How to Get to Courchevel | The Ultimate 2026 Travel Guide

January 29, 2026 Sergey Rabusov

Quick Summary: The Courchevel Travel TL;DR

Reaching the world’s most prestigious ski destination for the 2026 season requires a touch of strategic planning. Geneva Airport (GVA) remains the primary international gateway, located 179km away with a transit time of approximately 2 hours. For those flying within Europe, Chambéry (CMF) is a faster alternative (1 hour 13 minutes), while Lyon (LYS) and Grenoble (GNB) offer reliable links at just under 2 hours.

If you prefer the train, the Moûtiers – Salins – Brides-les-Bains station is your target, situated just 25km (approx. 35 minutes) from the resort.

Top 2026 Tip: Courchevel is not a single entity but a collection of five distinct villages at varying altitudes. When booking your Courchevel ski transfers, it is vital to specify your exact destination. Arriving at Courchevel 1850 (the peak of luxury) is a very different logistical prospect than heading to 1650 (Moriond) or the traditional streets of 1300 (Le Praz).

Navigating the 5 Levels: Which Courchevel is Yours?

Courchevel is a vertical masterpiece, with each level offering a completely different atmosphere, price point, and lifestyle. Understanding these layers is the key to matching the resort to your personal style.

Courchevel 1850: The Hub of Glitz & Glamour

This is the “original” Courchevel and the highest of the five levels. It is the global benchmark for Alpine luxury, home to over 20 five-star hotels and several “Palace” rated establishments.

The Vibe: High-end designer boutiques (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton), Michelin-starred dining, and legendary après-ski.
Skiing: Immediate access to the best snow and the most efficient lift systems, including the Saulire cable car.
Key Feature: The Courchevel Altiport, where private jets and helicopters land amidst the peaks.

Courchevel 1650 (Moriond): The Sun-Drenched Retreat

Slightly lower and set on a sun-soaked plateau, Moriond (recently rebranded as Courchevel Moriond) is widely considered to have the most character.

The Vibe: More relaxed and “British” in feel, with a lively independent bar scene and fantastic local restaurants.
Families: It is a haven for families due to its wide, gentle blue runs and the Aquamotion centre—a massive indoor water park located between 1650 and 1550.

Courchevel 1550 (Village): The Strategic Choice

Often overlooked, Courchevel Village is the quiet achiever of the valley.

The Vibe: Peaceful, residential, and offering excellent value for money while still providing “luxury for less.”
Connectivity: It is linked directly to 1850 via a fast, modern gondola that runs late into the evening, allowing you to enjoy the glitz of the top level while staying in a more tranquil setting.

Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz): Authentic Alpine Soul

Le Praz is a traditional Savoyard village that existed long before the ski lifts arrived. It is defined by its narrow cobblestone streets and rustic stone-and-wood chalets.

The Vibe: Authentic, quiet, and sophisticated. It is a favourite for those who want a “real village” experience rather than a purpose-built ski station.
Skiing: Home to the iconic Olympic ski jumps and stunning tree-lined runs that are a lifesaver on bad-weather days.

Courchevel 1100 (Saint-Bon): The Historic Heart

Saint-Bon is the historic capital of the commune. While it doesn’t have a direct lift connection back up to the main ski area, it is linked by a regular free shuttle bus and a red run (seasonal snow permitting).

The Vibe: Pure tradition. It is the place to stay for those who want to be away from the tourist hubbub, offering a glimpse into mountain life as it has been for centuries.

The Altiport & Helicopter Access: Arriving Like a Local

For the 2026 season, the most discerning travellers are increasingly bypassing the traditional valley roads in favour of a more “cinematic” arrival. Courchevel offers some of the most exclusive aerial access points in the world.

The Courchevel Altiport (CVF): A Masterclass in Aviation

Perched at 2,008m, the Courchevel Altiport is the highest asphalted runway in Europe. It is famous in aviation circles for its incredibly short length (537m) and its daunting 18.6% gradient, which helps planes slow down upon landing and accelerate during take-off.

The “One Shot” Approach: Because of the surrounding peaks, there is no “go-around” procedure here. Pilots must nail the landing on the first attempt, requiring a specialist mountain rating.
Direct Slope Access: Landing here means you are literally seconds away from the slopes and the famous Cap Horn mountain restaurant.

Helicopter Transfers: Hours into Minutes

The most efficient way to reach Courchevel 1850 is via a private helicopter charter. For 2026, typical flight times and price expectations are:

From Geneva (GVA): 30–35 minutes (starting from approx. €2,750).
From Chambéry (CMF): 20–25 minutes (starting from approx. €2,300).
From Annecy: 25 minutes (starting from approx. €2,000). This allows you to bypass the notorious Saturday “Bouchon” (traffic jam) in the Tarentaise valley, turning a 3-hour drive into a spectacular sightseeing tour.

Private Jet Logistics: Can you land a VLJ?

Commercial charter regulations are exceptionally strict at CVF. For 2026, most commercial private jets (VLJs like the Phenom 100 or Citation Mustang) are prohibited from landing with paying passengers due to the safety margins required by the French DGAC.

The Pro Tip: Most guests fly a private jet into Chambéry or Geneva and complete the final leg via a pre-arranged helicopter shuttle. Only private owners flying their own turboprops (like the Pilatus PC-12 or Cessna Caravan) typically touch down directly on the 1850 tarmac.

Geography & The Three Valleys Connection

Courchevel sits at the prestigious eastern edge of Les 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area on the planet. This positioning is central to its status as a world-class winter hub.

600km of Interconnected Freedom

From Courchevel, your lift pass gives you keys to a kingdom of over 600km of pistes. You can ski from the manicured runs of 1850, across the Méribel valley, and all the way to the high-altitude peaks of Val Thorens and Orelle without ever taking off your skis.

The “Courchevel Velvet”: Meticulous Grooming

Courchevel is legendary for the quality of its snow. The resort invests more in its piste-side infrastructure than almost any other in Europe.

Precision Engineering: The resort utilises the SnowSat satellite system to measure snow depth to the centimetre, allowing snow-grooming teams to distribute “artificial” and natural snow with surgical precision.
The Velvet Finish: Every night, a fleet of state-of-the-art grooming machines works to create what locals call “Courchevel Velvet”—perfectly smooth, supportive corduroy that makes every turn feel effortless, regardless of your ability level.

To experience this meticulous perfection, securing a reliable mountain transit is the final piece of the puzzle. For the most consistent and high-quality arrival, we recommend high-fidelity Courchevel transfer services. Pre-booking a professional road transfer ensures that while the snow is being groomed to perfection, your journey up the N90 is being handled with equal care, delivering you directly to the door of your “Palace” hotel or luxury chalet.

Airport Logistics: Gateway Comparison for 2026

Choosing your arrival hub for Courchevel is the first step in crafting an elite Alpine experience. For the 2026 season, four primary airports serve the Tarentaise Valley, each offering a specific logistical advantage.

Geneva Airport (GVA): The primary international gateway. With the highest frequency of flights from London, Dubai, and New York, it offers the most robust selection of transfer times. It is the best choice for those seeking shared transfer availability, as shuttles run almost hourly during the peak winter months.
Chambéry Airport (CMF): The “Express” choice. Located just 100km away, it is the closest commercial airport to the Three Valleys. It is ideal for regional UK flights (Jet2, British Airways) and offers a significantly faster “plane-to-piste” time due to its compact terminal and rapid luggage reclaim.
Lyon Airport (LYS): The long-haul specialist. Reliable for international flag carriers, Lyon is a brilliant alternative during peak February weekends. It allows travellers to stay entirely within French territory, effectively bypassing Swiss border congestion and the 40 CHF Swiss motorway vignette.
Grenoble Airport (GNB): The charter hub. Primarily active during the winter season, Grenoble is a favourite for low-cost seasonal charters. It provides a straightforward motorway link to Albertville, avoiding the urban traffic of the Geneva-Annecy corridor.

Travelling from Geneva Airport to Courchevel

Distance: 179km | Time: 2 hours

The route from Geneva Airport (GVA) to the peaks of Courchevel is the primary artery for international skiers. Spanning 179km, the transit typically takes 2 hours, moving from the Swiss lakeside through the Arve Valley before ascending the steep walls of the Tarentaise. For the 2026 season, this remains the most flexible gateway due to the sheer volume of flight arrivals, but navigating the final ascent requires local expertise to avoid Saturday bottlenecks.

Navigating the Resort Like a Local

Logistics within Courchevel are designed to be car-free. You can park in any of the 11 dedicated lots and utilise the free shuttle network to explore the six distinct villages. This system eliminates the stress of driving on icy, narrow mountain roads. Furthermore, if you are visiting during the peak winter season, the gondola lifts run until 11:30 pm. This allows you to enjoy world-class gastronomy in 1850 and return to the lower villages, such as Le Praz or 1650, without the need for a private vehicle or taxi.

Premium Service without the Premium Price

Alps2Alps offers an affordable, stress-free alternative to expensive airport cab ranks. For the 2026 season, our Geneva to Courchevel transfers focus on three core standards:

Competitive Value: With ski transfers starting from 61€ / 51£ per person, we provide the most accessible entry point to the Three Valleys without compromising on vehicle quality.
Door-to-Door Ease: Our drivers manage the complex navigation of Courchevel’s multi-level layout, delivering you directly to your accommodation, whether it is a “Palace” hotel in 1850 or a traditional chalet in 1300.
Safety & Reliability: Every vehicle is fully equipped for Alpine winters, meeting all Loi Montagne requirements with high-grade winter tyres and chains.

Pre-booking ensures a fixed, transparent price that remains unaffected by traffic delays, providing a level of peace of mind essential for high-altitude travel.

Travelling from Chambéry Airport to Courchevel

Distance: 100km | Time: 1 hour 13 minutes

Chambéry Airport (CMF) remains the gold standard for “Plane-to-Piste” speed. Located just 100km from the resort, it offers the shortest road transit to the Tarentaise Valley. The airport’s compact, boutique nature ensures that luggage reclaim and passport control are significantly faster than at larger hubs, often saving an hour before you even step into a vehicle.

For the 2026 season, Chambéry is the primary choice for regional UK departures and private charters. The route avoids the urban bottlenecks of Geneva and Annecy, focusing instead on a direct motorway link via the A43 toward Albertville. To maximise your time on the snow, pre-booking direct Chambéry to Courchevel transfers is the most effective logistical move, ensuring your driver is waiting at the arrivals hall the moment you clear customs.

Travelling from Lyon Airport to Courchevel

Distance: 177km | Time: 1 hour 54 minutes

Lyon Airport (LYS) is the strategic choice for international travellers who value a consistent journey time. Covering 177km in just under two hours, this route offers two distinct advantages for the 2026 winter season:

Bypassing the Swiss Border: By staying entirely within French territory, you avoid the notorious Saturday bottlenecks at the Geneva border crossings (Bardonnex/Vallard).
No Swiss Vignette Required: You eliminate the need for a Swiss motorway vignette, simplifying the administrative side of your transit.

The drive utilizes the high-capacity A43 motorway, which is exceptionally well-maintained and cleared during heavy snowfall. It is the most reliable option for large groups and long-haul flyers landing on flag-carrier flights. Choosing professional Lyon to Courchevel transfers ensures you have a vehicle prepared for the climb through the Tarentaise, with pricing remaining highly competitive. With ski transfers starting from 60€ / 50£ per person, Alps2Alps provides a high-end service that fits the Courchevel standard without the luxury markup.

Travelling from Grenoble Airport to Courchevel

Distance: 173km | Time: 1 hour 54 minutes

Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport (GNB) serves as the “hidden” gateway for the 2026 season, specifically catering to low-cost winter charters from the UK and Northern Europe. While it operates primarily as a seasonal hub, its location provides a highly efficient motorway link to the Tarentaise Valley. The journey covers 173km and typically takes just under two hours, utilising the A43 and A430 motorways before joining the N90 at Albertville.

This hub is favoured by travellers who prioritise airfare savings without sacrificing transit reliability. By opting for reliable Grenoble to Courchevel transfers, you bypass the logistical complexities of cross-border travel associated with Geneva. Alps2Alps maintains high-frequency services on this route, with pricing starting as low as 17€ / 14£ per person. Upon reaching the resort, the logistical burden remains low; the 11 dedicated parking lots and the free shuttle network allow for effortless movement between villages. For those dining in the upper altitudes, the gondola lifts remain operational until 11:30 pm, ensuring seamless connectivity back to your base.

Rail Travel: The Moûtiers Connection

Rail travel to Courchevel is centred on the Moûtiers – Salins – Brides-les-Bains station, located 25km from the resort. For 2026, the rail infrastructure remains a premier choice for eco-conscious travellers and those looking to avoid Alpine road congestion on peak Saturdays.

Eurostar Snow Train: The direct service from London St Pancras to Moûtiers continues to provide the most comfortable link for UK travellers, allowing for significant luggage capacity including skis and snowboards.
TGV Lyria & Regional Rail: High-speed TGV services from Paris Gare de Lyon reach Moûtiers in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Regional TER services provide frequent links for those connecting from Geneva or Lyon city centres.

The Final 25km Ascent

Disembarking at Moûtiers is only the penultimate step. The final leg is a 25km climb that takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes depending on which of the five altitudes you are targeting.

S65 Bus: A regional bus service connects the station to the various Courchevel levels. While cost-effective, it follows a fixed schedule and can be difficult to navigate with heavy equipment.
Private Taxi & Transfer: Pre-booking a private vehicle from Moûtiers is the standard for 1850 and 1650 arrivals. This ensures a direct, door-to-door service that avoids the need to wait for bus connections. Given that the gondolas run until 11:30 pm and the resort shuttles are free, a quick transfer to your accommodation allows you to immediately integrate into the resort’s sophisticated transport network.

Driving, Loi Montagne & The Saturday Bottleneck

Driving to Courchevel in the 2026 season requires strict adherence to the Loi Montagne II. Between November and March, vehicles must be equipped with four winter tyres marked with the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol. While high-tech snow socks are a legal alternative for temporary use, they are insufficient for the steep final ascent to 1850 during active snowfall. Non-compliance results in a €135 fine and potential vehicle immobilisation by the Gendarmerie.

The N90 “Bouchon” remains the primary obstacle for road travel. This bottleneck occurs between Albertville and Moûtiers on Saturday changeover days, as thousands of vehicles converge on the Tarentaise. Transit times can double during these windows. To mitigate this, savvy travellers utilise the resort’s internal logistics. Courchevel provides 11 dedicated parking lots; the strategic move is to leave the vehicle in a secure garage and utilise the free shuttle network and late-running gondolas (until 11:30 pm).

In Courchevel 1850, parking is divided into underground luxury and outdoor convenience. Multi-storey garages like the Parking de la Croisette offer climate-controlled security for high-value vehicles, essential for preserving performance in sub-zero temperatures. Outdoor parking is available but often restricted to residential permit holders or short-stay visitors.

Private vs. Shared Transfers: 1850 Standards

Logistical requirements in the Three Valleys vary by altitude and accommodation type. The “1850 Standard” almost exclusively demands a private transfer. For guests staying at ultra-exclusive Palace hotels or private chalets, a private vehicle is the only way to ensure door-to-door access. These services manage the intricate navigation of private roads and snow-covered driveways that are inaccessible to larger coaches.

Conversely, shared transfers serve as the economical link for solo travellers and budget-conscious groups. These services typically terminate at the Gare Routière (central bus station) in the various villages. From these hubs, the resort’s comprehensive free shuttle system takes over, providing seamless movement across the five altitudes. Alps2Alps offers both tiers of service, with shared transits starting at 17€ / 14£ per person. This allows for a significant reduction in holiday overheads while maintaining a high level of reliability and safety.

Lifestyle: Why Courchevel Defines Alpine Luxury

Courchevel is a cultural and gastronomic powerhouse that transcends typical ski resort standards. In 2026, it maintains the highest density of Michelin stars in the Alps. Le 1947 by Yannick Alléno (3*) represents the pinnacle of Alpine fine dining, while mountain outposts like La Soucoupe blend rustic open-fire cooking with an elite wine list. This commitment to gastronomy is a primary driver of the resort’s exclusivity.

The 2026 fashion trends on the Croisette reflect a shift toward “Quiet Luxury” and retro-futurism. Expect to see:

Personality Puffers: Oversized, high-gloss down jackets in bold geometric patterns.
Fair Isle Knits: A return to traditional wool patterns but with modern, slim-fit silhouettes.
Retro 90s Neon: Subtle accents of fluorescent pink and green appearing in high-performance technical gear.

The après-ski scene has also evolved. While the high-energy table dancing at La Folie Douce remains a staple for the 1650 and 1850 crowds, there is a distinct move toward chic lounge culture. After-ski socialising now focuses on oyster bars, cigar lounges, and live jazz sets in hotel lobbies. This shift reinforces Courchevel’s identity as a sophisticated destination where the lifestyle off the slopes is as meticulously curated as the “Velvet” grooming on them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the easiest way to get to Courchevel?

Pre-booking a private Alps2Alps transfer is the most efficient method. It provides door-to-door service directly to your accommodation, bypassing the logistical strain of navigating the N90 “Bouchon” and the resort’s complex multi-level layout.

Is there a train from Geneva airport to Courchevel?

There is no direct train. Travellers must take the Léman Express or a regional TER service from Geneva to Moûtiers. From Moûtiers station, a 35-minute road transfer is required to reach the resort.

How much does it cost to fly into Courchevel?

Helicopter transfers from Geneva start at approximately €2,750. Private jet costs vary based on aircraft type and origin, though commercial charters are restricted by the Altiport’s short runway. Most private flyers land in Chambéry and complete the journey via a €2,300 helicopter shuttle.

How much does Courchevel cost?

Courchevel is a high-capital destination. Outside of accommodation, expect a daily budget of £150 to £400 per person to cover lift passes, mountain dining, and evening socialising.

Why is Courchevel so expensive?

The pricing reflects the resort’s massive infrastructure investment. This includes the world’s most meticulous satellite-guided snow grooming (“The Velvet”), the highest concentration of five-star and “Palace” hotels globally, and its position within the 600km Les 3 Vallées network.

Is Courchevel good for beginners?

It is exceptional for novices. Courchevel 1650 (Moriond) features wide, gentle green and blue runs. Additionally, 1850 offers dedicated ZEN (Zone Évolution Novices) areas, which are protected from faster skier traffic.

Do I need a car in Courchevel?

No. The resort operates an extensive free shuttle network connecting all villages. There are 11 dedicated parking lots for those who arrive by car. Gondolas run until 11:30 pm, allowing for car-free movement between altitudes late into the evening.

What airlines fly into Courchevel?

No commercial airlines fly directly into the resort. The Courchevel Altiport (CVF) is restricted to private aircraft and helicopter services.

How much is a transfer from Geneva to Courchevel?

For the 2026 season, shared transfers from Geneva start at approximately £51. Private transfers for larger groups or luxury vehicles average €480. Other routes, such as those from Chambéry, offer rates starting as low as 17€ / 14£ per person.

Is there public transport from Geneva to Courchevel?

Yes. The S65 bus runs from Geneva to the Tarentaise, and rail links via Moûtiers are available. However, these are significantly slower than private or shared transfers and often require multiple changes.

How to dress in Courchevel?

2026 style dictates “personality puffers”—high-gloss, patterned down jackets—and traditional Fair Isle knits. Technical performance gear is expected, but it must be tailored. Retro 90s neon accents are also returning to the Croisette.

What is the best time to visit Courchevel?

January offers the most reliable snow security and the best “Velvet” grooming. Late February is the peak social season, while March is preferred for sun-seeking and terrace dining in Moriond.