Hotel Snapshot
Staying on a piece of sporting history is a rare treat, but L’Apogée Courchevel offers exactly that, occupying the site of a former Olympic ski jump. Nestled in the snow-capped Jardin Alpin, within Les Trois Vallées—the world's largest linked ski domain with 600km of runs—this five-star, freshly-renovated retreat has offered unrivaled Alpine views since its 2013 opening. It is an Oetker Hotels’ Masterpiece Collection member, sharing a lineage with legends like Paris’s Le Bristol and the Côte d’Azur’s Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. I’ve yet to find an Oetker hotel that didn’t exceed expectations.
Design & Character
As a longtime admirer of Kelly Wearstler, I was thrilled to witness her acumen at work in the newly reimagined communal and culinary spaces at L’Apogée Courchevel, marking her first European hospitality project. While India Mahdavi and Joseph Dirand designed the rest of the hotel as a more dedicated tribute to the surrounding locale, Wearstler focused on creating a sense of "raw elegance" that feels both grounded and intimate. This redesign, which infuses hints of brutalist influence, is home to the new Beefbar Courchevel and spans five distinct areas: the Piano Lounge, Central Bar, Salon, and the East and West Dining Rooms. Bold, angular shapes are softened by a forest-inspired palette of charcoal, rich garnet, and mossy greens, while textures like locally quarried stone and brushed alpine woods feel perfectly at home in the mountainous environment. My personal favorite space is the L’Apogée Club, a woodsy and stylish "living room" featuring 1960s-style ceramic reliefs and an Edelweiss piano
Rooms & Suites
When you finally retreat to one of the 56 rooms or suites, that sense of mountain coziness really sinks in. Monochrome check carpets and gemstone-colored upholstery sit against views of the white snow framed by the windows. If you’re traveling with a big group, the private chalets—L’Amarante and L’Alpensia—are well worth the splurge. They are packed with private spas, cinemas, and even a "magic carpet" conveyor belt to whisk you from your front door straight onto the slopes. Sybarites will love the four-bedroom Penthouse, which takes over the entire top floor and features a rooftop hot tub that is best enjoyed under the star-studded night sky.
Food & Drink
Dining here is anything but your standard mountain fare, centered around the newly redesigned Beefbar Courchevel. Executive Chef Romain Antoine has done a brilliant job of translating the brand's global hits for a ski crowd; the Wagyu "Croque Sando" and Kobe beef prosciutto are sure to appease gastronomes from near and far, especially carnivores like me. Also within the blueprint are the Piano Lounge and the wood-paneled Cigar Lounge—quintessential spots to nurse a rare cognac while watching the snow-laden setting outside.
Amenities
There have been times when I’ve avoided skiing altogether just to escape the laborious process of getting ready: the clunky boots, rental lines, and the endless layers of winterwear. But L’Apogée’s knack for luxury ensures you skip the hassle entirely. The experience is mostly effortless thanks to a private conveyor belt and a team of ski butlers who honestly treat your gear with more care than most people treat their cars. There is also a kids' club, which adds a welcome family-friendly element to the property.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
By the time you’ve finished a day on the slopes, your body will be craving relaxation, and the Spa L’Apogée is sure to exceed your expectations. This subterranean wellness refuge functions as a nourishing temple for recovery, featuring a pool and a traditional salt sauna that rejuvenates every guest. The treatment menu is particularly impressive, pairing high-end La Prairie facials—one of my favorite European skincare brands—with Bamford’s organic body rituals.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
As much as you’ll want to hunker down next to a fireplace with a book and hot chocolate, the town of Courchevel 1850 is an alpine-chic playground that begs to be explored. It’s a manageable walk to descend into town, but the hotel can easily arrange for a car if you prefer. I recommend a stroll down Avenue Montaigne, where the people-watching is superb and the storefronts house Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. If you have a weakness for jewelry or fine watches, a stop at Espace Diamant will absolutely have you in raptures.
Fast Facts:
Location: Courchevel, France
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Alpine chic
Our favorite thing about the hotel: How cozy every space is, especially the rooms. My suite had the most perfect balcony looking over the snow-laden landscape.
Amenities: Restaurants, bar, smoking lounge, spa, indoor pool, breakfast, fitness center, ski-in/ski-out access, and kids’ club
Food & Drink: Four restaurants & Bars
Room count: 56
What’s nearby?: Patinoire Olympic, La Croisette, Courchevel Village, Jardin Alpin Gondola, Lac Biollay, and Les Toris Valles
Starting nightly rate: ~$1,750
Closest Airport: Geneva International Airport (around two hours by car)
Courchevel, France
