Posted on 13 December 2021
When purchasing a ski chalet or apartment, many of our clients often look at the closest resorts to Geneva airport, and we understand why. Geneva airport, a smooth operating air travel hub hosting flights from all over the world, serves as a gateway to the French Alps. Additionally, ski property owners do not want a lengthy transfer after their flight and would much prefer to get there and onto the slopes in next to no time. Therefore, they like to come out of the airport, hire a car and head to their ski chalet or apartment to kick start their holiday quickly. Since clients often ask us this question, we compiled this list of ski resorts within a short distance from Geneva airport.
Closest resorts to Geneva Airport
1: Chamonix Resort
A 70-minute drive along 86 kilometres brings skiers to pretty Chamonix, formally known as Chamonix Mont Blanc. Sitting on the junction of Italy, France and Switzerland, Chamonix is one of the oldest French Alps ski resorts and offers unbeatable mountain views. One highlight is the cable car to Aiguille du Midi peak for amazing alpine views.
As an early 1900s ski resort, Chamonix popularity grew, and the town now attracts millions of skiers and climbing enthusiasts every year. As well as being close to Geneva airport, a 15-minute drive through Mont Blanc tunnel takes skiers to the train station, then onto Switzerland. With easy access to the Mont Blanc ski area, property owners and holidaymakers enjoy 952 kilometres of downhill skiing, with 248 lifts servicing 490 pistes. We call this a win, win all around.
2: Praz de Lys Sommand
Also, a 70-minute drive, Praz de Lys Sommand did an excellent job staying off-grid and remaining a well-kept secret. Opening for business about 45 years ago, the town is quieter than other ski resorts, with less ski infrastructure. Still, anyone who wants traditional alpine architecture and Mother Nature’s vibes instantly fall in love. Skiers get access to 6 chairlifts, 24 ski lifts, 56 slopes and a decent selection of beginner ski areas. In addition, this resort offers a family-friendly atmosphere that twinned with walking trails and cross-country ski runs, make a perfect ski holiday getaway. For après ski, there is not a large selection of bars and restaurants, yet the low-key ambience is what makes Praz de Lys Sommand a prize gem.
3: La Clusaz Ski Resort
Sixty minutes by road from Geneva airport takes skiers to La Clusaz, a big-name ski resort in the French Alps. Don’t think the town sold out its traditional alpine roots, though, because La Clusaz does an excellent job of delivering everything one would expect from an Alpine village. The resort has hosted winter sports in the Rhone Alpes region since 2007 and offers a decent selection of 132 kilometres of ski runs ranging from beginner to advanced and experienced. To visit out of the ski season when the snow falls away, enjoy the beautiful delights of Lac des Confines Lake. Around 2000 people live in La Clusaz all year round, and the town’s 10 bars and restaurants provide the scene for a perfect après ski session after the slopes.
4: Le Grand Bornand
Sitting in the eastern Haute Savoie region, this ski resort, named after the river running through it, is worth considering. Additionally, locals are known as Bornandins. Le Grand Bornand, a dual season resort after the snow falls away, lures people with various outdoor activities including climbing, and trekking. Made up of three main areas, the resort’s varied history dates back to 1569 when a fire ruined the town church. Additionally, their skiing enthusiasm dates to 1923, when they formed their ski club called société des skieurs bornandins. In 2004, the town was the finishing destination for the Tour de France. Getting to Le Grand Bornard from Geneva airport takes just 65 minutes along a 70-kilometre journey.
5: Morzine – 90 Minutes From Geneva
Ah, charming Morzine, a tidy ski resort belonging to the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area. Sitting close to the Swiss border, in the Auvergne Rhone-Alps region, Morzine, another French Alps town committed to preserving traditional Savoyard architecture in chalets and apartments, earns admiration from near and far. Yet, skiers enjoy the pleasures of modern living because they successfully twinned the two to offer the best of both worlds.
Offering a decent selection of green to black runs, Morzine, an all-rounder on the ski scene and off the slopes, promotes a family-friendly atmosphere. Other activities besides skiing include snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice hockey, bowling, swimming, and a world-class ice rink. Skiers easily reach Morzine from Geneva airport within a 90-minute drive.
6: Charming Les Gets
Within a 70-minute drive from Geneva, Les Gets, a prominent ski resort offering 280 slopes, is serviced by 200 ski lifts. Sitting at an altitude of 2350 metres, ski amenities range from beginner to experienced, and this family-friendly resort won the “top of the French Alps” label. Along with eleven other resorts, Les Gets taps into the Portes du Soleil ski area, offering a decent selection of skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Another reason to consider Les Gets as the ideal place to own a ski chalet or apartment is because the dual season resort offers much to do, from Spring to Summer to Autumn. Otherwise, expect a healthy choice of bars, restaurants, and shops, and while in Les Gets, do take time to sample the local Savoyard cuisine.
7: Scenic Combloux Resort
This French Alps Mountain village, known as the Pearl of Mont Blanc, gives residents front row seats to incredible views of majestic Mont-Blanc. Combloux proudly boasts of being the first location of the winter Olympics in 1924 and is another ski resort with a traditional alpine ambience. Sharing a ski area with nearby Megeve and Saint Gervais, skiers tap into 445 kilometres of pistes, serviced by 35 lifts. Beginners feel right at home because ski schools offer private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons. The closest airport, Annecy-Haute-Savoie-Mont Blanc, is 40-minute drive away. Still, many skiers use Geneva, 60-minute drive away, simply because of a more extensive flight frequency and more destinations.
8: Pretty Samoens
Sitting at 1600 metres altitude, Samoens, often called the French Alps prettiest town, belongs to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The translated name means seven mountains that refer to the quaint village’s peaks. Having officially received the Famille Plus Montagne label, families will instantly feel at home here, as do beginners who access one of the most extensive beginner slopes in the Haute Savoie area. For a year-round destination to own a ski chalet or apartment, Samoens could well fit the bill since there is much to do when the snow falls away. Moreover, with a short transfer time of just 70 minutes, getting to Samoens all year round from Geneva airport is easy.
Also, About the French Alps
Après Ski Resorts with Luxury: The subtle blend of French Après-ski resorts with luxury presents a social scene found nowhere else in the world. While Après-ski is a definite criterion for any ski resort, the added touch of luxury turns this afternoon pleasure pursuit into a defining winter event with memories. Whether we are talking cocktails, spirits, appetisers or fine dining, the ambience goes a long way to making a luxurious ski holiday. Many French resorts do après-ski with style and finesse, so where should you go if that is what you seek?
About Us: Our ongoing commitment to our clients matches our unbiased assessment of where and how to buy the best mountain property. Established in 2003, we specialise in attractive new-build and renovation development projects in prime ski property markets. In addition, our extensive first-hand knowledge of the Alps keeps our readers updated with the latest resort information. To know more about the closest resorts to Geneva airport and other top destinations in the French Alps, see our blog or follow us on Facebook to stay updated with skiing news.