Watch planes land on the world's 7th most extreme runway

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Watch a Plane Land on the Impossible Runway

   adventure Free

   The 7th most extreme airport in the world - 537m runway with 18.66% gradient.

   Wait for a plane to land at the terrace at Courchevel Altiport (freely accessible). This is the only altiport in Europe. The runway is just 537m long (most airports: 2000m+) with an 18.66% UPHILL gradient. Planes land going UP the hill to slow down, take off going DOWN. There are NO go-arounds - once a pilot commits, they MUST land. Only specially certified pilots can attempt it. The approach is between mountains. Ask terrace staff when the next landing is expected. Peak arrival window: 10am-12pm.

   🔄 BACKUP: If no planes during your visit, at least walk the terrace and look at the runway angle - you'll understand why this is "controlled chaos."

   🍷 Log Memory
2. ⛰️ 2

   Book a Scenic Flight Over Mont Blanc

   Optional

   adventure $$$

   Take off downhill, fly over the roof of Europe.

   Book a scenic flight at the Alpine Airlines counter at the altiport. Alpine Airlines has been the only commercially licensed operator since 2014. Flights go over Mont Blanc, the Vanoise glaciers, and all of Les 3 Vallées. You'll take off DOWNHILL - the reverse of landing. Routes: 15min quick tour, 30min Mont Blanc circuit, or 1hr full alpine exploration. Book in advance if possible, or walk in and ask about availability. Best conditions: morning before thermals build.

   🔄 BACKUP: If flights are full or weather cancels, ask about rescheduling or take a helicopter tour instead (Savoie Hélicoptères operates from nearby).

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 📜 3

   Learn the Runway's Deadly History

   Optional

   history Free

   Built in 1961, this runway has humbled many pilots.

   Ask about the runway's history at the altiport or talking with staff. Construction began in 1961, making this one of the first mountain airports. Pilots need a special qualification to land here. The approach is visual only - no instrument landing system works at this angle. Ask staff about any incidents (they happen). The runway was designed so planes MUST commit - the mountain behind means no go-around. James Bond villain vibes, but real. Featured in many aviation documentaries.

   🔄 BACKUP: YouTube has countless videos of landings here - watch some before you visit to appreciate what you're seeing.

   🍷 Log Memory

Insider Tips

• ✦

  Watching landings from the terrace is FREE and hair-raising

• ✦

  Scenic flights: 15min-1hr over Mont Blanc and Les 3 Vallées

• ✦

  Alpine Airlines is the only commercially licensed operator since 2014

• ✦

  No flights allowed 12:30-2:30pm (siesta!), hours 9am-7pm