Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. The ski resorts in the surrounding regions are some of the best skiing you will find in the Alps. With elevation and great snow conditions plentiful, the following ski resorts should not be overlooked when considering your next ski trip.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is an authentic alpine ski resort boasting some of the best skiing and scenery you will find in the Alps. Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix ski resort is classed as one of the top ski resorts in the world. Popular with international travellers for its lively and exciting town.
The ski resort is perfect for weekend trips, being just an hour and a half from Geneva airport. With the highest elevation being over 3,800m it can be regarded as ‘snow-sure’.
As a ski resort, it favours more of an intermediate and advanced skier with challenging steep runs to accelerate turns. Masses of aspiring freeride skiers travel to the ski resort to take their turn at some of the best freeride runs in the world. Being a stop on the World Freeride Tour it is a great location for off-piste skiing.
There is much more to do in the resort town than just skiing. Chamonix is home to some fantastic shops, restaurants, bars, and other non-skier activities to keep you occupied off the slopes. The area is traditionally French, with cobbled streets and medieval churches adding to the beautiful scenery.
Despite being one of the most iconic resorts in the Alps, Chamonix has very limited ski-in and ski-out accommodation. The ski resort is split into six separate ski areas, connected by a bus service. However, this is a small hindrance, as it gives visitors fantastic access to an amazing ski region.
Courmayeur, Italy
Courmayeur is an Italian ski resort that sits near Mont Blanc at 1,224m with a ski altitude of 2,755m. The ski resort can be reached from Geneva with a short transfer of an hour and a half. Making Courmayeur an inviting ski resort for short getaways and weekend trips. With access to the Mont Blanc tunnel, it allows visitors easy transfer to Chamonix, another great ski area.
Originally a medieval market town, Courmayeur offers some brilliant boutique shopping, lively bars, and delicious cuisine.
Part of the Aosta Valley ski area which links to neighbouring ski resorts Cervinia (which has access to Zermatt in Switzerland), Pila, and La Thuile (linked to La Rosière in France). These Italian ski resorts are all skiable by the Aosta Valley Ski pass.
Courmayeur has over 40km of slopes perfect for all levels of skiers. A particular benefit for those visiting in groups of mixed abilities as the ski area is not too extensive to lose members of your party! It is said that from the majority of the main ski runs there are some fabulous views of the impressive Mont Blanc.
Flaine, France
Part of the Grand Massif ski area, Flaine is a purpose-built ski resort located at 1600m in the Haute-Savoie region. Being a relatively ‘new’ ski resort, Flaine has some fantastic ski-in ski-out accommodation on offer. Allowing visitors easy access to the surrounding runs.
The transfer from Geneva airport is just under two hours, a perfect option if you are looking for a ski resort with a short transfer time.
Flaine is home to plenty of diverse ski slopes with 265km of runs to choose from being a part of the Grand Massif region. It is a brilliant area for all levels of skiers, especially beginners as most of the gentle runs are near the main town and have convenient access from the ski-in and ski-out accommodation.
Intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the exhilarating black runs and superb off-piste in the ski region. We recommend hiring a guide to adventure in the free-ride area of Combe de Gers for a thrilling experience.
The nightlife on offer in Flaine can be described as very relaxed, with a number of restaurants and bars to visit after a day of skiing.
Samoëns, France
Situated next to Flaine, Samoëns ski resort is also a part of the Grand Massif ski region. Known for its beautiful historic buildings and pretty town, it has kept it’s French 17th century aesthetic. Flaine is just over an hour’s drive from both Geneva and Chambery airports so it is perfect if you are looking for a weekend ski trip. It also has access to a massive 265km of runs.
Samoëns is a firm favourite for families with the village itself being traffic free, with a beautiful square. It has been 100% green energy powered since 2016, making the area very sustainably conscious.
The main centre is home to a selection of deli-style shops and bakeries with lots of local produce you will want to sample. Non-skiers can enjoy Nordic walking, ice skating, husky dogsledding, paragliding, and much more.
The ski area is more suited to beginners with a range of gentle slopes perfect for cruising and learning your turns. With a close connection to Flaine, there is something for intermediates and advanced skiers who have plenty of more challenging runs to keep busy. The ski resort altitude reaches a healthy 2,500m meaning the snow conditions are usually reliable.
Megève, France
If you are looking for style, Megève is the place to be. Being a one-hour drive from Geneva airport it is a firm favourite with weekend skiers. It is a great ski area to progress your ability, with 450km of pistes. The main ski area of Megève has modern and fast chairlifts so you won’t be spending a lot of time in queues. It is generally less busy than its neighbour, Chamonix.
If you’re a foodie that enjoys skiing, then Megève will be the place to visit. The village has some of the best restaurants in the Alps. We recommend Flocons de Sel for a fantastic Michelin-starred experience. The après scene in Megève is generally a sophisticated affair. It has cocktail bars and charming cafes to settle in after a busy day on the slopes.
If you’re a non-skier, Megève has some of the best off slope activities. With a number of high-end clothing shops to browse, lavish spa facilities to use, and beautiful scenic walking routes. One of the best ski resorts near Mont Blanc.
Call our ski experts today to find out more about ski resorts near Mont Blanc on 0207 471 7700.