Towering over the centre of town is a grand chalet where at the end of day of skiing on spectacular slopes and an evening on the town at a Michelin-starred restaurant, the beau monde slip off their stilettos and loosen their ties. This is so much more than a mere ski lodge. It has been the quintessential skiers haven since 1948, a vanguard to other aspirational hotels akin to a master painter to their protégé; coaxing, challenging, daring them to surpass their level. They are in Courchevel 1850,  the pinnacle of the jet set ski world and guests of its most tony respite, The Grande Alpes Hotel.

The only ski resort in Europe with a runway for private aircraft, Courchevel 1850 has been popular with royalty, celebrities and well-heeled travellers for decades. Put on the map in the early 1940’s, the French Commission of Tourism explored the creation of a ‘super ski resort’ and created Courchevel as France’s first purpose-built ski resort. 150km of slopes link this chic village to the famous Trois Vallées, keeping ski and snowboard enthusiasts happily exploring for days on end. The adventures travellers shared on the slopes become history as they wander through the chic boutiques, surveying the prestigious chalets and decadent designer stores. With more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world, every corner of Courchevel oozes opulence. The majestic Grande Alpes Hotel fills the town centre with an air of alpine charm and modern elegance.

Built in 1948, The Grande Alpes Hotel was the first hotel to grace the brand new Courchevel ski resort and opened in unison with the very first ski lift. Originally home to Courchevel 1850’s post office, bank, tourist office and ski school, the hotel was the hub of the village and remains very much at the heart of the action today. Offering exceptional service and luxurious retreats, every subsequent lodge built on Courchevel 1850 strived to reach the same level of grandeur, pushing themselves to the heights of sophistication.

A masterpiece of renowned French interior designer Jean-Marc Mouchet, The Grande Alpes Hotel is brimming with natural elements; including wooden detail, stone sculptures and crystal light fixtures which add an edge of glamour to each space. Modernity meets warmth with cool grey tones and soft lighting featuring throughout the building to create a contemporary twist on their alpine surroundings. Perfectly sculpted to for the sophisticated socialites of Courchevel 1850, The Grande Alpes Hotel impresses guests from the moment they enter the grand lobby.

Regal Rooms and Atmospheric Apartments

Guests of the Deluxe Rooms are greeted by large beds dressed with top quality cotton and soft cashmere throws. Bathrooms feature a luxurious jacuzzi bath with calming marble features throughout to enhance any romantic evening. With dashes of Mouchet’s trademark wooden features, cool greys and muted brown tones, the Deluxe Rooms create a soothing cocoon where visitors can relax and gaze out at the bustling village below.

A gem of interior design living up to its name, the Ruby Apartment embodies warmth and comfort through its inviting furnishings. Unique, contemporary lighting fixtures bathe the room in a warm glow, with cream and brown tones accentuating the cosy ambience. A spacious duplex located on the second floor, Ruby features four large ensuite bedrooms and a lavishly decorated, open-plan dining room overlooking charming Courchevel. Guests can prepare their own meals in the professional kitchen, selecting the perfect accompaniments from the apartment’s extensive wine cellar. Of an evening, visitors can retire to the cigar room to sample a selection of whiskies or curl up next to the fireplace in the stylish living room to admire the valley view. Equipped with its own private steam room, guests of Ruby can soak in complete serenity and enjoy a peaceful end to every day of their stay.

Prestigious Private Dining

Unlike many of the hotels in star-studded Courchevel, The Grandes Alpes Hotel does not house its own gourmet restaurant. Instead, it encourages guests to enjoy their curated plates in the comfort of their suites, cooked to perfection by the bespoke private dining service. A stringently selected team of experienced chefs prepare an array of world cuisine, specifically tailored to each guest’s individual needs and tastes. The chefs there know exactly how they like their steak, down to the cut, sauce and seasoning. They know their passions and their favourite cuisines; every part of their experience has been tailored to them.  From the rich filet mignon to passionately prepared pasta, the chefs take guests on an unforgettable gastronomic journey from the comfort of their rooms. Proudly unique to other Courchevel hotels, the team at The Grande Alpes Hotel’s private dining service allows guests to sample decadent dining without the need to adorn any finery, as is customary in Courchevel, or leave the confines of their spacious suites.

For visitors searching for a civilised après ski venue, the hotel’s Bellini Lounge Bar has many a charming corner where they can settle down and rest their legs. A wide range of zesty Bellinis and high-class champagne are served in the finest crystal glasses to be savoured over the course of a serene evening. Burnt orange clashes with cool blue giving the room an electrifying ambience, heightened by the nightly live music and contented crowds. Peckish guests tuck into small plates of delightfully flaky French pastries and humble crepes, warming them from the inside out as they sip their bespoke Bellinis. A sleek, modern snug, the Bellini Lounge bar is frequented by haute travellers searching for a short break from bustling Courchevel.

Sublime Skincare: The Bellefontaine Spa

A key feature of Courchevel hotels, The Grande Alpes Hotel has created a bespoke spa area which welcomes guests into a world of wellness. Created by Bellefontaine Switzerland, the spa treatments are heavily focussed on caring for the skin with gentle, natural ingredients. Using products sourced from the Alps and pure water collected from glaciers, spa staff welcome guests to a soothing journey of self-indulgence leaving them feeling refreshed and energised.

One of their specialist products, EDELGEN, aims to combat signs of anti-aging through eliminating signs of dryness and exposure of the skin. After a revitalising facial or massage, travellers can take to the pool for a relaxing swim before entering the comforting warmth of the sauna. With exposed brick, candlelight and wooden elements throughout, the spa’s décor reflects the Alpine landscape and brings the sublime solitude of the mountains inside for all to enjoy.

A prestigious, chalet inspired retreat at the heart of charming Courchevel, The Grande Alpes Hotel brings historic grandeur to meet modern sophistication in an impressive setting to cater for the most well-heeled travellers. Despite its central location, the hotel creates a relaxed and soothing ambience and gives guests peace of mind that every aspect of their holiday will be perfectly taken care of.