Wow ! Awesome Snow!
For a long weekend (too short for my liking), I’m rediscovering this superb resort in Savoy, France! I’m taking you with me! After half a day’s travel, we arrived at the hotel, the Ecrin Blanc Resort Courchevel. Watching the snow always makes me euphoric.
The Hotel
Comfortable, modern, and ideally located at the foot of the slopes. This 4-star hotel didn’t exist during my first stay in Courchevel. The Ecrin Blanc resort is located in the village of Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), right next to the Aquamotion. You can even walk there in your bathrobe and slippers (by taking the corridors connecting the two buildings).
It’s too late to go skiing. So, after the best salad I’ve had in ages at the hotel restaurant, Le Grill, I spend the rest of the afternoon at Aquamotion. A very pleasant aqua center with some outdoor pools, a spa, and saunas. But there are many people..
As for our room, it was spacious and comfortable, with a living area, a modern bathroom, very good bedding, and above all, a beautiful view (photo below). A special mention goes to the cinema room, where I happily rewatched ‘Les Bronzés font du Ski’, a famous French comedy loved by different generations!).
Day 2 : Skiing & Aquamotion
Put On Your Skis
Courchevel boasts a 150 km ski area. Today, the weather isn’t great, and visibility fluctuates between average and poor, with a thick whiteout and a few patches of sunshine here and there.
After a long break from skiing, I always prefer to start again with a lesson with an ESF instructor. What a fantastic feeling, gliding on slopes lined with fir trees! This is followed by a fun lunch in a restaurant on the slopes, and I return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Day 3 : A Walk, Then A Dog Sled Ride
The Lac de la Rosière, Dogs And Snow
For our last day, the weather seems to be improving a bit! We start the day with a walk around the Lac de la Rosière.. The scenery is as captivating as ever (photos 1 & 2 in the photomontage below) In fact, the first time I came to Courchevel, I went snowshoeing here with a group. We have lunch at the friendly little restaurant Châlet du Lac de la Rosière. Thank you to the chef for his kindness (photo 3 in the photomontage below).
Set back from the main road, we spot several huskies and other northern breeds. Most are already harnessed to their sleds, and some have piercing blue eyes. All are waiting for their mushers’ signals to set off. The bond between musher and dog is fascinating to watch (photos 5 & 6 in the photomontage below) We climb into our sled and let the adventure begin (photo above)!
My personal opinion which I apply to all dogs (sled dogs or not): do not pet a dog without the owner’s permission and avoid leaving small children nearby.
Where To Dine
Delicate Flavors
I really enjoy contemporary French cuisine, especially lighter sauces. And this obsessive focus on the impeccable quality of ingredients.
Let’s start with the Le Genépi : the chef Thierry Mugnier’s cuisine is subtle, and the combinations are masterful. I especially appreciated the clarity of each flavor. I enjoyed an excellent fish dish (photo 1 in the montage above). Everything is exquisitely refined! The same goes for the cheeses. Our elegant hostess, the chef’s wife Cécile Mugnier, is absolutely charming, as is the rest of the team. As for the setting, it is simply delightful.
As for our second dinner, the food was just as delicious (photos 4, 5, and 6 of the photo montage and the photo below). The cuisine is more classic, less sophisticated than at Le Genépi, but tasty nonetheless. The restaurant is located in a hotel, where one of the lobbies features an imposing life-size elephant statue. The beef in the starter was very tender, and I particularly enjoyed how the vegetables in the main course were cooked.
Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.
Informations
Autres articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS
Many thanks to Courchevel Tourism Board for this beautiful invattion. As Always these are my opinions.
