In 1946, in the wake of the Second World War, the Department of Savoie and the village of Saint-Bon joined forces to create a new wintersports resort in the Alps.
We’ve tracked down five videos to give you an insight into the history of Courchevel. They are in French, but you don’t need to understand it perfectly to get a sense of the story behind this world-class resort.
A new resort
This video from 1952 introduces the new ski resort to the French public. The world is changing and as the world finally recovers from the war, holidays are back on the agenda again.
Innovation on the slopes
Courchevel has always a leader in innovation. Emile Allais was the technical director of the resort from 1954 to 1964 and the first to introduce the idea of grooming the ski area to improve skiing conditions. He brought in some never-seen-before methods that you can see in this video.
Leading lift network
Over the years, Courchevel has been at the forefront of lift technology. In 1984, the resort upgraded the Saulire cable car from a capacity of just 32 to a mighty 160 – making it the largest cable car in the world.
Continuing investment
In more recent years, Courchevel’s position as a leading destination has been further cemented with continual development, including the remarkable Aquamotion aquacentre in Courchevel 1650.
Aquamotion has more than 10 pools, as well as saunas, stream rooms, a kids zone, a wellness area and a surfing centre.
Hosting major events
Last winter, Courchevel hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships, but this was just the latest in a line of many major events the resort has hosted.
Perhaps most famous of these was in 1992 when the ski jumping and Nordic combined competitions at the Albertville Winter Olympics took place in Courchevel 1300.
Catered Chalets in France
Chaletline offer a huge selection of chalets, apartments and hotels in Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel Moriond (1650) and Courchevel 1850.
If you’d like advice on finding the right property for you, then please contact the Chaletline team of experts on 01822 617761.
