 Poster: A snowHead
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Courchevel is known for its high-flying Russian clientele and stratospheric prices, but not much of the inside story has been written yet. One day the full account of this little Russian invasion will make gripping reading.
In the meantime, here's an entertaining article on the elevated world that is Courchevel, by Brian Viner in today's Independent. He cruised the slopes with the personal ski instructor of Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea Football Club - something that could make useful dinner party conversation!
Any reflections from Courchevel afficionados?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It's a silly little fluff piece which I think doesn't deserve to be in the Indpendent's ski section. The article reads like the justification for the journalist having accepted a freebie at an expensive hotel. Doesn't tell you anything about skiing, Courchevel or even Abramovich. The only thing I learned about the Byblos was that the boot room comes with valets and warm slippers - which, if anything, has put me off the place (not that I would ever have stayed there).
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Yes, but does Courchevel deserve a serious ski appraisal? The place has become a joke, hasn't it?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Courchevel a joke? In what sense?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Courchevel has some of the best skiing in the alps. I must admit to having stayed at the Byblos once, terrific place.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I was there a couple of weeks ago ( Courchevel - not the Byblos ! ) and I would say that it has definitely not become a joke - IMHO it is the better valley of the three in terms of pistes / connections / snow. I just wish I didn't have to take so many picnics, it is becoming very expensive !!!
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That's what I meant. A joke that even Swiss bankers wouldn't laugh at.
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I had some lessons in Courchevel in January with Thierry from ESF 1650, and he was telling me about some of his clients. He said that he found it very strange when he was hired by an Arab (I presume he meant a monied person from Saudi or the other Gulf states), who brought his family and Security guard on the lessons! Unfortunatley, the security guard was not at the same level of skiing (maybe even a beginner) and the poor soul had to struggle and risk life and limb accompanying his employer on the various runs.
I read about the ski valet at the Byblos in one of the Courchevel glossies.....if you need to be pampered like that, how on earth do you mange to muster the energy or grit to ski on a cold mountain - and let's face it, would you fancy walking around in tartan slippers with a little red bobble on the toes 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Sorry David, thought you were dissing one of my favourite resorts. Although I should start getting upset as I won't be able to afford to go there much longer !
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It doesn't have to cost a fortune to ski in Courchevel. There are several moderately priced chalet/hotels in the centre of 1850, lunch doesn't have to cost a king's ransom and having a few drinks in the evening doesn't need to cost much more than you pay for back home.
Of course, if you want to blow your inheritance on a couple of week's luxury in the mountains then I can't think of a better place to do that. However, even those on a budget can happily ski Courchevel (I should know, it's what I've done for the past 10 years).
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Having read the article I think it was actually mean't for Hello magazine!
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B00thy,  quality story
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