Geneva City & Airport Guide

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Genève is one of the most popular entry points to ski Europe & its lake is a major feature
Genève is one of the most popular entry points to ski Europe & its lake is a major feature
Geneva airport (GVA) is handy to Swiss, French & Italian ski resorts
Geneva airport (GVA) is handy to Swiss, French & Italian ski resorts
Geneva has a multitude of 4 & 5-star hotels including the Warwick
Geneva has a multitude of 4 & 5-star hotels including the Warwick
Geneva is close to the Portes du Soleil ski resort that straddles the French/Swiss border
Geneva is close to the Portes du Soleil ski resort that straddles the French/Swiss border
Four Seasons Hotel is Geneva
Four Seasons Hotel is Geneva's most highly rated 5-star accommodation
Geneva has a wonderful lake & river side location
Geneva has a wonderful lake & river side location
The Rhone River runs through the centre of Geneva
The Rhone River runs through the centre of Geneva
Geneva airport has a train station for superb connections to Swiss ski resorts
Geneva airport has a train station for superb connections to Swiss ski resorts
Direct trains from Geneva airport to Brig allows for swift connection to your preferred ski area
Direct trains from Geneva airport to Brig allows for swift connection to your preferred ski area
Aigle station can be reached direct from Geneva airport for access to Villars, Leysin & other ski resorts
Aigle station can be reached direct from Geneva airport for access to Villars, Leysin & other ski resorts
The Golden Pass train from Montreux to Gstaad ski resort is close to Geneva
The Golden Pass train from Montreux to Gstaad ski resort is close to Geneva
Impressive Leysin ski resort can be reached by train from Geneva
Impressive Leysin ski resort can be reached by train from Geneva
Geneva airport is split into two sectors, one French & one Swiss
Geneva airport is split into two sectors, one French & one Swiss
Getting a rental car from Geneva airport allows for easy access to French ski resorts
Getting a rental car from Geneva airport allows for easy access to French ski resorts
Chamonix & Mont Blanc are only a short drive from Geneva
Chamonix & Mont Blanc are only a short drive from Geneva
Geneva airport has loads of low cost carriers for affordable ski holidays
Geneva airport has loads of low cost carriers for affordable ski holidays
Nash Suites Airport Hotel is the best place to stay near Geneva Airport
Nash Suites Airport Hotel is the best place to stay near Geneva Airport
Mercure Hotel is another good option for staying overnight near Geneva airport
Mercure Hotel is another good option for staying overnight near Geneva airport
The 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel has a prime position overlooking the Rhone in central Geneva
The 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel has a prime position overlooking the Rhone in central Geneva
Visit Geneva Switzerland on you next ski holiday
Visit Geneva Switzerland on you next ski holiday

Geneva City & Airport Guide

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Geneva

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Maison Sport Ski Instructors Lessons Guiding Independent Europe Switzerland, France, Italy, Alps French Austria 1

Geneva (Genève)

Known as a centre for international diplomacy, Geneva (or Genève in French, Genf in German) is apparently home to the most headquarters of international organisations in the world. Whilst it sounds tiresome & bureaucratic, somebody has gotta do it, and it may as well be in Switzerland! Thankfully that is not the reason to come to this beautifully located city. The reason is proximity to the greatest ski terrain in the world. Genève is one of the most popular entry points to ski Europe. Geneva airport (GVA) is convenient for skiing the Swiss & French Alps, plus the Valle d'Aosta in Italy.

As lovely as Geneva can be with its Rhône River & Lac Léman location, we are not going to suggest spending alot of time here. However, here's the thing about Geneva; the main reason you are here is to head to the snow & mountains ...... so do it. If your only memory of Geneva is of the airport's interior and the walk out to the train station, you haven't missed too much. Get on the train and head straight to Zermatt, Portes du Soleil, Verbier, Villars-Gryon-Diablerets or elsewhere and suck in some clean mountain air. Otherwise get in your rental car and head to Chamonix or lovely Les Contamines in France. It only takes an hour! Forget Geneva. You can thank me for it later .....

Pros & Cons for Geneva

Pros

  • Some of the world's greatest skiing is within an hour drive of the city & airport.
  • A safe, pleasant city, centred on the river & lake shore.
  • Geneva’s airport & main train station are amongst the better gateways in Europe for ski travellers to visit Switzerland, the French Alps, and Aosta Valley Italy.
  • Public transport & regional connections are fantastic, particularly into Switzerland.
  • The city's ‘old town’ is the largest in Switzerland and has the excpected European charm.
  • High-quality hotels & restaurants.
  • Car rentals from the airport are easy to access, and driving out of the city toward the mountains is straigthforward.

Cons

  • Geneva airport (GVA) has far fewer direct flights from intercontinental origins than Zurich.
  • Not a great deal to do for tourists.
  • An expensive city.

Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)

  • Snow rarely falls in Geneva these days, so keep your winter cityscape expectations low.
  • The home of the Jet d’Eau, one of the world's most recognisable fountains (that was never meant to be a fountain .... fun fact!)
  • Great place to buy a watch or clock of exceptional quality.
  • Nightlife is ho-hum but what exactly did you expect?

Review

The Powderhounds have visited Geneva on numerous occasions and last visited in March 2023. More info on Geneva is coming soon - we have been a tad slack in writing up this page, but skiing is more importanterer(!), don't you think? Click on the review link in the left column of the overview (or top page if on a mobile) to read our thoughts.

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If you have a question about skiing & snowboarding in Switzerland or the rest of Europe, CONTACT US.

Ski Tours near Geneva

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Davos Mountains Experience
MULTI-DAY PRIVATE GUIDING & INSTRUCTION
6 Days Skiing or Snowboarding
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Enjoy 6-days of exclusive skiing or snowboarding with a private guide exploring the incredibly diverse Davos Klosters ski areas of Parsenn-Gotschna, Jakobshorn, Madrisa, Rinerhorn & more. Private groups of up to 5 people apply for your best dates & duration ....
Price p/p From price based on per person in a private group of 5 people on a 6-day tour.
Base/invoice currency is in CHF inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 519
View Details
 
Four Resorts Tour
MULTI-DAY PRIVATE GUIDING & INSTRUCTION
4 Days Skiing or Snowboarding
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Experience a 4-day grand tour of the Davos Klosters mountains exploring Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn & Madrisa with a private ski or snowboard guide/instructor. Private groups of up to 5 people apply for your best dates & duration ...
Price p/p From price based on per person in a private group of 5 people on a 4-day tour.
Base/invoice currency is in CHF inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 350
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Geneva here

Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area Tours

Private Freeride Guiding & Ski Touring
GUIDED OFF-PISTE SKIING & TOURING
Full Day | Multi Day
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Discover the mountains & improve your skills with private ski lessons & guided off-piste skiing for all abilities at ski resorts including 4 Vallees, Arolla-Evolene & other near Sion in the Swiss Alps Valais. Apply for your group's best dates & duration from December to April
Price p/p From price based on full day private guiding in a group of 8
Base/invoice currency is in CHF including taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 92
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area tours that visit Geneva here
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