By Stefaan Ghijs
– Yes, you can bring your skis, but specialized aircraft (like the Cirrus SR22 or Citation Mustang) have strict size and passenger limits, often maxing out at two passengers with gear.
– We proactively mitigate winter charter costs, such as the mandatory de-icing fee, by prioritizing hangar storage at the departure airport whenever possible.
Fly Direct to the French Slopes for Your Luxury Ski Vacation with Expert Logistical Support
Chambéry-Savoie Airport (CMF) is the trusted gateway for a private jet flight to the premier ski resorts of the French Alps, near famous destinations like Courchevel, Val d’Isère, and Méribel. Choosing a private jet charter to CMF saves you hours of ground transfer time compared to flying commercially into larger hubs.
However, planning a winter ski holiday requires special attention, especially when transporting bulky equipment and dealing with high-altitude airport access. We believe in transparency and expertise regarding your private jet charter flight—here are the answers to the most common questions our clients ask.
Altiport Access: Where Can My Aircraft Really Land?
The desire to land right on the slopes is natural. We offer flexible solutions based on your chosen aircraft and the weather, ensuring your ski vacation starts as close to the mountains as possible.
The Hub vs. The Mountain Gateway: Access Levels
| Airport Category | Example | Operational Reality | The Fly Aeolus Advantage |
| Altiports (True) | Courchevel (LFLJ), Méribel | Highly Restricted. Reserved for small, specialized aircraft. Commercially chartered jets are generally prohibited. | We recommend a helicopter transfer from CMF for the final mile. |
| Regional Alpine Airports | Samedan (St. Moritz), Sion, Annecy | These smaller airports are highly weather-dependent (daylight only, high visibility required) but can accommodate certain aircraft. | We get you closer. When weather permits, our Cirrus SR22 can utilize these gateways, cutting transfer time significantly compared to CMF. |
| Primary Alpine Hubs | Chambéry (CMF), Geneva (GVA) | Reliable, fully equipped airports designed for jet traffic, offering robust scheduling and full instrument landing capabilities (IFR). Our Cessna Citation Mustang and Cirrus SR22 are fully capable here. | Our Default: Chambéry is the most reliable, year-round jet-capable airport for the French Alps and your ideal private jet charter destination. |
Our Recommendation: We always prioritize safety. If conditions allow, we will use the closest Regional Alpine Airport (like Annecy or Sion) accessible by the Cirrus SR22. If visibility is a concern, we rely on the reliability of the Primary Alpine Hubs like Chambéry (CMF).
The Ski Gear Question: Will My Equipment Fit?
This is the most critical logistical question for your ski holidays, particularly when flying with efficient aircraft like the Cirrus SR22 (Air Taxi) or the Citation Mustang (Very Light Jet).
Specific Gear Constraints of the Fly Aeolus Fleet
Due to the compact design of our primary aircraft, transporting long, hard ski bags requires careful planning:
| Aircraft Type | Limit w/ Skis | Gear Accommodation Reality |
| Cirrus SR22 (Air Taxi) | Max 2 Passengers | Possible with two soft-sided ski bags (single pair each), provided all other luggage is soft and minimal. 3+ passengers is not feasible with ski bags. |
| Cessna Citation Mustang (VLJ) | Depending on the additional luggage | Possible with two soft-sided ski bags. The baggage compartment is large but often too short for long, hard cases. |
General Ski Gear Planning for Your Charter
While our core fleet is optimized for speed, we ensure a solution for all gear types, even if it requires chartering a larger aircraft through our network.
| Scenario | Recommended Action | The Fly Aeolus Solution |
| 1-3 Passengers, 1-3 Ski Bags | Opt for soft-sided ski bags to maximize fit and flexibility in the cargo hold. | We confirm the specific aircraft’s baggage bay dimensions for guaranteed fit and advise on the best bag type. |
| 4+ Passengers, 4+ Ski Bags | We strongly advise separating the gear. Ship skis/boards ahead to your chalet. | We coordinate specialized luggage courier services directly to your final destination, saving space and cost, and allowing you to utilize the full passenger capacity of the aircraft. |
| Oversized or Heavy Equipment | For maximum comfort and guaranteed storage, we recommend a larger jet class. | We ensure the chosen aircraft type has the necessary cubic footage to accommodate all passengers and luggage comfortably. |
Pro Tip: Never pack boots in the ski bag. Carry your ski boots onboard! They are the one piece of gear you absolutely cannot afford to lose or have delayed.
CMF Operations & Winter Costs: Transparency You Need
Flying into an airport surrounded by the French Alps requires specialized planning due to weather, air traffic, and crucial safety procedures like de-icing.
De-icing is a mandatory procedure whenever ice, snow, or frost accumulates on the aircraft surfaces, as mandated by the pilot for safety. It is the most common unforeseen cost in winter private jet charter travel.
Option 1: The De-Icing Insurance (Risk-Free Guarantee)
Fly Aeolus offers an insurance option to cover this unpredictable cost, providing a fixed, pre-paid charge based on how far in advance you book your flight.
| Booking Lead Time | De-Icing Insurance Fee (Excl. VAT) | Guaranteed Outcome |
| Book until 5 days before departure | €150.00 per flight leg | You pay the fee once, and all necessary de-icing costs (which can exceed €500.00) are covered. |
| Book between 5 days and 72 hours before departure | €250.00 per flight leg | |
| Book between 72 hours and 24 hours before departure | €350.00 per flight leg |
Option 2: Our Standard Policy & Mitigation Strategy
If you choose not to select the insurance, we ensure maximum transparency while applying proven cost-saving measures.
| Element | Description | Your Financial Expectation |
| Mitigation Strategy | We prioritize hangar space. Where possible, we arrange overnight hangar storage for your aircraft at the departure airport to keep it warm and dry, thus avoiding the need for de-icing. | Hangar Costs if the aircraft is kept in a hangar overnight. |
| Cost Transparency | De-icing is charged by the volume of glycol fluid used and passed on to you at the cost charged by the airport FBO—never marked up. | Post-flight bill for the exact cost. If de-icing is necessary without the insurance, costs can exceed €500.00 per flight leg. |
Weather and Contingency Planning
If Chambéry becomes unusable due to severe weather, your safety and schedule remain our priority.
- Alternate Airports: The most common and reliable alternates are Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) or Geneva (GVA). These larger international airports can handle nearly all weather conditions.
- Seamless Transfer: If a diversion is necessary, your pre-booked ground transportation will be automatically rerouted, or we can arrange a private helicopter transfer from the alternate airport directly to your resort to minimize the delay.
The Destination: Your French Alps Escape
Chambéry is situated at the crossroads of the Dauphiné and Savoie regions, offering the quickest possible access for your ski holiday or ski vacation.
The Easiest Access to 150+ Resorts
Fly into Chambéry via private jet charter, and you are only a short drive or helicopter hop from:
- Les Trois Vallées: Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens (Approx. 1h 15m to 1h 45m drive)
- Espace Killy: Val d’Isère, Tignes (Approx. 1h 30m drive)
- The Mont Blanc Area: Chamonix, Megève (Approx. 1h 15m drive)
Seamless Ground Transfers
We arrange dedicated, executive-class vehicles equipped for winter roads to meet you planeside and transfer you directly to your chalet, or we coordinate a helicopter for the final leg.
Ready to bypass the chaos of commercial airports and fly straight to the heart of the French Alps with a trusted, transparent partner?
Book Your Winter Charter
Contact us today to receive a personalized quote based on your group size, gear requirements, and preferred schedule for your next ski holiday.