ST ANTON
This Austrian party town is closer to Zurich and Innsbruck than people realise. Possibly the best destination for a weekend of partying and hard skiing, it provides nonstop on and off slope action. You will need serious rest after a weekend here. Best for expert skiers; beginners should go elsewhere.
FLAINE
Close to Geneva. Do not be put off by the French resort’s concrete Bauhaus-style architecture. The ski area is fantastic, a number of more appealing, chalet-style four and five-star properties are springing up and you can always stay in prettier outlying villages such as Les Carroz or Samoëns.
MÉRIBEL
France’s Les Trois Vallées are almost ruled out for a quick getaway because of the lengthy transfer from Geneva. But Méribel has an altiport and a plane hop from Geneva can be cheaper than a taxi. See how many of the Trois Vallées’ 630km of runs you can manage to squeeze in. And stay in a chalet – this is chalet central.
COURMAYEUR
This gem of a resort is a little further away but still reachable. Just through the Mont Blanc tunnel in Italy, it is less than two hours from Geneva and is fab for shopping. Top for people watching, particularly the finely clad Milanese, who descend at weekends. Perfect for piste-bashing intermediates.
VAL D’ISÈRE
Close to Chambéry, this French resort has some of the best skiing in the world on its doorstep. L’Espace Killy lift passes cover Tignes too, in case there is not enough to entertain you in Val for 48 hours: Tignes is also more snowboard friendly. Val has fabulous off-piste but is also ideal for cautious intermediates. |
