The 3 Closest Airports to valmorel
The 3 Closest Airports to Valmorel
Valmorel, a charming ski resort nestled in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, is accessible via several airports. Choosing the right one depends on factors like your origin city, flight availability, budget, and preferred transfer time. Here’s a look at the three airports generally considered the closest and most convenient for reaching Valmorel.
1. Chambéry Airport (CMF)
Also known as Chambéry-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport, this is geographically the closest airport to Valmorel. It’s a smaller, regional airport primarily serving the Alpine ski resorts, especially busy during the winter season with charter and scheduled flights catering to skiers.
- Distance to Valmorel: Approx. 95 km / 60 miles (Approx. 1 hour 30 mins drive)
- Address: Route de l’Aéroport, 73420 Viviers-du-Lac, France
- Pros: Shortest transfer time, closest proximity to Valmorel, less crowded than major hubs.
- Cons: Limited flight schedule (especially outside winter weekends), fewer airline choices, potential for weather disruptions, fewer facilities.
- Airlines: Primarily seasonal/charter operators like Jet2, TUI, BA CityFlyer; check schedules carefully.
- Car Rental: Options like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt are usually available (pre-booking recommended).
- Official Website: www.chambery-airport.com
- Phone: +33 4 79 54 49 54
- Rating: Generally around 3.8-4.0/5 (Varies)
2. Geneva Airport (GVA)
Geneva Airport, located in Switzerland but very close to the French border, is the closest major international airport to Valmorel. It offers a vast range of flights from destinations across Europe and worldwide throughout the year, making it a very popular choice for international visitors.
- Distance to Valmorel: Approx. 175 km / 109 miles (Approx. 2 hours to 2 hours 30 mins drive)
- Address: Route de l’Aéroport 21, 1215 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
- Pros: Huge selection of international and domestic flights year-round, competitive pricing, extensive facilities, numerous transfer options (bus, private transfer, train connections nearby).
- Cons: Longer transfer time than Chambéry, potential border crossing delays (it’s in Switzerland), requires Swiss Vignette for motorway driving if hiring a car on the Swiss side, can be very busy.
- Airlines: Major carriers (Swiss, easyJet, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Emirates, etc.) and budget airlines.
- Car Rental: Wide choice available on both Swiss and French sectors (check rental terms regarding border crossing). Major brands present.
- Official Website: www.gva.ch
- Phone: +41 848 192 020 / +41 22 717 71 11
- Rating: Generally around 4.0-4.2/5 (Varies)
3. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Lyon Airport is another major international hub located entirely within France. It offers a good range of flights and serves as a key gateway to the Rhône-Alpes region, including the Tarentaise Valley ski resorts.
- Distance to Valmorel: Approx. 185 km / 115 miles (Approx. 2 hours to 2 hours 30 mins drive)
- Address: 69125 Colombier-Saugnieu, France
- Pros: Large international airport with many flight options, good facilities, integrated TGV train station offering connections, avoids Swiss border crossing.
- Cons: Similar driving time to Geneva, transfer options might be slightly less direct/frequent to Valmorel compared to Geneva during peak ski season.
- Airlines: Major carriers (Air France, easyJet, Lufthansa, Emirates, Vueling, etc.) and charter flights.
- Car Rental: All major international and local car hire companies are represented.
- Official Website: www.lyonaeroports.com
- Phone: +33 826 800 826 (Premium Rate) / +33 4 26 00 70 07
- Rating: Generally around 3.9-4.1/5 (Varies)
Conclusion
- The absolute closest airport to Valmorel is Chambéry Airport (CMF), offering the shortest transfer time but with limited flight options.
- The closest major international airport with a wide range of year-round flights is Geneva Airport (GVA). Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) is a very comparable alternative major airport.
