Skiing in Chamonix
Located within an hour's drive of Geneva airport, Chamonix Mont-Blanc is a spectacular resort - a winter and summer playground for all ages. The Chamonix Valley is made up of a number of small ski areas: Les Houches, Le Brevent/La Flegere, Les Grands Montets and Le Tour/Vallorcine - all offering varied terrain and spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles. Skiers and snow boarders will love it here, whether you are looking for nice long sunny groomed slopes, small forest trails or back country free riding and untracked glacial terrain. Experienced skiers will love the gnarly trails on the Argentiere Glacier or the legendary off-piste itinerary from the Aiguilles du Midi - the Vallee Blanche (be warned a mountain guide is necessary for these areas!). Intermediates can take their pick from the miles of blue or more challenging red runs that span the length of the valley and beginners aren't left out either. The gentle green slopes on the valley floor give the perfect introduction to winter sports before progressing onto the higher terrain. If you fancy going further a field, then the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass also enables you to ski in Courmayeur (Italy) and Verbier (Switzerland); both less than an hours drive from Chamonix (or a free bus ride in the case of Courmayeur!). Chamonix is a safe bet for early and late season skiers since 90% of the skiing is above 2000m. The highest area Les Grand Montets at 3300m offers exceptional skiing from December through to mid May. Wherever you choose to ski, there are unrivalled panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif.
In summer Chamonix opens up into a playground of alpine adventure. Besides mountain adventure, there is a thriving cultural scene, attracting shops and boutiques, and a fabulous gastronomic offering - including 2 Michelin starred restaurants. The town itself has a charming pedestrianised centre, full of ambiance, bars, cafes, restaurants and shops - plenty to do when you come off the mountain. The smaller suburban villages of Argentiere, Montroc and Les Houches, also offer great access to the slopes in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Access to Chamonix is so simple with it being less than an hours drive from Geneva airport, making long weekends and short breaks very easy.
Chamonix has skiing for absolutely everybody but groups and families with non-skiers in their party will also love the range of alternate activities available. Whatever you decide to do, you can be sure that the views will be stunning!
Skiing in Les Arcs
Undoubtedly one of the best linked ski resorts in France, Les Arcs forms part of the Paradis ski area, one of the largest ski domains in the world. Linked to La Plagne by the Vanoise Express - a huge double decker cable car - the area has over 425km of groomed runs, offering terrain for every level of rider. One of the best aspects of Les Arcs is the ski in, ski out factor - click your skis on at the door and away you go!
Les Arcs itself is made up of 4 towns - Les Arcs 1600, Les Arcs 1800, Les Arcs 1950 and Les Arcs 2000 - with Les Arcs 1800 being the main hub. Each of the villages offer many bars, cafes and restaurants - ideal after a long days skiing if you cannot be bothered to cook! However, there are also many supermarkets and shops nearby with all the essentials you'll need for a self-catered holiday.
The easiest access to Les Arcs is via Eurostar to Bourg St Maurice, from where it is only a 20 minute journey up to the resort via the funicular railway or taxi. Alternatively, there are many airlines offering flights into Chambery, Geneva and Lyon airports, all around 2 to 2.5 hours drive away.
Les Arcs is an ideal destination for groups or families wanting ski to the door accommodation for a mixture of abilities!
Skiing in Les Carroz
The French ski resort of Les Carroz is part of the Grand Massif Ski Area with access to over 265km of downhill skiing. It resides between the Chamonix valley and the Portes du Soleil ski area (Morzine and Avoriaz). In addition to the skiing in Les Carroz itself, you are also linked to the Grand Massif ski resorts of Flaine, Morillon, Samoens and Sixt Fer a Cheval. There is an amazing choice of terrain for the intermediate skier, with long sunny sweeping runs linking all of the Grand Massif resorts. Throughout the area there are ample tough black runs, mogul fields and powder skiing for advanced skiers and boarders, whilst beginners will love the wide easy green runs to practice on. With most of the skiing lying above 2000m, Les Carroz is a snow sure resort and the panoramic views of Mont Blanc are not to be missed from the top of Flaine! Once you are confident on your skis, then this is a brilliant area to go from village to village and really investigate the Savoyarde charm of the region.
Les Carroz itself has a lovely village atmosphere with its traditional bars and cafes dotted around the main square and fabulous views at every turn.
Like Chamonix, access is easy with it being less than 50 minutes from Geneva airport making long weekend and short breaks very possible.
It is not a big party town so if you are looking for this we would recommend one of our other resorts. Les Carroz is ideal for families or groups of friends of all abilities looking for a fun ski holiday in a more traditional setting.
Skiing in St Gervais
Set right at the foot of Mont Blanc, the French ski resort of St Gervais Les Bains has access to over 490 pistes and 300km of skiing. Linked to Megeve and St Nicholas de Veroce, together they make up the largest inter-connected ski area within the Mont Blanc region and with much of the skiing above 2000m, it is reliably snow sure. All levels of skiing are catered for here, but particular favourites of ours are the sunny blue and red runs across to Megeve for some superb quality mountain restaurants; and Les Contamines, one of the areas biggest secrets for a good powder day. It's only a 10 minute drive from St Gervais and is included on the same ski pass. From the summit of Mont Joly you get an amazing panoramic view of the Mont Blanc region and on a clear day can even see the summit of the Grand Mottes glacier in Tignes! Local buses also take you between the different areas if you do not wish to ski.
St Gervais itself is a beautiful little spa town with a well renovated centre that has retained the charm of its 19th century origins The bustling centre is full of ambience and has a good selection of bars, cafes and restaurants as well as a multitude of sporting and leisure facilities. There is a farmers market every Thursday where you can buy your local ham and cheeses and the St Gervais thermal baths in Le Fayet are also well worth a visit!
Access to St Gervais is so easy. Geneva airport is less than 50 minutes drive away or St Gervais/Le Fayet train station - linked to Paris - is only a 10 minute drive.
It is a charming town with loads of ambience and takes you away from the purpose built ski resort. St Gervais is ideal for all types of skier but particularly for families or groups.
