read the restaurant menus. Prices are often more reasonable for a lunchtime menu than the mountain restaurants, so it’s possible to try out several during the week!

For après-ski, try a vin chaud at the Peupliers Hotel restaurant, La Table de Mon Grand-Père. As experts, we can definitely recommend it as one of the very best in the Three Valleys! Looking for live music? Head to  L’Elephant bar to dance with the locals.

5. It’s not all about the skiing
Take a couple of hours away from the pistes and try something new. How about:

– Snow-shoeing on the forest tracks – If you’re on holiday to relax, then taking some time away from the slopes to really appreciate your surroundings is a must. Hire some snow-shoes for the day and explore the forest on foot. It’s a truly magical experience with deep snow and animal tracks – if you’re very lucky you may even see a deer cross your path.

– Cross Country (Nordic) skiing – there’s a lovely track winding through the peaceful forest and you can hire equipment from the local ski shop.  Start from the track opposite the bottom of the ski jumps and enjoy a peaceful couple of hours discovering this graceful sport, seeing the scenic village and surrounding mountains from a viewpoint that not many visitors experience!

– Ski touring – why use the lifts when you could walk up the mountain?! If you enjoy a fitness challenge then this is the sport for you – the ‘ski de randonnee‘ track takes you into 1850 or even higher if you’re still feeling energetic… You’ll need special equipment including ‘skins’ for the bottom of your skis, which can be hired locally. If you’re in training for a summer event then this could help you keep your fitness levels up during your holiday!

– Tandem paragliding – You’ll be blown away by the bird’s eye view of the Courchevel ski area – the white peaks go on for miles and miles… Landing in Le Praz you’ll also be just a moment away from the Table de Mon Grand-Père terrace!

All in all, Courchevel Le Praz is a fantastic way to experience the enormous ski area of the Three Valleys, with plenty of activities, plenty of activities for non-skiers, a friendly village atmosphere and scenic views…

Choosing a ski chalet in Courchevel Le Praz

At Ski Magic you can experience a magical Le Praz holiday from one of two chalets.

• A catered ski holiday in beautiful Chalet Chez Mamie which sleeps 8 people.
• A self-catered ski holiday in spacious Chalet Chu Lo Dou which sleeps 10-12 guests.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about Courchevel Le Praz or our ski chalets, we’re always happy to help!

Image credits:
Snowshoe walk: greg-rosenke–Itm3HSv8mI-unsplash
Chalet images: Richard Roberts
Forests: Caitlin Smith