The closer a ski resort is to an airport, the more time there is to spend on the slopes. Whether you’re flying to Geneva, Chambery or Turin there are great options in France. There are plenty of great French ski destinations with each having its own charm and benefits. Our experts have created a guide to French ski resorts near airports. This is a great feature to learn about the shortest transfer times in the French Alps.
La Clusaz – Geneva – Transfer Time 1 hour
Located in the Aravis mountain range, La Clusaz has 220km of slopes with great links to the neighbouring ski resort Le Grand Bornand. The skiing in the area is mostly suited for beginners and intermediates, with some challenging black runs for the more advanced skiers. In addition, there are brilliant freeride opportunities if you head over to La Balme. Off the slopes, there are some lovely traditional alpine restaurants. The nightlife is very low-key but there are some relaxed bars to grab a drink after being on the slopes. This ski resort has one of the shortest transfer times in the French Alps.
Les Carroz – Geneva – Transfer Time 1 hour
Situated in the Grand Massif ski area, Les Carroz is mainly geared up for families and mixed ability groups. You can ski 265km of slopes consisting of lots of long winding blues and steeper reds that are perfect for intermediate skiers. Beginners have plenty of blues and greens to cruise around on. There are great links to nearby Flaine which has more challenging black runs and great off-piste terrain to enjoy. It’s a brilliant French ski resort near an airport.
Valmorel – Chambéry – Transfer Time 1 hour
Valmorel is part of the Grand Domaine ski area, which has access to 165km of pistes. If you’re a beginner or intermediate, the slopes are a perfect level for you. For more advanced skiers there are a few black runs and great freeride opportunities near the Mottet area. In the main village, there is a great selection of family-friendly restaurants serving a range of cuisine. The nightlife is very relaxed but there are a few bars to have a quiet drink or two. This is truly a relaxing ski experience for all levels of skier.
St Martin de Belleville – Chambéry – Transfer 1 hour 10 mins
If you want a quieter alternative to the Three Valleys ski area, St Martin de Belleville is a ski resort with lots of charm. You can get easy access to nearby Les Menuires and Méribel, or a few lifts to the highest resort in the area Val Thorens. There is 600km of slopes to explore which are suitable for all level of skier. This is one of the biggest ski areas in the French Alps. The après is very low key but there is a great selection of restaurants to dine at with an array of menus. It is a great way to enjoy the vast slopes of the Three Valleys in a relaxed way.
Les Gets – Geneva – Transfer Time 1 hour 10 mins
Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets is the closest of the resorts to Geneva airport. If you buy a full lift pass, you can ski an impressive 600km of slopes which can entertain any type of skier. There are great links to nearby ski resorts Avoriaz, Champery, Châtel and Morzine. The Les Gets bowl is full of fantastic pistes and is mainly uncrowded compared to its neighbouring ski resorts. The town itself is set up for families or those who want a quiet evening. It has great restaurants and bars to choose from. This ski resort is a fantastic quiet alternative to the other resorts in the Portes du Soleil ski area.
Megève – Geneva – Transfer Time 1 hour 15 mins
Megève is one of the most stylish French ski resorts near an airport. The village itself has sophistication with its smart boutiques, classy bars and top-class restaurants. In addition, the skiing is fantastic with 445km of pistes available to access. The terrain is mostly suited to beginners and intermediates because of the gentle slopes in the area. There’s a great range of luxury accommodation to book in the area, so you’ll get a top-quality experience on and off the slopes. This ski resort delivers on and off the mountain with style.
Peisey-Vallandry – Chambéry– Transfer Time 1 hour 20 mins
Part of the Paradiski ski area, Peisey-Vallandry has a lovely traditional alpine charm. If you buy a full lift pass you can access 425km of pistes with great links to Les Arcs And La Plagne. It is a quiet alternative to its neighbouring resorts but still offers fantastic skiing. There are plenty of rustic restaurants to enjoy and some relaxed bars to visit. On and off the slopes this is very much a no-hassle ski resort. This is a great way to enjoy the Paradiski in a relaxed way.
Chamonix – Geneva – Transfer Time 1 hour 30 mins
Located at the foot of the iconic Mont Blanc mountain, Chamonix is one of the classic ski resorts of the French Alps. The ski resort is steeped in history and has some of the most challenging off-piste terrain in the world. You can ski 150km of slopes that are most suited to intermediate to advanced skiers because of the steep pistes. It is one of the most visited ski resorts by professional freeride skiers. Off the slopes, there’s lively nightlife with great bars and clubs to visit. In addition, there is a great selection of restaurants for different price points.
Les Deux Alpes – Grenoble – Transfer Time 1 hour 30 mins
Les Deux Alpes has something for everyone, which makes it one of the best French ski resorts near airports. It has very reliable snow conditions because of its high altitude of 1,650m-3,570m and the second largest glacier in France. You can ski 229km of slopes with varied terrain in the area. It is very popular with freestyle skiers because of the amazing snow park facilities. There’s also fantastic childcare and activities for family ski holidays. Despite being great for families there’s also a brilliant après scene with a great selection of bars and clubs. No wonder this is one of the most popular ski resorts in the French Alps.
Montgenèvre – Chambéry or Turin – Transfer Time 1 hour 30 mins
Situated on the French and Italian border, Montgenèvre is part of the Milky Way ski area. You can access 400km of pistes with excellent links to nearby Italian ski resorts Cesana, Sestriere, Pragelato, Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx. The terrain locally is mostly suited to intermediates but there’s something for everyone because of the vast ski area. There are excellent restaurants in the area which are influenced by French and Italian cuisine. It is a great ski resort for those who want a taste of different alpine cultures in one ski holiday.
To find out more about French ski resorts near airports, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
