As winter draws closer, UK skiers are getting ready for tantalising alpine adventures, with two cities as prime gateways to the Alps: Grenoble in France and Geneva in Switzerland. With proximity and accessibility to world-class ski resorts and renowned for their unparalleled alpine landscape, these destinations are especially garnering interest amongst UK winter sports enthusiasts. With excellent flight connections from London, this tale of two cities is perfectly convenient for the ultimate winter ski escape!
Convenient Flights from the UK
With a range of airlines offering flights to Geneva and Grenoble, getting to the world’s most coveted slopes has never been more effortless. British Airways operates flights from London Heathrow to both cities, offering a seamless travel experience for ski-lovers in the big city. Additionally, budget airlines such as EasyJet and Jet2.com are popular choices and offer multiple frequent flights from key UK airports, including London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Grenoble, often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Alps,’ is served by Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport, with its proximity to some of Europe’s most iconic slopes and family friendly ski resorts. Geneva Airport equally offers easy access to the Swiss and French Alps, with great transportation options from shuttle buses to trains, offering travellers a direct connection to the slopes.
Grenoble: Gateway to the French Alps
Grenoble is the prime entry point for some of France’s most renowned ski resorts, with a variety of options for skiers and snowboarders.
From Grenoble Airport
- Alpe d’Huez – 90 minute transfer: Known as the ‘Island of the Sun,’ Alpe D’Huez offers over 300 days of sunshine year round on its slopes of 250 km—from Sarenne, the world’s longest black run to après-ski at La Folie Douce, for champagne and dancing.
- Les Deux Alpes – 90 minute transfer: One of Europe’s largest skiable glaciers and over 220 km of pistes, Les Deux Alpes caters to beginners to seasoned skiers. From mid-ski pizza at Chalet de La Toura to culinary delights at Michelin-starred restaurant Le P’tit Polyte.
- Méribel – 120 minute transfer: At the heart of the Three Valleys, Méribel is notably the best ski resort near Grenoble. With a full ski pass skiers have access to over 600 km of pistes and easy access to neighbouring resorts including Val Thorens and Courchevel.
Geneva: Gateway to three Alpine Worlds
Geneva is equally a perfect entry point for exploring Swiss, Italian and French ski resorts, offering a triple gateway to the Alps.
From Geneva Airport
- Chamonix – 90 minute transfer: A dream destination renowned for hosting the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924. As part of the French Alps, it offers stunning scenery, multilevel slopes and access to the acclaimed Vallée Blanche glacier run.
- Champéry – 90 minute transfer: With 650 km in terrain, this rustic mountain village is amongst the best ski resorts near Geneva. This idyllic little piece of Swiss mountain living is strewn with wooden chalets and toasty cafés, perfect for a winter ski getaway.
- Megève – 120 minute transfer: With its traditional French alpine charm and 445 km of slopes, Megève consists of gentle slopes mostly for beginner and intermediate skiers. With some of the best restaurants in the Alps such as Michelin-starred Flocon de Sel, skiers are in for many culinary delights.]
Whether skiing on Grenoble’s sun-kissed slopes or indulging in Geneva’s luxurious resorts, both gateways offer the promise of an unforgettable ski getaway. With multiple direct routes from airlines of all budgets and a wide selection of world-class resorts to explore from, UK travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect winter sport destination.
Which alpine escape will you choose this winter—Grenoble or Geneva? Let us know in the comments below!
