Take the chance to be the first on the lift despite what appears to be appalling weather, your local knowledge has told you that above 2000m the clouds will stop because there is a temperature inversion. This is a benefit of being in a resort for a season, you can enjoy the fresh powder in tranquil conditions and jump off rocks with your friends knowing that their is a fluffy cushion of snow in the landing zone.
I am constantly emailed about working in Courchevel because it seems that everyone wants to sample the winter skier/boarder lifestyle, well here is a short guide with pros/cons and some general advice.
It has everything, take the 6 biggest ski resorts in America and they will fit inside the 3 Valleys. That gives you an idea of it's size. It has great party places, great skiing and great people. The Euro has decreased in value over the last year which has made prices more favourable. It is also the home to many great skiers, the standard of skiing in France in general is very high because of the regulations placed on instructors, they need to be qualified more than any other country in the world to be able to teach there.
In Courchevel there are a large range of places you can work but if you extend that to the 3 Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel & Val Thorens - all linked by a enormous lift system) then the options are limitless. The 3 Valleys is the largest ski area in the world, and after 5 years of being there I am yet to ski every run let alone all the off piste.
If partying is the number one priority I would recommend the Meribel and Val Thorens party scene. However if you want the combination of best snow conditions, weather and some partying then Courchevel is best!
The best apres ski is in Meribel and Val Thorens. With the Folie Douce in Val Thorens and now in Meribel too. After the Folie head to Cafe Snesko in VT or the Rond Point de Piste also know as the "Ronnie" to locals. If your night is going on into the late night, after these 2 party places you may find yourself heading to Le Malaysia in VT or perhaps Dicks Tea Bar if you are in Meribel.
If you choose to stay in Courchevel for the apres-ski it tends to be live bands and acoustic music rather than dance music, so check out Le Boulotte and Rockies Bar in 1650, La Taiga in La Tania and L'escourchevel in Le Praz. 1850 doesn't have much of an apres ski theme. If you want to take you parting into the night in Courchevel you can head to Les Caves in 1850 but you probably won't get in unless you're dressed very smart or with a very wealthy group. Drinks here are 15euros at their cheapest and that's for a small bottle of beer. A better bet is to head to 1650 where you can go to Le Club or the Funky Fox. Le Praz is normally good fun with the L'escourchevel bar staying open until 2.
Courchevel is north facing which means the sun has less impact on the snow and therefore it generally has the best snow conditions. The run down from Sailure (top of Courchevel) down into Meribel can get really icy so a better option to get to Meribel is to head of Col de le Loze and take the boulevard down which will have better snow conditions, if this route is closed, do not dodge the barrier! This area is prone to avalanching and it is closed for a reason!
The best moguls in the 3 Valleys can be found in Val Thorens on a run called Cascades, they can get pretty big so be careful! The run from the top of Meribel going down into Saint Martin de Belleville is called Jerusulum this is in the top 10 ski runs in the world so is definitely worth checking out when conditions are good, make sure you have a 3 valleys lift pass though because you'll need it to get back from Saint-Martin de Belleville which isn't included on the Meribel lift pass.
A personal favourite is Biolay in Courchevel, always perfectly groomed, allowing you to open up the throttle and really go for it. There has just been a new high speed 6 man chair lift installed here which makes turn around much quicker.
If you fancy a bit of freestyle why not head to the family park in Courchevel or if you want to go a bit bigger the moon or DC park in Meribel and Mottaret. Some of the jumps here are massive and only allowed to be jumped by pro's, I'm sure you will meet your match.
It can be expensive here, however almost everywhere will offer seasonaire prices which are definitely worth taking! Buying a sandwich and drink at lunch time will come to about 10 euros if you just go to the bakery, however you should head to the Castors take away which is located at the bottom of the Tougnette bubble where you can get great deals for seasonaires (you have to tell them you are a seasonaire though!!), The Drop Inn in Le Praz does reasonably priced Panini's, Bubble Bar and the Boulotte in Courchevel 1650 do paninis and reasonably priced food. Val Thorens is much more reasonably with regards to the cost of living, it has traditionally a more budget place to stay but it has a great party atmosphere with lots of Scandinavians visiting every season.
French resorts is a snow sure resort because of it's size and altitude, there is often fantastic off piste to be found but if it isn't provided by your employer, I strongly recommend you take the Carte Neige insurance. This is relatively cheap this can be bought from the lift pass office, if you get injured when you are on the mountain this is what will cover the costs of getting you off the mountain.
The 3 Valleys is home to lots of Brits and English speaking people so there is no need to worry about a language barrier but some French will bring a smile to the face of locals. Seasonaires get stuff for cheaper than regular holiday makers, just make sure you remind the barman or shop worker you are a seasonaire!
Ski Schools such as Magic in Motion will often do special classes for seasonaires these may be free or at a massively reduced rate, this is a great way to make new friends and learn to ski properly for much cheaper than normal. If you are worried about lift lines, you should just dart into the singles line, this is much quicker as you fill the empty seats left by groups.
Don't try and teach your mates on the mountain, whilst a tip here and there goes un-noticed it annoys the local instructors that have trained for years to be allowed to teach and you will soon have the police and the French government after you as it's regarded as highly illegal.
If you are want to escape the pressures of city life, enjoy the mountains, ski everyday and breath the fresh air the alps has to offer then I highly recommend a season in the 3 Valleys.
"Escape the pressures of city life, enjoy the mountains, ski everyday and breath the fresh air the alps has to offer..."
Written by Blake Williams from Skivo2, who offer catered chalet holidays in Courchevel that include ski coaching from BASI qualified instructors.