(December 2025)
France and Les 3 Vallées (located in the French Alps) have the largest ski area on earth, and access can be a challenge.
In addition to the localization itself, other factors should be taken into consideration, such as their times of operations, slots, weather, etc…. However, the good news is that the French Alps have several airports from which to choose.
Before choosing your destination airport you must check your time / date of operations, notate how long you’re planing to stay, and where the passengers may want to go.
Operating during weekend days can be more restrictive due to lack of parking spaces; repositioning for parking may be needed.
Access roads to ski resorts may also be a challenge. Weekends and the Holiday periods tend to be very busy with numerous tourists creating traffic on the only roads available in the area. Helicopter transfer may be a good alternative if weather allows flights.
If the crew would like to enjoy the snow as well, plan to book the team’s hotel rooms in advance.
If rental cars will be needed, be sure that all snow equipment are included in your planning as they are mandatory.
Chambery / LFLB
Chambery is one of the closest airports to the main ski resorts, including Courchevel. LFLB is
accessible to almost all types of business jets (including BBJ / ACJ).
Opening hours: 07H30 – 21H00 LT – to be confirmed by NOTAMS
CIQ: Available – PPR 24H
PPR/ slots: Mandatory / Needed
Parking: Possible but very limited during the weekend
Hangar: No
Deicing: Yes
Operational issues
Due to mountainous terrain in the vicinity of Chambéry Airport, it is essential that pilots are well
familiar with the approach, a missed approach, circling maneuvers, and departure procedures.
Therefore, concerned operators must set up specific operational instructions about the use of
Chambéry Airport and its specific meteorological conditions, as well as provisions for their
pilot training.
The responsibility for the preparation of such instructions and for the design of urgent departure
trajectories rests on the operator (or pilot-in-command for non-commercial flights).
Flight crew training
For all flights, a theoretical training about procedures intended to be used is mandatory for the pilot-in-command.
Night operations and operations with weather conditions below a 3500 feet ceiling and 5000 metres visibility require training using a suitable flight simulation training device (FSTD) or on-site training in VMC conditions on a same category aircraft.
Note: All operators and pilots must be able to prove that they comply with the above training requirements. The application of these provisions will be subject to verifications during ramp inspections.
Chambery/LFLB has one of the best locations to access the main ski resorts, but access can be difficult, limited slots during the week-end, and limited parking for long stays.
LFLB is also used by airliners mainly during weekends.
LFLB does have a VIP Terminal and is used to handle all business flights; however, in case of cancellation, fees will apply.
Annecy / LFLP
Opening hours: 08H00 – 19H00 LT
CIQ: Available 08H00 – 20H00 – PPR 24H
PPR/slots: Mandatory / Needed
Parking: Possible but more limited during weekends
Hangar: No
Deicing: Yes
Operating instructions
Due to the mountainous environment of Annecy aerodrome, the pilots must be familiar with the
approach and missed approach procedures, as well as visual maneuvering and departure procedures.
As a result, concerned operators must set up instructions specific to Annecy aerodrome, as well
as provisions relating to the training of their pilots.
The operator shall make sure of the establishment of these instructions (or the captain for noncommercial
flights).
Flight crew training
For all flights, a theoretical training about procedures intended to be used is mandatory for the
pilot-in-command.
Night operations and operations with weather conditions below a 3000 feet ceiling and 5000
metres visibility require a training using a suitable flight simulation training device (FSTD) or an
on-site training in VMC conditions on a same category airplane.
Note: All operators and pilots must be able to prove that they comply with the above training(s).
The application of these provisions will be subject to verifications during ramp inspections.
Annecy is also very nicely located, only dedicated to business aviation (without airliners).
The runway is smaller than LFLB, so it may not be suitable for all operations.
For Chambery and Annecy, hotels in the area can be a challenge during Winter. Be aware that
Geneva is not too far and has a larger choice of accommodations.
Grenoble / LFLS
Opening hours:
- MON-SAT: 0700-2100 LT
- SUN and HOL: 0800-2100 LT – overtime possible
CIQ: Available – PPR 24H on weekdays / 48H On weekends / HOL
PPR/ slots: NO
Parking: Yes
Hangar: No
Deicing: Yes
Grenoble is located a bit further away from the ski resorts but could be a good alternative with possible longterm parking. LFLS also has airliner traffic during the Winter season, but without slots or PPR.
Grenoble airport may be a better choice as it is located mid-distance from Lyon and Grenoble cities, if hotel accommodations are needed in Lyon.
For Chambery / Annecy / Grenoble repositioning, Lyon Airports (LFLL/LFLY) could be a good alternative for parking.
Lyon St Exupery / LFLL
Opening hours: H24
CIQ: H24
PPR / slots: YES but easy to get
Parking: Yes
Hangar: No
Deicing: Yes
Lyon St Exupery is the major airport in the area, and parking even for longer stays is possible. Located a bit farther away from the ski resorts, LFLL can handle any type of aircraft, and weather can be much better than with LFLB / LFLP (which can still be a very good alternate).
Lyon Bron / LFLY
Opening hours:
- MON-FRI: 0530-2130
- SAT: 0700-2130
- SUN and HOL: 0700-2000
Extentions possible
CIQ: Available – PPR 24H
PPR: YES 12H notification
Parking: Yes
Hangar: Yes depending of aircraft size
Deicing: Yes
Lyon Bron is a good airport that is dedicated to business aviation. The runway is more limited than with LFLL; however, a hangar is possible, although definitely further away from the ski resorts.
Both Lyon airports have great choices of hotels close by or inside Lyon city.
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