%20%20%20(9).webp)
80 years of Courchevel: history, anecdotes and heritage of a legendary resort
Published on 04/12/2025 - Written by Amélie
Founded in 1945, Courchevel is now one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps. It boasts a privileged location at the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area, offers a wide range of activities to suit all visitors and provides a family-friendly welcome thanks to the Famille Plus label.
This year, Courchevel and the French Ski School are celebrating their 80 years: focus on their creation on the occasion of this special anniversary.
A brief history of Courchevel
From the late 1920s, the valleys were popular with skiers, mainly from Paris and Lyon, thanks to the arrival of the train, which made access much easier. Louis Curtet, the mayor of Saint-Bon, opened the first ski club and organised the Savoie championships in 1938 and 1944.
Aware of the region's tourist potential, he helped to develop the profession of ski instructor and worked to build ski lifts and other facilities to make it easier for skiers and hikers to enjoy the region.
Nicknamed the Queen of the Alps, Courchevel quickly attracted attention. Despite a slowdown caused by the Second World War, a resort construction project was soon underway, spearheaded by architect Laurent Chappis.
Nicknamed the Queen of the Alps, Courchevel quickly attracted attention. Despite a slowdown caused by the Second World War, a resort construction project was soon underway, spearheaded by architect Laurent Chappis.
Approval from the Savoie General Council, funding, piste and town planning schemes, access roads, electricity and telephone installations, piste markings and the construction of a hotel were all stages in the process of welcoming the very first customers at the end of 1946.
Group lessons in an exceptional settingA ski resort that can't be ignored
80 years after its creation, Courchevel has become an absolute benchmark for skiers from all over the world. While the resort is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, it is also a true reflection of the French art of living, with internationally renowned luxury and gastronomic addresses. Once again this winter, new experiences, ever richer and more inspiring, are on offer to customers.
Courchevel is also the perfect place to discover skiing and snowboarding through group or private lessons given by state-certified instructors. A passionate team that embodies the excellence the resort has always promoted!
Courchevel is also the perfect place to discover skiing and snowboarding through group or private lessons given by state-certified instructors. A passionate team that embodies the excellence the resort has always promoted!
The ESF celebrates its 80th anniversary
Created to professionalise the teaching of skiing and winter sports, the ESF is also celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, its symbols have developed and endured: the red jumper adopted in 1958 and given to all ski instructors, the Flocons and Étoiles issued to apprentice skiers to validate their level and encourage their progress on the slopes, and the major ESF competitions are now part of the school's heritage.
With a presence in all the French massifs, the ESF is an essential reference in ski and mountain sports teaching. It's a heritage that will live on for many years to come, and one that you can discover during your next stay in Courchevel by booking one of our lessons!
With a presence in all the French massifs, the ESF is an essential reference in ski and mountain sports teaching. It's a heritage that will live on for many years to come, and one that you can discover during your next stay in Courchevel by booking one of our lessons!
Progress at your own pace with our private lessons