Founded by former French ski team racer Bernard Charvin – who competed at the Winter Olympics of 1972 in Sapporo – Bernard Charvin Sports is as excellent as you’d expect, arguably among the top sports shops in Courchevel. Indeed, the shop’s racing heritage is apparent in the preparation department for competition skis; equipment is taken very seriously here.

Test ski new boots before you buy from a range of demonstration models; expert fitters will hand shape insoles and linings for the best fit possible. Makes stocked include Atomic, Fischer, Head, Lange and Solomon. There’s also a full ski repair service, including hand sharpening of edges.