Opened in the heart of the Trois Vallées region as an Aman resort in 1992, Le Melezin combines a ski experience with the classic traditions of the finest French Chateaux.

Le Melezin history dates back to 1956, when it was opened as Le Savoy. The village of Courchevel was little more than an alpine pasture, a summer gateway for hikers and mountain climbers. The Trois Vallées region that embraces Courchevel today is acknowledged for its beautifully groomed slopes, superb infrastructure and some of the consistently best skiing conditions in the world.

Situated right on the Bellecôte piste allows ski in and ski out access to the resort. Watch skiers slalom from the comfort of Le Melezin Salon. Enjoy spectacular mountain views throughout the resort from wall-sized windows in the lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms, catching the alpine sun, forests of pine and larch and the skiers themselves. The scenic vistas from Courchevel 1850 open all the way from the French to the Swiss Alps.

The four-storey, slate-roof ofLe Melezin is imbued with the comforts and intimacy of a manor house. Reflective spot lighting lends a patina of warmth throughout. The classically patterned parquet flooring and panelling of the Lobby and Bar feature 200 year old oak beams, adding a weathered touch to the updated surroundings. On the ground floor, displays of antique carpentry tools and bronze sculptures of wild birds add a rural French flavour. Its classic ambience and hammam steam room, gym and pool, offer the ultimate in après-ski. The winter season runs from mid-December to mid-April.

The Details
Cuisine
The Restaurant offers traditional French cuisine adapted to the lighter demands of the modern diner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in an elegant manor-house setting, amidst old oak beams, engravings and frescoes. The Bar is decorated in oak panelling and has a classically patterned parquet floor. Weather permitting, the outdoor Terrace serves lunch, refreshments and afternoon tea.

Library
The Library has antique oak floors as well as old panel walls partially covered in silk and frescoes. A selection of books and magazines, along with DVDs and CDs, are available in English and French.

Sundeck
This area is designed for private sunbathing, with deck chairs for reading and lounging.

The Salon
With its cosy fireplace and views to the slopes, the Salon is a popular après-ski gathering place. After sunset, guests may enjoy pre-dinner drinks here and order their dinner.

Hammam and Gym
The classic and convivial hammam (steam room) with its capri-stone walls and vaulted ceiling is a popular spot for winding down. A massage or facial is a natural complement to the steam soak. In the Spa, a few steps away and set between stone columns, the cosy indoor pool basks in natural light which filters down through a glass-pyramid skylight. There is one jacuzzi at either side. The adjacent gym has a variety of exercise equipment.

Ski Room
The ski room opens directly onto the Bellecôte ski slope and offers racks for storing skis and snowboards, as well as heated racks for boots. Bellboys lay out the skis on the snow every morning, ready for guests to start their day on the slopes. Le Mélézin can arrange for a personal ski instructor, mountain guides and ski passes.

BabySitter
The concierge can arrange for a babysitter on site.

Location & Map
The ski village of Courchevel 1850 is situated in the heart of the Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, popular for its well-groomed slopes, extensive infrastructure and consistently good skiing conditions. Geneva and Lyon-Saint Exupéry are the closest international airports. Limousine and helicopter transfers are available from Geneva, Lyon .

The Altiport, a few minutes from Le Mélézin, handles private charters by plane or helicopter. Le Melezin arranges flights to various airports and guests may also drive direct to Courchevel. From Geneva, 140km north of Courchevel, or Lyon, 200km to the west, it is a two-and-a-half-hour drive while Paris is seven hours away by road.

By fast TGV train, Paris to Moûtiers-Salins takes just over four hours, followed by a 40-minute drive to Courchevel by taxi or private car.
The concierge at Le Mélézin can organise all types of transfers.

Travel Information
Climate
During the winter ski season, from December to February, average temperatures range from -15°C (5°F) to 5°C (41°F). During the spring ski season, from March to April, average temperatures range from -5°C (23°F) to 20°C (68°F). Snow conditions are excellent, with six to eight metres each winter and very well maintained slopes. Artificial snow is used briefly at the beginning of winter.

Language
French is the main language of communication. English is also spoken at the resort, as are Italian, German and Spanish.

Currency
The Euro is the only valid currency in Courchevel, which has ample exchange facilities.

Immigration Requirements
European Union nationals do not require visas but valid passports and visas are required for visitors from most other countries. Guests are advised to check with their nearest French embassy or consulate.

Health
A doctor is on call at Le Mélézin 24 hours a day. There are no special health requirements for France but visitors may wish to consult with their doctor.

Travel Tips
Electricity is 220 volts and the sockets take standard two-pin round plugs. Courchevel’s time zone is plus one hour GMT.