Need help on where to go from Geneva

Hi all ... I have been spending the last 3 weeks visiting my aged grandfather in the UK and have booked a flight to Geneva from the 24-31st of March. I brought my skis and I could not be more excited. However, I am not quite sure where to go! I knew Geneva would be central enough that I should be able to find decent snow but it appears as if the weather has warmed up.

Can someone please advise me on where I should consider going? A bit about me ... I am from the US and ski mostly advanced runs so am not looking for an easy mountain. I am also travelling solo so will be looking for somewhere that I can get semi-affordable lodging and dont mind somewhat slumming it (I realize skiing in France/Switzerland is not cheap so its all relative). Since I am flying into Geneva and got a bit hosed on the price, I would rather not have to take expensive train trips if possible.

Any advice would be much help. This website is terrific ... almost too terrific as I feel overwhelmed with all of the information on possible pistes! Thanks!

I would say Morzine ..The Portes du Soleil ..about an hour from Geneva and should be runs to suit and lots of choice of accommodation

Chamonix is an hour away. Plenty of cheap minibus transfer's on the web, lots of hotel choice, and more steep skiing than you could tackle in a lifetime.

Hi thank you the both of you for your response. Both resorts look terrific. Portes du Soleil looks like it might have a more active nightlife or are they both about the same? Its not a major driver but just wanted to check. Also, any advice on where to look for "cheap" accomodation? I am traveling solo and all the hotels seem pretty expensive. If possible, I dont mind a hostel type arrangement but would prefer my own room. I have looked on the accomodation part of this website but it appears to be more geared towards several people travelling. Any general advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Ifit were me I would be looking at Chamonix.
More high level skiing and a couple of world classic runs that may be possible (Vallee Blanche for example).
Skiin is more spread out than PDS and transport needed from town to different ski areas but ...

At the time you are going the PDS will be starting to loose lower runs, perhaps not with closures but with snow quality certainly.

I seem to remember somewhere on here someone talking about cheap hostel accomodation in Chamonix?
Can't remember - but go and look at some of the Chamonix websites and their tourist office to see what you can find.

Good luck, enjoy and love to hear how it went for you when you get back home.

Thanks guys ... now I have a choice on my hands. I will not be renting a car. Is getting around Chamonix to the different ski area without a car possible? I was able to find very reasonable accomodation at PDS but OldAndy's response has me worried that I might be better off at Chamonix. It looks like both places got some snow today and are expecting some more tomorrow. Will it really be much worse at PDS? I am torn. Thanks again.

Sorry I've worried you.
I based my answer on your request for top end skiing.

Looking at the forecasts it is getting warmer again from the w/end, so rain at resort levels.

It may depend on where in the PDS you would be staying?

Next week will be spring skiing everywhere. Chamonix has much higher skiing than PDS but a more knowledgeable person than me may be better placed to help with the pros and cons of both places. Been to both but don't know either that well.

Now - if you were asking about anywhere in the Haute tarentaise I'm your man :oops:

The Chamonix valley has a very efficient bus service which is free with a lift ticket.

Glen Plake lives in Chamonix for all the obvious reasons )

Chamonix will do you nightlife to suit any budget. It's a town with around 10,000 residents IIRC.

PdS is a lovely system, but IMHO it's more about point to point skiing, unlike Chamonix which is more about picking your line on your hill for that day.

Not sure if you've skied France before, but do make sure that you have adequate insurance. Rescue services and medical care are not free.

Go and be stunned by the scenery 8)