Courchevel without millions: how to vacation at a ski resort for sensible money.

Courchevel: A lecture on luxury and accessibility

According to The Sun: Why does the name Courchevel for me associate with luxurious ski jackets, bear skins on cozy cottages, and food prices that would scare even a classic billionaire? From my own experience, when I first skied in this region almost 20 years ago, one round of drinks in an area known as Courchevel 1850 cost as much as a small apartment.

The French ski resort La Tania guarantees snow and was visited by Kate and WilliamAlamy La Tania is a popular spot for families and those looking for a more affordable and quiet vacation close to the resortSupplied

But today you don't need millions to ski on 150 km of incredible slopes of this resort.

I stayed at the small resort of La Tania, the perfect base for visiting the French alpine jewel - Courchevel, popular among stars and royalty, including Kate and William as well as the Beckhams.

La Tania is a relatively recent addition to the French ski world, officially becoming part of the Courchevel region only in 2018.

Since then, this modern village, built for the 1992 Winter Olympics, has become a favorite spot for families and those looking for a more affordable and quiet getaway.

Activities take place in Les Trois Vallées - 'the largest connected ski area in the world', where access to 600 km of slopes costs only from €69 (£60) per day, which is equivalent to a trip from the capital of France to Geneva.

One of the main advantages of Les Trois Vallées is that, unlike many other French resorts affected by warming, snow is guaranteed here.

An impressive 85% of the slopes are located at an altitude of over 1800 m, and half of them are easy and intermediate routes. Some peaks are on six glaciers at altitudes exceeding 2500 m, making them a great choice for skiing even in seasons with low snowfall.

I stayed in the wonderful Jonquille chalet, which was a stone's throw from the village and the main lift, managed by the professional travel company Ski Beat.

From the outside, it is a traditional A-frame chalet, but inside it has an open plan and modern interior, along with a hot tub on the balcony and a cozy cinema room downstairs.

I always rate chalets on food - if it's not up to par, it can spoil the whole trip. And I was not disappointed.

“After a full day on the mountains, every cell in my body craved a hot portion of tartiflette or some other hearty French cuisine - and a couple of big glasses of red.”

Nights in La Tania

Ski Beat prides itself on its exquisite cuisine and selection of red and white wines on draft in its serviced chalets.

Homemade pastries for afternoon tea were so delicious that you might want to cut back on time on the slopes to not miss a piece.

Though La Tania is small, it is always alive.

The village has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can taste local delicacies like fondue, or dance until morning.

The charming Pub Le Ski Lodge offers a good selection of beers.

A half-liter of Pélican blonde beer (7.5%) is refreshing and alleviates any leg pains, as I reveled in feeling its effects.

It also offers snacks such as French tacos (be sure to try!), which for ten euros will not break the bank. Eating nearby the slopes can be a pleasant alternative for lunch.

After a full day on the slopes, guests can unwind at the party until morninginstagram/foliedoucemeribel The village has many bars and restaurants where you can taste local delicacies like fondueSupplied

Courchevel also has its La Folie Douce (a well-known party bar) in Méribel, where you can watch dancers in bikinis twirl on tables to infectious electronic rhythms.

It’s a very demonstrative atmosphere, but it’s interesting to watch guests enjoy Veuve Clicquot in their Balenciaga overalls.

Book Blanc, also in Méribel, is a more economical option where daily specials cost 21 euros.

The view from this place is simply fantastic, and when the sun shines, it's hard to find a better spot to spend the day - with a beer in hand, watching other skiers.

If you are not tired yet, you can ski back down to La Tania.

Getting to La Tania

TRANSPORT/ACCOMMODATION: The holiday with Ski Beat starts from £784 per person per week during the 2025-26 ski season.

A week at the Jonquille chalet in La Tania costs from £913 per person and includes breakfast, afternoon tea, and a three-course dinner with wine, as well as round-trip flights from Gatwick or Manchester and transfers.

Details on the website skibeat.co.uk or by phone at 01273 855 100.

Overall, La Tania offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a skiing vacation without unnecessary expenses. Modern infrastructure, reasonable prices, and stunning views make this little resort an ideal place for family holidays that will be a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Courchevel, which still remains a symbol of luxury, is gradually opening its doors to new generations of skiers eager to try the great slopes and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere without spending too much money.