7 of the best ski resorts near Geneva

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)
• Runs and terrain: 64 runs (58% beginner, 32% intermediate, 10% advanced)
• Skiable terrain: 141 acres
• Vertical drop: 1,800 metres

Pros:

• Accommodation for all budgets
• Good snow cover
• Part of the vast Grand Massif ski area

Cons:

• Purpose-built, concrete architecture
• Very quiet nightlife
• Limited restaurants in the village

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)
• Runs and terrain: 33 runs (27% beginner, 59% intermediate, 14% advanced)
• Skiable terrain: 42 acres
• Vertical drop: 1,545 metres

Pros:

• Cosy, authentic ambience
• Pedestrianised village
• Excellent off-piste skiing

Cons:

• Small skiable area
• Busy weekend crowd
• No ski-in/ski-out

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)
  
• Runs and terrain: 86 runs (39% beginner, 44% intermediate, 17% advanced)
  
• Skiable terrain: 101,000 acres
  
• Vertical drop: 1,930 metres

Pros:

• Good links to the 4 Valleys ski area
• Family-friendly
• More affordable than its neighbouring resorts

Cons:

• Quiet apres-ski
• Overcrowded slopes
• Runs can be poorly signposted

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)
  
• Runs and terrain: 119 runs (20% beginner, 66% intermediate, 14% advanced)
  
• Skiable terrain: 761 acres
  
• Vertical drop: 2,807 metres

Pros:

• Lively apres-ski scene
• 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)
• Runs and terrain: 53 runs (50% beginner, 37% intermediate, 13% advanced)
• Skiable terrain: 39 acres
• Vertical drop: 800 metres

Pros:

• Affordable ski pass
• Easy ski links to Sommand
• Mix of magic carpets, drag lifts and chairlifts

Cons:

• Small ski area
• Experts may find the runs repetitive
• Limited accommodation

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)
• Runs and terrain: 84 runs (63% beginner, 29% intermediate, 8% advanced)
• Skiable terrain: 654 acres
• Vertical drop: 1,500 metres

Pros:

• Quiet off-piste routes
• Quick airport transfer
• Caters to all ability levels

Cons:

• Very busy at weekends and school holidays
• Unreliable snowfall due to low altitude
• Slow chair lift system

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)
• Runs and terrain: 185 runs (19% beginner, 68% intermediate, 13% advanced)
• Skiable terrain: 800 acres
• Vertical drop: 1,237 metres

Pros:

• Large ski area
• Great facilities for beginners
• Quick transfer from Geneva

Cons:

• Limited pistes for advanced skiers
• Overcrowded at the weekends
• Unreliable snow cover