There are a plethora of online companies offering transfers and as with taxis anywhere, it’s important that you book with a reputable company and to remember that the cheapest is not always the best. 

Most transfer companies operate 8-seater minibuses, as these are the most cost effective. The reputable companies have experienced drivers, know the resorts well (not as easy as it sounds as many roads are unmarked) and monitor the roads and traffic conditions to ensure that they take the best routes and get the timings rights.

Overall: A relaxing way to start the holiday – you will be met at the airport and prices are most cost effective when passenger numbers match the vehicle capacity.

Two: Driving 

You can rent a car from the airports and drive to resort. The roads are well maintained and snow is regularly cleared so you should have no worries on that score. Parking in resorts can be difficult and in busy weeks is always in short supply but luckily many of the chalets in our portfolio, have private parking and the chalet driver will keep the drive clear of snow so your return drive will be easy.

Overall: Puts everything in your control & can be good value for money but you won’t need the car in resort and the driving can be stressful when the roads are busy in peak weeks.

Take the train to the French Alps - Eurostar runs direct day trains to the Alps on Saturdays between December-April and direct night trains on Fridays from January-April. They give a generous luggage allowance, which means you can take your skis or snowboard, as well as two suitcases at no extra charge. Trains leave from St Pancras International in London and Ashford in Kent to Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which are perfect for getting to Courchevel, Tignes, Méribel and Val d’Isère.

Overall: The train is a good ‘green’ alternative for travelling from the UK to the Tarentaise resorts (although may restrict the chalet choice as trains are Saturday arrival).

In Switzerland the train is ideal for getting to Zermatt – there are regular trains from Zurich and Geneva airports usually with just one stop in Visp.  From Zermatt station you will be collected by electric taxi to be whisked to your chalet. The train tickets are well priced and if you’re travelling with children, they are free of charge up to age 16. It is a relaxing and very beautiful way to travel up to resort – stunning scenery and everything running exactly to time. The train also works well for the Zurich – St Anton route and can be used for transfers to Verbier although the last section has to be done by bus or cable car.

Overall: The train is the best option for Zermatt chalets. and a good ‘green’ alternative for travelling from the UK to the Tarentaise resorts (although may restrict the chalet choice as trains are Saturday arrival).

Arrive in your resort in style by helicopter – definitely the fastest transfer available. There are altiports in Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Méribel, Zermatt, Zurs and Lech and an example transfer time is 30 mins from Geneva to Méribel.  Helicopters usually take 1-5 passengers but bear in mind that there may be luggage restrictions and for flights leaving Geneva, there are now additional security checks.

Overall: Not the cheapest option but the fastest and definitely the most glamorous

In France there is a limited scheduled bus service from the main airport to the ski resorts so if you have a member of your group arriving on a later date, this may be a good option rather than the more costly private transfer for a single person.

Ask your SkiBoutique PA for additional detail and advice on your travel plans to resort. It is also worth noting that despite the road improvements, in peak weeks there can still be delays and slow traffic particularly, in the Tarentaise. It may be worth flying a day earlier and staying somewhere in the valley and transferring up on the morning of the first day in the chalet giving you a smoother journey and some extra time on the slopes.