With a blanket of snow in a picture-postcard setting, and a choice of resorts all perfectly equipped to welcome visitors, the Alps rightly deserve their popularity with skiers. And at the heart of this winter paradise is Geneva, with its airport that links it to many destinations all over the world.
But once you’ve landed in Geneva, where should you go to put on your skis? Which ski resort near Geneva is right for you? In this article, we suggest nine resorts easily accessible from the ‘city at the end of the lake’, and give you some key facts to help you make your choice.
Go skiing in the Alps…
Chamonix
Chamonix, one of the most famous resorts in the French Alps, needs no introduction. Its chalets are warm and welcoming, its views of Mont Blanc are breathtaking, and its ski area boasts no fewer than 102 different runs.
In addition, the well-connected lift system provides access to the Balme, Grands Montets, Les Houches and Brévent – La Flégère areas.
And all of this is just an hour’s drive from the centre of Geneva!
Ski pass costs: Chamonix offers individual or family passes for the number of days of your choice, starting at €50 for a day. Reduced rates are available on the official website for under-14s and over-65s.
How do I get to Chamonix from Geneva?
- By car: the journey via the A40 takes about an hour and includes tolls.
- By train: it takes 2 hours 30 minutes, with changes at the border and then at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
- By bus: several companies offer a total of about 10 journeys a day, taking between 1hr 10 and 2hrs, depending on the provider.
Where to stay in Chamonix: Chalet Choquette
This spacious chalet is set in woodland, 5km from the village of Les Houches. Chamonix is just 11km away and can be reached by bus – you can leave your car in one of the three parking spaces next to the chalet.
Although Chalet Choquette is away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts, it has easy access to the Mont Blanc ski area and all its activities: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, etc. Guests can enjoy a bright interior, spacious terrace and a hot tub.
Megève
Megève’s traditional wooden chalets and views of Mont Blanc make it a dream destination. With its popular shopping street, numerous restaurants and a casino, it’s THE French mountain destination that comes to mind when you think of luxury and indulgence.
This Haute Savoie resort, which was developed between the wars by the Rothschild family, offers no less than 400km of pistes, spread over four mountain ranges, within the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area.
Ski pass prices: Megève ski passes give access to the entire Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area. Prices start at €61 per person for a day’s skiing, but there are plenty of discounts on offer in the ‘Good deals’ section of their website.
How do I get to Megève from Geneva?
- By car: the journey via the A40 takes around 1 hour 10 minutes and includes tolls.
- By train: a train journey takes 3 hours, with a change at the border and in Sallanches.
- By bus: a bus journey takes 3 hours 30 minutes and requires a change at Sallanches.
Where to stay in Megève: Sundance Kid Loft
This apartment for nine guests is just a few minutes’ walk from Megève’s shops and restaurants. Guests can enjoy the mountain air from the furnished balcony, and there are four individually decorated bedrooms.
Parking is available in the building and there are a number of shared facilities, including a sauna, gym and reading room. This delightful mountain apartment is a haven of peace just a short drive from Geneva!
La Clusaz
La Clusaz is just 50km from Geneva, at the foot of the Aravis mountains. With an altitude ranging from 1,100m to 2,600m, this resort offers both an Alpine ski domain with 130km of pistes across five mountains (Beauregard, Manigod, l’Étale, l’Aiguille and Balme) and a Nordic ski domain with 80km of pistes.
La Clusaz is the home of delicious Reblochon and Chevrotin cheeses – enjoy them during your stay and take some home for your friends!
Ski pass costs: If you want to make the most of the 125km of pistes in the La Clusaz-Manigod ski area, expect to pay €53 per person per day. Discounts are available for under-14s and over-65s, and if you book in advance on their website.
How do I get to La Clusaz from Geneva?
- By car: the journey takes around an hour along the A40. There are tolls.
- By train: the train from Geneva stops at La Roche-sur-Foron, 28km from La Clusaz. You’ll need to catch a bus or taxi from there to La Clusaz.
- By bus: several companies run the route several times a day. It takes around 3 hours, with a change in Annecy.
Where to stay La Clusaz: Le Repos du Bélier
This elegant chalet for 10 beautifully combines the traditional materials of Savoyard architecture with modern, uncluttered decor. Located right in the heart of the village, it’s within walking distance of the slopes, shops and restaurants.
This luxurious cosy haven has an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a large garage for two vehicles – a real luxury right in the centre of the resort. The ski room is equipped with a heated boot dryer, ensuring that your boots are always warm and cosy when you head for the slopes.
Les Gets
A traditional Savoyard village between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, Les Gets is one of the French ski resorts closest to Geneva. It is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, which boasts 650km of pistes at altitudes ranging from 900 to 2,466 metres.
From the centre of Les Gets, you can ski to Morzine. There are many other winter sports to try, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skijoering and even ice diving.
Ski pass costs: It costs €53 to enjoy the resort’s slopes for a day, although prices can be lower online. A ‘p’tite glisse’ pass allows beginners and intermediates to ski part of the resort at a reduced price.
How do I get to Les Gets from Geneva?
- By car: rather than taking the A40, you can take the D907, to avoid the tolls. In both cases, allow around 1 hour 30 minutes
- By train: there is a train to Cluses, with a change at Annemasse. You can then take a regional bus to Les Gets.
- By bus: the bus journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes, with a change at Cluses, but it is only available twice a week.
Where to stay in Les Gets: Chalet Behansa
This 5-star gem on the outskirts of Les Gets is designed for large families visiting the Alps with young children. Its facilities for younger guests have earned it the OVO Network ‘Cool for Kids’ label.
With a games room and home cinema, as well as a wellness area with a sauna and hot tub, Chalet Behansa promises a mountain holiday that offers both entertainment and relaxation for guests of all ages.
Praz-de-Lys Sommand
This winter sports resort stretches across two plateaux at an altitude of 1,500m, offering wonderful opportunities for skiing, opposite the Mont-Blanc mountains, just 50km from Geneva and its airport.
This small family resort with 53 downhill ski runs offers relaxed skiing without the crowds of larger resorts. There are plenty of other winter activities on offer, including ski touring, paret and even wingjumping.
Ski pass costs: A day’s skiing costs €35 on the Alpine slopes and just €9 on the Nordic slopes. Beginners can ski for less than €20 a day. Ski passes are free for children under 5 and over 75.
How do I get to Praz-de-Lys Sommand from Geneva?
- By car: rather than taking the A40, you can take the D907, to avoid the tolls. In both cases, allow around 1 hour 30 minutes
- By train: there is a train to Cluses, with a change at Annemasse. You can then take a regional bus to Les Gets.
- By bus: the bus journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes, with a change at Cluses, but it is only available twice a week.
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Tourists have been flocking to this charming spa town since the last century – and for good reason. Situated at the heart of the Évasion Mont Blanc ski area, it offers privileged access to over 450km of ski slopes, hiking trails and cycle paths.
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is an ideal choice for families, as the resort has been awarded the ‘Famille Plus’ label, which guarantees services and activities for children. The village’s thermal baths are a great place to relax after a session on the slopes!
Ski pass costs: Expect to pay €61.50 for a full-day Évasion Mont-Blanc ski pass. A ‘micro’ ski pass covers the slopes near Saint-Gervais for just €19. Special offers for stays of over six days are available on the official website.
How do I get to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains from Geneva?
- By car: the journey takes about an hour via the A40 and includes tolls.
- By train: several routes are available each day. The journey takes 1hr 30 minutes, with a change at the border.
- By bus: Flixbus offers direct journeys three times a week, taking 1 hour 40 minutes.
Where to stay in Saint-Gervais: Chalet La Chandelle
Enjoy the tranquility of the Alps at this secluded chalet for 12 guests, just 7km from the slopes and the village. This home in the mountains has an office for remote working, a games room and an outdoor hot tub.
This property is surrounded by nature, with access to a large number of paths for exploring the region on foot or by bike. In the evening, you’ll be happy to return to the comfort of the chalet and its exceptional view of Monts Joly and Vorassay..
Villars-sur-Ollon
One look at the picturesque village of Villars-sur-Ollon will tell you why visitors have been flocking here for over 150 years. Perched on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1,300m, this hamlet in the Vaud Alps has breathtaking views of the Dents du Midi, the Mont Blanc massif and Lake Geneva.
Despite its secluded location, Villars has a lively shopping street with several bars and restaurants. A cog railway links Bex to Bretaye, giving guests easy access to the region’s chairlifts and hiking trails.
Ski pass costs: Adult ski passes for the Villars ski area start at €53 per day. For an extra €16, you can also access Glacier 3000. Group rates are also available on the Alpes Vaudoises website.
How do I get to Villars-sur-Ollon from Geneva?
- By car: rather than taking the A1, you can drive along the French side of Lake Geneva to avoid the tolls. The journey then takes 2hours 30 minutes – an extra 20 minutes.
- By train: several companies offer a 1hr-1hr 30 journey to Aigle. From there you can cathc a regional bus.
- By bus: There are no companies offering this service.
Where to stay in Villars-sur-Ollon: Manoir Montesano
Looking for a touch of elegance? This four-storey former manor house with its unique turret has been lovingly restored to offer luxurious accommodation for eight guests, just a stone’s throw from the village of Villars and all the region’s activities.
Beautifully decorated and bathed in natural light, it offers a gym, sauna, ski room and an office for remote working. Guests can enjoy the fresh Alpine air from the balconies and terraces.
Verbier
Just a two-hour drive from Geneva, this ski area includes the Verbier, La Tzoumaz and Bruson domains, with more than 100km of pistes and a host of activities. It is part of the 4 Valleys, Switzerland’s largest ski area.
Nearby Champex, at an altitude of 2,000m, is nicknamed ‘Little Canada’ for its beautiful scenery and good snow conditions. For a relaxing break, visit the thermal baths at Lavey-les-bains or Saillon, both a 40-minute drive away.
Ski pass costs: There are a number of ski passes on offer, depending on your activity and the area you choose. The most cost-effective start at €58 for a day’s skiing, but there are some special offers on the website.
How do I get to Verbier from Geneva?
- By car: instead of taking the A1, you can avoid tolls by following the French side of Lake Geneva. The trip takes 3 hours – about an extra 30 minutes.
- By train: several companies offer a 2-2.5 hours trip to Le Châble, with a change in Martigny. The route must then be completed by regional bus.
- By bus: No company serves this bus route.
Where to stay in Verbier: Chalet Cinq Moutons
The extensive landscaped garden of the Chalet Cinq Moutons is a highlight of this wonderful mountain property. You will find several terraces, ponds, small waterfalls, and a path lined with sculptures. Below the garden runs a river which comes from a glacier.
The interior of this 14-person chalet is just as impressive. It includes a gym with shower and sauna, as well as an indoor hot tub overlooking the garden. Large windows allow guests to appreciate the panoramic view of the mountains and the valley.
Les Contamines-Montjoie
This historic village is surrounded by forest at the foot of the Joly pass in the Mont-Blanc region. It’s well-known as a ski resort in the winter, but Les Contamines is also an ideal destination for hikers, bikers and nature lovers during the rest of the year.
With an exceptional snow record and 120km of slopes, the village is a perfect environment for skiing, with breathtaking views from Mont-Blanc to Beaufortain. The ESF school at Les Contamines offers alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and much more.
Ski pass costs: A daily pass for the Domaine des Contamines-Hauteluce costs. €52.50 per adult. You will have to pay an extra €10 to access the entire Évasion area. Preferential rates are offered online for children under 14 and over 65.
How do I get to Les Contamines-Montjoie from Geneva?
- By car: the journey via the A40 takes about 1h15 and includes tolls.
- By train: it takes 2hrs 45 minutes in all, including a change of train at Annemasse and a bus from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
- By bus: two trips are offered each day. The journey takes about 2 hours, not including the change in Sallanches.
Summary
This table sums up the key elements of the nine ski resorts near Geneva that we have mentioned above.
| Resorts | Distance to Geneva* | Ski pass cost** | Pistes |
| Chamonix | 82km | From €50 (site) | ⛷ 150km |
| Megève | 70km | From €30 (site) | ⛷ 400km |
| La Clusaz | 51km | From €38 (site) | ⛷ 125km |
| Les Gets | 63km | From €47 (site) | ⛷ 120km |
| Praz-de-Lys Sommand | 52km | From €35 (site) | ⛷ 55km |
| Saint-Gervais-les-Bains | 68km | From €62 (site) | ⛷ 55km |
| Villars-sur-Ollon | 123km | From €53 (site) | ⛷ 130km |
| Verbier | 162km | From €58 (site) | ⛷ 106km |
| Les Contamines | 77km | From €53 (site) | ⛷ 120km |
*Distance by road from the centre of Geneva.
**Per day, for an adult.
You now know which resort to choose for your ski holiday near Geneva. Whatever your choice, you are sure to enjoy quality snow and a fairy-tale setting, not forgetting the delicious regional cuisine!
Choose your dream chalet…
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