Courchevel Sneeuwverwachting

We stayed in Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) and had a great time. It's at the far left end of the piste map and with very changeable weather we didn't make it as far as Val Thorens or Les Minueires but we did have one run down to St Martin. If you are planning a big ranging day from 1650, it's worth getting one of the very regular buses up to 1850 where the Verdons then Viselle or Saulire lifts will drop you over Meribel really quickly. Otherwise, 1650s ageing Arondinaz bubble will slowly get you above some lifts to take you to the same place. The skiing above 1650 is great with gentle wide blues, a few greens and a few good reds; all with great views. One thing to note, the Vallee des Avals accessible from here with a short hike is a great adventure but quite a serious avalanche risk (the clue's in the name) so take a guide if unsure. It's also got a longish hike at the bottom back to the lifts. The rest of the skiing in Courchevel and the 3 vallees is as good as everyone says. We went in the last of the French half term weeks and found a fair bit of piste-side powder although it was snowing a lot! Queues in the Courchevel valley were very short but the Chaudanne in Meribel was really packed at times. Mottaret seemed easier to get through. The village itself is cute enough but not Austrian chocolate box perfection. There are some good bars and our favourite was the Schuss Bar over the road from the bubble. Prices in 1650 are fairly high (7 euros for a pint) but not as bad as we'd feared. It's definitely not going after the same brash loaded crowd as 1850.