Where Courchevel sits in the French Alps, which airports serve it, how the transfer works, and the altitude of each of the four villages.
Local experience
In Sonny's experience, most guests land at Geneva or Lyon during the day and reach the resort around 6pm for check-in. The driver waits at the airport whatever the flight does, and from Moûtiers he calls ahead so the chalet knows you are about 30 minutes away. Some guests take the helicopter to save the drive. That is one realistic arrival, not a timetable: if you land early, ask whether early check-in is possible, and if it is not, the ski fitting can be done in the shop while you wait.
Sonny Ubertalli, 4 October 2026
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 sits about 145 km by road from Geneva airport, in Switzerland, the same figure given further down this page. 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
- • By road, or by helicopter to the altiport
From Lyon Airport
- • Distance: 180 km
- • Via autoroute A43
From Chambéry Airport
- • Distance: 110 km
- • 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
- • On our own catalogue on 25 September 2026, taking each property's median winter week and holding the service standard equal, a Comfort self-catered chalet in Courchevel Moriond ran 37% below the same standard in Courchevel 1850 (6 properties against 8), a Comfort self-catered apartment 57% below (11 against 22), and an Essential self-catered apartment 45% below (46 against 24).
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
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 Moûtiers, resort shuttle buses or private transfers complete the journey.
By Helicopter
For the ultimate arrival experience, helicopter transfers from Geneva land directly at Courchevel's altiport. This option eliminates mountain driving entirely and provides spectacular aerial views of the Alps.
