Skiing and fine dining have always gone hand in hand in the world’s most exclusive resorts. Nowhere is this truer than in Courchevel, the ski destination that not only offers world-class slopes but also holds the title of the most Michelin-starred ski resort in the world.

But Courchevel is just the beginning.

Across the Alps, the intersection of gourmet experiences and high-end property investment is creating an unparalleled lifestyle—one where you can spend the day carving through fresh powder before sitting down to a tasting menu prepared by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.

Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc is currently Courchevel’s only three Michelin star restaurant

Courchevel: the capital of ski gastronomy

Courchevel has a reputation as a playground for the ultra-wealthy, where fine dining is as much a part of the experience as the skiing. The resort boasts an unmatched eight Michelin-starred restaurants, collectively holding 14 stars, making it the most concentrated hub of gourmet excellence in any ski destination.

That legacy can be daunting, but it shouldn’t keep you away.

“Courchevel 1850 has a reputation for being notoriously expensive, with a certain demographic of person buying and going there,” says SnowOnly founder Mark Lightfoot. “But even if you go down to 1650 or 1550, it will be a very different feel, and if you go down to Le Praz, it’s very authentic.”

The three-Michelin-starred Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc stands at the pinnacle of Courchevel’s fine dining scene, offering an intimate 22-seat experience led by chef Yannick Alléno. Two-star establishments such as Le Montgomerie at Le K2, Kintessence at K2 Palace, and Le Chabichou further solidify Courchevel’s status as the go-to destination for food lovers at altitude.

For property buyers, Courchevel’s reputation as a luxury dining hotspot enhances its real estate appeal. Owning a chalet or serviced apartment here means direct access to some of the best culinary experiences in Europe, attracting high-net-worth individuals who want more than just skiing – they want a full lifestyle package.

When you own a chalet in a world-class resort, you can hire world-class chefs

Fine dining as part of the property experience

Across the Alps, luxury properties are increasingly designed to integrate fine dining experiences into everyday life.

This trend is particularly evident in Courchevel, where high-end chalets and serviced apartments come with options for private dining by Michelin-starred chefs. Buyers of ultra-luxury chalets often bring in private chefs for an entire ski season, ensuring a gourmet experience in the comfort of their own home.

The rise of branded residences – five-star hotels offering private ownership with world-class hospitality – has further transformed the ski property market.

At Courchevel’s K2 Palace, owners have access to in-house Michelin-starred dining, sommelier services, and bespoke catering, blending the privacy of a chalet with the amenities of a five-star hotel.

Courchevel isn’t the only resort with excellent fine dining options

Ski resorts where food is as important as the slopes

While Courchevel remains the epicentre of ski gastronomy, other Alpine resorts are quickly gaining a reputation for blending high-end real estate with world-class dining.

The charming French village of Megève, founded in the 1920s by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild, offers a historic take on Alpine luxury. The resort is home to the three-star Flocons de Sel, as well as La Table de l’Alpaga and L’Auberge de Montmin, both featured in the Michelin guide. Megève’s combination of chocolate-box architecture and sophisticated dining makes it a key alternative to Courchevel for those seeking both authenticity and indulgence.

Found at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is known as Switzerland’s capital of gourmet cuisine. The resort features over 100 restaurants, including After Seven and Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni, both Michelin-starred. Zermatt’s commitment to high-end living is reflected in its high-altitude gastronomy, with fine dining experiences available even at 3,100m.

The birthplace of Switzerland’s winter tourism, St Moritz combines jet-set glamour with culinary excellence. The resort boasts 10 Michelin stars across six restaurants, with iconic venues such as Ecco St Moritz and Da Vittorio attracting an international elite. Its ultra-exclusive property market, complete with private airport access at Samedan, ensures that buyers seeking both privacy and prestige find what they are looking for.

Find a chalet surrounded by high quality restaurants and you’ll be hosting friends and family all year round

Investing in the Alpine gourmet lifestyle

For those considering a ski property investment, the intersection of luxury dining and real estate is becoming a defining factor. Buyers are no longer just looking for proximity to ski lifts; they want a resort that offers year-round appeal, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.

The rise of dual-season tourism means that Michelin-starred restaurants keep these resorts lively even outside the ski season. Courchevel, Megève, Zermatt, and St Moritz are leading the charge, offering hiking and cycling trails, golf courses, and summer dining experiences that attract visitors well beyond the winter months.

“If you haven’t been to the ski resort in the summer, I urge you to go,” says Lightfoot. “They are the most beautiful places. It’s a magical place to be. In the ski season you’ll put your skis on the chair lift, and in the summer season you’ll crank your bike onto the lift in front of you. When you get to the top, off you go down the pistes cycling.”

So, when searching for your dream ski property, perhaps the best advice is to follow your stomach.

Start your search at Fleur de Alpes, a resort with access to all the fine dining Courchevel has to offer.