An italian place close to Geneve, like 3 Valleys (Meribel, Brides de pains)

Hello aal,

could someone help me? We are coming from Finland - in begin of March. We will land to Geneve, but where to from Geneve?

I am looking a nice ski resort, where also be a spa. Something similar than 3 Valley's (Meribel and Brides de Pain)?
And something to be seen - in the town also.

You see, my wife doesn't ski, and so the town can't be to small.
It would be fantastic, if some towns would be close to each other , reachable by bus and by ski (by snowboard).

I go with snow board, and so red skipistes would be nice - cruising would be the best (like Sella Ronda in Dolomites) .

Any good ideas?
After ski is not the first topic, but some nice would be good to find ?

Regards Raimo (from Finland)

I'm not sure if such a place exists. The best suggestion I can make (in Italy) is Courmayeur. At about 1.5 hours from Geneva, it's probably the easiest Italian resort to reach from there. However, the skiing is nothing like the 3 Valleys. Nowhere in Italy is, in my opinion; but that's not necessarily a bad thing (again in my opinion -) ). Skiers are bussed out from their hotels every morning to the cable-car (funivie) that gives access to the mountain and bussed back (all free of charge) each afternoon. Not a problem per se but it may be if you are used to the ski-in/out convenience of Meribel. I would say the skiing best suits lazy/unambitious intermediates or advanced/experts looking for great off-piste opportunities. It's not a place for the 'mileage-hungry'. Don't get me wrong: there are some lovely runs, eg the long red into Val Veny. There's just not enough of them if you like to get a sense of really travelling on your board or skis. I think you get a day's skiing in one or maybe two of the other resorts in the Aosta Valley included on your lift-pass. La Thuile (good skiing and linked with La Rosiere, in France) and Pila would be an easy drive away. Cervinia and Monte Rosa not quite so easy at 1.5 and 2 hours respectively.

As for the non-skier; Courmayeur is a lovely little town with some very classy shops and restaurants. I imagine the more up-market hotels will have spa/wellness facilities. There is a very nice public spa in Pre St Didier, a 10-minute drive or bus-ride away. Is this enough to keep your non-skiing partner occupied? You will know much better than I. Other options are guided walks in Val Feret and a cable-car ride up to Punta Helbronner, giving stunning views of Mont Blanc, with Monte Rosa and The Matterhorn in the distance. I believe the Pavillon restaurant at the mid-station has a display of crystals found in the local area. The town of Aosta is also easily reached with a car but our holiday rep described it as a 'dreary, industrial town offering little to holidaymakers'. (Her opinion, not mine -) )

Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites may have fitted the bill but I don't think you'll be wanting a seven-hour drive. I know I wouldn't -) . Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Have a great trip, wherever you choose.

Courmayeur, would allow the better 1/2 to also visit Chamonix and St Gervais which would make for nice day trips. If they like walking then Val Ferret (Courmayeur) to Lavanche would be an excellent way to spend 1/2 a day easy walking followed by amazing lunch. Good news is that Italian side actually has decent food on mountain and or you can ski to bottom so you could meet up easily meet for lunch in Dolonne (5min walk from town). Plenty of options and for you amazing snow conditions.

Courmayeur is probably your best bet.