Best ski resorts near Geneva
Geneva is known as the gateway to the Alps, you can venture far and wide to get to the resorts in Italy, Switzerland and France, but we’re here to shed some light on the incredible resorts that reside just outside the city.
For those keen skiers and boarders living in Europe, you will probably find Geneva to be your gateway to the Alps. There is something about the thought of landing at Geneva airport that gets the excitement building for a snowy mountain adventure. Being the gateway to the Alps, you can venture far and wide to get to the ski resorts in Italy, Switzerland and France but what is not so well known is that there are an abundance of world-class ski resorts under 1 hour away from this major city. Stay tuned for the top ski resorts near Geneva, all within 90 minutes drive from the awesome Swiss city.
So, we’re here to shed some light on the incredible ski resorts that close to Geneva. Surprisingly, Geneva and its airport are located very close to the French border, so most of the nearest resorts are actually in France. Some of which will be your famous resorts, but we may also uncover some hidden gems and share a few secrets.
Essential prep for your Geneva ski trip
Starting your snowy adventure to the peaceful ski destinations near Geneva couldn't be easier. Your favoured transportation method isn't a worry; the nifty transport links present an instant passageway into the alpine charm just waiting beyond the city. The ever-so-quick transfer lets you shift focus onto what really matters: prepping for the white wonder that lies ahead.
Now, when you're loading up your suitcase with all the necessary gear, don't forget about your own comfort. You'll want to set aside space for essential attire like the sturdy and sleek ski pants for women and the durable ski pants for men.
With these key pieces tucked snugly away in your luggage, all you have to do next is kick off your unforgettable escapade into Geneva's snowy retreat!
Getting to Geneva
Geneva and its airport are only 4 km from one another, so you can go between them both within 20 minutes. There are taxis and shuttle buses to get you to the city centre, whilst the train from the airport takes an unbelievable 6 minutes!
From Geneva airport, with it being so accessible to the Alps, there is an abundance of transfer companies shipping tourists around the mountains, especially in the winter months. For flexibility, you can hire a car and drive, which allows you to experience the efficient Swiss motorway system, but also travel to the many resorts that are all within 10 to 15 minutes of each other, for example around Mont Blanc and the Portes Du Soleil. Either way, you won’t find your transfer to a ski resort any easier than from Geneva which means that you and your friends will only have to pack and off you go!
Ski resorts close to Geneva
Ski resorts within 1 hour away from Geneva
Praz de Lys ski resort - Sommand
Where: Faucigny, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 50 minutes (65km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 50km
Elevation: 1,230 and 2,064 m
Praz De Lys ski resort is within one hour drive from Geneva, very close to the epic Mont Blanc and connected with its sister village of Sommand. These villages are Geneva’s hidden gem, so although they are smaller than the ski resorts in the Portes Du Soleil or Chamonix, they are perfect to get away from the crowds and enjoy a classic French village for a fraction of the price. The skiing itself is varied and perfect for beginners and intermediates, even though most of the slopes are above the treeline. Of course, this altitude also means the views are spectacular of the Mont Blanc and surrounding mountains. Praz de Lys-Sommand is ideal for a long weekend in the mountains, with minimal travel and easy access to the slopes, so you can make the most of a short trip.
Ridestore recommends:
Although the villages are small, non-skiers or if you fancy an afternoon off, there are plenty of activities such as dog sledging, snowmobiling and snowshoe tours.
La Clusaz
Where: Bornes Aravis, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 65 mins (68km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 125km
Elevation: 1040 m – 2477 m
La Clusaz is a secret people are reluctant to share because, within just one hour of Geneva, you can be skiing on 125km of well-groomed and quiet slopes. La Clusaz is a small, quaint and traditional French ski resort that oozes rustic Alpine culture, with few foreign tourists the resort remains authentic. It is the ideal resort to get away from the crowds but still enjoy an apres beer with a local French. On the mountain, there are some awesome slopes to give a go, with long runs that will thrill the speed seekers, whilst being gentle enough for beginners to find their ski legs. The secret is slowly spreading about this low-key resort, so head there quick before the word gets out!
Ridestore recommends:
For fresh powder days and for those who love deep off-piste head to the La Balme ski area and explore the snowy playground!
Le Grand Bornand
Where: Bornes Aravis, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 60 mins (65km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 86km
Elevation: 1000m – 2100m
Just one hour from Geneva, nestled between Lake Annecy and the Mont Blanc, you have Le Grand Bornand which is La Clusaz’s sister. Le Grand Bornand is a world-class ski resort, that has all the amenities of a modern ski area but with adorably traditional chalet buildings adjourning the town. This combination makes it an awesome choice for any kind of ski holiday, whether it be with the kids or with the crew. When not tearing up the slopes, there are two villages you can stay in, with each just as cute as the next. There is a typical Savoyard feel amongst the villages, with chalets nestled into the snowy trees and cheese fuelled evenings in one of the many restaurants.
Ridestore recommends:
The snowpark is said to be one of the best in France, The Grand Bo is an absolute must if you are an avid freestyler or wanting to practice some new skills.
Megeve ski resort
Where: Pays Du Mont Blanc, Haute- Savoie, France
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour 10 minutes (52.4km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 263km
Elevation: 850 and 2,353 m
Megeve makes many a list as being one of the best ski resorts in France, and the main reason for this is its beautiful, magical but very classy French Alpine village. Naturally, the word is getting out now, but Megeve has always been a typically French ski destination with few tourists. Megeve is ideal for working couples looking for a romantic but brief weekend getaway; we picture loved up couples walking hand in hand down the cobbled streets and sitting under candlelight in one of the many incredible restaurants in town. Whatever your reasoning for visiting Megeve, you will be impressed and fall head over heels with its charm and of course it’s incredible skiing.
Ridestore recommends:
Save your shopping trip for when you visit Megeve, as there is an abundance of designer and French boutiques to test the bank balance.
Ski destinations over 1 hour away from Geneva
Chamonix
Where: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour 10 mins (80km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 155km
Elevation: 1035m to 3275m
From Geneva, you head over the French border and before you know it you’re in Chamonix, which sits proudly on the French side of the Mont Blanc mountain. Chamonix is a world-renowned ski resort with an incredible and unique set up, made up of four different ski areas that you can access via the extensive bus network- you can be sure not to ski the same run twice! The pistes have a huge vertical range, so you can ski between the trees in the morning and head up the glacier in the afternoon. Down at the base, there are many villages to choose from with something to suit everyone, so the kids and the party-goers will be entertained either way.
Ridestore recommends:
Hire a local guide to safely do the famous Valle Blanche and find the best-untouched routes.
Flaine
Where: Le Grand Massif, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour 15 minutes (70.6km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 265km
Elevation: 697 m – 2480 m
Flaine is ideal for a family holiday, with it being so close to Geneva, you know you can relax in the fact that the kids will spend less time travelling and more time on the ski slopes. The ski resort itself is small and cosy, making getting around so much easier. Another draw is the resort’s connection to the epic Grand Massif ski area, which boasts a whopping 265km of slopes, meaning you can either get very far away from the kids or you can tire them out with big days on the mountain. Unlike some of the other French resorts, Flaine is a no-frills, get down to business kind of place, so you can focus on the skiing and boarding, than anything else.
Ridestore recommends:
Head to Flaine as a beginner, as over half the ski slopes are green and blue runs.
Les Get
Where: Portes Du Soleil, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour and 20 mins (72km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 280km
Elevation: 1,230 and 2,064 m
Les Gets is a classic French ski resort, that is part of the awesome world-famous Portes Du Soleil ski area. It’s astounding to think that so close to a major city, you can access 280km worth of terrain. Although Les Gets is a low resort which can be subject to warmer temperatures and unpredictable snow coverage, you can access Avoriaz in the Portes Du Soleil which will make up for the altitude and lack of snow. There are, however, top-notch lift systems that make skiing in Les Gets very different to the often crowded slopes elsewhere in France.
Ridestore recommends:
Les Get has been awarded the ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ label, which means this ski resort near Geneve is perfectly set up for the young ones.
Morzine
Where: Portes Du Soleil, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour and 25 mins (78km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 650km
Elevation: 1,230 and 2,064 m
Also part of the legendary Portes Du Soleil ski area is Morzine, which is another unbelievable spot so close to Geneva! The skiing potential is obviously awesome, but much like Les Gets it is rather low in altitude so you must keep a mindful eye of the weather before heading out, or make sure to head over to sistering resort Avoriaz. The resort itself is what attracts people from far and wide, as it is a year-round town, there is a vibrant atmosphere, with lots of seasonnaires and a very cozy vibe. The streets are always bustling and you will feel instantly at home.
Ridestore recommends:
Freeride lines off the Pointe d’Angolon, left of the Chamossière lift. When you get to the arrival point, get your camera ready for stunning views of the Mont Blanc, before skiing down on the ridge to the Col d’Angolon.
Avoriaz ski resort
Where: Portes Du Soleil, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Savoie Mont Blanc, France
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour and half (74.6km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 650km
Elevation: 1,230 and 2,064 m
Avoriaz is like the big sister of the Portes Du Soleil resorts, with it being the highest and the most modern of the ski resorts in the area. If you are looking for epic snow-sure conditions, with incredible terrain for the more advanced snowsport enthusiasts, then Avoriaz is the one. Expect your mode of transport back to your hotel to be on your skis or board, and to get around the car-free village on a horse-drawn cart. The village itself is not as popular as Morzine or quite as charming, but this means that you can enjoy a quieter and more mountain focused break, ideal for the advanced and expert riders.
Ridestore recommends in this ski resort:
Freestylers will love the world-famous snowparks in Avoriaz, for example, The Stash and Arare snowpark.
Courmayeur ski resort
Where: Mont Blanc, Aosta Valley, Italy
Distance from Geneva: 1 hour 30 minutes (98.7km)
Ski-Able Terrain: 41.5km
Elevation: 1,205 and 2,755 m.
On the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel from France, you end up in Italy, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc mountain. Straight from the tunnel, you will hit Courmayeur, which is a beautifully chic, glamorous and cosy Italian resort. You can walk through the centre with stunning restaurants, rustic bars and designer boutiques lining the pretty Alpine street. Make way for the wealthy Italians and their fur coats, but don’t think its all glitz and no skiing, as Courmayeur has some great terrain for riders who like them long but steep. There is not as much skiing as its neighbour Chamonix, but watch out for some big changes being made to the area, connecting the two resorts, along with plans to bring the Aosta Valley ski resorts together.
Ridestore recommends:
Book your skis, boards and boots into a locker at the top of the mountain as the cable car is a little walk away and you can leave your gear at the top to collect each morning.
Ski areas near Geneva - FAQs
On average, how far are the nearest ski resorts from Geneva?
Most ski resorts near Geneva are within a 60 to 90-minute drive. For instance, Praz de Lys-Sommand is just about a 50-minute drive away, making these resorts an excellent choice for short getaways.
Are there any other activities at these ski resorts besides skiing?
Yes, many of the ski resorts near Geneva offer a range of winter activities for non-skiers or those looking for a break from the slopes. These may include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoe tours. Different resorts offer different experiences, so check with each resort for their specific offerings.
Wrapping up
Well, there we go, you don’t have to travel for 4 hours on planes trains and automobiles to get to a ski resort high in the mountains. You can hop in a car or book a cheap transfer and be from plane to slopes within 90 minutes- it is the snow enthusiasts dream! Geneva truly is the gateway to the Alps offering hidden gems such as La Clusaz, that ooze French charm and big boy resorts like Chamonix. You can walk hand in hand down the cobbled streets of Megeve or glide through the powder of the Valle Blanche in Courmayeur. Whichever suits you the most, you can be content in the knowledge that you can spend more time on the mountain and less time on a transfer bus. Geneva, you are our winter savour and we salute you!
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