In Courchevel, even the end of the season has a taste of luxury and conviviality. While the snow continues to stretch its curves on the slopes, another ballet is taking place in the village streets: that of red labels, bargains and fashionistas on the hunt for nuggets.
Since 22 March, the resort's shops have been holding their traditional seasonal clearance sales. And this year, there's one event you won't want to miss: the big winter clearance sale on 5 and 6 April.
Here, shopping is a true sensory experience. It's an art of living in its own right, where winter sports enthusiasts, collectors of fine materials and those curious about Alpine elegance come together.
READ MORE: Courchevel is thinking big as the season draws to a close
The elegantly decorated shop windows feature tempting discounts of up to -50 %. It's the perfect time to take home a signature piece, a top-of-the-range piece of equipment or an accessory that's sure to make an impact on the next slope or terrace.
When it comes to skis, connoisseurs will be looking to Rip'N Wud's hand-crafted models, the sleek lines of ZAI Swiss skis, Armada's Californian designs and the bold motifs of Edelweiss.
Style and performance: outdoor fashion
Technical equipment, but also collectors' items, to be found in leading brands such as Olympic Sports, Charvin Sports, Serge Sports and Prends ta luge et tire-toi - a name that in itself evokes the quirky chic of Courchevel.
In the changing rooms, elegance meets performance. The clean lines of RossignolThe retro elegance of Fusalp, the Italian audacity of One More, or the sporty-chic silhouettes of Goldbergh... At the crossroads of the ski catwalks and the fashion pages, the shop windows are bursting with temptations.
And if you're the competitive type, Spyder, Bogner, Colmar, Ellesse or Energia Pura are waiting for you with pieces designed for action - without ever forgetting style.
And let's not forget the details that make all the difference: HMR helmets with leather earpieces, Gena hand-sewn hats, impeccably finished technical gloves... At Courchevel, accessories are useful but always refined.
A unique atmosphere, between skiing and aperitifs
But this big sale is also, and above all, an atmosphere. That of the last days of winter, when the early morning runs in the spring snow give way to aperitifs on the terrace.
Where you can stroll in boots between two shop windows, sharing a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate after having snapped up THE dream coat or THE skis you've been eyeing all winter.
A relaxed atmosphere, bargains around every corner, discussions between enthusiasts and smiles on their faces. Courchevel reminds us that it knows how to combine luxury and generosity, technicality and pleasure, glamour and simplicity.
What if the end of the season was the best time to get fitted? We'll leave you to ponder... with a trip to the resorts, of course.
Find out all the latest news from Courchevel in our section devoted to the 3 Valleys resort.