The thrill of gliding down the slopes and the glorious views of the mountain tops. Due to the Covid pandemic, skiers have been deprived of this experience for multiple seasons, and people are now more desperate than ever to return to the slopes. Ski resorts offer more than just skiing; they provide special moments with loved ones by the fire, the relaxation of a post-ski sauna and the joy of festive celebrations. As the home of the largest skiable area in the world, known as the Three Valleys, France holds the key to your ultimate skiing getaway. Among these majestic mountains, you will find two of the most iconic resorts: Méribel and Courchevel.

Allow us to introduce you to these two gems of the French Alps.

Méribel: at the heart of the three valleys

In Méribel you’ll experience the true spirit of the French Alps. This begins with its quintessential architecture. Here, you’ll find classic, authentic chalets made from wood and local stone, as well as steep slate roofs that are characteristic of the mountains. There is no concrete to disrupt the enchanting landscape, which is surrounded by numerous fir forests.

Situated right in the heart of the Three Valleys, Méribel maintains its high-end reputation by offering premium services and a lifestyle that values local culture and wellbeing. As highlighted by Ophélie Dupont, a broker at Savills Méribel, “the demand for luxury chalets remains strong. High end properties are very sought after and the demand does not meet the supply. Even during summer, transactions can be completed within 24 hours so, it is important to stay proactive, even though the overall trend, with the rising interest rates, is moving towards a more stable property market.”

As a symbol of this growing popularity, Méribel remains a very appealing resort, offering a diverse experience across its four main areas: les Allues (1100 m), Meribel Centre (1400 m), Meribel Village (1400 m) and Meribel Mottaret (1700 m), each with their own unique character.

This excellence is acknowledged by several awards, including Grand Domain Resorts, Village Resort, Top of the French Alps (TOTFA), and Family Plus Mountain. The latter demonstrating it is also a resort that caters to the little ones. Méribel has dedicated fun runs, torchlit descents and activity parks for both advanced and beginner skiers. The season is filled by a series of major events organised by the resort, from New Year celebrations to the Three Valleys Enduro, the largest gathering of skiers in the world, taking place in March. Whether in teams of three, with family or friends, the idea is to explore the vast ski area of the Three Valleys and take on 11 challenges that are both exciting and entertaining.

Courchevel: the Multi-Village Resort 

Courchevel is diverse – comprising of six villages at altitudes between 1100m and 1850m, Courchevel seeks to impress its visitors, with a family friendly atmosphere, untamed natural landscapes, and chic vibe. Its location within the Three Valleys ski area ensures that the pleasure of skiing is unlimited, whatever the location, as demonstrated by its title as ‘Top of the French Alps’, placing it among the ranks of France’s most iconic and renowned resorts. Let’s take a look at three of its villages, each promising a unique experience.

Courchevel La Tania

Nestled in the heart of the forest, Courchevel La Tania is the latest addition to the Three Valleys resorts. This pedestrian-friendly area, surrounded by pine trees, is the perfect setting for both families and friends alike. La Tania boasts a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis court and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Courchevel Moriond

Courchevel Moriond continues to captivate those lucky enough to visit with its pastoral charm, meadows, and forests. The setting boasts a unique and exceptional location which is bathed in sunlight all day and overlooks the idyllic mountainous landscape. The main street is perfect for a spot of shopping, as well as for indulging in the region’s local delicacies.

Courchevel 1850

The luxurious Courchevel 1850 address is a globally recognised name that drove the resort to international fame. As the epitome of sophistication, it rivals its summer counterpart, Saint Tropez. This is no coincidence: it is home to major fashion houses and renowned Michelin starred restaurants, such as Yannick Alléno’s 3 star Cheval Blanc. An evening in Couchevel is lively and luxurious, with 5-star hotels lining the snow covered slopes. Specialising in delivering high end services, this iconic resort has established itself as a benchmark in the world of luxury.

The French Alps are home to some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world. The endless expanse of its slopes, the quality of its services, and the beauty of its landscapes make it a sought after location for both national and international clientele. Savills has been selling properties in the Alps for over 20 years and can rely on the expertise of a comprehensive network of top tier professionals to provide buyers, sellers, developers, and investors with the guidance they need.

Would you like to discover all the secrets of these two resorts ?

Contact us to start your search today in Courchevel or Méribel.