TravelWorld International Magazine Winter 2023

Always perfectly groomed the ski slopes in
Courchevel benefit from over 700 snow cannons,
which cover the entire resort. If it is cold enough,
there will always be snow in Courchevel!
Located directly
under the rooftop,
the “Vanoise” corner
suite with 75 square
meters, a living room
with fireplace and
huge glass windows
perfectly framing the
outdoor snow scape
is a rare privilege.
On the Cospillot slope the K2 Palace
hotel is a hamlet of interconnected
chalets with an unpretentious outside
look that does not preclude the high
level of luxury that one can find
inside.
Designer
snow suits
grace the
ski run in
Courchevel.
While dinner at Les Airelles was
usually an elegant affair no one was
overly dressed and a rather casual
chic atmosphere prevailed. First, the
custom was to enjoy a drink or two
at the bar, recounting adventures and
comparing the day’s performances
amongst fellow skiers. Then, when
escorted to one's assigned table
under an exquisitely hand-painted
ceiling, one could hear the sound of
a roaring fire, crackling in the XIIcentury
fireplace on one side while
subdued melodies emanated from a
magnificient Steinway grand on the
other.
Courchevel has aged well since1946
and retains an easy going kind of
sophistication about it that makes
one feel at ease immediately. On the
Bellecote ski trail, first opened in
1992, the old Savoy hotel has been
entirely remodeled, inside out, with
a new designer facelift for the inside.
It is part of Amanresorts and was
rebranded "Le Melezin." Ed Tuttle,
the master behind the remodeling of
Le Melezin was also the architect of
the fabulous Amankila in Bali. He is
said to have provided the inspiration
for the Le Melezin design by creating
rooftop towers as seen on the Chateau
des Ducs de Savoie in Chambery.
The sandstone facade mixed together
with the slightly pinkish tone of the
larch wood gives it a fabulous appeal
which is utterly chic. Alternatively,
Tuttle may have tried to recreate it
as a replica of one of the fortresses
of Lhassa in Himalayan Tibet. In
any case, the effect is striking and
beautiful and it totally stands out
here on the slopes of the French Alps
among the Tyrolean décor of the other
buildings.
The Hermes carriage and its driver are
ready to enhance your Airelles experience,
while comfortably settle under a blanket,
and explore Courchevel in a new way.
De Chirico’s art piece
“I Grandi Archeologi”
transformed and
reinterpreted by
a snowfall is a
gorgeous sight.
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One last reason to visit Courchevel ...
Courchevel ski resort holds a different
art exhibition every year. Ready to be
mesmerized some more? Head on to
Courchevel; just put on your skis and
enjoy a wonderful open air museum!
Fifteen years ago, the crazy idea was born to create an open air gallery in
Courchevel. Here, in front of the Hermes store, F.Botero’s sculpture “Leda and the
swan” gracefully frolics under the snow, for the contemplation of the passerby.
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