Courchevel 1850 · CVF / LFLJ · and Chambéry
Private Flights to
Courchevel Altiport
You can land at the top of the Three Valleys, but not in a jet. Courchevel’s altiport takes specialist turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12, flown by specially qualified crews in daylight and good weather. Everyone else arrives by jet into Chambéry.
The altiport in brief
Courchevel altiport (CVF / LFLJ) sits at 2,008 m above Courchevel 1850. The runway is 537 m long with an 18.6% slope: aircraft land uphill and take off downhill. There is no instrument approach and no go-around once committed, so the landing is planned for daylight and good visibility only.
Only crews holding the Courchevel altiport qualification may land there, flying for an operator approved for it. In practice that means single-engine turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 or Cessna Caravan, plus helicopters. No jet can use it.
Two ways in
Direct by turboprop. A PC-12 from the UK straight to the altiport, ski-in distance from the lifts. Fewest steps, but the most weather-sensitive, and performance at altitude can limit the load. Five passengers with skis is a realistic question to put to the operator, not a given.
Jet to Chambéry, then transfer. Chambéry (CMF / LFLB) is the closest jet-capable airport to the Tarentaise. From there it is around two hours by road, or a short helicopter transfer where weather and local rules allow. Geneva is the fallback when Chambéry is full on winter Saturdays.
Always carry a backup. If the altiport is closed by cloud or snow, the turboprop diverts to Chambéry or another valley airport and the last leg is by road or helicopter. Agree that plan with the quotation, not on the day.
Direct to the altiport
Turboprop from
the UK
Estimated one-way charter price at this site’s representative turboprop rate (£4,350 per flying hour). Whole aircraft. Subject to date, availability and positioning. Final quotation confirms aircraft, seating, baggage and all applicable charges. Altiport-rated aircraft and crews are specialist, so the quotation may differ.
| Route | Distance | Est. airborne | Estimated one-way price |
|---|---|---|---|
| London FarnboroughFAB → Courchevel altiport (CVF / LFLJ) | 460 nm | 1 hr 50 min | £8,000 |
| London LutonLTN → Courchevel altiport (CVF / LFLJ) | 477 nm | 1 hr 55 min | £8,500 |
| London Biggin HillBQH → Courchevel altiport (CVF / LFLJ) | 443 nm | 1 hr 50 min | £8,000 |
| BirminghamBHX → Courchevel altiport (CVF / LFLJ) | 537 nm | 2 hr 05 min | £9,000 |
| ManchesterMAN → Courchevel altiport (CVF / LFLJ) | 590 nm | 2 hr 20 min | £10,000 |
A ski week is often priced as four sectors: the aircraft positions after the drop-off and again for the pick-up, unless it can stay or has other work in the Alps.
By jet
Jet to Chambéry
by aircraft
Estimated one-way charter price and estimated airborne time. Whole aircraft. Subject to date, availability and positioning. Final quotation confirms aircraft, seating, baggage and all applicable charges.
| Aircraft | Seats | London–Chambéry | Manchester–Chambéry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Light JetEmbraer Phenom 100 | 4 | £8,5001 hr 25 min | £10,5001 hr 45 min |
| TurbopropBeechcraft King Air 350 | 8 | £7,5001 hr 45 min | £9,5002 hr 10 min |
| Light JetEmbraer Phenom 300 / Citation CJ3+ | 7 | £9,5001 hr 20 min | £12,0001 hr 40 min |
| Super Light JetLearjet 75 | 8 | £10,5001 hr 15 min | £13,0001 hr 35 min |
| Midsize JetCitation XLS+ / Learjet 60 | 8 | £12,0001 hr 15 min | £14,5001 hr 35 min |
| Super Midsize JetCessna Citation X (CE-750) | 9 | £13,5001 hr 10 min | £16,5001 hr 25 min |
| Heavy JetBombardier Challenger 605 / Falcon 900 | 12 | £19,0001 hr 15 min | £23,5001 hr 35 min |
More on the Chambéry route: London to Chambéry private jet · Geneva & the Alps · private jet cost calculator
Common questions
Courchevel altiport
FAQ
Can a private jet land at Courchevel altiport?
No. The altiport runway is 537 m long on an 18.6% slope at 2,008 m elevation, which rules out jets. Direct flights use single-engine turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 or Cessna Caravan. By jet, the usual arrival airport is Chambéry, then a helicopter or road transfer.
Who can fly into Courchevel altiport?
Only crews holding the specific Courchevel altiport qualification, flying for an operator approved for it. That is a small, specialist group of aircraft and pilots, so availability in peak ski weeks needs booking early.
Is the altiport weather dependent?
Yes. There is no instrument approach, no runway lighting aids and no go-around once committed, so it is daylight, good-visibility flying only. Every altiport plan should carry a backup arrival at Chambéry or Geneva.
How much does a private flight from Manchester to Courchevel altiport cost?
About £10,000 one way by turboprop, for roughly 2 hr 20 min airborne, at this site's representative turboprop rate. Whole aircraft. Subject to date, availability and positioning. Final quotation confirms aircraft, seating, baggage and all applicable charges. Altiport-rated aircraft are specialist, so the quotation may differ.
Why can a week-long ski trip cost about four flights?
An aircraft rarely waits a week in the Alps. It usually positions empty after dropping you off and again to collect you, so a return a week apart is often priced as four sectors. Your quotation sets out the routing.
Can I take skis and luggage to the altiport?
Usually, but performance at 2,008 m on a short runway can limit weight. Tell me the passengers, bags and skis and the operator confirms the allowance with the quotation.
Book direct with a pilot
Courchevel this
ski season
Send the dates, the passengers, the bags and the skis, and whether you want the altiport or Chambéry. Your enquiry is handled directly by a commercial pilot. Flights are sourced from certificated operators, whose identity is provided with the quotation.