Travelling to Courchevel

How to Get to Courchevel

If you're not taking a package holiday, where travel to your resort is already catered for, then you might want to consider how you're going to get from the UK to the Alps. Courchevel is not so far way from the UK, and can be reached by car, train or aeroplane. With the advent of DIY travel and travel websites, it's easy to check public transport timetables in France, and there are plenty of companies offering transfer services from the airport to Courchevel. Our guide gives you an idea of the options available, plus some tips on how to get your sporting equipment safely to Courchevel.

Planes, Trains or Automobiles : Which is the easiest way to Courchevel?

This depends on personal choice, phobias, hobbies (spotters!), and days of travel.

If you are travelling out on Friday night or Saturday the Eurostar, whilst being more expensive than charter or low-cost flying, gets you to within a tiny distance of the resort with the minimum of fuss in ~7hrs. For popular dates this needs booking well in advance.

It is also possible to book onto the overnight 'snowtrain' which offers less comfort but is cheaper and permits an extra two days on the snow (if you are not too hungover bar carriage on the journey over!). Check out RailEurope. Outside the weekends and without direct train links it takes a iitle longer (see above "Can I get to Courchevel by train?' for more details).

Flying, whilst seemingly less time moving between countries, involves much longer check-ins, greater potential for delays, and hours of extra transfer time. This all counts towards stress, tiredness and length of time to get to your destination.

In its defence, with flying you are much more likely to get a 'bargain' price, and if you want to arrive/depart on days other than the weekend is probably less hassle than negotiating the train.

Driving out from the UK by car is relatively inexpensive if you can share the journey with several friends. Bear in mind that the normal nine hour journey accross France may take much longer if you chose to travel on a very busy Saturday or encounter heavy snowfalls. (See above 'How long does it take to drive to Courchevel?)

last updated 4-Jun-2008

Travelling Between the Airport & Courchevel

You have the choice of scheduled bus, shared shuttle, hire car, tour operator, taxi, private helicopter transfer or train.

Bus:
From Geneva Altibus run 8 buses per day on Saturday and 3 or 4 on other days. The journey takes around 3 � hours and costs �64 one way. Moreover, a timetable for buses departing Geneva Airport for all ski resorts, can be found at Geneva Ski Resort Bus Timetable.
From Lyon St. Exup�ry Satobus run 4 buses on Saturday and 2 or 3 on other days. The journey takes 3 - 4 hours and costs �57 one way. Tel +33 (0)4 72 35 94 96.
From Chamb�ry Altibus run one bus per day. The journey takes 2 � hours and costs �42.69 one way. Tel +33 (0)4 79 35 21 74.

Shared Shuttle:
There are a number of shuttle companies, such as ATS, offering reasonably priced shared transport to and from the airport, many of which will take you door-to-door. For more details of various shuttle companies please see here.

Taxi:
A taxi for up to 4 people will cost approximately �275 (Geneva), �215 (Chamb�ry) and �335 (Lyon St Exup�ry). For more than 4 people the cost will be higher for a larger vehicle, but probably cheaper per person.

Car hire:
Car hire can be arranged from each of the airports above and if there are several people travelling this may be an inexpensive option. Pre-booking is highly recommended if not obligatory. Try using Holiday Autos for the best searches and prices.

Tour Operator
Two options:
1. book in advance a 'Flight & Transfer' with an operator which they sell through their agents/web-sites/call-centres.

2. make your own flight arrangements and upon arrival at the airport catch up with a rep from one of the companies and book onto their coaches. You will usually find a spare space, though this can't be guaranteed.

In both cases (as the reps are unlikely to know where you are staying) make sure you establish the return journey procedures: give them the flight you are on, get the resort office's contact details and call on Thurday evening for transfer details/confirmation.

Helicopter:
A helicopter can transfer up to 5-6 people (without much luggage) to Courchevel altiport for around �1500-�2000 from Geneva, �1700-�2400 from Lyon and �1000-�1300 from Chamb�ry; Courchevel is more expensive to fly to than some other resorts as they charge a landing fee to use their heli-pad. In bad weather conditions the helicopter cannot fly and it must arrive in Courchevel in daylight hours.

Train:
Although it is possible to reach all the above airports by train from Mo�tiers station, a journey would involve changing at least once and would take quite a lot of time and is therefore not highly recommended.

last updated 17-Mar-2008

Getting your Sporting Equipment to Courchevel

There are numerous options for getting your sports equipment to resort, be it flying, train or coach. Most travel companies have their own individual policy terms and conditions depending on the type of sporting equipment you are transporting. Here's a snap shot of the different transport options and a guide to their restrictions.

A review of airlines terms and conditions in relation to sports equipment baggage indicates that it is highly likely that you will be subjected to a standard charge for taking your sporting equipment on board. Leisure 'Equipment' that will require additional handling can include bikes, golf clubs, parachutes, mountaineering equipment or skis/snowboards. If you like your skis, it is imperative that you pack them in a ski or board bag for protection! Most airlines will still take your skis if they are not in a ski bag; just don�t be surprised at the condition they arrive in at the other end of your flight. A ski or snowboard bag can also be packed with soft items (ski trousers, jumpers etc) around your skis or board to give them added protection. Just be careful if the equipment is covered in storage wax.

If you choose to take a mountain biking holiday most holiday firms will collect you from the airport where the hours drive from the airport is included within your holiday price. However, should you choose to book your transfer independently most airport transfer companies will still permit you to take your mountain bike in the vehicle provided you give advance warning at the time of booking.

If you prefer the use of your own car you can drive down the autoroutes to Courchevel. Check out Viamichelin for exact route information. The most convenient way to travel with skis is a roof "coffin" style box that will carry several pairs of skis/boards, boots and poles. A roof rack is also a handy alternative and can be retned from many ski shops. If using a roof rack, try to cover the bindings over to prevent them getting covered in grit and salt. Roof boxes and roof racks should be lockable and therefore fairly secure from thiefs.

If you choose to take a train all the way to your ski resort it may involve a couple of changes and cost slightly more than a cheap flight. Eurostar recommends using its registered luggage service for your bike if you�re travelling from London, Paris, Brussels or Lille and charges approximately �20 for carriage of your bike. If travelling by France's national rail system check here for further train and route timetables.

last updated 4-Jun-2008