At the bottom lies 1300 (Le Praz), which is an old farming village that escapes the mad fray seen further up the mountain. That means a wooded setting and, unfortunately, few amenities. Then comes 1550, which is popular among French skiers and self-catering, but a bit out of the loop when it comes to skiing. Next is 1650, which is also largely self-catering and chalet-based, with some excellent skiing, good restaurants and a superb ski school.

Last and oh-so-far from least is 1850 - the rich people's playground. Ridiculously expensive shops, restaurants and nightlife abound. Poseurs prance everywhere. But it does have the best off-piste, the guaranteed snow of high altitude and is smack in the middle of the valley. Consequently, this is the one place in Courchevel where you may face lift queues and crowded pistes. Access to the whole area couldn't be easier, with the Trois Vallées possessing one of the finest lift systems in the world. And with a great range of boarding facilities and every type of skiing you could want, it is no surprise that Courchevel is one of the most popular destinations for both British and French.