Which airports are closest to your favourite ski resort
October 5, 2019
The Alps are the perfect playground for a winter holiday. Keen skiers travel in their thousands each year to get to their preferred ski resort for an exhilarating week of winter sports. A question we often get asked is what airport might be best to fly to for an easy journey to each resort. Alongside what is the approximate transfer time and what is the best way to get there. Below you will find a list of our preferred ski resorts and what airports they are close to. I have also gone into detail giving approximate transfer times to each resort to help make the decision process that bit easier. We hope that this will be a handy resource for any keen skier so make sure to bookmark this page for easy reference.
Something worth noting is that on peak dates due to large numbers of guests, traffic will increase journey times to all ski resorts. It is also worth taking into consideration that whilst some airports appear to only be a little further than the closest airport, transfers can often be more readily available and more cost effective from the closest airport. If you do have a question about transfer availability, do get in touch and we’re happy to help advise and book your transfers for you.
Austria is an appealing destination for skiing, offering warm and welcoming hospitality, picturesque chocolate box villages and exhilarating skiing. Many Austrian resorts also tend to have a relatively short and easy transfer with few winding roads and easy direct access to each ski resort.
Ischgl is sometimes seen as St. Anton’s little brother. Offering comparably excellent skiing, excellent nightlife and a traditional Austrian atmosphere. Many guests make a bee-line to try out Ischgl as an alternative to St. Anton and don’t look back.
Innsbruck airport: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Ischgl.
Friedrichshafen airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Ischgl.
Zurich airport: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Ischgl.
Munich airport: approximately 3 hours from Ischgl.
Lech:
Lech is often seen as Austria’s answer to France’s Courchevel or Switzerland’s Zermatt. Chic and refined with cobbled streets, designer boutiques and many wonderful ski-in/ski-out hotels and luxurious chalets. It is the place to be and be seen in Austria, and with its transfer time of just over an hour and a half away from both Innsbruck and Friedrichshafen airports it is an excellent destination that is easy to travel to.
Innsbruck airport: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Lech.
Friedrichshafen airport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Lech.
Zurich airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Lech.
Mayrhofen is one of the Alps’ closest ski resorts in terms of proximity to the airport (Innsbruck). Whilst the town is not high in altitude, the ski area is vast and ensures guests are skiing above 2,000 metres quickly with its efficient lift system. A vibrant town with plenty to entertain guests for a week both on and off the slopes. It is a great choice for a week’s ski holiday or even for a few days as a corporate ski destination.
Innsbruck airport: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Mayrhofen.
Salzburg airport: approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes from Mayrhofen.
Munich airport: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Mayrhofen.
Obergurgl offers the perfect balance of transfer time and snow conditions, a real rarity: a short transfer time yet high altitude skiing. With the overwhelming majority of ski slopes above 2,300 metres, this high altitude resort is just over an hour and a half away from Innsbruck airport, perfect for a family holiday.
Innsbruck airport: approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes from Obergurgl.
St. Anton, the premiere Austrian resort is extremely popular and in-demand. Known for its technical skiing, boisterous après ski and short transfer time, there is lots of appeal to St. Anton and the wider Arlberg area, which is Austria’s largest continuous ski area, encompassing St. Anton, St. Christoph and Lech to name a few.
Innsbruck airport: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from St. Anton.
Friedrichshafen airport: approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes from St. Anton.
Zurich airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from St. Anton.
Tucked away in a peaceful setting yet in close proximity to both St. Anton and Lech, St. Christoph provides quick access to all of the Arlberg ski area’s slopes. A quieter resort ideal for a relaxed ski holiday. Like St. Anton and Lech it also provides a short transfer time that is often associated with the Austrian ski resorts.
Innsbruck airport: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from St. Christoph.
Friedrichshafen airport: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from St. Christoph.
Zurich airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from St. Christoph.
The French Alps remain ever popular for their varied pistes, the huge ski areas and plenty on offer for all abilities. The sheer number of chalets and hotels and choice of accommodation is outstanding. With world-class off slope activities such as après ski or a Michelin star lunches. There are three main areas which we focus on in the French Alps:
The Southern Alps (Alpe d’Huez).
Resorts closer to Geneva (Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz, Megève, Chamonix and Samoëns).
The Tarentaise Valley area which encompasses the Paradiski (La Plagne and Les Arcs), the Three Valleys (Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, St. Martin de Belleville and Val Thorens), and the Espace Killy (Tignes and Val d’Isère).
Located in the Southern Alps, Alpe d’Huez is ideal for those looking for a relatively short transfer time but still excellent high altitude, family-friendly and snow-sure skiing (although it can get a little slushy in spring due to its south facing slopes).
Grenoble airport: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Alpe d’Huez.
Chambery airport: approximately 2 hours from Alpe d’Huez (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Alpe d’Huez.
Geneva airport: approximately 3 hours from Alpe d’Huez.
Avoriaz:
Avoriaz is part of the fantastic Portes du Soleil ski area which offers skiing in both France and Switzerland in close proximity to Geneva, with one of France’s shortest transfer times to one of its highest ski resorts. Geneva is firmly the best option for Avoriaz.
Geneva airport: approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes from Avoriaz.
Chambery airport: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Avoriaz. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Avoriaz.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Avoriaz.
Chamonix is another resort in close proximity to Geneva airport, offering one of the quickest transfer times in the French Alps. A classic Alpine resort full of charm and lots of technical skiing, it’s one of the best destinations for a weekend ski trip or corporate break.
Geneva airport: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Chamonix.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Chamonix. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Chamonix.
Turin airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Chamonix (through the Mont Blanc tunnel).
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Chamonix.
Located within the mighty Three Valleys ski area is the chic resort of Courchevel. Made up of several villages: Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850. Depending on what area of Courchevel you are staying in the transfer time can vary by about twenty minutes.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Courchevel. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Courchevel.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Courchevel.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Courchevel.
The Grand Massif is made up of a number of linked resorts, primarily Samoens and Flaine. It offers perfect skiing for families and beginner and intermediate skiers (as well as advanced skiers for those who know where to look). Close to Geneva, it’s a firm favourite for families with little ones in tow who don’t want the hassle of long transfer times.
Geneva airport: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Samoëns.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Samoëns.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours from Samoëns.
One of the two main resorts in the Paradiski area (made up of La Plagne and Les Arcs), this sizeable ski area has plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy. For those who prefer to take the train it can be an excellent option as it is close to Bourg St. Maurice. For those who wish to fly Chambery is the closest airport.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from La Plagne. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from La Plagne.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from La Plagne.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from La Plagne.
La Tania:
Nestled between Courchevel and Méribel in the Three Valleys, the tree-lined resort of La Tania is a favourite for skiers who are looking for a relaxed holiday. Ideal for families it offers direct access to this impressive ski area without having to worry about beating too many people to get the first lift out for skiing each morning.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from La Tania. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from La Tania.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from La Tania.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from La Tania.
Part of the Paradiski area, Les Arcs is split into a number of different villages roughly relating to their heights in altitude and serviced by the Vanoise Express located in Peisey-Vallandry. This lift connects the two areas of La Plagne and Les Arcs. Easily accessible for those taking the overnight sleeper train as it is just 35 minutes from Bourg St. Maurice.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Les Arcs. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Les Arcs.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Les Arcs.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Les Arcs.
A destination that is a top pick for families thanks to its family accreditation. With a wide number of gentle green and blue pistes, short transfer time and family-friendly chalets, Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the first resorts to become fully booked for popular dates like February half-term.
Geneva airport: approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes from Les Gets.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hours and 45 minutes from Les Gets. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Les Gets.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Les Gets.
A resort that slips under the radar for many but for those in the know this chic French resort is a secret that the French like to keep to themselves. With charming cobbled streets, picturesque church, divine mountain lunches and a short transfer time, it’s ideal for a mid-season ski holiday when the snow should be in good shape.
Geneva airport: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Megève.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hours and 40 minutes from Megève. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Megève.
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Megève.
‘The heart of the Three Valleys’, Méribel sits in the middle of the 600 kilometre ski area and is the perfect destination for almost anyone, with varied skiing, easy access to all the slopes of the ski area, lively après ski, vibrant nightlife, brilliant ski schools and a wide number of chalets. This resort is highly popular for many very good reasons, including a short 30 minute transfer to Moutiers for anyone looking to take the ski train.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Méribel. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Méribel.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Méribel.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Méribel.
The most well known resort of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine is close to Geneva and has a different feel from most Alpine resorts. As a year round destination it has the ambience and feel of a ‘real’ town. There is lots of skiing on offer and plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation. With a desired short transfer time, it is ideal for families, weekend breaks and group ski holidays.
Geneva airport: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Morzine.
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hours and 55 minutes from Morzine. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes from Morzine.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Morzine.
Quaint and unspoilt with a particularly French ambience, St. Martin de Belleville is an authentic resort nestled between Méribel and Les Menuires. Relatively unknown it is utterly charming and guests can make use of the fantastic Three Valleys ski area with ease (and hopefully without any lift queues!)
Chambery airport: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from St. Martin de Belleville. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from St. Martin de Belleville.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from St. Martin de Belleville.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from St. Martin de Belleville.
High altitude, snow-sure and with a large number of properties being in a ski-in/ski-out location, Tignes is in high demand. Part of the Espace Killy ski area it is extremely popular not just for the beginning and end of the ski season but throughout the winter. Due to its high quality snow conditions, the longer transfer time rewards those with often perfect piste conditions.
Chambery airport: approximately 2 hours and from Tignes. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Tignes.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Tignes.
Geneva airport: approximately 3 hours from Tignes.
For many years Val d’Isère has been one of, if not the most popular ski resort in the Alps. It offers the ideal combination of excellent pistes, luxurious accommodation, snow-sure skiing and a lively but also pretty town centre. It is sure to be popular for years to come.
Chambery airport: approximately 2 hours and from Val d’Isère. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Val d’Isère.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Val d’Isère.
Geneva airport: approximately 3 hours from Val d’Isère.
The highest ski resort in the Alps, Val Thorens sits at a heady height of 2,300 metres. This means that it is snow-sure from November through to May. The only downside to this is the lengthy transfer time to get to those heights. Val Thorens has one of the longest transfer times in the Alps but is worth it when you experience the fantastic snow conditions.
Chambery airport: approximately 2 hours and from Val Thorens. (N.B. flights can be less readily available).
Grenoble airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Val Thorens.
Lyon airport: approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Val Thorens.
Geneva airport: approximately 3 hours from Val Thorens.
With chocolate box charm, wonderful restaurants providing traditional mountain delights like fondue and raclette, Swiss charm and chic and exclusive accommodation this combination makes Switzerland an enticing option for skiing in the Alps. Many devout skiers return year on year to their favoured resort be that Verbier or Zermatt. Often delighting in the smaller number of skiers on the slopes and picturesque mountain lunch spots, especially when in Zermatt where almost every terrace seems to have an unspoilt view of the Matterhorn.
A well-known and exclusive ski resort found within the Four Valleys ski area, Verbier is teeming with utterly luxurious chalets and a number of notable hotels as well. There are many incredible restaurants on and off the mountain alongside après ski highlights such as the Pub Mont Fort and Le Farinet. Here guests can party and people watch at the same time.
Sion airport: approximately 50 minutes from Verbier however commercial flights are not readily available.
Geneva airport: approximately 2 hours from Verbier.
Zurich airport: approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes from Verbier.
Known for being the playground of the rich and famous, Zermatt’s picturesque cobble-lined streets, divine lunch spots and Swiss-Italian charm ensure that it is always an in-demand resort. Whilst the transfer time is longer and usually by train, it is worth the wait. Due to the resort being car free, unless you are flying in by helicopter, it is important to note that most guests must take the train from Tasch, with many opting to take the train from either Geneva or Zurich airport. A beautiful and relaxing journey which guests can enjoy.
Sion airport: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Zermatt however commercial flights are not readily available.
Zurich airport: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Zermatt.
Geneva airport: approximately 4 hours from Zermatt.
