A dramatic nighttime fire at the prestigious Hôtel des Grandes Alpes in Courchevel has forced the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff from one of the French Alps’ most exclusive ski resorts, rattling winter holidaymakers but leaving authorities relieved that there have been no serious injuries reported as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

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Blaze Erupts in Attic of Landmark Five Star Property

The fire broke out on the evening of Tuesday, January 27, shortly before 7 p.m. local time in the attic area of the five star Hôtel des Grandes Alpes in Courchevel 1850, according to regional authorities in Savoie. Flames quickly spread through the roof structure of the historic property, which sits in the heart of the high altitude resort and is surrounded by other luxury hotels, residences and chalets.

Witnesses described a sudden column of smoke rising from the upper floors as guests were preparing for dinner or returning from the slopes. Videos circulating on social media show firefighters attacking the blaze from street level and from upper terraces as thick smoke billowed into the cold Alpine night sky.

The hotel, known for its discreet service and sky high room rates during peak season, was close to full occupancy at the time of the incident, with international guests drawn by prime snow conditions and the prestige of Courchevel’s 1850 sector.

Up To 300 People Evacuated From Two Hotels

Initial reports from the Savoie prefecture indicated that around 80 to 100 people were evacuated from the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes on Tuesday night. As the situation evolved and the risk of fire spread became clearer, the evacuation zone widened to include adjacent properties.

Local officials later confirmed that the total number of people evacuated from the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes, a nearby residence complex and the neighboring five star Hôtel Le Lana reached between 260 and 300. Estimates vary slightly between official communiqués and local media, but all point to a large scale overnight operation involving both guests and staff.

Authorities stressed that the evacuations were carried out calmly, with no panic reported among guests. Many were still in ski wear or evening clothes as they were escorted out into sub zero temperatures and then transferred to other hotels or to a municipal reception hall that was opened to accommodate displaced visitors and workers.

By Wednesday morning, the nearby Hôtel Le Lana, which was initially left operating, was also cleared as a precaution as the fire at the Grandes Alpes continued to smolder and officials assessed the structural risk in the immediate area.

Massive Emergency Response in Harsh Alpine Conditions

The fire triggered one of the largest emergency deployments in the region in recent seasons. Regional fire and rescue services reported that more than 100 firefighters were eventually mobilized to the scene, supported by dozens of vehicles and specialized high ladder equipment adapted for dense mountain village environments.

Firefighters faced difficult operational conditions. The hotel’s complex roof construction, featuring slate and sheet metal elements and under roof spaces, made access to the seat of the fire challenging. Winter snow accumulation on the roof and narrow resort streets further complicated the maneuvering of aerial ladders and hoses.

Officials said crews worked throughout the night and into Wednesday morning in freezing temperatures to contain the blaze within the hotel’s upper structure and prevent it from engulfing neighboring buildings. Authorities confirmed that firefighters managed to avoid a broader conflagration in the tightly packed resort center, although at least one adjacent residence building suffered damage after flames spread across roof lines.

Several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, but authorities said there were no serious casualties among emergency responders. Medical teams remained on standby in the resort as the operation continued.

Guests Relocated as Resort Seeks to Maintain Calm

With the incident unfolding in the middle of the high winter season, local officials and tourism stakeholders moved quickly to reassure visitors and reorganize accommodation for those affected. Many guests evacuated from the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes and neighboring buildings were rehoused in other upmarket properties across Courchevel, which is part of the vast Three Valleys ski area.

Municipal authorities opened a public hall to temporarily receive evacuees on Tuesday night, providing hot drinks, blankets and basic support before they were transferred to alternative lodgings. Hotel staff worked alongside local officials and police to check guest lists and ensure that all occupants were accounted for.

Despite the dramatic images of the burning roof and the heavy presence of fire engines in the resort center, ski operations across Courchevel and the wider Three Valleys were reported to be functioning normally on Wednesday. Access roads remained open, though authorities urged visitors to avoid the immediate perimeter around the affected buildings while firefighting operations continued.

Tourism representatives emphasized that the event, while serious, was localized to a small part of the resort and that safety protocols for large establishments were being followed, including systematic head counts and coordination with emergency services.

No Serious Injuries but Questions Over Cause

Authorities in Savoie said on Wednesday that, based on information available so far, no hotel guests or staff had suffered serious injuries as a result of the blaze. Evacuation procedures and fire alarms appear to have functioned as intended, allowing rapid clearing of the building shortly after smoke was detected in the attic.

The regional gendarmerie has opened an investigation into the origin of the fire. Early statements from officials indicate that the blaze began in the under roof area of the hotel, but it remains unclear whether the cause was linked to electrical systems, heating equipment, maintenance work or another factor.

Specialist fire investigators are expected to enter the building once the site is secured and temperatures have fallen sufficiently for a detailed technical inspection. The hotel’s operators have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the incident, beyond confirming their cooperation with authorities and their focus on guest safety and relocation.

For now, officials are cautious about offering any timeline for when the property might reopen or when the full extent of structural damage can be assessed. The roof and upper floor areas have suffered significant fire and water impact, and some interior spaces are likely to have been affected by smoke.

High Profile Resort on Edge After Recent Regional Tragedy

The Courchevel fire comes only weeks after a deadly blaze at a bar in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana on New Year’s Eve, which killed dozens of people and has prompted intense scrutiny of fire safety and emergency preparedness across Alpine tourism destinations this winter.

In that context, French authorities have been quick to underline that the response in Courchevel prioritized life safety above all else. The rapid deployment of more than a hundred firefighters, the extension of evacuations to neighboring hotels and the precautionary closure of parts of the resort center reflect a heightened sensitivity to any sign of fire risk in dense mountain villages.

Courchevel 1850, long associated with royal families, celebrities and ultra high net worth visitors, is particularly exposed to reputational damage when incidents occur. While images of one of its most emblematic hotels in flames are likely to circulate widely, tourism officials are emphasizing both the absence of fatalities and the effectiveness of the coordinated response as they seek to maintain visitor confidence through the remainder of the ski season.

Regional authorities have indicated that broader reviews of fire safety procedures in large Alpine hotels and nightspots are likely in the coming weeks, building on checks already underway after the Swiss tragedy.

Impact on Bookings and Winter Travel Plans

Travel agents and tour operators specializing in luxury ski holidays are already assessing the impact of the Courchevel fire on existing bookings. Guests scheduled to stay at the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes in the coming days and weeks are being contacted by the property’s management and by intermediaries to arrange alternative accommodations or schedule changes.

With Courchevel and the wider Three Valleys boasting a high density of upscale hotels and chalets, most displaced guests can be rerouted within the same destination, although availability during the peak winter window may be tight for those seeking equivalent levels of service and ski in ski out convenience.

Industry observers expect a short term spike in inquiries about fire safety standards, evacuation plans and emergency access in Alpine properties. Some travelers may opt to shift bookings to other resorts, while loyal Courchevel visitors are likely to await more concrete information about the extent of damage and recovery plans at the Grandes Alpes before making longer term decisions.

Insurance issues, including coverage for business interruption and compensation for unused stays, will be closely watched by hotel operators across the Alps, many of whom face rising premiums after a series of high profile incidents in recent years.

FAQ

Q1: When did the fire at Hôtel des Grandes Alpes in Courchevel start?
The fire broke out on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, shortly before 7 p.m. local time, with initial alarms linked to smoke and flames in the hotel’s attic area.

Q2: How many people were evacuated from the hotel and surrounding buildings?
Authorities and local media report that between 260 and 300 people in total were evacuated from the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes, a nearby residence complex and the neighboring Hôtel Le Lana.

Q3: Were there any injuries or fatalities in the Courchevel hotel fire?
As of January 28, 2026, officials say there have been no serious injuries or deaths among guests and staff. Several firefighters have been treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Q4: What is known about the cause of the fire so far?
Investigators believe the blaze began in the attic or under roof area of the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes, but the precise cause remains under investigation by the gendarmerie and specialist fire experts.

Q5: Is the fire fully under control and is the area safe for visitors?
By Wednesday morning the blaze had been contained to the hotel’s upper structure, and firefighters were working to extinguish remaining hot spots. The wider resort remains open, but access is restricted around the affected buildings.

Q6: What happened to guests who were evacuated from the hotel?
Evacuated guests and staff were initially taken to a municipal reception hall and then rehoused in other hotels and residences in Courchevel, with local authorities and hotel operators coordinating transport and new accommodations.

Q7: Will the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes reopen this season?
It is too early for officials or the hotel’s management to provide a reopening date. Significant damage to the roof and upper floors will require structural assessments and repairs before any decision is made.

Q8: How is this incident affecting travel plans to Courchevel and the Three Valleys?
Most ski lifts and accommodations in Courchevel and the wider Three Valleys are operating normally, though some guests booked at the Hôtel des Grandes Alpes are being relocated. Travel disruption is largely limited to those directly affected by the fire.

Q9: Are authorities reviewing fire safety in other Alpine hotels after this blaze?
Yes. In the wake of both the Courchevel fire and a recent deadly blaze in Switzerland, regional authorities and industry stakeholders are intensifying inspections and reviewing fire safety protocols at major Alpine hotels and nightlife venues.

Q10: What should travelers with upcoming bookings in Courchevel do now?
Travelers with reservations at Hôtel des Grandes Alpes should contact the property, their travel agent or tour operator for updates and rebooking options. Those staying elsewhere in Courchevel are advised to monitor official local information but can generally expect their trips to proceed as planned.