With kids I’d pick 1650 or Meribel.

I went two years ago.

Courcheval - the wealthy valley with lots of influencers, international jetset (Russians, Middle East, et al). Prices to match. Courcheval 1850 is the heart of the action. It's a older, more traditional ski town. Courcheval 1650 is another alternative base, definitely a bit quieter than 1850 - less big hotels, more chalets.

Meribel - the valley for Brits. Lots of English speakers, pretty traditional ski town with walkable amenities, hotels, tons of stuff for kids, good bar and restaurant scene. Chalets just outside the walkable ski town. This is where I stayed, about an 8 minute walk into Meribel Centre from our chalet.

Val Thorens - the valley for French people. This is by far the biggest valley, the main town is pretty built up with large hotels with package deals/all-inclusive. I think it might be the highest elevation major ski resort base in all of Europe. It's not a traditional ski town - it was built up in the 70s and 80s with larger hotels and apartment towers. Tons of families. There's also very cute smaller villages at lower elevations that are connected by gondolas/lifts to Val Thorens.

If I went back with my young kids, I might stay at Saint Martin de Belleville village which is a small, very traditional French ski village. Some good restaurants and easy slopes for kids, not too crowded. From there, I could easily ride lifts to cross over into Meribel Valley or go up into Val Thorens for solo skiing.

Once my kids were a bit older and competant at skiing, I'd stay in either Val Thorens or Meribel Centre.

It really all depends on what type of trip you want to do, who all is in your party, etc.

Anonymous wrote:1850 is the fancy one (also was very rich Russian when I was there last, but that was pre-Ukraine war, which changed things a bit). 1650 is more chilled and more affordable accommodation. You can ski all the same slopes whichever you go for.

which would you prefer? we are going with kids. I prefer vibe that is a little bit old school/ less purpose built. But am def not planning on like a folie douce/ non stop aperol spritz and table dancing experience.

1850 is the fancy one (also was very rich Russian when I was there last, but that was pre-Ukraine war, which changed things a bit). 1650 is more chilled and more affordable accommodation. You can ski all the same slopes whichever you go for.

thinking of going for spring break but not sure where. Leaning courchevel but not sure if 1850 vs 1650 - or another area altogether. Anyone btdt and any tips much appreciated!