You’ve got to look good while skiing, right?
Especially when in Courchevel.
Getting the perfect blend of practicality and style isn’t always easy.
You need to make sure you’ve got all the right gear to keep you warm in the cold.
And with so many garments and accessories going into your outfit, it’s another job entirely to bring it all together.
Courchevel does ski wear like nowhere else on Earth. In 1850, you’ll see designer brands flying down the slopes and boutique stores lining the slopes.
Let’s break it down and take a look at what essential items you need on and off the slopes. Plus, you’ll find ideas about the top ski brands to help you cut your own iconic look through the resort.
What to Wear While Skiing
Let’s start by looking at what to wear while on the slopes. We’ll go through all the essential items and where to look for this season’s perfect ensemble.
Ski Jacket and Pants
Picking the perfect ski jacket and pants makes a big difference to your trip. Of course, you want it to keep you warm and dry in the snow. Plus, it’s the base of your outfit and style.
You can find a matching jacket and pants or decide to mix and match complementing colours. You’ll find all sorts of different styles, from glamorous with a fur hood to tailored and technical.
If you want that elegant Courchevel 1850 look with fur lining and statement pieces, then brands include Moncler, Goldbergh, Poivre Blanc, and Fendi.
For true mountain luxury, boutique brands like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel unveil ski wear lines each winter. You can find all these shops in the ski resort too!
If you want more technical outerwear that won’t let you down on your adventures, then Fusalp, Arc’teryx, Canada Goose, Bogner, or Haglofs will suit you.
Thermal Layers
If you’re skiing through the mid-winter months, thermal layers are crucial to keep you warm and comfortable all day.
A great set of thermals helps to wick away sweat and keep the cold air out. It’s like an extra layer of soft skin. The best quality garments are made using a magical material called merino wool. It’s super soft, highly insulating, very durable, and odour resistant.
These days you can find thermals to suit your unique style from simple and understated, elegant glamour, and down right funky.
Take a look at Icebreaker, Isobaa, Helly Hansen, ODLO, and Smartwool for the high quality options.
For added pzazz, find fresh styles with Perfect Moment, Goldbergh, Sweaty Betty, and OOSC Clothing.
Mid Layers
So what do you wear between your thermals and your outerwear? Well, that’s your mid-layer. Creatively named I know!
This consists of a lightweight layer to add extra warmth. You can tailor your mid layer depending on the outdoor temperature. For example, in January and February it could be a small insulated down jacket or pull over. If it’s a little warmer outside then a thin pullover works well.
You can inject style into this so you’re looking good when the jacket comes off at apres ski or over lunch on a sunny deck.
Most ski brands produce a mid layer to complement your outfit, highlights here include:
- Patagonia
- The North Face
- RAB
- Scott
- Berghaus
Ski Gloves
Time to talk about accessories. This is where I love adding to my outfit as there are so many options. Don’t neglect your gloves, you’ve got to keep your hands warm and dry.
The place to go for ski gloves is Hestra. These are widely considered the best around. Trust me, when you first put them on you’ll never want to take them off. The inner is mind blowingly soft fleece and the outer shell is beautifully crafted leather. Head into any of the ski shops in Courchevel and you’ll find your perfect pair.
Ski Socks
Thickest is not always best! A common mistake is thinking that you should wear the thickest socks possible when skiing. It makes sense, right? You’ll be warmer.
In reality a high quality ski sock is quite thin and made from a warm insulating material like merino wool or bamboo. It’s 100% worth investing in high quality ski socks to keep your toes warm and feet comfortable.
For the amazing sock selections, both technical and funky, browse through collections at Smartwool and Stance.
Helmet
The decision here comes down to visor or no-visor.
Ski helmets with in-built visors are popular with Courchevel skiers. It means you don’t need to bother with goggles. Once you clip on your skis, you simply flick down your visor like a pilot and start your turns for the day.
Rossignol, Bolle, Cebe, Salomon, and Kask all make a range of these helmets.
The other option is to go for a regular ski helmet. This gives you a wider range of style and quality. Plus the option to pick complimenting goggles.
Any decent ski equipment brand produces quality ski helmets. Industry protection leaders include Sweet Protection and POC.
You can read our complete guide to ski helmets for a deeper look as there is a lot to cover.
Goggles or Sunglasses
If you’re wearing a ski helmet, then it’s important to pick goggles that have a compatible fit. For example, if you have Oakley goggles, an Oakley helmet fits the best.
The choice of ski goggles is mind boggling! All the major ski brands produce them. Adding to this, you’ll find a number of dedicated eyewear brands like Dragon, Oakley, Smith Melon, and SunGod.
You’ll want a goggle lens to suit all conditions from bright sunshine to low light. Now you can get a single lens that adapts to light conditions or you can pick an interchangeable lens system.
For the best of the best look no further than the Oakley’s with a Prism lens. You’ll always be skiing in high-definition.
What to Wear for Apres Ski
Once you’ve finished your afternoon laps in the sun, it’s time to tweak your outfit for apres ski. In Courchevel, you might be heading to La Folie Douce or hanging out on the slope side in 1850, or finding live music in the 1650 village centre.
Sunglasses
The most important thing is a good pair of sunglasses. On a sunny day, it’s going to be bright outside while you sip a cold beer or glass of bubbles. Once you take off your helmet and ski goggles, make sure you’ve got your favourite sunnies in your pocket to throw on.
Iconic Hat
Your Courchevel apres ski hat choice might change depending on the weather and air temperature. In December and January you’ll want something that keeps you snug and warm. While in the April spring sun, a sunhat might be more appropriate.
Jumper or Mid Layer
While you’re dancing to a local band or DJ, you’ll want to throw off your heavier ski jacket. It can still be chilly outside, so having a jumper or mid-layer with you provides a nice balance of comfort and warmth. Plus you can unleash your funky apres ski style for the afternoon.
Go Retro
Retro ski style is making a comeback at apres ski. Think all in one ski suits, 80’s and 90’s, and even coloured sun cream! Get creative…
Off the Slopes and Evening Wear
Once the sun disappears and you’ve finished your day on the slopes, it’s time to head back to your hotel or ski chalet.
Comfy Lounge Wear
There’s no better feeling than pulling off your ski boots, getting out of your ski pants, and jumping into your comfortable clothes. You’ll get an overwhelming sense of contentment as you melt into a comfy chair in front of the fire with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Pick out your favourite cosy jumper!
Smart Casual
Once you’ve had a chance to recharge, it’s time for a cocktail and dinner. Most people opt for a smart casual look in Courchevel. Something that looks great but is comfortable for your relaxing evening.
If you’re heading out into the village, then don’t forget a jacket and hat to keep you warm. Temperatures plummet during the night time.
Shoe Choice
When choosing your shoes, remember you’re heading for a winter destination. Don’t be surprised if you find snow and ice on the streets. While the ski resort does its best to clear the walk ways, it’s not always possible during a snowstorm!
Leave the high heels and open toe shoes behind. A good pair of snow boots is useful to have on hand for the snowy days and nights.
Sorel, Ugg, Moon Boots tend to be the choice of Courchevel visitors.
Clothes Shopping
Looking to buy a new winter outfit in Courchevel? You’ll be spoiled for choice in 1850!
Ski Shops
You’ll find ski shops in all of the villages selling the essentials including ski jackets, pants, and accessories. In addition, you can browse a selection of luxury ski retailers including Fusalp and Bernard Orcel.
Fashion Boutiques
On Avenue Montaigne in Courchevel 1850 you’ll find elegance and glamour. Walk up the street past the twinkling store fronts of Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Moncler. All of which showcase a unique winter line with exclusive Courchevel style.
What to Wear in Courchevel Summary
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about what to wear in Courchevel.
You’ve discovered the key elements to your ski outfit, apres ski, and evening wear. Each section includes ideas and inspiration about what brands you might see around resorts. In addition, it offers a perfect starting point to find high quality winter garments.
When on the slopes you’ll need:
- Ski jacket and pants
- Baselayers
- Midlayers
- Socks
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Helmet
Plus don’t forget sunglasses and a hat for apres ski. Then a comfortable outfit for relaxing in the evening and a good pair of winter boots for exploring the villages.