Skiing near Geneva April 14-15

weetimmy wrote: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?

No, sorry, I've never rented. I know there is a rental shop at the bottom of Grands Montets cable car. Check resort website, you may find more info, maybe even reserve a pair for your dates. As for skis to try, if it's spring snow you can probably do well with some fatter (85-100mm) rockered skis, there are tens and tens around, so ask in the shop.

I seem to recall that Sole Boot Lab, had a Whitedot Test Fleet in Chamonix this winter. If you fancy trying some out, get in touch with them.

http://www.chamonix.net/english/generic/6584

Otherwise, at least one of the big stores in the main street had some Navis on display in the window. Saw plenty on the hill in December.

verbier_ski_bum wrote:
one word: Chamonix. I can't believe people mention 3V ... Do not go to Zermatt, or 3V or elsewhere as they are miles away.

Err Tony_H said it would be a struggle to find resorts open that late...I knew Val T was, so suggested it....and yes I said "BUT 2.5-3 hrs "

And why not mention it? VT pretty much all above 2000m+, 150 km of runs (80 pistes).

What about Chamonix? 1000m+, 108 km of runs(69 pistes).

Just give the facts as they are, add things to the pot - fine (Chamonix if you think its the bee's knees) and let people look & choose...Why shoot others down and argue that your opinion is the only one?

smartski wrote:

verbier_ski_bum wrote:
one word: Chamonix. I can't believe people mention 3V ... Do not go to Zermatt, or 3V or elsewhere as they are miles away.

Err Tony_H said it would be a struggle to find resorts open that late...I knew Val T was, so suggested it....and yes I said "BUT 2.5-3 hrs "

And why not mention it? VT pretty much all above 2000m+, 150 km of runs (80 pistes).

What about Chamonix? 1000m+, 108 km of runs(69 pistes).

Just give the facts as they are, add things to the pot - fine (Chamonix if you think its the bee's knees) and let people look & choose...Why shoot others down and argue that your opinion is the only one?

I don't know what's the bee's knees, just know what is the closest place to Geneva for good skiing and this was the question, 3 hours away is definitely not close. But you can take a day trip to Chamonix and be back in Geneva before dinner time so the first one that comes to mind. In my experience resorts (unless they are really low) still open mid April so this is not the question of being open, particularly with this season snow. There is a choice for people willing to travel long but it narrows when you are short of time. The altitude of the town is not important as long as mountains are high enough to hold snow.