There are numerous ways to get to Mottaret, your choice really comes down to your departure point, price and personal preference.
You have the option of 4 Airports within a 2 1/2 hour transfer using a hire car, taxi or coach. Eurostar to Moutier with a 30 min transfer, or, self drive.
You have the option of 4 Airports within a 2 1/2 hour transfer using a hire car, taxi or coach. Eurostar to Moutier with a 30 min transfer, or, self drive.
By Air
Chambéry - approx. 1 1/4 hour transfer. CMF is the closest but has few flights. As a smaller airport it is susceptible to close in bad weather and your flight could be diverted elsewhere.
Geneva - approx 2 hour transfer. GVA has excellent bus/shuttle links with the most flights & hire car options. Most taxis and coaches take the busy local roads instead of the toll ways and can take 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If you hire a car take the toll roads and you can make it in under 2 hours.
Grenoble - approx 2 1/2 hour transfer. GNB New option as low cost carriers now flying there from the UK.
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (Satolas) - approx 2 1/2 hour transfer.
For checking cheap flight options we recommend using SkyScanner which checks all budget airlines going into a particular airport, and gives you the best prices and shows alternative times/dates. When comparing costs always check on baggage allowance policy for skis and ski boots.
Don't forget about the scheduled carriers, Swiss and Flybaboo have some great deals and BA has loads of flights as well. They also have a more generous baggage allowance and will often be cheaper if you are bringing ski equipment. You can also check charter flights at Ski-Flights and new this season is Snowjets who fly out of Manchester, Bristol and Gatwick to Chambery.
By Rail
Eurostar direct service (click on this link and select "ski" option in book online section)
- Relaxing, fast and convenient direct service to Moutier, rarely delayed.
- Short check in times, Daytime or overnight services.
- Probably the fastest way "door to door" to Mottaret at around 7 hours from London.
- Short 30 minute transfer up the mountain by taxi (book in advance) or bus.
- If booked early can be very cost effective combined with cheaper transfer costs.
- No charge for bringing skis and extra baggage
Eurostar - French Rail
Another option is to take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord and then a taxi / RER to Paris Gare Lyon or Paris Austerlitz for TGV services to Moutier. There are many more options this way and it is generally cheaper than the direct service but does require a change of trains. One great option is to get an evening Eurostar to Paris and an overnight sleeper to Moutier. Opt for the the First class sleeper service, it is only a bit more and has 4 berth carriages instead of 6.
By Road
A stay en route on Friday night close to Mottaret can enable two extra days skiing. On arrival early saturday change in the underground ski locker area, leaving luggage in your car, ski during the day checking in late afternoon. Ski the last Saturday heading down the mountain in the evening, stay overnight in a hotel and make your way home Sunday.
- Can be a cheap option if you have three or more in the car.
- It is 600 miles (about 8 hours without stops) from Calais to Mottaret
- You can get 8 days Skiing instead of 6 and miss the queues.
- Motorway tolls are about 75 Euros each way.
- Ample free parking outside the Apartment.
- A car is handy in the summer for day trips, golfing, etc.
- If driving (even a 4x4) you MUST have snow chains with you. They can be bought in Moutier if you forget.
- If there is heavy snow the police may stop you and refuse passage if you do not have snow chains on.
Directions
Download and Print these off for your trip
Directions from Moutier to Mottaret (Local Map included)
Directions from Calais to Moutier
Resort Bus
Pick up a copy of the bus schedule at the Tourist Office or download one here Resort Bus Time Table (Winter 10/11)
- Apart from really bad weather they usually run to time but can often be crowded.
- Skiing in Mottaret you shouldn't really need the bus unless you get stuck in Meribel after having too much apres ski!
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