Best Ski Resorts near Geneva
Where to ski within 90 minutes
Each winter many thousands of skiers choose to fly to the Alps, and one of the most popular destinations has long been Geneva. Geneva’s busy international airport is situated just on the Swiss side of the Franco-Swiss border – virtually on it, in fact – so frequent scheduled Cheap Flights to Geneva
give skiers rapid access to some of the very best ski resorts in the French Alps. To put that into perspective, places like the Portes du Soleil, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, the Grand Massif and Megève all lie within a 90-minute road transfer from the airport.
Obviously, speedy transfer times are great news for skiers, since any savings allow them to spend more time on the mountain, rather than in a bus or hire car. That makes Geneva a logical choice for anyone keen to make the most of a short ski break, or who simply wants a more relaxing start to a longer ski holiday.
Which ski resorts are near Geneva, and how do they compare?
Jump straight to RESORT COMPARISON TABLE
The Manigod valley, La Clusaz ski area.
Ski in authentic French ski resorts
Ski villages in the northern Alps are conveniently close to Geneva and are noted for their authentic charm and traditional Alpine chalet style. In a refreshing contrast to purpose-built resorts, these local communities live and work here all year round, often combining jobs such as farming with seasonal work as ski instructors or piste groomers. Ski here and you’ll be assured of a warm welcome and a taste of authentic French village life, all within 90 minutes of Geneva airport.
The authentic village of Le Chinaillon at Le Grand Bornand, Aravis
Dropping in on Flaine in the Grand Massif ski area, French Alps
Skiing in the Aravis
Ski resorts in the Aravis Massif, – La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and Saint Jean de Sixt – are known collectively as the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts. You’ll ski from authentic mountain villages and Alpine chalets, with cosy restaurants serving dishes made from the local Reblochon cheese. La Clusaz is just 50 min from Geneva and the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy.
Skiing in the Grand Massif
The well-connected villages of the Grand Massif ski area include chic Samoëns, the bustling family-friendly village of Les Carroz d’Arâches and the assertively modern, purpose-built resort of Flaine. Less than 90 minutes from Geneva, the Grand Massif offers exciting possibilities for all levels of skier and a huge choice of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Reach your destination quickly with a ski transfer service
Specialist ski transfer companies operate from airports and major rail and bus stations throughout the Alps. As soon as you arrive they’ll transfer you and your luggage (including ski equipment) to your chosen ski resort or direct to your accommodation.
Every skier, family or group of friends has different requirements, so it’s important to choose a ski transfer service which offers you the very best deal for your budget. Options range from shared transport to private transfer, luxury chauffeur service or a bespoke package tailored to you or your group.
Ski-Lifts offer the widest range of airport transfers to ski resorts in France, from economy shared transfers for budget-conscious travellers, right through to luxury limousines. They also offer coach transfers for larger groups.
Between Morzine and Les Gets, Portes du Soleil, French Alps
The Saint Gervais sector at Les Houches, Chamonix Valley, French Alps
Skiing in the Portes du Soleil
Spanning both sides of the French and Swiss border, the vast ski area known as the Portes du Soleil is a hugely popular destination. In summer it attracts cyclists and walkers, while in winter it’s one of the most extensive and picturesque of all French ski areas, with traditional villages and tree-lined pistes.
The valley villages of Morzine and Les Gets offer easy access from Geneva with a journey time of less than 90 minutes, while Châtel, right beside the Swiss border, isn’t much further.
Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc resorts
Resorts served by the Autoroute Blanche, between Geneva and Chamonix Mont-Blanc, are renowned for world-class skiing, luxury hotels and boutiques plus Michelin-starred restaurants. The speedy road transfers from Geneva are appreciated by skiers heading for traditional resorts like Megève, Combloux and the spa town of Saint-Gervais, in the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area.
Les Houches’ own ski area has a growing reputation, plus accommodation ranging from a stylish new hostel to luxury apartments. It’s only minutes from the autoroute and within easy reach of Chamonix and beyond.
Major ski resorts close to Geneva – at a glance, by transfer time
| Major Ski Resorts Close to Geneva | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Resorts | *Transfer Time | Ski Domain | Altitude | Local Ski Area / Total Ski Domain | **6-day Adult Ski Pass |
| MORZINE | 1hr 15 | Portes de Soleil: Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel, Morgins | 900m-2450m | 120km / 650km | n/a Morzine/Les Gets €285 Portes de Soleil |
| FLAINE | 1hr 15 | Grand Massif: Samoëns, Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon | 1600m-2500m | 140km/265km | €321 Grand Massif |
| LES CONTAMINES | 1hr 10 | Les Contamines / HautluceEvasion Mont Blanc | 1100m-2350m | 120km/445km | €239 Les Contamines/Hautluce€277.50 Evasion Mont Blanc |
| MEGEVE | 1hr 10 | Evasion Mont Blanc: Megeve, St Gervais, St Nicolas de Veroce, Combloux, Le Giettaz, Les Contamines/Hautluce | 900m-2350m | 325km/445km | €277.50 Evasion Mont Blanc€365 Mont Blanc Unlimited |
| CHAMONIX MONT BLANC | 1hr 10 | Chamonix Le Pass: All valley ski areas between 1000 and 2500m (excludes top Grand Montets) | 1000m-3300m | 110km/+400km | €275 Chamonix Le Pass €365 Mont Blanc Unlimited |
| LES GETS | 1hr 10 | Portes de Soleil: Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel, Morgins | 1100m-2450m | 120km/445km | n/a Morzine/Les Gets€292.50 Portes de Soleil |
| SAINT GERVAIS | 1hr 05 | Evasion Mont Blanc: Megève, Saint Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines/Hautluce, St Gervais, Combloux, La Giettaz | 900m-2350m | 235km/445km | €277.50 Evasion Mont Blanc€365 Mont Blanc Unlimited |
| LES HOUCHES | 1hr 05 | Les Houches: Les Houches St. Gervais, Tramway du Mont-Blanc | 950m-1900m | 47km/+400km | €246 Les Houches/St Gervais €300 Chamonix Le Pass |
| SAMOËNS | 1hr 05 | Grand Massif: Samoëns, Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon | 700m-2500m | 145km/265km | €289.20 Villages €321 Grand Massif |
| LES CARROZ | 55 mins | Grand Massif: Samoëns, Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon | 1100m-2500m | 145km/265km | €289.20 Villages €321 Grand Massif |
| LA CLUSAZ | 55 mins | La Clusaz-Manigod Aravis: La Clusaz-Manigod, Le Grand Bornand | 1100m-2400m | 125km/220km | €235 La Clusaz/Manigod €265 Aravis |
| LE GRAND BORNAND | 55 mins | Le Grand Bornand Aravis: La Clusaz-Manigod, Le Grand Bornand | 1000-2100m | 95km/220km | €209.50 Grand Bornand €265 Aravis |
Comparing Ski Resorts near Geneva Airport
Thanks to our friends short break ski specialists SkiWeekender for putting together the comparison chart above of the best ski resorts near Geneva airport.
For easy comparison of the main resorts we haven’t included a number of smaller resorts which are, however, linked to the main ski domains mentioned above.
Above Samoëns 1600, Grand Massif ski area, French Alps
