Christmas and New Year are the two busiest weeks of the Courchevel season, and also the most beautiful: Le Praz lit up, freshly groomed pistes, village celebrations and fireworks on the 31st. Here is how to organise a private chalet stay without surprises.
Festive dates for winter 2026-2027
The season usually opens around 5 December depending on snow. Christmas week runs Saturday 19 to Saturday 26 December, New Year week from 26 December to 2 January. Most private chalets run Saturday-to-Saturday stays over those weeks, with a seven-night minimum.
- —Early December: empty slopes and the lowest rates of the winter
- —Christmas week: family atmosphere, market and events in Le Praz
- —New Year week: the most sought-after, often booked a year ahead
- —Early January: the best snow at the best prices
What a festive chalet costs in Courchevel
Over Christmas and New Year, a large private chalet in Courchevel typically ranges from €25,000 to €100,000 per week depending on altitude, size and included services. Le Praz (Courchevel 1300) offers far better value than 1850 while giving access to exactly the same ski area.
At Les Cochettes, 330 m² for 12 adults with a private 10-metre indoor pool, cinema, sauna and games room, the cost is usually shared between several families, which remains the most sensible way to be well housed on these dates.
New Year's Eve at the chalet rather than out
Courchevel restaurants are fully booked months before 24 and 31 December, with fixed menus. Bringing a private chef to the chalet often costs less than dining out, and lets you eat with the children, with no booking stress and no late drive home.
- —Private chef for the 24th and 31st, menu designed with you
- —Wine selection delivered before arrival
- —Full service and kitchen left spotless
- —Evening childcare on New Year's Eve
Skiing during the holidays without the crowds
Christmas holidays concentrate skiers on the high sectors. From Le Praz the gondola reaches Courchevel 1850 and the whole 3 Valleys in minutes: start early, head to La Tania or the Col de la Loze before 10am, then ski home for lunch at the chalet.
When to book
The best houses for New Year go between January and March for the following winter. Christmas often has availability until October. If you are reading this in autumn, there is still time: ask us which dates remain open this winter.