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The best destinations
Due to its busy international airport serviced by many low-cost airlines, Geneva is a popular hub for those heading to the slopes. Geneva is located just on the Swiss side of the French-Swiss border with easy access to the resorts in both countries. The nearest resorts are in the Aravis Massif, Chamonix Mont-Blanc and the Grand Massif ski areas with the largest nearest ski area being the vast Portes du Soleil. We have chosen our 5 favourite resorts in this area, to help you decide where to head for a fantastic winter break.
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Distance from Geneva – 85km Transfer Time – 60 minutes
Saint-Gervais is part of the Evasion ski area which has 445km of pistes which are excellent for beginners, intermediates and mixed ability groups. You can enjoy wonderful views of Mont Blanc and almost feel like you have the beautiful landscape all to yourself, as Saint-Gervais is quiet even at the height of the season! You can do your own thing and not have to worry about getting in the way of others. As a 19th century spa town, Saint-Gervais is also the perfect place to relax after a long day on the slopes. Its striking Victorian spa building offers a range of treatments and pools, where you can unwind.
✓ Familie Plus Label ✓ Thermal Spa ✓ 219 slopes (37 GN, 63 BL, 84 RD and 33 BK)
Distance from Geneva – 78km Transfer Time – 86 minutes
Morzine enjoys a fantastically broad range of skiing as it is part of the immense Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest in the world. From the resort you can access 650km of slopes across 12 villages in both France and Switzerland. No matter your snowsport ability, you will find plenty of slopes and facilities that suit your needs. The resort enjoys a Famille Plus Montagne label, as it offers activities and services for all age groups and abilities. Morzine is a welcoming place with a distinctly traditional Savoyard feel. Its quaint wooden chalets sit snugly in a tree lined valley, surrounded by spectacular scenery. It is a popular resort for British travellers and has great accommodation, bars and restaurants.
✓ Familie Plus Label ✓ Top of French Alps Label ✓ 280 slopes (34 GN, 119 BL, 101 RD and 32 BK)
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Distance from Geneva – 68km Transfer Time – 65 minutes
La Clusaz is a hidden gem just over an hour away from Geneva. It is in the Aravis ski area and enjoys 132km of pistes with easy access to the neighbouring Grand Bornand resort. It has some of the best snow conditions in the French Alps, with its own microclimate providing long ski seasons. All abilities are catered for at this resort with gentle beginners’ areas and challenging off-piste areas, especially at La Balme. Its 5 peaks surround a quintessentially French mountain village that has barely changed for over 100 years! La Clusaz’s wooden chalets cluster around its picturesque Savoyard church and there are some excellent restaurants serving delicious local fare.
✓ Familie Plus Label ✓ Excellent snow conditions ✓ 131 slopes (36 GN, 45 BL, 44 RD and 10 BK)
Distance from Geneva – 65km Transfer Time – 62 minutes
Le Grand Bornand is also part of the Aravis ski area with access to 220km of pistes suitable mostly for intermediates, snowboarders and families. The varied terrain of the resort can be found on the slopes about Le Chinaillon, where there is also a great beginner’s area. There is a large snowpark at the Vallée du Maroly and some stunning views of the breath-taking landscape. The ski village of Le Grand Bornand is typically Alpine. It is dominated by traditional chalets, rather than large scale developments and has active year-round community giving it a lively atmosphere. You can also choose to stay at Le Chinaillon in the next valley, which enjoys easy access to the slopes.
✓ Familie Plus Label ✓ Unspoilt Alpine scenery ✓ 131 slopes (36 GN, 45 BL, 44 RD and 10 BK)
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Distance from Geneva – 74km Transfer Time – 71 minutes
Samoëns has undergone a lot of development in the past few years, but still retains its traditional medieval character. If you want the ambience of a real French village and access to the whole Grand Massif ski area, then Samoëns is the resort for you. This resort offers something for all levels of ability and plenty of variety in pistes. You can try out Europe’s longest blue piste, Les Cascades at 14 km and easily access neighbouring resorts such as Flaine. You will need to catch the Grand Massif Express gondola from the village to the pistes, but it takes just 8 minutes! Samoëns is perfect for beginners and has many gorgeous tree-lined pistes with stunning views over Mont Blanc. This charming village has everything you could need for a memorable snow break.
✓ Access to whole Grand Massif ✓ Traditional village ✓ 144 slopes (34 GN, 119 BL, 101 RD and 32 BK)
You can easily reach all of the resorts above from Geneva Airport and all in less than 90 minutes by transfer. You can hire a car at the airport or choose from private or shared transfer services to the resorts directly from the airport.