In our opinion flying is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting to Courchevel. The Easyjet services from London Luton and Gatwick to Geneva depart several times a day and vary in cost depending on when you travel and how early you book (average return price: £140).
Easyjet also have Geneva flights from Liverpool and East Midlands. And also London Stansted to Lyon (the old Go route), which tends to be cheaper. They offer a useful discount if you book online. Find out more at www.easyjet.com or call 0870 600 000.
Fly Be have services from Southampton to both Geneva and Chambéry at prices similar to Easyjet's. See www.flybe.com for details.
Alternatively Air Miles do Heathrow and Gatwick to Geneva and Lyon for only 950 Miles return, and also do part cash part Miles deals. More info at www.airmiles.co.uk or call 0990 515 700.
Touriscar do a coach transfer from Geneva to Courchevel for around £60 return – call 0041 22 798 2000 to book, or visit www.touriscarnet.com, or www.coach-station.com.
Satobus Alpes do transfers from Lyon to Courchevel. Call 0033 472 359496, or visit www.satobus-alps.com.
Alternatively SAF-AIR Courchevel will arrange air transfers from Geneva, Lyon or Chambery direct to Courchevel altiport. Call 0033 479 080091 for more info.
Car hire starts at around £130 per week. Drive time 2½-3hrs.
The Eurostar ski train goes directly from Waterloo to Moutiers, leaving you with a mere 12 mile bus or taxi journey to Courchevel 1850. The night train departs at 2000 and arrives at 0600; and the day train departs at 0900 and arrives at 1700.
Prices for a 2nd class saver return are £149 night and £169 day; children 4-11 £109. Call 0990 848 848 for more info.
You can also take your car by train from Calais to Moutiers through Rail Europe, crossing the Channel by either ferry, hovercraft or via Eurotunnel. Call 08705 848 848.
Cross the Channel with your car and then drive all the way. The distance from Calais to Courchevel is 580 miles and Le Havre to Courchevel 520 miles. In winter you should allow 10-12 driving hours for the trip, so with an early start – possibly using a night crossing from Portsmouth to Le Havre – and two drivers working in shifts, it’s possible in a day. Or to make it easier stop over around Lyon and do it in a day-and-a-half. You will need snow tyres or chains for resort-level driving.
Going by motorway all the way, the tolls will come to around £60 return. Unleaded in France is around 70p/litre city, and 75p/litre motorway.
P&O do a low season ten day return crossing from Portsmouth to Le Havre for £120. Call 0870 2424 999. Or call 0870 600 0611 for P&O Dover-Calais info.