For a short, sharp blast of snow, Ski Weekends are an Alpine winner

IT could be the world-class skiing, the bling of its boutiques, its buzzing bars and divine setting, but Courchevel has a reputation as the St Tropez of the Alps.

This chain of villages, at the heart of France’s Three Valleys ski area, has long been the haunt of the rich and famous – those for whom the good life is at least as important as the winter sport. And for serious skiers, it doesn’t get much better, with one of the longest ski seasons, the best snow cover in the Alps and a wide range of runs, from easy to seriously gnarly.

The downside, of course is the cost. How on earth do you get to enjoy all this if you’re not a member of the Alpine jet set, or one of the ludicrously rich Russians who arrive, sable-clad blonde bombshells and entourage in tow, for a week of posing on and off the piste?

It’s a question which had previously ‘foxed’ life-long ski buff and founder of Ski Weekends, Dan Fox. And, he admits the answer was staring him in the face. “I realised that people wanted to come but perhaps didn’t have the money to make a full week of it in the traditional hotels. Then there are those people who might have the money, but not the time. How do they manage to get a fix of snow more than once a season?”

The answer is Ski Weekends. “It works out brilliantly,” he smiles – gleaming from beneath mirrored sun glasses as we take the Saulire chair lift up to the Dent de Burgin, which, at 2739m, separates the extensive Courchevel ski area from neighbouring Meribel.

The concept is simple: skiers catch a coach from London’s Victoria at 5pm on a Thursday, wake up the following morning in the Three Valleys, and leave on Sunday, being deposited back in Blightly at 9.30pm on Monday morning. For a supplement you can chose to fly from any of 17 UK airports, with a transfer to your hotel or chalet when you arrive.

Dan Fox with fellow skier Briony Key

The attraction is obvious: for just one day off work, skiers can bag three days on the slopes. By flying, they get an extra day.

So assured was he of the idea’s unfailing brilliance, his company’s subsequent success has left him unsurprised.

“It is popular with families who might be on a budget, but also with those who are cash rich but time poor, and want to fit in as much skiing into the season as possible,” he says.

Short, sharp midweek trips are also available, with many budget-conscious guests opting to stay in Ski Weekends’ partner hotel in Brides les Bains, a gondola ride from Meribel.

Hitting the pistes at Courchevel

Being both cash and time-poor, I joined a group of friends at Chalet Emily, a lovely wooden house just off the main street through Courchevel 1650 which, while less glitzy than oligarch’s favourite Courchevel 1850 (the numerical suffixes relate to the resorts’ altitude) is still a smart spot, with views to die for.

Flying to Geneva, we were picked up and deposited at our chalet where a meal was already waiting. The benefits of it all were quickly becoming obvious.

This is skiing made easy, with little to think about other than getting up, and down, the mountain. Equipment can be hired literally over the road, and the main lift is a five minute plod along the street. For the journey back at the end of the day, there are more than enough lively bars to keep the apres-ski scene things interesting – many bursting with skiers, still clad in helmets and boots, dancing on tables to live bands or DJs spinning cheesy pop.

Best of all, the chalet comes complete with its own host to cook and clean. The food is good and varied (hosts go on a cooking course worthy of a good French restaurant), with fresh bread and other treats for breakfast and a hearty three course homecooked dinner in the evening, accompanied by lots of wine.

For the hosts’ part... well, they get to ski of course. Every day. What is there not to like?

Partying at La Folie Douce

The chalet is named after UK ski cross champion Emily Sarsfield, and those who harbour ambitions of ascending the medal podium at the next Winter Olympics can receive coaching from Emily on selected dates.

Of course, Courchevel’s reputation as the haunt of the beautiful people does manifest itself in the shape of steep costs on the piste, but even here there are bargain bolt holes. The trick is to ask around. One destination which should not be missed, however, is Meribel’s La Folie Douce.

This branch of the famous chain of apres bars (the name translates as ‘soft party’) is transformed mid-afternoon from a salubrious restaurant serving fabulous Savoyard food (the eyepopping desserts are specialities) to a hedonistic hangout, with skiers packing its veranda for banging Euro-dance and what must be the world’s highest burlesque show.

But while the drinks flow, it pays to take things easy. Being half-way up a mountain, there is still a respectable red run to tackle to descend to Meribel, and a long series of pistes and lifts to negotiate to get back to Courchevel. While you’ll feel like Cinderella, leaving the ball early, it pays not to get caught out and left looking like a pumpkin when the lifts stop.

Ski to Val Thorens on a day trip

As well as Meribel, a Three Valleys ski pass allows for forays as far afield as Les Menuires and, even better, Val Thorens – which at 2,300m is Western Europe’s highest resort - with excellent snow guaranteed.

“This is France’s biggest ski area,” says Dan, over a cold glass of Kronenbourg 1664 (which, unlike the resort, is not named after its elevation). “That means you can do something different every day, and know that you are in one of the best places to ski in Europe.

"Because if the skiing is going to be good anywhere – it will be here!”

FACTBOX

• Chalet Emily is situated in a small hamlet not far from the centre of Courchevel 1650, with the slopes and nearest ski lift just 250m away. Calming and tranquil, the traditional Savoyard chalet offers stunning views spread over three floors and sleeps eight-10 people.

Guests of the chalet also have access to a spa with sauna, hamman and jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing tired bodies before settling in front of the open fireplace with a pre-dinner drink followed by the three-course meal provided by the chalet host.

Prices start at £598pp for a weekend ski break or £341 for a mid-week short break, based on two sharing, The price includes half-board accommodation, flights and transfers.

Visit skiweekends.com or call 02380 206 971.

• Equipment: Ski hire costs from £44 for skis/snowboard and boots with partner Skimium.
• For more information on La Folie Douce Meribel visit lafoliedouce.com
• Two-hour private lessons for one to two people start at £146 with New Generation Ski School. Visit skinewgen.com
• Lift passes for three days start at £120 for a Courchevel pass. les3vallees.com