Last updated November 10, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
Courchevel is in Les 3 Vallées in the French Alps, which bills itself as the world’s largest ski area, and the resort celebrates its 80th winter in 2026–27. It has its own mountain airfield, the Courchevel altiport, but private jets cannot use it. This guide explains which airports jets use for Courchevel, how long the transfer takes, the 2026–27 season and event dates that drive demand, and how far Courchevel is from the US and Europe by private jet.
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Can you fly a private jet to Courchevel?
Not all the way. The Courchevel altiport (LFLJ) sits at 2,006 m, at the top of the resort. France’s official aeronautical publication reserves it for propeller aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of no more than 5.7 tonnes, and helicopters, and requires airplane pilots to hold a mountain rating or an altiport access authorization. Its paved runway is 536 m long with a slope of up to 18.66%, and night VFR is not approved.
So a private jet lands at a regional airport, usually Chambéry (CMF / LFLB) or Geneva (GVA / LSGG), and you finish the trip by road or by helicopter or small propeller plane to the altiport.
Which airport is closest to Courchevel for private jets?
Chambéry is the closest airport with a jet-length runway. Courchevel’s tourist office lists these road distances and drive times to the resort, and these flying times from each airport to the altiport by helicopter or small plane:
| Airport | Road distance to Courchevel | Drive time | Flying time to the altiport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chambéry (CMF) | 95 km | About 1h15 | About 25 min |
| Grenoble (GNB) | 125 km | About 1h35 | About 35 min |
| Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS) | 176 km | About 2h00 | About 40 min |
| Geneva (GVA) | 179 km | About 2h00 | About 35 min |
| Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE) | Not listed | Not listed | About 1h15 |
Source: Courchevel Tourisme, Getting to Courchevel and Courchevel altiport pages. Drive times are typical and grow on busy Saturdays and in snow.
Chambéry airport (CMF) at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 8.3 km north-northwest of Chambéry, near Aix-les-Bains, Savoie |
| Runway | Runway 18/36, 2,020 m x 45 m (6,627 ft) |
| Field elevation | 779 ft |
| Air traffic services (winter) | 0700–2000 UTC (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local), with a Saturday facilitation period from 0600 UTC (7 a.m. local) |
| Customs | Available with 24 hours’ prior permission |
| Business aviation | Business terminal on the airport |
| Terrain | Mountainous; the official publication asks operators to set specific procedures and pilot training |
Source: AIP France, Chambéry Aix-les-Bains (LFLB) aerodrome charts and information. Hours can change by NOTAM; the operator confirms slots and hours for your date.
Because Chambéry is a mountain airport, runway length, weather and weight feed into the operator’s performance calculations, and some crews and aircraft are better suited to it than others. Geneva is the larger, longer-runway alternative with a longer drive. We quote both when your aircraft and schedule allow.
When is the 2026–27 ski season in Courchevel?
Courchevel’s ski area is open from December 4, 2026 to April 18, 2027. Les 3 Vallées, which links Courchevel with Méribel, Val Thorens and other resorts, lists its season as December 5, 2026 to April 18, 2027, with 600 km of runs and 169 lifts.
| Date | What happens | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| December 4, 2026 | Courchevel ski area opens | Les 3 Vallées opens December 5 |
| December 19, 2026 – January 4, 2027 | French Christmas school holidays | The busiest weeks of the season; book aircraft and transfers early |
| December 22, 2026 | Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup night slalom, Émile-Allais stadium | Falls during the holiday rush |
| January 14–16, 2027 | Ski Mountaineering World Cup, Courchevel Le Praz | A quieter stretch for flights |
| February 6 – March 8, 2027 | French winter school holidays (zones A, B and C, staggered) | Each zone’s holiday begins on a Saturday; book early |
| March 27–28, 2027 | Live on the Slopes, Courchevel 1850 | Concerts and performances on the slopes |
| April 18, 2027 | Season closes | Spring skiing in April |
Sources: Courchevel Tourisme winter events page and season dates; Les 3 Vallées; Service-Public.fr school holiday calendar 2026–27. Dates are subject to change.
The French winter school holidays run by zone: zone C from February 6 to February 22, zone A from February 13 to March 1 and zone B from February 20 to March 8, 2027 (each starts on a Saturday and ends when classes resume on a Monday). US Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13–15, 2027, overlaps zones A and C.
How far is Courchevel by private jet?
| Departure | Distance to Chambéry (CMF) | Distance to Geneva (GVA) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Le Bourget (LBG) | About 244 nm | About 221 nm |
| London Farnborough (FAB) | About 430 nm | About 407 nm |
| Dubai (DXB) | About 2,660 nm | About 2,657 nm |
| Teterboro (TEB), New York area | About 3,359 nm | About 3,352 nm |
| Palm Beach (PBI) | About 4,119 nm | About 4,117 nm |
| Miami-Opa Locka Executive (OPF) | About 4,157 nm | About 4,156 nm |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | About 4,505 nm | About 4,494 nm |
| Van Nuys (VNY), Los Angeles area | About 5,144 nm | About 5,124 nm |
Distances are great-circle nautical miles calculated from OurAirports coordinates. Flight-plan distances are longer, and westbound winter headwinds on the way home add time and fuel.
From London or Paris, Courchevel is a short hop for a light or midsize jet. From New York, the roughly 3,350 nm leg calls for a large-cabin or long-range jet to fly nonstop with ski bags and reserves, especially on the westbound return. From Florida, Texas or California, plan on a long-range or ultra-long-range jet; our guides to how far private jets can fly and the best heavy jets for transatlantic trips compare the options. The operator confirms nonstop capability for your date and load.
Getting from the airport to Courchevel
By road, the last stretch climbs from the valley at Moûtiers to the resort villages of Courchevel. Courchevel Tourisme lists about 1h15 from Chambéry and about 2 hours from Geneva or Lyon. For the fastest arrival, a helicopter or small propeller plane can fly you from the regional airport to the altiport at the top of Courchevel 1850, from about 25 minutes from Chambéry; the altiport is cleared of snow all winter.
Tell us when you book if you want a road or helicopter transfer requested to meet the jet, and how many skis and bags you are bringing.
Planning tips for a winter trip to Courchevel
- Book the holidays first. The Christmas and New Year weeks and the February school holidays are the peak periods. Aircraft, slots and transfers go early.
- Watch the holiday Saturdays. Each French school holiday zone starts its break on a Saturday, so those weekends bring the heaviest traffic into the Alps. Arriving a day before or after can make the transfer easier.
- Build in weather time. Snow and low cloud can delay helicopter transfers and slow mountain roads. A flexible window helps, especially on the way home.
- Bring your passports ready. Arriving from outside the Schengen area means passport and customs checks at your arrival airport. At Chambéry, customs requires 24 hours’ notice, which the operator arranges.
- Count the bags. Skis, boots and winter clothing take space and weight. Tell us exactly what you are bringing so the operator can confirm baggage room and range.
- Compare other ski trips. We also cover Aspen, Vail and Beaver Creek, Jackson Hole and Big Sky for 2026–27.
Get a Courchevel quote
Send your departure city, dates and passenger count and we will quote aircraft that fit the distance and your ski gear, favoring jets already positioned near your departure to eliminate repositioning fees. Every trip is flown by two FAA-certified ATP-rated pilots with 24/7 flight monitoring. Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. No jet cards, no membership fees.
FAQs
Can a private jet land at Courchevel altiport?
No. France’s official aeronautical publication reserves the Courchevel altiport for propeller aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of no more than 5.7 tonnes, and helicopters. Private jets land at a regional airport such as Chambéry or Geneva.
What is the closest airport to Courchevel for private jets?
Chambéry (CMF), about 95 km and 1h15 by road from Courchevel, according to Courchevel Tourisme. Its runway is 2,020 m (6,627 ft) long. Geneva (GVA) is about 179 km and 2 hours away.
How long is the transfer from Geneva to Courchevel?
Courchevel Tourisme lists Geneva airport at 179 km and about 2 hours by road. By helicopter or small plane, it lists about 35 minutes from Geneva to the Courchevel altiport.
Is Chambéry or Geneva better for Courchevel?
Chambéry is closer, with a shorter drive. Geneva is a larger airport with a longer runway and a longer drive. The right choice depends on your aircraft, the weather and your schedule, and we can quote both.
When does Courchevel open for the 2026–27 season?
Courchevel’s ski area opens December 4, 2026 and closes April 18, 2027. Les 3 Vallées lists its season as December 5, 2026 to April 18, 2027.
What are the busiest dates to fly to Courchevel?
The French Christmas school holidays, December 19, 2026 to January 4, 2027, and the February school holidays, which run in staggered zones from February 6 to March 8, 2027. Each zone’s break begins on a Saturday.
How far is Courchevel from New York by private jet?
About 3,350 nautical miles great-circle from Teterboro to Chambéry or Geneva. That is a nonstop flight for many large-cabin and long-range jets; the operator confirms range for your passengers, bags and winds.
How do I get a quote for a private jet to Courchevel?
Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. No jet cards, no membership fees.
Sources
- Courchevel Tourisme, Getting to Courchevel (road distances and drive times): courchevel.com
- Courchevel Tourisme, Courchevel altiport (altitude, flying times, season dates): courchevel.com
- Courchevel Tourisme, winter 2026–27 events (World Cup, ski mountaineering, Live on the Slopes, 80th season): courchevel.com
- Les 3 Vallées, Exceptional skiing (2026–27 season dates): les3vallees.com
- Les 3 Vallées, The world’s largest ski area (600 km of runs, 169 lifts): les3vallees.com
- Service-Public.fr, school holiday calendar 2026–27: service-public.gouv.fr
- SIA (Service de l’Information Aéronautique), AIP France aerodrome charts for Courchevel (LFLJ) and Chambéry Aix-les-Bains (LFLB): sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr
- OurAirports, airport coordinates used for great-circle distances: ourairports.com