Tignes and Val d'Isère
This is where most of our Alpine properties are. Tignes is a high, purpose-built resort linked with Val d'Isère, with skiing on the Grande Motte glacier. In recent years the glacier has also opened for summer skiing in late June and July. Geneva is around two and a half hours away; Chambéry is closer.
Best for: Keen skiers who want high, snow-sure slopes and a long season
Not for you if: You want a pretty chalet village: most accommodation in Tignes is apartments in modern resort buildings.
Val Thorens and Les Menuires (Les 3 Vallées)
Val Thorens is the highest resort in the Three Valleys, and Les Menuires sits below it in the same Belleville valley, both linked to Méribel and Courchevel. Expect ski-in, ski-out apartments and chalets rather than old-village charm. In summer, Val Thorens runs lifts and activities from early July to late August. Geneva is around two and a quarter hours away, Chambéry a little less.
Best for: Big-area skiing with direct access to the Three Valleys
Not for you if: You're budget-led: the Three Valleys is one of the priciest ski areas in France.
Chamonix and the Mont Blanc valley (Chamonix, Argentière, Les Houches, Les Praz)
Chamonix is a year-round town at the foot of Mont Blanc, with several separate ski areas, including Les Grands Montets above Argentière and gentler slopes at Les Houches. In summer it is the best-equipped base in the region for walking, climbing and cable cars such as the Aiguille du Midi. Geneva airport is around an hour away.
Best for: Winter and summer alike, with big mountains and a real town
Not for you if: You want ski-in, ski-out: the ski areas are spread along the valley and reached by bus or car.
Saint-Gervais and Les Contamines
Saint-Gervais is a spa town with a real village centre, linked by lift to the Megève ski area, and the Mont Blanc Tramway climbs from here towards the Bionnassay glacier. Les Contamines, further up the valley, is a quieter village with walking trails in summer. Both are around an hour from Geneva airport.
Best for: Families who want a traditional village base close to Geneva
Not for you if: You want high, guaranteed snow: these are lower resorts and late-season snow near the villages can be patchy.
Les Sybelles (Le Corbier, La Toussuire, Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves)
Le Corbier, La Toussuire and Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves are among the linked resorts of Les Sybelles, a large ski area in the Maurienne valley. Le Corbier is purpose-built, while Saint-Sorlin is a more traditional village. They are usually better value than the big Tarentaise resorts. Chambéry is around an hour and a half away, Geneva and Lyon about two hours or more.
Best for: Family ski weeks in a large linked area, usually at lower prices
Not for you if: You want lively après-ski: these are quiet, family-focused resorts.
Paradiski and La Rosière (La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Nancroix, Vallandry, Bourg-Saint-Maurice)
La Plagne and Les Arcs form Paradiski, joined by a cable car above Peisey-Vallandry, with Peisey-Nancroix a quieter village base. Bourg-Saint-Maurice has a mainline railway station and a funicular up to Arc 1600. La Rosière, across the valley, links over the border with La Thuile in Italy. Geneva is around two and a half to three hours away.
Best for: Big-area skiing, with a mainline station at the foot of the valley
Not for you if: You hate long transfers: these resorts are among the furthest from Geneva.
Grand Massif and Portes du Soleil (Morillon, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Châtel, Morzine)
Morillon, Les Carroz and Samoëns share the Grand Massif ski area with Flaine, while Châtel and Morzine are in the Portes du Soleil, which crosses into Switzerland. These are lower villages with a traditional feel, around an hour to an hour and a half from Geneva. In summer they are popular for walking and mountain biking.
Best for: Short transfers and traditional village skiing
Not for you if: You want reliable late-season snow: lower slopes can be thin in a mild spring.
