31 Dec Courchevel 1850 an inside update…..
We’ve written a fair amount on the Austrian side of Kaluma Travel and now we have a new update from the French side of the Alps. The difference in resorts is quite considerable if looked at in finer detail, but, at the end of the day, both Courchevel and St Anton are proud to consistently be in the top 10 Ski Resorts of the World!
Courchevel 1850 is off to a flying start with some new restaurants, a new Hotel and even a new bit of piste. The Women’s World Cup skiing was a fine spectacle, but quietly we are glad the TV crews and grandstands have disappeared. Anyway, the Chalet Maisonee had a grandstand view of the finish line, so who needs a TV!
Our sales team voted the Hotel Strato the best hotel in all of the Alps – and they have had guided tours of A LOT of alpine properties, so we think they are qualified to make such grand assertions, Although, I’m sure there are a few hoteliers that would disagree – perhaps they should take a peak at the fabulous 5 star NUXE Spa facilities before passing comment.
The resort is trying very hard to sustain its’ ‘exclusive’ image without excluding it’s most loyal clientele. Still, if the world’s billionaires are still coming here to celebrate their birthday’s … something must be right. I was at Chambery waiting for my flight to depart on the eve of the big party and I saw no fewer than 15 private jets arrive during my 4 hour delay. What global crisis?
We have been to the regular ‘must visit’ restaurants on the slopes and can confirm that you can have a great lunch at the Cap Horn without buying the 22,000 euro bottle of wine – the steak tartare, truffle pizza, and lasagne were all 1st class and we didn’t even have to wait very long. The Chalet des Pierres is under new management and they’ve added an ice rink to their terrace for the little ones to play on after lunch. Great idea!
Live music seems to be the ‘thing’ this season with the new apres ski bar, Kuh de Tah, promising a band every night all season long.
And finally, congratulations to our guests that have, after 10 years of skiing in Courchevel, finally skied and conquered the Grand Couloir – well done William!
Happy New Year to you all and all the very best for 2011
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