Security in Courchevel and the French Alps: Winter Season Briefing

Courchevel 1850 hosts a higher density of private jets and nine-figure chalets than any other ski resort in the world. Between Christmas and the end of February, it becomes a village of two thousand permanent residents servicing twenty thousand of the wealthiest individuals on the planet. The security implications are considerable.

The Mountain Security Challenge

The primary challenge in an Alpine environment is geography. Access to Courchevel is controlled by road (the D91 from Moûtiers) and by altiport — one of the few ski resort airports capable of handling private jets. Both routes are easily surveilled. On the mountain itself, principals are exposed on open pistes and in restaurants with no perimeter control.

• Chalet security assessment and staff vetting
• Altiport arrival and departure protocol
• On-mountain CP for ski days — officers must be competent skiers
• Night security for Les Caves and Courchevel village
• Jewellery and watch security for dinner events
• Vehicle pre-positioning at chalet and mountain restaurants

On the Mountain

Mountain CP is a specialist discipline. Officers must be able to ski at a competent intermediate level at minimum, carry communications equipment discreetly, and manage crowd dynamics at lift queues and mountain restaurants. We deploy officers who are trained to operate on snow and at altitude without drawing attention.

The Chalet as Operational Base

In Courchevel, the chalet is typically large enough to accommodate the security team on-site. We work with chalet managers and private chefs to establish house rules that support security without disrupting the holiday atmosphere. Staff integration is crucial — household staff must understand their role in maintaining chalet security without feeling they are under surveillance.