Best sun terraces in Courchevel

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With spring sprung in the Alps, the mood in-resort is jubilant, with holidaymakers and locals alike keen to enjoy the late season snow. And if you’re heading out this spring, there’s only one way to spend a sunny lunch time, or wile away a balmy afternoon – on one of Courchevel’s many sun terraces. Whether you’re looking for a deck chair in the sun, or something a little more fancy, we’ve got you covered with our guide for the best sun terraces in Courchevel.

1. Le Bouc Blanc, top of La Tania bubble

In the top spot has to be our local – the Bouc Blanc. Situated at the top of the La Tania bubble, it’s perfectly placed for skiers and non-skiers alike. And, atop of a plateau, it’s a real sun trap. So much so, that they have sun hats on offer to protect you from the rays. The food and drinks are reasonable and the service friendly and fast. There are also deck chairs and more comfy seating if you fancy making yourself at home to enjoy a few sundowners as the day draws to a close.

2. Le Portetta, Couchevel Moriond (1650)

At the foot of the piste in Courchevel 1650 Le Portetta hotel is a popular spot with a bustling sun terrace from which you can enjoy lunch, or après. With fire pits, faux fur blankets and comfy sofas, it offers a little bit of luxury if you fancy a treat. The lunches aren’t cheap, even by Courchevel standards, at about 20-35€ per meal. But they have a happy hour from 4-7 with reasonable drinks offers and occasional live music.

3. Le Bel Air, top of the Ariondaz bubble, Courchevel Moriond (1650)

A short ride up from 1650 is the Bel Air restaurant, with tiered sun terrace, offering diners and drinkers a great view all across the Courchevel valley. Overlooking the Courchevel Altiport (airport), you might even be lucky enough to watch a plane take off, or land. Their lunches are very good (the roast chicken and tarragon sauce and salad Bel Air particular favourites), and they do a great vin chaud. With a restaurant and more relaxed snack bar option, it also suits different budgets.

4. La Cave des Creux, above Courchevel 1850

Just above the Altiport in Courchevel 1850 is the Caves des Creux. This brasserie restaurant is run by two former ski instructors and serves local dishes and Asian fusion cuisine. The decor inside is stunning, and the sun terrace offers incredible views around the valley. Make sure you save some room for dessert! They have an amazing dessert table, with a cracking café gourmand. Not to be missed.

5. La Soucoupe, above Courchevel 1850

Near the summit of la Loze, the Soucoupe is a bit of a Courchevel institution – at least for her more wealthy visitors. It’s definitely the priciest on the list, but the stunning panoramic views make it worth a splurge, overlooking Courchevel 1850 is all its finery. And if you’re a meat lover, you’ll no doubt enjoy flame grilled meat cooked on an open fire.

So there you have it, our list of the best sun terraces in Courchevel, to make any spring visit one to remember. And if you’ve a favourite sun terrace which should have make the list we’d love to hear about it!

5 Reasons we love spring skiing

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With long sunny days, warmer temperatures, soft snow and the sounds of birds tweeting once more, spring has truly sprung in the Alps.  And it’s fair to say that spring is a special time in the Alps – loved by locals and holiday makers alike!  If you’ve not managed to squeeze in a ski holiday yet this year, or are pondering another breakaway, here’s 5 reasons we love spring skiing….

 

1. The days are long. With more daylight hours and longer lift opening times, you can make the most of long days on the slopes, getting in a solid 8 hours. Or, you can let it flow into apres on a bustling sun terrace as you watch the sun go down.

 

2. Warm and sunny days. Warmer temperatures help to soften the snow, making it more forgiving and great to learn on. And if you’ve got children, you don’t need to worry so much about them getting cold in the spring.

 

person skiing

3. Avoid the crowds. With February half term out of the way, the slopes are generally quieter and the lift queues shorter, meaning less faff and more ski time.

 

4. Alfresco dining. Who doesn’t love lunch in the sun? While sunny days can be found throughout the winter, lunching outside in January while wrapped up in warm jackets, gloves and scarves isn’t quite the same as a warm spring skiing day where you can peel off layers, sit back and really relax.

 

Le Bouc Blanc La Tania France

 

5. The party atmosphere. The sun always seems to bring out the best in everyone – and the same is certainly true in the Alps! The long sunny days of spring seem to lift the atmosphere in-resort, where the music and drinks flow and everyone is living their best lives.

 

So there you have it, five great reasons that we love spring skiing. If you fancy squeezing in a last minute ski holiday this spring we still have some limited availability in our two stunning self-catered chalets, just metres from the piste in La Tania, at the heart of the Three Valleys. Contact us to find out more, and we hope to see you soon!

Best hot chocolate in the Three Valleys

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If you’re heading to the Three Valleys skiing, and are looking to indulge your sweet tooth, then our guide to the best hot chocolate spots in the Three Valleys is just the ticket. Encompassing the creamiest hot chocolates from Courchevel, Méribel and the Belleville valley, our tried and tested recommendations will keep you fueled for a week skiing the Three Valleys – perfect for children and big kids too!

Piste Noire, Courchevel 1850

If you’re in need of a serious chocolate hit, be sure to stop by Piste Noire in the Forum in Courchevel 1850. Run by Argentinian chocolatier Florencia, Piste Noire sells handmade organic and gluten-free chocolate, using South American cocoa beans and a secret Patagonian recipe. From their café they also sell a decadent hot chocolate made using just organic chocolate, milk and a little sugar, thickened over four hours of continuous turning.

Le Bel Air, Courchevel 1650 (on the mountain)

At the top of the Ariondaz bubble is the Bel Air. A popular spot, with stunning views across the Courchevel valley, the Bel Air has a restaurant with a cracking sun terrace and a choice of table or deck chairs, as well as a more relaxed snack bar with picnic benches. They serve a great hot chocolate – with or without alcohol – but it’s the setting that really makes it worth a visit. Easy for non-skiers to join you too to take in the sights.

Castors, Meribel Centre

Located in the the Chaudanne, behind the Tougnette bubble, Castors is a welcoming spot with a cosy open fire. They’re also renowned for their hot chocolate which comes topped with lashings of cream and sweets scattered amongst it for a serious sugar hit.

Adret Telebar, Méribel (on the mountain)

Nestled in the trees by the bottom of the Adret chair is the well-loved Hotel Adret Telebar with it’s big open fire and lounge with comfy chairs to enjoy a well reserved rest. Their hot chocolate is served by the jug, with free cakes or pastries to really seal the deal.

Maya Altitude, on the ridge between St Martin and Méribel (on the mountain)

Near the top of the Tougnette lift, overlooking the Belleville Valley sits the new and hip mountain restaurant the Maya Altitude, complete with a lovely sun terrace to take in the panoramic views. If you fancy a treat, this is a great option for a hot chocolate and you might even be lucky enough to enjoy some live music while you’re there.