Courchevel is one of the most luxurious French skiing resorts and part of the world’s largest ski area. It is one of the most charming villages in the Alps. An ideal place to stay in Courchevel is Hotel La Sivoliere. This five star property has an unbeatable setting directly on the ski slopes.
Hotel La Sivoliere, Courchevel 1850
This hotel has an illustrious history, as the original owner was instrumental in the founding of Courchevel 1850. The former owner of La Sivoliere, Jeannot Cattelin, teamed up with Olympic skiing champion Emile Allais in 1946 with the dream of making Courchevel into a luxury French ski resort.
Today, Courchevel is known as one of the most luxurious ski resorts worldwide, with a great apres-ski scene. Hotel La Sivoliere has an enviable location in Les Chenus.
This quiet area at at the top end of Courchevel 1850 is mainly home to private chalets. It’s a quick 10 minute walk into the centre of Courchevel from here, or a 2 minute drive by complimentary shuttle.
The hotel has a traditional Alpine appearance, with wooden roofs and stone cladding, while the interiors have been reimagined by British designer Sara Copeland. The end result is an elegant yet comfortable space that’s highly functional.
Artworks are dotted throughout the hotel, including a striking red metal chair at the entrance. Created by Caroline Corbeau, the Sifel Chair is a handcrafted homage to Gustave Eiffel.
Accommodation at Hotel La Sivoliere
The 35 bedrooms, suites and apartments are equipped with all mod cons including a safe, minibar, hair dryer, HD television with a wide range of international channels and video on demand. Ours had a charming view of snow covered trees and many have balconies.
There’s complimentary WiFi and bottled water as well as comfy red slippers to use during your stay. The bathrooms have double marble sinks, fluffy bathrobes and a handy amenity kit.
The beds are extremely comfortable and it’s so quiet that you’ll get an excellent night’s sleep. We like the wooden parquet floors, velvet armchairs and the marble tables which give the rooms a real sense of style.
Dining at Hotel La Sivoliere
Boasting the only organic restaurant in Courchevel, La Sivoliere welcomes Michelin starred chef Fanny Rey for the Winter season. Fanny has a Michelin star at L’Auberge de Saint-Remy in Provence.
She and her team excel at healthy home cooked food using seasonal local ingredients. Guests can choose between Le 1850 Be Organic menu, served from 7 to 10 pm daily, or La Table de Fanny from 7.30 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays. Children will enjoy their very own menu, the Mini 1850.
With just 12 seats, the latter is an intimate affair featuring 2 unique menus of 7 or 10 courses. These Experience Menus have been created by Fanny and her husband Jonathan, awarded France’s best pastry chef in 2017. The Experience des Neiges menu is not served on Sunday and Monday.
From scallops with Winter leeks and Savoyard crozets pasta to sticky toffee grilled apple in Savoyard brandy, it’s not to be missed. There’s live music certain evenings, adding to the atmosphere.
The main dining room has a fantastic location surrounded by snow covered pine trees. Light and airy, it features contemporary carved wooden chandeliers and mirrors.
There’s also a cosy bar area with an open fire and chairs designed to look like glaciers. This is a popular place for a champagne cocktail or after dinner drink. Ask the bartender to rustle up a drink specifically designed for you.
Breakfast at La Sivoliere is a hearty affair, with a buffet featuring organic jams from a nearby farm, raw honey and cheese from local producer Bernard Chardon.
La Sivoliere Spa
What better way to unwind after a strenuous day of skiing or Winter sports than with a visit to the in-house spa? Newly designed, Odacité Spa has a sauna, steam room and pool with a counter current system. Relax on the lounge chairs while admiring the views of the snow from the floor to ceiling windows. Enjoy the complimentary flavored water and herbal tea.
The spa treatments are based around 3 themes: Rejuvenate, Detox or Brighten. The Odacité spa brand combines Californian technology and French know-how to great effect.
The products created by founder Valérie Grandury are cruelty free, organic and free from parabens and other chemicals. You can book a range of spa treatments in advance.
These include the Skier’s Massage, a Rejuvenation Facial, Gua Sha Facial for hi and several other relaxing treatments. Next to the spa, you’ll find the fitness room, which although relatively compact has a good selection of cardiovascular equipment.
Skiing in Courchevel 1850
From the slope-side location to the fantastic skiing facilities, everything at La Sivoliere is geared towards the perfect ski break. Courchevel itself has over 150 kilometers of ski runs, and is part of the renowned Three Valleys ski area which boasts 600 kilometers of slopes.
Thanks to 477 snow cannons and exemplary slope maintenance, it’s possible to ski here from the beginning of December to the end of April. There are ski runs for all levels too, from beginner slopes to black runs and off-piste.
Hotel La Sivoliere has its very own ski room, located next to the Dou du Midi red slope. Here, you can store your own ski equipment or rent it, thanks to a collaboration with L’Atelier ski hire.
There are also some stylish ski clothing and accessories available for purchase. The ski valets will prepare your skis each morning and your boots will be heated overnight.
Services at La Sivoliere
As you can see, Hotel La Sivoliere has some fantastic facilities. Above all though, it’s the can do attitude of the staff that stands out.
Florence Carcasonne, the General Manager has previously worked at the Georges V in Paris, the Martinez in Cannes and the Royal Mansour in Morocco. She has brought together a great team of professionals at La Sivoliere.
From the friendly service at dinner by Julie, to the enthusiasm of concierge Gael, you feel that nothing you ask is too much trouble. Kids get a personalized welcome too, with their very own mini check in desk!
There’s also a children’s play room, the Mini Sivo Club with interactive projection on the floor and walls that reacts to their movements. As for pets, they are welcomed with a basket in your room. A dog sitting service is also provided at 25 € per hour.
Other services at La Sivoliere include a handy check out room with a shower and changing area, free shuttles from 8 am to midnight and accessible accommodation for customers with disabilities.
How to Get to La Sivoliere
There are several ways to get to Courchevel 1850 and Hotel La Sivoliere. By train it’s 4 hours from Paris to Moutiers Salins les Bains, then a 40 minute drive to Courchevel.
Private jets can fly to Courchevel Altiport, the highest altiport in Europe at 2,007 meters. There are also several international airports within a 2-3 hour drive including Geneva (140km), Lyon St Exupery (187km), Grenoble (189 km) and Chambéry (110km) which has flights on certain days of the week.
If you’re bringing your own car or a rental vehicle, there’s a covered car park. Hotel La Sivoliere is a cosy property with a wonderful mix of old and new – we highly recommend it!
Address: La Sivolière, Rue des Chenus, 73120 Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, France
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Thanks to Hotel La Sivoliere for your hospitality
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