Geneva and the Alps
Geneva to the ski resorts
Three ways to get there, and only one right answer per resort and per day of the week.
Journey times
What each resort really asks of you
The times below are the ones transfer operators quote from Geneva airport, outside changeover Saturday.
Courchevel · France
Road 2 hr 30 to 3 hr · helicopter 30 to 35 min · landing: Courchevel Altiport, over 2,000 m
Megève · France
Road 1 hr 15 to 1 hr 30 · helicopter 20 to 25 min · landing: Megève Altiport
Chamonix · France
Road 1 hr 15 · helicopter on request · landing: Chamonix valley
Verbier · Switzerland
Road 2 hr 30 to 3 hr 30 · helicopter around 35 min · landing: Le Châble helipad, 821 m
Crans-Montana · Switzerland
Road 2 hr 15 to 2 hr 30 · helicopter around 30 min · landing: Sion area
The real issue
Changeover Saturday
In the resorts, almost every rental starts and ends on a Saturday. A whole valley comes down in the morning while another goes up in the afternoon, on a road that was never drawn for it.
In practice: a Geneva to Courchevel run quoted at two and a half hours can pass four hours on a Saturday in the school holidays. Megève, quoted at an hour and a quarter, can double. The flight takes exactly the same time every day of the year.
That is where the decision is made, far more than on distance. On a Sunday in January the road is excellent everywhere.
Three habits that change the day
Land before eleven in the morning or after seven in the evening on a Saturday and you miss most of the queue. Plan lunch on board rather than a stop in the valley, which always costs more time than expected. And have the ski equipment taken straight up to the chalet, instead of stopping at the hire shop with tired children.
The train
The one resort where it is a real option
For most resorts the train adds changes of vehicle with luggage and equipment: it makes no sense.
Crans-Montana is the exception. A direct InterRegio links the airport station to Sierre with no change, then a funicular climbs to the resort. Allow around two and a half hours, according to the tourist office, against two hours fifteen by road. For two people without equipment the gap is small and the cost is nowhere near the same.
We say so because it is true, and we take over at the top if you want us to.
Frequently asked
What you need to know
Are winter tyres required?
In France, from 1 November to 31 March, designated mountain communes require winter tyres, or chains or snow socks on board. In Switzerland winter tyres are not compulsory, but chains become so wherever the signs require them. All our mountain vehicles carry them, with chains on board. It is not a paid extra.
What about the Swiss vignette?
It is compulsory on Swiss motorways and semi-motorways, as a sticker or an e-vignette. Our vehicles carry it. If you drive your own, check it before you leave: it is checked on the road by customs and the police.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We track the flight number and the chauffeur moves his arrival. An aircraft delay is not billed as waiting time.
Can a helicopter be booked the day before?
Sometimes, outside peak periods. Between Christmas and New Year and in February the slots go several weeks ahead.
See also: Geneva and the Alps, chalet concierge and private transport.
Winter season
Tell us your dates and your resort
We will tell you plainly whether to fly or drive.