Peak Booking Windows: Christmas week, New Year, February half-term (book 6-8 weeks ahead)
Best Value Period: Late January through early March (good snow, less demand)
Airport Coverage: 8 major airports serving 10+ premier resorts across French, Swiss, Austrian Alps
Transfer Options: Helicopter (€1,400-€2,500), car (45 min-3 hrs depending on airport/resort)
Samedan Airport logged 15,000 flight movements last year. Chambery handled 4,500 private jet arrivals during winter 2022 alone. Sion processed 1,800 between December and March.
The Alps are the world’s busiest private aviation corridor during ski season. But the wrong airport choice means sitting in Geneva traffic for three hours when you could have landed twenty minutes from the slopes. It means diverting to Milan when fog rolls into Sion. It means missing half a ski day because nobody told you about Saturday afternoon valley traffic.
This guide breaks down the airports, transfer logistics, and operational realities for flying private to Europe’s top ski destinations. We cover which aircraft types work at which airports, what the helicopter transfers actually cost, and the timing strategies that separate smooth arrivals from frustrating ones.
How Alpine Airports Work
Not all airports are equal when mountains surround the runway. Alpine airports fall into three categories, and understanding the tradeoffs saves time and money.
Mountain Airports
Samedan, Sion, and Chambery sit close to resorts but come with operational constraints. Short runways limit aircraft size. VFR conditions often required. Operating hours run sunrise to sunset. Weather can close these airports with little notice.
The benefit: you land closer. Samedan puts you 10 minutes from St. Moritz. Sion is 55 minutes from Verbier by car, 10 minutes by helicopter.
Regional All-Weather Airports
Geneva and Zurich handle large jets reliably in almost any conditions. ILS approaches. Extended operating hours. Full customs and de-icing capabilities. The downside: you’re 2-3 hours from most resorts by road.
These airports work as primary destinations for long-range jets or as backup when mountain weather goes bad.
Alternative Hubs
Milan Malpensa sits 3+ hours from most Swiss resorts but offers extended hours and handles diversions when Alpine airports close. Useful as contingency, less ideal as first choice.
Your aircraft type determines options. A Citation Mustang lands at Samedan. A Global 7500 needs Geneva or Zurich for the runway length.
Top French Alps Destinations
Courchevel
The resort that put private jet skiing on the map. Part of Les Trois Vallees – 600km of linked pistes making it the world’s largest ski area. Seven Michelin-starred restaurants. The Cheval Blanc. Airelles. This is where serious money goes to ski.
The operational reality: Courchevel’s altiport has a 525-meter runway with an 18.5% gradient. Only certified turboprops like the Vulcanair P68 and TP600 can land there. Jets are not an option, regardless of what some charter brokers imply.
According to Eurocontrol data, Chambery (LFLB) handles the bulk of Courchevel-bound private jet traffic. The 2,020-meter runway accepts most business jets.
| Airport | Code | Transfer to Courchevel | Helicopter Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chambery | LFLB | 1.5 hours by car | From 1,600 EUR (20 min) |
| Geneva | LSGG | 2 hours by car | From 2,400 EUR (30 min) |
| Grenoble | LFLS | 2 hours by car | Available on request |
| Lyon | LFLL | 2.5-3 hours by car | Not practical |
Most operators fly into Chambery and helicopter transfer to Courchevel. The 20-minute flight beats sitting in valley traffic. Saturday afternoons from 2pm onward are brutal on the roads – plan arrivals for Friday evening or early Saturday morning.
Peak booking periods: Christmas week, New Year, February half-term. Helicopter availability drops fast during these windows. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for peak dates.
Meribel
Same access situation as Courchevel – both sit in Les Trois Vallees. Meribel draws a strong British crowd with its chalet architecture and village atmosphere. La Folie Douce brings the party. L’Etoile de Meribel brings the culinary standards.
Chambery remains your best option. Same transfer times, same helicopter routes.
Val d’Isere
High altitude means first snow and reliable cover through spring. Espace Killy shares with Tignes – serious off-piste terrain. Strong nightlife scene that rivals Verbier.
Closest jet airport: Chambery (LFLB). Transfer runs 2-2.5 hours by car depending on conditions. Helicopter options available but less common than for Courchevel.
Megeve
The French St. Moritz. The Rothschild family created it in the 1920s as an alternative to Swiss resorts. Seven five-star hotels. Mont Blanc views. Traditional village atmosphere without Courchevel pricing.
Megeve has its own altiport accepting helicopter transfers. Fly into Annecy (LFLP), then helicopter 20 minutes at around 1,400 EUR. Or drive 84km in about an hour.
Top Swiss Alps Destinations
St. Moritz
Birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. Two Winter Olympics. Snow polo on the frozen lake. The Cresta Run. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel since 1896. This is old money skiing with new money prices.
St. Moritz has the best private jet access of any major European ski resort. Samedan Airport (LSZS) sits 5km from town center. At 1,707 meters elevation, it’s the highest airport in Europe. The 1,800-meter runway accepts Gulfstream G650s, Global 7500s, and Falcon 7Xs at full fuel load.
| Samedan Airport Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| ICAO / IATA | LSZS / SMV |
| Elevation | 5,600 ft (1,707m) |
| Runway Length | 1,800m (5,905 ft) |
| Annual Movements | Approximately 15,000 |
| Operating Hours | 8am to sunset (winter) |
| Transfer to St. Moritz | 10 minutes by car |
The catch: no ILS. VFR conditions required. When clouds fill the valley, you divert to Zurich or Milan. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) requires crew briefings before first approach. The terrain is unforgiving and the approach is challenging even in good conditions.
Samedan also serves Davos during the World Economic Forum each January. Traffic spikes dramatically during that week – plan around it or expect delays.
For private jet charter pricing to St. Moritz, expect to pay premium rates during Christmas and February half-term.
Verbier
Switzerland’s party resort with serious skiing credentials. Four Valleys ski area. Challenging off-piste terrain attracts advanced skiers. Le Rouge and Farinet pack out nightly. W Verbier offers ski-in/ski-out with contemporary design.
Sion Airport (LSGS) is the gateway. The 2,000-meter runway accepts most private jets. Weather dependent – the airport sits in a steep valley that can close quickly when visibility drops.
| From Sion to Verbier | Duration | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter | 10 minutes | From 900 EUR |
| Car / Chauffeur | 55-60 minutes | Varies by provider |
Limited ramp parking at Sion during peak season. Your aircraft may need to reposition to Geneva or Bern while you ski. Factor repositioning costs into your quote when comparing charter operators.
Zermatt
The Matterhorn. That’s the entire pitch. One of Europe’s oldest ski resorts. Car-free village with preserved traditional architecture. Ski across to Cervinia in Italy for lunch, return for dinner.
Zermatt is car-free – the last section requires train or electric taxi from Tasch. This complicates logistics but reinforces exclusivity.
Fly into Sion (LSGS). Helicopter to Zermatt when weather permits. Otherwise, car to Tasch (about 70 minutes) plus the Zermatt shuttle train.
Crans-Montana
South-facing slopes mean sun all day. Less crowded than Verbier or Zermatt. Panoramic views across the Rhone Valley toward the Matterhorn.
Sion Airport. 32km by car, roughly 35 minutes. Helicopter runs 10 minutes from approximately 950 EUR.
Gstaad
Romance and discretion at 1,050 meters. The Alpina Gstaad. Gstaad Palace. Traditional chalets alongside luxury boutiques. 200km of slopes. Lower altitude means less reliable late-season snow but easier airport access.
Gstaad-Saanen Airport (LSGK) sits nearby with limited runway capacity restricting aircraft size. Larger jets fly into Geneva or Bern with road transfers of 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Austrian Alps Options
Kitzbuhel
The Hahnenkamm – most famous downhill race in skiing. Medieval town center. Strong apres-ski culture. Winter polo. Less exclusive than Swiss resorts, more authentic than many French alternatives.
Salzburg Airport (LOWS) handles most private jet traffic – approximately 3,200 movements during winter months according to NBAA regional data. 80km transfer to Kitzbuhel, about 1 hour by road.
Innsbruck (LOWI) is geographically closer but requires specific pilot qualifications for the challenging mountain approach.
Lech and Zurs
Royal and celebrity territory. Princess Diana skied here. Part of the Arlberg ski area. Exceptional snow record with deep powder runs. Sophisticated but understated – no flash, just quality.
Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) is closest. The approach through mountain terrain requires specific training. Zurich works as an alternative with longer transfer times of 2.5+ hours.
Helicopter Transfer Costs 2025-2026 Season
Helicopter transfers save 60-90 minutes each way and avoid Saturday afternoon valley traffic. Costs vary by distance and aircraft type. Book helicopter slots early during peak periods—they fill faster than aircraft slots.
| Route | Flight Time | Approx Cost (EUR) | Time Saved vs Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chambery → Courchevel | 20 min | 1,600+ | 60-90 minutes |
| Geneva → Courchevel | 30 min | 2,400+ | 90 minutes |
| Sion → Verbier | 10 min | 1,400+ | 45 minutes |
| Geneva → Verbier | 25 min | 2,200+ | 90-120 minutes |
| Sion → Zermatt | 20 min | 1,800+ | 60 minutes |
| Annecy → Megeve | 20 min | 1,400+ | 30 minutes |
Note: Costs are approximate for 2025-2026 season. Peak period pricing (Christmas, New Year, February half-term) typically 15-25% higher. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for peak dates.
Planning Your Flight: Key Considerations
De-icing Requirements
Budget for it. Cold conditions mean de-icing delays and added costs at Alpine airports. Some charter operators offer de-icing insurance to cap unexpected expenses. Worth considering for peak season trips when temperatures sit well below freezing.
Slot Coordination
Popular weekends book out weeks ahead. Christmas and New Year are worst. February half-term fills quickly. Coordinate slots early or plan for alternative airports as backup.
The Eurocontrol Network Manager coordinates European slot allocation. Peak Alpine season sees slot pressure across Geneva, Chambery, and Sion simultaneously.
Helicopter Transfers
Weather dependent. VFR conditions required for most routes. If clouds sit low, you’re in a car. Book helicopter as primary option with ground transportation arranged as backup. The smart approach: have both confirmed before departure.
Aircraft Repositioning
Small Alpine airports have limited ramp space. Your aircraft may need to reposition to a larger airport while you ski. Factor repositioning costs – which can run 3,000-8,000 EUR depending on distance – into your overall quote.
Ground Transportation Timing
Saturday afternoon traffic in French valleys can double transfer times. Plan arrivals for Friday evening or Saturday morning. Sunday departures work well as traffic flows the opposite direction.
For those flying regularly to the Alps, fractional ownership or jet card programs may offer better value than ad-hoc charter. Guaranteed availability during peak periods is worth the commitment for frequent travelers.
Airport Comparison at a Glance
| Airport | Code | Runway | Best For | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samedan | LSZS | 1,800m | St. Moritz, Davos | VFR only, high altitude |
| Sion | LSGS | 2,000m | Verbier, Zermatt, Crans-Montana | Weather dependent, limited parking |
| Chambery | LFLB | 2,020m | Courchevel, Meribel, Val d’Isere | Weather closures possible |
| Geneva | LSGG | 3,900m | All Swiss/French resorts | Long transfers, congestion |
| Zurich | LSZH | 3,700m | Eastern Swiss resorts | 2-3 hour transfers |
| Innsbruck | LOWI | 2,000m | Austrian resorts | Challenging approach |
| Salzburg | LOWS | 2,750m | Kitzbuhel | 1 hour transfer |
Resort to Airport Quick Reference
| Resort | Primary Airport | Alternative | Recommended Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel | Chambery | Geneva | Helicopter |
| St. Moritz | Samedan | Zurich | Car (10 min) |
| Verbier | Sion | Geneva | Helicopter |
| Zermatt | Sion | Geneva | Helicopter + train |
| Val d’Isere | Chambery | Lyon | Helicopter or car |
| Kitzbuhel | Salzburg | Innsbruck | Car |
| Lech | Innsbruck | Zurich | Car |
| Gstaad | Gstaad-Saanen | Geneva / Bern | Car |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I land a jet directly in Courchevel?
No. Courchevel’s altiport has a 525-meter runway with steep gradient. Only certified turboprops operate there. Jets land at Chambery, Geneva, or Lyon, then transfer by helicopter (20-30 minutes) or car (1.5-2 hours).
Which airport serves the most ski resorts?
Sion serves Verbier, Zermatt, Crans-Montana, and provides reasonable access to Chamonix. Geneva works as backup for all Swiss and many French resorts but requires longer transfers of 2-3 hours.
What happens if weather closes my destination airport?
Divert to Geneva, Zurich, or Milan. These airports operate in almost all conditions. Any experienced charter operator should have contingency routing arranged before departure.
How far ahead should I book for Christmas week?
Six to eight weeks minimum. Peak dates fill quickly. Helicopter transfers book out even faster than aircraft slots. February half-term requires similar lead time.
Is helicopter transfer worth the cost?
From Chambery to Courchevel, a helicopter saves 60-90 minutes each way and avoids Saturday traffic. At 1,600 EUR for a 20-minute flight, many regular skiers consider it essential rather than optional.
What aircraft can land at Samedan?
Most business jets up to large cabin size. Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, Falcon 7X, and similar operate there regularly. VFR conditions required. Crew must complete specific airport briefings before first approach.
When is the best time to fly private to the Alps?
Late January through early March offers best snow with slightly less demand than Christmas or February half-term. Early March provides good conditions with easier aircraft and helicopter availability.
Do I need special permits to fly into mountain airports?
No passenger permits required. Your charter operator handles all airport slots and landing permissions. Samedan requires crew briefing before first approach. Pilots need mountain airport endorsements for locations like Sion and Chambery.
What happens to my aircraft while I ski?
Three options: Aircraft returns empty to home base (most economical for stays over 3 days), repositions to major hub like Geneva or Zurich for crew rest and hangar, or waits at arrival airport if staying under 72 hours. Waiting incurs daily crew and parking fees.
The Bottom Line
St. Moritz offers the best direct private jet access of any major European ski resort. Samedan puts you 10 minutes from town with no helicopter required. For French resorts, accept that Chambery plus helicopter is the practical solution – trying to fight that reality wastes time and money.
Build contingency into every winter Alps trip. Weather changes fast in the mountains. The difference between a smooth arrival and a frustrating one often comes down to having backup airports and ground transportation confirmed before you leave home.
Request quotes from multiple operators. Compare not just aircraft pricing but helicopter transfers, de-icing coverage, and repositioning costs. The lowest aircraft quote often hides expensive surprises that surface after you’ve committed.
