Since its creation ex nihilo in 1946, the resort has become a global reference for winter sports while embodying the French art of living. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our history, the men and women who have shaped our territory, and to ambitiously project our pioneering spirit into the future.
Throughout the year 2026, join us to celebrate 80 years of passion, friendliness, and sporting excellence.
The History & DNA of the Resort: A Laboratory of Innovation
It all began in 1946 on a virgin plateau of the Savoy Alps. Commissioned by the Department of Savoie, urban architect Laurent Chappis designed an unprecedented "skiable city," far from traditional village resorts. On May 3, 1946, the municipal council of Saint-Bon approved the project under the impetus of mayor Francis-Eugène Mugnier, creating the resort under the name of Courchevel on November 30 of the same year.
In the 1950s, the legendary Émile Allais became technical director. The first ESF instructor, he revolutionized the practice by importing the very first Sno-Cat (tracked grooming machine) in 1959 and inventing the profession of ski patroller.
In 1952, the Saulire cable car was put into service. The connection with Méribel subsequently led to the birth of the 3 Valleys, the largest ski area in the world.
Key Dates
1946 : Birth ex nihilo on a virgin plateau, envisioned by architect Laurent Chappis.
1959 : Émile Allais revolutionizes skiing by introducing the first grooming machine (Sno-Cat) and creating the ski patroller profession.
3 Valleys Connection: Opening of the Saulire cable car (1952) and creation of the world's largest ski area.
Luxury & Gastronomy: The first starred restaurant from the 1970s (Le Chabichou). Today, the resort has 5 palaces and 7 starred tables (13 Michelin stars).
A Land of Champions and Major Events
Courchevel has always been a cradle of talent and a stage for the world's greatest sporting events:
Iconic Figures: From Jean Blanc (creator of the first ski lift) to Alexis Pinturault (local child and most titled skier in French skiing history, crowned world champion at home in 2023), the tradition of excellence continues with the new generation trained at the Sports Club like Steven Amiez and Marie Lamure.
Visionary Leaders: Personalities such as Raymonde Fenestraz (pioneer of exceptional hospitality at the Airelles) or Michel Ziegler (creator of altiports and mayor-builder of the Praz and Forum jumps) have firmly anchored the resort in history.
Major International Events:
1992 : Ski jumping and Nordic combined events of the Albertville Olympics.
2023 : Co-organization of the Alpine Skiing World Championships.
2026 : Return of the Men's Alpine Skiing World Cup on the Eclipse slope.
2030 : Hosting of Olympic events again (alpine skiing and jumping).
Highlights of the 2026 Calendar
January: Official launch of the 80th-anniversary celebrations of the resort
February: Inauguration of the eco-friendly Chenus gondola.
March (14-15): Men's Alpine Skiing World Cup (Downhill & Super-G on the Eclipse).
April: Live on the slopes.
May: Commemoration of the creation of the resort (May 3, 1946)
June: Mountain pasture ascent and Savoyard traditions.
July: Show Symphony of Lights.
August: Ski jumping World Cup.
September: Anniversary evening with Racing Lagardère.
October: International presence in the United Kingdom.
November: Special operations on social networks.
December: Grand closing party.
Looking Towards the Future: Modernity and Commitment
At 80, Courchevel continues to modernize without betraying its original spirit:
Responsible Modernization: Renewal of the ski area's infrastructures integrating eco-responsible devices (such as solar energy on the Chenus).
Event Dressing: Specific dressing of ski lifts (Saulire, Praz), anniversary passes, and limited edition collaborations with French know-how houses.
Renewed Lifestyle Offer: New concept stores and gastronomic addresses led by a new generation of chefs.
“Each generation has contributed to the structure, without ever betraying the original spirit.”
— Jean-Yves Pachod, Mayor of Courchevel
