Courchevel and Megève both sit among the Alps’ finest ski domains, Courchevel within the glamorous Three Valleys (600 km/372 mi) and Megève in the elegant Evasion Mont Blanc (445 km/276 mi). Courchevel wows with its high altitude villages, Michelin dining, and five star sparkle, while Megève charms with its medieval streets, designer boutiques, and family‑friendly hillside.
This guide compares the two ski resorts so you can book with confidence and find the slopes that best match your skiing style, group composition, and holiday priorities.
Courchevel or Megève?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Courchevel | Megève |
|---|
| Base elevation | 1,650 m (5,413 ft) | 1,100 m (3,608 ft) |
| Highest lift | 3,230 m (10,597 ft) | 2,485 m (8,152 ft) |
| Individual piste km | 150 km (93 mi) | 445 km (276 mi) |
| Best for | Luxury, world‑class dining, VIP scene | Traditional charm, families, shopping |
| Village atmosphere | Four car‑free Alpine villages, chic | Cobblestone streets, wooden chalets |
| Accommodation | 5 star hotels, chalets, designer boutiques | Boutique hotels, chalets, guesthouses |
| Après-ski scene | High-end bars (La Folie Douce, Pelican) | Quaint lounges (Jazz Club, Bar des Cimes) |
note: Courchevel villages share the Three Valleys 600 km (372 mi) domain; Megève’s count includes full Evasion Mont Blanc access.
Ski area & terrain
- Courchevel anchors the Three Valleys with 150 km offering everything from gentle greens in Le Praz to Olympian black runs on Saulire. Its lift network is among the world’s fastest, enabling access to linked Méribel and Val Thorens.
- Megève’s Evasion Mont Blanc span covers 445 km of pistes from 1,050 m to 2,350 m. While less vast, Megève’s terrain is varied: tree‑lined blues, sunlit reds, and off‑piste pockets around Mont Joly and Rochebrune.
Check out Courchevel piste map and Megève piste map
Snow fall history
| Month | Courchevel (cm/in) | Megève (cm/in) |
|---|
| December | 32 cm/12.6 in | 33 cm/13.0 in |
| January | 30 cm/11.8 in | 35 cm/13.7 in |
| February | 23 cm/9.0 in | 26 cm/10.2 in |
| March | 24 cm/9.4 in | 28 cm/11.0 in |
| April | 15 cm/5.9 in | 14 cm/5.5 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Courchevel’s four villages range from authentic Le Praz to ultra luxurious 1850, adorned with designer boutiques and five star spas. It feels polished and cosmopolitan.
- Megève’s medieval centre, car free pedestrian streets, and horse‑drawn carriages evoke old world charm. High‑end shopping sits alongside rustic chalets, striking a balance of tradition and sophistication.
Explore some accommodation options in Courchevel and in Megève
Après-ski & dining
- Courchevel is a culinary mecca with 73 restaurants including three Michelin stars, plus slope side parties at La Folie Douce and exclusive lounges like Ski Lodge.
- Megève offers refined après in Jazz Club du Mont d’Arbois and Bar des Cimes. Its dining scene ranges from the three star Flocons de Sel to cozy bistros like Le Vieux Mazot.
Families & beginners
- Courchevel holds Family Plus status, with safe Zen Zones for children and high speed chairlifts. Courchevel 1650 is ideal for families, plus Aquamotion water centre offers hours of fun.
- Megève’s Famille Plus label comes with Piou Piou Clubs, gentle nursery slopes, and snow gardens. Short transfer times from Geneva make it perfect for quick family getaways.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Courchevel challenges experts on Olympic grade blacks like Face de Bellecôte and off‑piste couloirs off Saulire. But its reputation leans more luxury than laid back powder hunting.
- Megève’s thrills come via steeper reds at Cote 2000 and hidden powder bowls at Mont Joly. Its seven snow parks and tree stashes near Le Planay keep snowboarders smiling.
Activities beyond skiing
- Courchevel features Aquamotion spas, Olympic ski jumps, ice climbing, and paragliding. Upscale shopping and luxury wellness complete its non‑ski offerings.
- Megève delights with curling, tennis, fat biking, ice skating in a medieval setting, plus a vibrant casino and live jazz at night for a cultured twist.
Accessibility & transfers
- Courchevel is 1 hr 30 min from Chambéry, 2 hr 30 min from Grenoble or Lyon, and 3 hr from Geneva via winding mountain roads.
- Megève is just 1 hr 35 min from Geneva, slightly longer (2 hr to 2 hr 30 min) from Chambéry, Lyon, or Grenoble, making it extremely accessible for weekend escapes.
Cost and value for money
- Courchevel’s luxury status commands premium prices on lodging, lifts, and dining. Outside 1850, however, Villages 1300 and 1650 offer more moderate rates.
- Megève is generally more mid range: boutique hotels and chalets deliver upscale feel at friendlier price points, while local bistros remain wallet‑friendly.
Explore our Courchevel deals and Megève deals
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Courchevel if luxury, world class gastronomy, and a VIP alpine scene define your dream ski holiday.
- Choose Megève if you value authentic Alpine charm, convenient transfers, family amenities, and a more intimate vibe.
