First Time Skiing in France – Questions on Geneva Arrivals/Departures

Hi all – I've been a lurker here on the forum for a bit, and your posts have inspired me to take my first ski trip from the US to the French Alps in March. :D

Can anyone help me with advise on Geneva airport logistics? I'd like to ask in advance, as I've heard that the Geneva airport can be a ZOO :twisted: during ski season. My departure is somewhat early on Saturday, so I'm especially concerned about leaving enough time to get checked in.

I'm arriving and departing via Air France from Paris CDG, bags and ski case checked through internationally.

Arrivals:

* Where do I collect my skis at the airport?

*Does it matter which side (international or French) that I have the transfer bus collect / return me to?

Departures:

*Does Air France require check-in on the French side of the airport? I'm traveling through Paris back to the US.

*I've read that oversized luggage like skis gets dropped off at a "counter 190"… Can anyone shed any light on that?

*Is there any way to check in the bags or myself in advance to save time?

*My flight departs at noon. How much time would you recommend allowing for check in and security? From what I've read, two hours does not seem like enough.

Thanks!

Geneva airport has two exits. If you arrive on a French flight you can exit directly on a French side without passing through Swiss territory. Do you know which side your trasfer bus will collect you from? If it's French side then upon leaving the plane follow the signs "France". Your baggage should be there too, if it's not collected it will be forwarded to the main carousel on Swiss side. Just in case say at check-in that you need to go to the French side, but they will probably ask you anyway. The airport itself while busy is definitely not the Zoo. It's relatively small so you need to try very hard to get lost. It's nothing like JFK or CDG. Re web check-in airlines normally send you email with all information. When you check in your skis they will tell you where you can collect them. I live on Swiss side so no idea about departures. You can probably use either side for this. If entering through Swiss side to your right there is a corridor which says Sector France.

Welcome khjr, no longer a long time lurker :thumbup:

Yes, Geneva can be hellish busy on a Saturday! Your transfer company will get you there in time. 2 hours sounds OK. It's not a very big airport, so it's easy to find your way.

Most (if not all) ski transfers operate from the International Sector (Swiss side). If you find yourself on the French side, it will seem calm and well organised. It's only a desk/door to cross the Sectors, 5 mins walk.

On the Swiss side, all luggage arrives in a single baggage hall with lots of Conveyors. Ski's arrive on a seperate conveyor at the back of this hall. Make sure that your kit is individually identifiable,(loud labels) as it's hard to watch bags on the main conveyor and skis all coming off at the same time.

On your return, you'll probably use one of the check in machines dotted around the place, and take your luggage to an Air France desk. Once tagged you'll be taking your skis to a separate desk for oversized luggage. It will be along the same side of the hall, follow the other skiers!

Allow yourself plenty of time for the airport security queue. It's sheep pen style, up 1 floor from the check in desks. I would suggest going along to the railway station for a cheaper proper coffee and Croissant, it's 5 mins walk from the arrivals hall, but that will depend on time available. The food hall at the far end of the airport departures level is usually very, very busy.

If you are departing from the French sector, you will be told by desk staff, it will also be on your ticket. It's likely to be much quieter, however you can go through to the Swiss side, if you want more choice of shopping and eateries. It's all well signposted, and I've found the airport staff to be very helpful over the years.

I hope you have an amazing time :D

Totally agree with the above but cant emphasise enough the importance of making your equipment stand out..i have stenciled my initials in six inch letters over my ski bag after my experience at geneva

khjr

Where in France are you skiing? It would be interesting to know, as most Americans I've met on the slopes are usually staggered at the scale of European ski resorts.

LOTA wrote:khjr

Where in France are you skiing? It would be interesting to know, as most Americans I've met on the slopes are usually staggered at the scale of European ski resorts.

My sons GF has only ever skied in the US, and I showed her photos of Europe - she could not believe the extent of the slopes or the dramatic peaks of the mountains!

Hi Khjr,
I agree with what is written above.
This year there are a lot of snow in the Alps but, when in March?
In late March there may be little snow on the lower slopes in some resorts. Megeve for example. But in Les Contamines or Chamonix no problem. A tip: If you do Chamonix, La Vallée Blanche is a must. www.chamonix-guides.eu
Rob :)

Tony_H wrote:

LOTA wrote:khjr

Where in France are you skiing? It would be interesting to know, as most Americans I've met on the slopes are usually staggered at the scale of European ski resorts.

My sons GF has only ever skied in the US, and I showed her photos of Europe - she could not believe the extent of the slopes or the dramatic peaks of the mountains!

Too funny - I sought advice from a friend in my bike club that retired to Grenoble. He recomended the Trois Vallees for their "sheer immensity." :D I've skied at Alta in Utah, and Vail, Breckenridge, Keyston, and Beaver Creek in Colorado but 99% of the time I'm skiing on the narrow trails of Killington Vermont. Suffice to say, I look forward to being totally awestruck! :shock: