Luxury ski holidays: Courchevel is fancy, not ostentatious

Courchevel is regarded as one of the most glitzy of Europe's luxury ski resorts but while it is popular with the rich and famous, the resort still retains a magical charm that will captivate any visitor.

Michael Paterniti, writing for the New York Times blog, enjoyed a holiday to Courchevel with his wife recently and noted that while it is an affluent place, wealth is not what defines it.

What makes Courchevel one of the most popular luxury ski resorts is the fact that it is a stunning destination which offers lots to enjoy besides skiing, including fine dining, shopping and many other attractions.

However, the natural beauty which surrounds the resort is the real jewel in its crown.

"There is a reason the rich come here: Courchevel is a splendid place, a true alpine wonderland, a canted plinth of pine-treed beauty above which rises the stunning, coruscated high peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise," Mr Paterniti stated.

Speaking in an interview with Wave Finder, Pat Sharples, one of the leading names on the British ski scene, said recently that Courchevel is a place people can go back to time and again, as there is something new to discover each time.