Flying into Geneva can have you on the slopes less than two hours after touchdown. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a ski holiday with a Swiss, French or Italian twist, you’ll find them all within shouting distance of the iconic Jet d’Eau.
Quickly compare the best ski resorts near Geneva
Resort
Ski-in/ski-out
Distance
Lift pass price (3 days adult)
Is there a resort village?
Flaine
Yes
1.25 hour drive from Geneva
£112
Yes
Courmayeur
No
1.5 hour drive from Geneva
£130
Yes
Nendaz
Yes
2 hour drive from Geneva
£165
Yes
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Yes
1.25 hour drive from Geneva
£165
Yes
Praz de Lys
Yes
1.25 hour drive from Geneva
£69
Yes
La Clusaz
Yes
1 hour drive from Geneva
£96
Yes
Megeve
Yes
1 hour drive from Geneva
£118
Yes
Which is the best ski resort near Geneva?
Not sure which way to head from Geneva? Take a look at our top picks, all within an easy two-hour drive of the airport.
1. Flaine, France: Best for trying on your first pair of skis
While the Flaine ski resort may not wow you with its beauty, its modern and extensive winter sports facilities might just win you over. Split into two levels, with clearly marked runs and enough lifts for everybody, Flaine gives all skiers a chance to shine on the slopes.
The large choice of self-catered accommodation here and highly-rated beginner slopes tend to attract families and young groups on a budget.
Location: French Alps, Haute-Savoie (1.25 hour drive from Geneva)
2. Courmayeur, Italy: Best for intermediate skiing and views over Matterhorn
Considered to be one of Northern Italy’s best-kept secrets, Courmayeur is a quaint town – laden with modern boutiques and cobbled streets – that just so happens to cater to skiers as well.
Though accessing the slopes may require a little more effort than usual, and there are fewer runs than competing resorts, the breathtaking views, fantastic high-end shopping and even better fine-dining restaurants at Courmayeur might just take the edge.
Location: Italian Alps, Aosta Valley (1.5 hour drive from Geneva)
3. Nendaz, Switzerland: Best for snow sureness and non-ski activities
Nendaz is a dream come true for the uber-organised. Tucked away in the 4 Valleys of Switzerland, Nendaz is guaranteed excellent powder from December until April, making it a snow-sure choice for booking in advance.
Aside from its wide runs, gentle slopes and off-piste tracks, the resort boasts plenty of tobogganing fun, 130km of winter hiking paths and a picturesque ice rink to keep the non-skiers in your group happy.
Location: Swiss Alps, Valais Region (2 hour drive from Geneva)
4. Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France: Best for steep-sided mountains and off-piste runs
Attracting a ready crowd of adventure-seekers and risk-takers, Chamonix’s huge range of off-piste ski runs delight even the most expert skiers among us. With the 4,810m high Mont Blanc as your canvas and plenty of glacial skiing on offer, skiers and snowboarders can slip and slide down these daring slopes until well into May.
Location: French Alps, Haute-Savoie (1.25 hour drive from Geneva)
Home to Vallee Blanche, the longest run in the world
World-class off-piste
Cons:
Expensive lift passes for a small area
Long queues for lifts
Limited green runs
5. Praz de Lys, France: Best for short breaks and snowboarding
Arguably more popular among locals than travellers, the small but charming ski resort of Praz de Lys is laced in French tradition. Think nothing but wooden chalets, tree-lined slopes and friendly, alpine hospitality.
Even better, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Geneva airport, making your dreams of a skiing holiday every weekend just one step closer to reality.
Location: French Alps, Haute-Savoie (1.25 hour drive from Geneva)
6. La Clusaz, France: Best for multi-generational holidays
La Clusaz may look like a small village from the outside, but once inside you can enjoy easy access to a huge skiing area that sprawls across five mountains.
A selection of nursery slopes and private classes offer a great introduction to the slope for newbies, whilst its tree-lined runs are great for intermediate skiers. Though the apres-ski here is nothing to shout about, its intimate restaurant scene, upmarket cocktail bars and two late night clubs make it accommodating for everybody.
Location: French Alps, Haute-Savoie (1 hour drive from Geneva)
7. Megeve, France: Best for quiet slopes and stylish resorts
The beauty of Megeve lies in its authenticity. You won’t find any hotel chains here, just small boutique, family-run affairs centred on the cobbled streets of the historic centre.
Despite its small-town atmosphere, pistes are scattered across three different mountains, perfect for intermediates, but great for beginners and experts too.
Just be sure to check the weather before you book, as Megeve tends to be the first to miss out if the snow is in short supply.
Location: French Alps, Haute-Savoie (1 hour drive from Geneva)
The eastern regions of France, northern realms of Italy and southern borders of Switzerland are all home to ski resorts that are easily accessible from Geneva.
When is the best time to ski near Geneva?
Like most ski resorts in the Alps, skiing near Geneva takes place from mid-December through to mid-April, with January and February delivering the best ski snow conditions. The Alps are incredibly popular with families during school holidays so try to avoid visiting over Christmas or February half term for quieter resorts.
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