Russian Billionaire travels to Courchevel, France

Interesting choice for this owner of the NJ Nets and possible future Russian president, along with the chef from Chez Bru in Eygalieres, a European celebrity chef. A truly spectacular spot in the French Alps where we've traveled several times to experience. Although St. Moritz and Chamonix are also beautiful ski resorts, there is something about Courchevel that calls to us, from the views, to the food, to the people, and the hotels, and so much more.

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/travelers-check/201112/prokhorov-takes-entourage-two-dozen-french-alps

Although I do not ski any longer, D. has skied the slops, we've eaten lunch at the top of the mountain at Cap Horn sitting outside in the sun, stayed at both Biblos and our more favorite, La Lana and eaten at many of the local restaurants. Most hotels there offer a European plan for food along with your room, meaning breakfast and either lunch or dinner. The chefs who work on the Cote D'Azur and Provence in the summer migrate to the Alps for the winter, heading to where the money travels seasonally. At La Lana we have stayed in a special suite with a private hot tub in the bathroom which seats four, and had a 180 degree view of the slopes from our window so we could watch the grooming all night if we so choose.

There are several levels to the mountain but at 1850 meters, is where the action is, complete with former Olympic skating rink with a view of the mountains, and stylish women walking the streets in their fur-trimmed parkas, apres ski. The altitude does require some adjustment and you definitely want chains for your car to climb the mountain with if you are driving. About two hours from the Geneva airport, but a long road up the hill requiring confidence in your driving skills. Once on the mountain you can take the gondola system to other ski areas throughout the valley, or on the same mountain. Very professionally run, and fabulous ski school, with adorable little children learning quickly and flying down the slopes before you know it. At Biblos, you are outside the town and need to use their shuttle to come and go. At La Lana you can ski out, including from their equipment rental room.

We hope to go back soon - maybe 2013.