Courchevel’s valley is the most western, the largest and the most exclusive of the Three Valleys. It was the site for the Nordic events of the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics and as a result Courchevel’s popularity as a ski destination there are a variety of transfer option available to manage the high demand. Rail access is easy with the nearest train station located half an hour away in Moutiers and Chambery and Geneva are conveniently situated for resort transfers. For the more extravagant, the resort boasts an airstrip that can be reached aboard Air Courchevel from all major airports and helipads within France.
By Plane
Chambery Airport - 109 km / approx 1 hours 25 mins
Private and shared transfers can be booked with Ski Lifts
Geneva Airport - 188 km / approx 2 hours 10 mins
For a private transfer or shared transfer try Ski Lifts. AlpyBus offers private transfers and our clients receive a 5% discount using promotional code P0WDERB$DS. Please note this code is only valid if you have booked your accommodation through Powderbeds.
The train from Geneva Airport is probably not the best option, but it can be done. It requires two changes, and then a bus, taxi or private transfer from Moutiers up to resort.
Lyon Airport - 186 km / approx 2 hours 10 mins
You can arrange a Ski Lifts private transfer or rent a car.
Grenoble Airport - 175 km / approx 2 hours 10 mins
Grenoble is not the easiest airport for arranging transfers from, however there are still options. Book a hire car or arrange a private transfer in advance
Car Rental
If you require a hire car for your ski holiday, there are a number of fantastic car rental companies based in Europe.
By Train
If airports really aren’t your thing then you might consider the Eurostar operated snow train that runs directly from London St Pancras to Moutiers, from where you can take a bus, taxi or private transfer up to resort.
The overnight train departs London on the Friday night arriving in Moutiers in the morning in time for nearly a full day in the mountain on the quietest day of the week! However if a comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep is a priority then we suggest the Saturday morning service that arrives in Moutiers later that afternoon. Book tickets for the Eurostar here.
If you can’t travel at the weekends there is a more flexible service that runs daily. However, what you gain in flexibility you lose in convenience as this service requires a change at Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Austerlitz, for a domestic TGV service that will take you to Moutiers later that afternoon. You can check the train times and book at Rail Europe.
Self-Drive
Driving to the French Alps is certainly possible, provided that you don’t mind a full day behind the wheel and you have a good selection of music prepared! Typically the journey will take between 7 and 10 hours from Calais depending on traffic, the weather and how fast you drive. Remember that you are likely to need snow chains, and it’s probably worth having a quick check of the weather before you go. The police have been known to check cars for snow tires or chains when the weather is particularly bad.
For good directions we recommend ViaMichelin which also provides fairly reliable toll costs, and fuel estimations.
Underground parking is available at each level of the resort but prices increase the higher you go up the mountain, between €50 and €80 for the week. Two free car parks are available down at Courchevel 1300, however these are outdoor and you must check for the snow clearing times so you can move your car during the process and avoid it getting towed!