Heidi Blog
Top 5 France ski weekends
For those tight on time and money, a skiing weekend in France is the perfect holiday option. With plenty of resorts to choose from, short flights from the UK and Ireland, and quick one-hour transfers to and from Geneva, France offers skiers and boarders plenty of slope time in the grandeur of the Alps in just a few short days. Here are Heidi's top tips on where to ski the best of France in just a weekend.
Chamonix - For die-hard skiers
For thrill-seekers who can’t spare a second from the action, Cham is the weekend skiing destination for those in the know. Bluebird days are all but guaranteed at this enormous high-altitude resort, with four separate ski areas to explore and one of the longest ski seasons in the French Alps.
With quick, timely transfers from Geneva, Chamonix provides perfect ski weekends for those wanting to maximise on slope time. Intermediate and advanced skiers can peel away for wild, untapped mountain runs, long pistes below the tree line, and jaw-dropping glacial descents. With the skiing done, enjoy paragliding, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, all polished off with evening beers in Chamonix’s lively après scene. Phew!
Morzine - For large groups
Great for large groups - Morzine promises perfect short ski breaks with quick flight and transfer options, a wide variety of runs, excellent ski schools, and access to the high-altitude Avoriaz for snow-sure, bluebird days.
One of France’s largest and most accessible ski areas, there are 12 resorts, 30 snowparks, and over 580km of pistes to explore. For short ski holidays, we recommend picking up the local lift pass for access to 120km of pistes in the nearby Les Gets ski area - ideal for beginners and intermediates looking to save time and money.
When you’re all done slopeside, soak up Morzine’s Savoyarde charm with luxurious wooden chalets and fine dining at the sides of a rushing alpine gorge. When night descends, paint the town with vibrant après starring iconic clubs and late-night bars - Santé!
Flaine - For big family fun
For weekend ski trips with the kids in tow, Flaine guarantees big family fun. Located in Haute-Savoie with short transfers from Geneva, this is the car-free, ski-in/ski-out parent paradise where no buses are needed to reach the white stuff.
A true winter wonderland, bask in the beautiful shadow of Mont Blanc at one of the snowiest resorts in France, with the 265km Grand Massif ski area quite literally on your doorstep. Free lifts to the learner slopes will keep kids busy all weekend, with wide, gliding beginner runs through the enchanting Flaine forest. When it's time for ski school, parents can cut loose with miles of perfectly groomed slopes, wide-open powder bowls, and one of the biggest terrain parks in the Grand Massif ski area.
On days off, wrap up warm and get the whole family out for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing adventures, and racing side-by-side on Flaine's legendary sledging pistes.
Les Houches - For peaceful pistes
Just a snowball throw from bustling Chamonix, the pretty, pint-size village of Les Houches brings big mountain skiing in abundance for seasoned skiers and boarders looking to blast away the weekend blues.
One of the closest resorts to an airport in the French Alps, Les Houches is the perfect short ski trip to enjoy quiet weekend pistes, cool mountain air, and sun-drenched bluebird days - all without breaking the bank. The sunny south-facing pistes of Brévent-Flégère are ideal for beginners and little’uns, with fantastic 360° views of Mont Blanc. Thrill-seekers can explore the spectacular Grand Montets and Chamonix Mont Blanc, including the famous “La Verte des Houches” - one of the most beautiful downhill slopes in the world and the most challenging in the Chamonix Valley.
With the skiing done, enjoy cosy mountain retreats, steaming hot tubs, traditional Savoyard specialities, and sophisticated dining with strong coffee and Belgian beers made to savour.
La Clusaz - For chic alpine breaks
Seeking a winter wonderland escape? Located in the dizzying high altitudes of the Aravis mountains just 50km from Geneva, La Clusaz is the chic, sophisticated resort ideal for skiers seeking short weekend ski breaks away from the hustle and bustle.
Great for those eager to spend every minute on the slopes, La Clusaz’s generous mix of cruisy green and blue forest runs alongside a renowned snow park, challenging blacks, and high altitude off-piste bowls for powder fiends sets it apart from the competition. For those looking to mix it up, winter daredevils can even choose to soar above pristine powders on a paragliding trip, stare over stunning snowscapes on a snowshoe hike, or brave the cold with an ice dive at Lake des Confins.
For winter chills without the thrills, La Clusaz provides the picturesque alpine experience you’ve been dreaming of, with cute local boutiques, delicious local cheeses and wines, and bubbling thermal spas overlooking the jaw-dropping Mont Blanc - bliss.
You’ll find our holidays more flexible than your average ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from thousands of options, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a flexible ski holiday, call us on 0117 457 6000, email us at [email protected], or simply start a search.
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