The spirit of unabashed luxury that has now become Courchevel’s signature—with its Gucci-branded gondolas, over-the-top lobster lunches, and hundreds of upscale boutiques—means that skiing can be something of an afterthought. Glamour takes center stage here, as designer-clad women don their winter best while making their way down a beginner’s slope like the beginning of a Chanel fall-winter fashion show. Courchevel’s abundance of gentle terrain has made it accessible for beginners and families alike, whose brief stint on the slopes is sometimes a mere prerequisite to engage in the après ski festivities sur piste.
Meanwhile, Val d’Isère, one of the highest peaks in Europe, can sometimes be overshadowed by Courchevel’s ritzy bravado—yet it’s long been the polestar for more experienced skiers. “The Val d’Isère traveler is an enthusiastic skier and adventurer, really looking to maximize all the outdoor adventures possible in the Alps,” explains Anne-Laure Ollagnon, the CEO of luxury hotel group Airelles. “It’s more relaxed than Courchevel, attracting those who are drawn to its authentic and sporty atmosphere.” She attributes this primarily to Val d’Isère’s higher altitude, making it a sport enthusiast’s paradise with slopes ranging from 1550 to 3450 meters—excellent conditions for skiing and alpine activities such as heli-skiing. Visitors can also choose from over 300 kilometers of slopes as opposed to only 150 kilometers in Courchevel, providing a huge variety for experienced skiers, which includes the famed slope, “La Face de Bellevarde”; originally created for the Olympic Games in 1968, it remains a thrilling challenge.
Beyond skiing, Val d’Isère has always been characterized by the village’s traditional stone architecture and laidback Alpine charms, as well as its satisfying—albeit fuss-free—après ski scene at casual spots serving endless raclette and beer on tap. But a new guard of luxury stays and foodie boltholes is breathing new life into this once-unassuming ski station in the French Alps. At the front of this wave is Airelles Val d’Isère, the latest opening for the luxury hotel collection known for its properties Les Airelles in Courchevel and La Bastide in Gordes. While other independent luxury hotels have quietly appeared, Airelles has had the largest impact in ushering in a new era that’s put Val d’Isère on the map among international travelers, bringing with it its playful and imaginative approach to luxury that gives all of its properties an authentic sense of place.