Skiing near Geneva April 14-15

I've got a couple of days free to ski after a conference in Geneva. I'm an advanced skier but have never skied outside of N. America. I know it will be late season, so wondering which resorts will be best that time of year. I have to leave from Geneva, so don't want to go more than 1-2 hours away.

Thanks,
Tim

weetimmy wrote:I've got a couple of days free to ski after a conference in Geneva. I'm an advanced skier but have never skied outside of N. America. I know it will be late season, so wondering which resorts will be best that time of year. I have to leave from Geneva, so don't want to go more than 1-2 hours away.

Thanks,
Tim

Youre going to struggle to find resorts open that late, or those that are with much skiing.
Best bet may be Zermatt but its more than 2 hours.

Val Thoren's open 'til April 27th with 25% off lift passes (in resort they were possibly suggesting they might make 7th May). BUT 3 Valleys is 2.5 - 3 hrs from Geneva though.

I think I am right in saying that Livigno offer free lift pases in April :thumbup:

weetimmy wrote:I've got a couple of days free to ski after a conference in Geneva. I'm an advanced skier but have never skied outside of N. America. I know it will be late season, so wondering which resorts will be best that time of year. I have to leave from Geneva, so don't want to go more than 1-2 hours away.

Thanks,
Tim

one word: Chamonix. I can't believe people mention 3V but not Cham:). It's just over one hour on a bus and it's high enough. The morning bus leaves from town centre after 8 am. and you will be there 9.30. If you leave Friday evening to stay the night I think the last bus is just after 8pm. I don't remember the website, but google "Gare Routier Geneva", go to website and choose 'Stations Alpines' to get the full bus schedule and details. Bus tickets can be bought at the bus station, you buy return, but ask how you reserve the seat on the return bus. The bus drops you in Chamonix centre and from there you take one of the local buses and go straight to Argentier which will be your best bet as it (a) North-facing and (b) the highest area (there are a few places where you can ski in and around Chamonix). Local buses are free and run on schedule, resort website is www.chamonet.com for more more info. Day trips are doable (I live in Geneva and have done it) but you will need to talk nicely to guys in the shop at the bottom of the lifts so that you can leave your stuff there:) For accomodation better visit www.booking.com. It gets really quiet after Easter so hotels will be relatively cheap. I can recommend Alpina which is in the centre. There is Brevent skiing are right next to it, but it's not as good as Argentier at this time of the year. Do not go to Zermatt, or 3V or elsewhere as they are miles away - don't waste your ski time in buses and trains. Do not go to Flaine or PDS or La Clusaz - they are not high enough for this time of the year. Top of Grands Montets in Argentier is above 3000 m and will provide good skiing. And who knows, we might yet get a good cold snap here, happened before. But even if not the base is over 3m now so spring skiing should be good.

Guys, who needs Val Torens if Chamonix is open till May 8, offers great skiing and just on the Geneva doorsteps?:) It's the best bet for short -term visitors at any time of the year. We don't even know about VT here:)

Many thanks all, looks like Chamonix may be the best bet in terms of maximizing time on snow (and what other goal is there?). Verbier Ski Bum, thanks especially for all the detailed info. I'll be bringing my own boots, but don't want to drag my skis along. They're fairly serious GS skis anyway, probably not the best kit for spring skiing in Europe. Any suggestions on where to rent skis for Chamonix, and what might be a good pair to try?

Chamonix, fast access from GVA, high altitude skiing, big choice of accom, and it's open until May. Sorted :thumbup: