Where Courchevel sits in the French Alps, which airports serve it, how long the transfer really takes, and the altitude of each of the four villages.
Geographic Location
Courchevel is located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, in the Savoie department of southeastern France. The resort sits within the vast Three Valleys (Les 3 Vallées) ski area, the largest linked ski domain in the world, comprising 600km of marked pistes across Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens.
The resort's coordinates place it approximately 100km from Geneva, Switzerland, and 150km from Lyon, France. Its position in the heart of the Alps provides exceptional snow reliability and access to some of the most varied terrain in European skiing.
Key Distance Information
From Geneva Airport
- • Distance: 145 km
- • Drive time: 2.5-3 hours
- • Helicopter: 35 minutes
From Lyon Airport
- • Distance: 180 km
- • Drive time: 2.5-3 hours
- • Via autoroute A43
From Chambéry Airport
- • Distance: 110 km
- • Drive time: 1.5-2 hours
- • Closest major airport
Courchevel Altiport
- • On-resort airstrip
- • Private jet & helicopter
- • Famous 18.5% gradient runway
The four villages of Courchevel
Unlike many ski resorts, Courchevel comprises four distinct villages at different altitudes, each with its own character and appeal. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right base for your stay.
Courchevel 1850
The world's most prestigious ski resort
- • Altitude: 1,747 m (the name is historic)
- • 5 Palace hotels
- • Designer boutiques (Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton)
- • Multiple Michelin-starred restaurants
- • Ultimate luxury, highest prices
Courchevel Moriond (1650)
Family-friendly, at 1,650m
- • Altitude: 1,650m
- • Aquamotion aquatic center
- • Excellent restaurants
- • Same ski access as 1850
- • at the same service standard, an apartment in Courchevel Moriond costs around half its Courchevel 1850 equivalent, and a self-catered chalet about a third less
Courchevel Village (1550)
Authentic Savoyard charm
- • Altitude: 1,550m
- • Traditional village atmosphere
- • Gondola connection to 1850
- • Quieter, more relaxed
Le Praz (Courchevel 1300)
Olympic heritage and authenticity
- • Altitude: 1,300m
- • 1992 Olympic ski jump site
- • Traditional village square
- • Forest skiing access
- • Most authentic experience
Getting to Courchevel
Several options exist for reaching Courchevel, from convenient shared transfers to helicopter arrivals at the resort's famous altiport.
By Road
The most common approach is by car or transfer from Geneva or Lyon airports. The journey follows excellent motorways before ascending through the spectacular Tarentaise Valley. Winter tires or chains are required from November to April.
By Train
TGV high-speed trains serve Moûtiers station, approximately 25km from Courchevel. From Paris Gare de Lyon, the journey takes around 5 hours with connections to resort shuttle buses or private transfers.
By Helicopter
For the ultimate arrival experience, helicopter transfers from Geneva take approximately 35 minutes, landing directly at Courchevel's altiport. This option eliminates mountain driving entirely and provides spectacular aerial views of the Alps.
