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CourchevelEighteen Fifty
CourchevelEighteen Fifty
CVF · 2,008 m

Courchevel Altiport

A 537-metre downhill runway carved into the mountain at 2,008 metres — Europe's highest commercial airfield and one of the most demanding landings in aviation.

The Altiport sits a 5-minute drive from the village centre. The runway's 18.5% gradient means landings only go uphill and take-offs only downhill — no go-arounds. Pilots require a specific 'mountain' certification from the DGAC.

The essentials

  • Runway

    537 m · 18.5% gradient

    One direction only: land uphill (Runway 22), take off downhill (Runway 04). No instrument approach — VFR with mountain qualification required.

  • Operating hours

    Daylight only · No night ops

    Open from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Winter season December to mid-April; reduced summer schedule for sightseeing flights.

  • Aircraft accepted

    Private jets · Turboprops · Helicopters

    Cessna Citation Mustang, Pilatus PC-12, King Air, Twin Otter. Larger jets land at Geneva or Chambéry with helicopter connection.

  • Ground handling

    Sky Valet · Aeroports.fr

    Customs, fuel (Jet A-1, Avgas), de-icing and concierge transfer to any address in 1850 arranged on request.

Frequently asked

  • Can I land a commercial airliner at Courchevel?

    No. The Altiport is for private aircraft only, and the runway accommodates light jets and turboprops up to about 12 tonnes.

  • Do pilots need special certification?

    Yes — French DGAC mountain qualification with specific Courchevel familiarisation. Operators typically use captains with hundreds of altiport landings.

  • Is the Altiport open in summer?

    Yes, with reduced hours. Summer is the season for sightseeing flights over Mont Blanc and the Vanoise National Park.

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