France's fabled Three Valleys comprise some of the world's best-known ski resorts. The high-elevation ski stations of Courchevel, Miribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens are the most famous in the area, but there are also small, intimate satellite villages tucked into the valleys below.

The big resorts at Three Valleys are hardly intimate charmers, but rather bustling born-for-skiing meccas. They also hosted some of the ski events at the 1992 Winter Olympics, headquartered in Albertville.

Courchevel itself consists of resort centers at three elevations, all named after their elevation in meters. Courchevel 1850 is sleek and chic—one of the most glamorous of all French resorts. At one end of the three parallel valleys are Courchevel 1650 and 1550, plus adjacent Le Praz at 4,265 feet, which offer the most extensive terrain—and highest lift-served point.