London to Courchevel. Wheels to skis in about four hours.
Chambéry is the closest airport to the Three Valleys that takes business jets. When the weather cooperates it is the fastest way to the snow. We plan for when it does not.
The route
At a glance
- Flight timeAbout 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45London to Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc (CMF).
- OnwardAbout 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 45 by roadTo Courchevel, longer on Saturdays in season. Around 20 minutes by helicopter.
- SeasonMid-December to mid-AprilSaturdays in February and the New Year week are the busiest.
- FallbacksGeneva, Lyon, GrenobleUsed when cloud or snow closes the approach to Chambéry.
How it works
A mountain approach, so a plan B matters
Chambéry sits in a valley beside the Lac du Bourget, and the approach has weather minima that close it to arrivals more often than a lowland airport. Crews need specific approval to operate there, and on the busiest winter Saturdays slots and parking are limited. None of this is a reason to avoid it. It is a reason to book early and to agree the alternative before you leave.
We arrange the aircraft with an operator approved for the airport, hold a plan for Geneva or Lyon, and tell the driver and the chalet if the diversion is used. Courchevel has its own altiport, but it is restricted to small aircraft and specially qualified pilots, so jets land at Chambéry and the last leg is by road or helicopter.
On arrival
From Chambéry to the resorts
| To | By road | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Courchevel 1850 | About 1 hour 30 | Via Albertville and Moûtiers |
| Méribel | About 1 hour 20 | Same valley road to Moûtiers |
| Val Thorens | About 1 hour 45 | The highest and furthest of the Three Valleys |
| Val d'Isère and Tignes | About 2 hours | Via Bourg-Saint-Maurice |
| Megève | About 1 hour 15 | Geneva is usually just as convenient |
Typical times in normal conditions. On Saturdays in February the road from Albertville to Moûtiers can add an hour or more. Cars in the Alps are arranged through operators we know, with winter tyres and chains.
Planning it well
Things worth knowing
- Travel on a Sunday or midweek if you can. The flight and the road are both calmer
- Tell us how many sets of skis and boots. It decides the aircraft
- A helicopter from Chambéry to the Courchevel altiport takes about 20 minutes, in daylight and good visibility
- Book February half-term and New Year months ahead
- Staying elsewhere? Geneva suits Verbier, Gstaad and Megève, and Sion suits Verbier and Zermatt
Around the trip
Related pages
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Questions people ask
About this route
Can we fly straight into Courchevel?
Not by jet. The altiport's short, sloping runway is limited to small aircraft and helicopters with specially qualified pilots. Jets use Chambéry, Geneva or Lyon.
What happens if Chambéry is closed?
The aircraft diverts to the alternative agreed beforehand, usually Geneva or Lyon, and the car is sent there instead. You are told as soon as the crew decide.
How far ahead should we book?
For peak Saturdays, as early as you can. Slots at Chambéry are limited in season.
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