Introduction to Chalet Tojoki & Le Praz

Chalet Tojoki is situated in the pretty little alpine village of Le Praz, the first you reach that marks the start of the resort of Courchevel.

Along with Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Moriond (1650), Courchevel Village (1550) and La Tania (1450), Le Praz is nestled within the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region.

At 1,300 m, Le Praz is an authentic alpine village with a hotel, a few bars and restaurants and a number of private chalets sitting on a natural plateau. Because of its size, you are never more than a few minutes away from the ski lifts with access to the other Courchevel villages or the wider Three Valleys ski area. Away from the slopes, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, including après-ski, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For the non-skier, there are other activities including beautiful forest walks, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, ice skating, a swimming pool and spa, indoor climbing.

The other villages of Courchevel are easily accessible using the free-shuttle bus which runs at regular intervals between them. You can also use the Le Praz gondola as a pedestrian at a reduced rate, taking you to the highest part of the resort, Courchevel 1850, in about 6 minutes. Courchevel 1850 has a huge choice of mountainside bars and restaurants and a myriad of shops for that little bit of retail therapy!

Skiing in Courchevel

The villages of Courchevel and La Tania are situated on the western side of the Three Valleys, which is the largest connected ski area in the world. There are links to the resorts of Méribel Mottaret and Village, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens.

Le Praz may be a little quieter than some of the other villages, but it still has great access to the Three Valleys from the two lifts: Forêt chairlift and Le Praz gondola, which are on the snowfront at the Alpinium building. Here you can also find the tourism office, ski/snowboard lockers and ample parking.

In addition to the gondola taking you into the centre of Courchevel 1850, the Forêt chairlift takes you to the Bouc Blanc restaurant (a popular lunch stop), but also from there you are only one other lift away from Méribel by taking the Dou des Lanches chairlift.

For competent skiers, returning to Le Praz is via the Brigues/Amoureux (red) piste from Courchevel 1850, the Murettes (red) piste from above La Tania or, if you are feeling brave enough, the L’Éclipse (black) piste from above Courchevel 1850 (originally named Jockeys). L’Éclipse was used during the Courchevel/Méribel 2023 World Cup men’s events.

Don’t let the lack of green or blue pistes coming back into Le Praz village put you off choosing Le Praz as your base. Descents on the Le Praz gondola from 1850 are free and during most of the season this lift doesn’t close until after 11 pm, meaning you are unlikely to miss the last lift down! You can also get around the Courchevel villages by using the free shuttle bus service.

The Courchevel valley is split into 3 north-facing bowls which makes it a snow-sure ski area with beautifully manicured pistes. Beginners can enjoy the gentle nursery slopes which are more than long enough to practice your first turns and enjoy the freedom and clear mountain air. Intermediate skiers can enjoy the wide rolling blue and red runs down from the summit of Saulire to the mellow slopes of 1650 and the winding tree-lined runs down to La Tania.

Skiing in Méribel

Méribel is in the centre of the Three Valleys. It has sunny south-facing slopes, an energetic après-ski scene and lift links down as far as Brides-les-Bains at an altitude of 600 m.

Méribel has 150 km of pistes in its own right, reaching altitudes of nearly 3,000 m, and also provides links east to the Belleville Valley where you will find the resorts of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens.

Beginners love Méribel for the sunny nursery slopes of the Altiport zone. Intermediate and advanced skiers can travel further afield on the blue or red runs to the summit of Saulire or to the highest point above Méribel at Mont Vallon.

Seasoned skiers can carve their way around the villages, only stopping to take a lift up to the next summit. There are terrain parks filled with kickers and rails to allow you to show off your freestyle abilities or you can venture further east into the rest of the Three Valleys where the high altitude resort of Val Thorens awaits.

Skiing in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens

Val Thorens offers one of the longest ski seasons in the world, often running from November to May. With altitudes climbing to over 3,200 m, 6 glaciers, plus the villages of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Les Menuires, the Belleville Valley really does have something for everyone.

Whatever your skiing style, Val Thorens has slopes where you can relax and find your mountain legs. Alternatively, if you want to escape the busier slopes higher up, you can enjoy secluded laps down to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.

La Masse is another area that is only accessible via Les Menuires, where you can take your pick of the slopes from 2,800 m back down to 1,850 m.

Getting to the top of La Masse is now via the new Pointe de la Masse gondola, completed in 2021. The specifications of this lift are impressive. Its overall length is 3,319 m and the change in altitude between bottom and top is 1,051 m. Each cabin has 10 seats and the lift can carry 2,800 passengers per hour. The journey time is a mere 8 minutes, after which you can stop off at the Restaurant d’Altitude and take in the stunning views before taking your pick of blue, red or black runs to make your descent.

Other things to do in Courchevel

There is something for everyone around Courchevel, whether it’s adrenaline, fun or nature.

Courchevel is so much more than just a ski resort. Once you have finished skiing, there is an extensive list of other things to do in and around the resort.

Moriond Luge Racing

Tackle the 3 km toboggan run with family and friends. From the top of the Ariondaz gondola above Courchevel Moriond (1650) you will find the start line of this amazing luge track. Speed around the corners and through the 8 underground tunnels. There are also high-speed straights and snaking zig-zags that will test your skills.

Aquamotion

Chill and relax in this modern yet tranquil swimming pool and spa. The Aquawellness spa includes a salt-water pool, sauna, steam room, caldarium, as well as indoor and outdoor pools heated to a balmy 32℃.

If you are feeling more energetic or have some younger ones with you, you can enjoy the Aqualudic area, with its indoor and outdoor pools, slides, diving pools and a wild river.

Snowshoeing

If you are keen to explore the mountains at a slower pace, clip on a pair of racquets (snowshoes) and you will be able to float over the white fluffy natural snow. You can head into the trees around Courchevel along the many marked paths. You are sure to find your own real-life Narnia, soothing streams, glittering ice crystals and look out for the odd wild animal track.

Dog Sledging

Ride with a professional musher or take charge of your own pack of dogs. A true backcountry adventure as you glide through the trees, across the slopes and valleys taking in the delights of the winter wonderland.

Choose a gentle ride through the stunning vistas or if you prefer a more adrenaline-filled journey across true mountain terrain. This activity in Courchevel is a truly unique experience.

Snowmobile

Once the ski lifts have closed for the day, you can try your hand at riding a snowmobile through the winter landscape. You can drive your own vehicle under expert tuition along some graceful trails or blast through untouched powder. There is nothing like cruising effortlessly through the mountains as the sun sets. You might even catch an evening glimpse of Mont Blanc.

Lac de la Rosière

Hidden away in the valley below Courchevel Moriond (1650), Lac de la Rosière is truly one of the best-kept secrets of Courchevel.

This stunning magical lake really comes alive in the winter and spring. You can stroll around the shores of this alpine lake or dodge into the snowy woodland trails and marvel at the imposing ice-covered cliffs.