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Courchevel is icy hot!

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By Tracy McGregor
July 25th, 2008

Tracy McGregor revelled in being able to walk in from the minus zero temperatures of Courchevel, France "into the warmest, craziest environment you can imagine" to dance the night away.

Zurich airport in Switzerland was a bit further from Courchevel than we expected - but we thought a drive through the French Alps would be ideal for experiencing the countryside.

On our way through we got to see Geneva, which is so beautiful and probably the better bet as your arrival point, especially if you aren't up for a long drive.

It takes about three hours from Geneva to Courchevel, depending on the roads, so it's not too bad.

And it brings you to one of the most beautiful skiing destinations, well at least in comparison to the ones I've been to. It's a bit pricey but so worth the spoil.

Courchevel is part of what they call Les Trois Vallees, or in other words, the Three Valleys - also known as the worlds largest ski area along with Meribel and Val Thorens/Les Menuires.

You've got 600km of well maintained pistes to show off your skiing skills and you can ski them all with one ski pass.

Courchevel itself spans over 150km of the Three Valleys and has about 117 downhill runs, which keeps you busy for days - whether you like to rock it on your snowboard or prefer to ski.

The great thing is that if the snow starts to get a bit used and abused, or if the sun is shining and melts it away, they use snow canons to shoot out fresh, fluffy snow. This makes such a huge difference to the holiday.

We went in January, which is a great time to go because you're bound to get good snow and a good crowd.

The winter ski season is usually from December till about April.

We stayed right at the top of Courchevel, a little village at the 1 850m skiing level, where all the action tends to be.

There are four levels in total. The most expensive and chic is found at 1 850m, 1 650m is more quaint and quiet and all the way down at 1 300m is the cheapest - but still lovely.

The ski lifts and runs make it quite easy to ski between 1 850m and 1 650m if you want to.

We stayed at a stunning hotel called Hotel Byblos, which is situated right next to a big run so we could literally walk straight onto the slopes - this was such a pleasure.

There are plenty of different places to stay. Some hotels are a bit closer to the resort centre, while the smaller chalets are further out but they offer a bit more intimacy.

Talking about the centre of town, oh my word, if you love to shop then make sure that you take lots of spending money with you. You really can shop till you drop and this place is not cheap.

Everywhere you look, it's one designer label after the next - all I can say is thank goodness I had my boyfriend with me... haha!

Don't get me wrong though - there is something for everyone.

Food and drink also tends to be on the pricier side but if you enjoy food as much as I do then it's well worth it. You also don't have to fine-dine every night. There are loads of cheaper places to grab a bite, which is what we did most of the time.

The bars are usually packed with skiers ending off the day either with something warm to drink or an ice-cold beer.

One of our favourite hangouts is a place called the "Milk Bar". It was an underground pub that played the most amazing music and had a really great vibe.

The nightlife was very exciting and my favourite club would definitely have to be 'Les Cave'.

The atmosphere was unbelievable with international DJ's playing, live performers and French champagne.

It's so amazing that you can walk in from minus zero degrees outside into the warmest, craziest environment you can imagine and dance the night away.

But one of our absolute favourite evening experiences was the 2km sledging run, floodlit from start to finish.

I swear we were reaching speeds of up to 100km/h on those things... haha, not really but they were fast.

It was an adrenaline rush of note and every time we did it I got a new bruise but I just couldn't hold myself back, it was so awesome.

They say that the French aren't always the friendliest bunch, who knows it might have been the air up there or the champagne, but we met so many wonderful people that really made our trip.

All in all, I give Courchevel two thumbs up and would recommend it to anyone who feels that they deserve a treat...

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User Comments

Young travellers are refreshing

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 15:29.

How refreshing to read innocent fabulous fun..as it was, out of the mouth of what you guys call a babe..really, I think this is fun to read and smacks of honesty..also great to include her Bf too...and to all those people who are so bent on grammar spelling blah blah read the dictionary for your pleasure and leave us all to have fun!

from EXQSME

Courchevel

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 11:13.

I have never before looked at one of these socalled news items at the top of the mweb home page. It should carry the lable : advertising promotion. Just nothing in that article, and least of all the face of the model would entice one to visit that ski resort.

Nothing as constant as change

Submitted by gt24.editor.selene on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 10:46.

“Please, don't encourage any more of this kind of mindless drivel, passed of as journalistic skill. She should apply to be a DJ on 5 fm, that'd suit her well. Leave the meaningful content to those that actually know how to write.”

“Yeah, it was "so worth it" reading this "awesome" article. I fear a general decline in the English communication quality in the new South Africa.

We’ve noticed a trend when it comes to comments on our famous faces articles

The internet places the power of journalism very much in the hands of the man on the street – It’s not a loss of journalism standards but a change in our social order, another dimension of linguistics (with pros and cons) and an anthropological phenomenon that affects the way we all communicate, whether you want to recognise it or not (Chatrooms, msn, skype, facebook ) – think of your most recent blog post, in fact the very ability of being able to comment on articles illustrates this point.

We’ve taken cognisance of this with our aim to give you a platform to provide ‘a friend’s perspective on travel’ – admittedly there needs to be a balance and as with all things we can’t please everybody all the time – but we will however strive to get the basics right.

For the record none of these trips are paid for by Gotravel24.com and we’ve approached the likes of Kingsley Holgate and it goes without saying that his transcontinental journey has made it a bit difficult to get him to participate.

So my dear travel-vets and David Attenborough junkies, please keep the comments coming, without abusing the anonymity aspect.

Thanks
Selene

Courchevel Rocks

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 09:58.

I had the pleasure to visit Courchevel about 10 years ago.
Back then it was a lot cheeper, but I'm sure that pretty much everything else is the same. I stayed in a little appartment above the main shopping arcade, about 100m from the main ski lift in the village 1850.

Having been to Val disere and Tignes in France, Zell am Zee and a few other ski villages in Austria, Courchevel has to be, without a doubt, the most amazing place to visit for any avid skiier.

I loved every minute of exploring the hundreds of km of slopes.

Article

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 07/26/2008 - 08:03.

Sad to see people not allowing the sun to shine on someone else's back.If you can't say anything positive, rather keep it to yourself.But I guess this is how South Africans are these days.You can only feel good about yourself and your "class" if you cab bash someone else.Get a live!

Not too bad

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 19:48.

It's probably her first article she ever wrote. Tracy, obviously you still need to work on your journalistic skills girl! (uhm you being a model and all...use the dictionary to find out what that word means if you don't know)
A dictionary is a VERY, AWESOMELY BIG Book with lots of words!!! It usually come in different colours and languages...No...uhm not that book!
That's the Bible girl! This is another awesomely big book...don't worry I'm sure your stud muffin of a boyfriend knows what I'm talking about...Dude the BIG Book! Ya know wha I'm say'in...boy!

:) No seriously...with enough effort, I am sure she will make a fine travel journalist! She just needs practice guys...that's all.
Ciao
Tim

Ja hey it was so like cool and stuff !

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 18:14.

This is a serious question - does anyone actually read this crap before it gets posted as a "special focus" report on news24.com ? It was about as interesting to read as the obituary column, honest to god. Please, don't encourage any more of this kind of mindless drivel, passed of as journalistic skill. She should apply to be a DJ on 5 fm, that'd suit her well. Leave the meaningful content to those that actually know how to write.

Photo's

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 18:14.

If you are going to have a name and face represent your travel column then at least have some scintillating Photography to compliment the article. Agreed the writing was a bit weak, she could have breathed more life into the destination and not been so commercial in her outlook!!

One more reason

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 17:01.

not to go to France. Getting a bit BOLD there, tracey (with a small t). I'd rather someone force grannie's knitting needles under my finger nails than read this crap. Also, another reason NOT to read the travel section anymore. It's getting too 'amazing, exciting, stunning and unbelievable' over here.

Toodles.

nice one

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 16:47.

will def.. consider for my next holiday destination

Hands off Tracy McGregor

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 14:43.

Hey People those of you that said nasty things about Tracy McGregor
are nasty SOB's or jealous or both. I don't know her from Adam, so no agenda from my side, but it takes guts to put yourself out there and write an article for the very reason that bad sports will say nasty things.

Oh and by the way I agree with one of the guys....Out of 1 - 10, I'd give her 1!!
LJ

Err.....

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 14:06.

Which "anonymous" are you agreeing with, anonymous? :)

Yeah, it was "so worth it" reading this "awesome" article. I fear a general decline in the English communication quality in the new South Africa.

Have fun people, I'm away to go watch the Travel Channel since I do not feel I deserve a break and as a result Tracy may not recommend her favourite skiing spot to me.

Au revoir!

agree with anonymous - leave her alone!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 13:40.

If you havent got anything nice to say, why bother saying it at all? Leave the girl alone..............nothing wrong with her article at all..........infact I enjoyed reading it and glad to know she had a fab time - Go Tracy!!

Still give you one

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 13:28.

Yes, maybe the spelling ain't so good and perhaps the grammar needs some attention, but Tracy, I'd still give you one.

Tsk, tsk - your language!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 13:06.

"Wanker"-writer, maybe you're correct about the "cash-for-Durban-thing", maybe not. Wouldn't you just love to know? I suppose you're the boyfriend in the photographs coming to the defense of your lady. Doesn't really matter; all that matters is that when one does something the idea is to do it well - its called class. Those with REAL class would have ignored the two provoking posts you vehemently responded to in a particularly crass and uncivilised manner, proving your own lack of class. To some people having lots of money is an acceptable excuse for class. I don't care what holidays Miss McGregor can afford. Here today, gone tomorrow - money is like that. I also admit she's a pretty "bird" for now (the female movement should take you up on talking so condescendingly about a young woman). What I do care about is being drawn into reading such a mediocre piece of writing through the use of a reasonably well-known surname.

idiots

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 12:28.

Hey you two wankers- why dont you f... off and give this bird a break... so what if its not the best article you've ever read. What were you doing while she was skiing in France. Sitting watching the Travel channel wishing you had enough cash to visit Durban!!!! Jealousy makes you nasty- now piss off!!!!

haha

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 12:09.

We get the message Tracy. You may be better off remaining with being photographed rather than considering a career in journalism unless you go back to school and finish your last four or so years. Your article is poorly constructed. I won't bother reading another penned by you. Your employer may want to know they'll lose readership and pay someone else to do a proper job. Enjoy the jet-setting whilst the media is looking for the next pretty face to pamper.

yawn

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 12:01.

what a flavourless article for such an amazing destination. it reminds me of my 10 year old nephews "my holiday" story.

Courchevel 1850 Rocks!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 10:40.

Tracy,

Courchevel 1850 is amazing (did a week there in March 2008), tons of runs and a great night life. I have to agree on the cost of drinks however... A little over the top.

If you liked Courchevel, I would suggest you have a look at St Anton in Austria as well. I was there in Feb 2008 and had an amazing time. Night life is similar to Courchevel and the snow is great too.

For a slightly cheaper option, there is always Italy. Did a week there last year March in Cervinia. The snow was the best I've ever had (powder every day), but the night life wasn't quite on the level of Courchevel and St Anton. You do however also have the option of snowboarding over to Zermatt in Switzerland (on of the best).

I can't wait for the new season! Bring on the cold weather I say :-)

Laters,
Richard.