Are you looking for easy-to-reach ski resorts? Our ski experts have deciphered the best ski resorts with short transfers, from Whistler in Canada to Spain’s Sierra Nevada and Megève in France. As a result, ski resorts near airports in Europe make weekend getaways worthwhile and maximise your time on the slopes. Combining superb skiing for all levels and easy access, these are our top picks for ski resorts with short transfers and near airports in Europe and North America.
1. Morzine (Airport: Geneva) Transfer Time: 1hr 30 mins
Morzine is a popular Alpine town with short transfers, extensive terrain, and lively après. Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area – Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel, and Champéry – you can ski in France and Switzerland. There are more than 650km of marked pistes, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. Above all, the resort caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Les Gets caters to beginners and improvers with cruisy blues and a dedicated beginner area, while the higher reaches of Chamossiére and Le Ranfoilly in Morzine have challenging reds and blacks.
On your French ski holiday, you can dine on traditional meals of raclette and cheese fondue in La Chaudanne or Le Clin d’Oeil. While the Cavern is a favourite for a few drinks at après and the odd fancy dress party. Morzine ski resort is one of the easiest ski resorts to reach, at just one hour and 30 minutes from the airport.
Stay At:
Stay at the The Old Macaroni for a masterpiece in Alpine luxury living, complete with excellent spa facilities and cinema room.
2. Verbier (Airport: Sion) Transfer Time: 1 hour
If you are looking for a Swiss ski holiday with a short transfer, try Verbier. Made up of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, the Four Valleys has 412km of slopes. Pistes are well maintained and cater to advanced skiers with steep, challenging runs and epic off-piste. Thrill seekers looking for fresh powder should try the Tortin bowl, famous for its steep incline and giant moguls.
Verbier’s animated atmosphere makes it a playground for the young – and the young at heart – with fun bars for when the sun sets. On the mountain, head to Le Mouton Noir for drinks on the sun terrace with incredible views. Back in Verbier, sip bubbles at The King’s Champagne Bar or listen to live bands at Farinet. Verbier ski resort is just one hour from the airport.
Stay At:
Stay at W Hotel Verbier for an ideal location near the slopes and superb luxury facilities.
3. St. Anton (Airport: Innsbruck) Transfer Time: 1hr 20mins
St. Anton has a reputation as one of the Alps’ finest resorts and for good reason. As one of Europe’s snowiest spots, St Anton’s extensive network of pistes in the Arlberg ski area tends to have fantastic conditions to make the most of a ski holiday to Austria. With efficient lifts and a mixture of slopes, intermediates, and advanced skiers will find many runs to keep them entertained.
In town, there are luxurious hotels, chalets, and restaurants, not to mention the renowned après. At half past three every day, the Final Countdown summons revellers into the MooserWirt. While next door’s Krazy Kanguruh also entices skiers with a large open-air dance floor and sun terrace. St. Anton ski resort is just one hour and 20 minutes from the airport, making it one of the best ski resorts with short transfers.
Stay At:
Stay at Raffl’s St Antonerhof for first-class accommodation and service.
4. Courchevel (Airport: Chambéry) Transfer Time: 1hr 30mins
Set in the heart of the Three Valleys ski area, Courchevel is a popular ski destination for British visitors. Made up of four villages, the higher you go, the more exclusive the village. Intermediate skiers will be kept busy by long cruisy blue runs around the village, while beginners can learn on confidence-boosting greens. Snow hounds should head to the challenging Saulire couloirs. With a 38-degree gradient, they are claimed to be the most difficult runs in the world.
After a day’s skiing, unwind in one of the hotel’s luxurious spas before heading choosing a Michelin-starred restaurant. For stunning views and quirky architecture, Bateau Ivre in the Pomme de Pin Hotel is a must-see in Courchevel 1850. Courchevel ski resort is just one hour and 30 minutes from the airport.
Stay At:
Stay at the La Sivoliere for an exclusive experience in the French Alps, with incredible luxury facilities.
5. La Clusaz (Airport: Geneva) Transfer Time: 1 hour
La Clusaz is one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva and easy to reach. Despite its convenient location, the attractive resort of La Clusaz remains largely undiscovered. The 132km of pisted slopes are best suited to beginners and intermediates. More advanced skiers should explore the off-piste challenges around La Balme. Thanks to the altitude of the higher slopes and extensive snow-making on the lower slopes, it’s snow-sure for a weekend trip.
La Clusaz has a traditional atmosphere with excellent Savoyard restaurants. A family-friendly resort, it tends to be quieter during the week. As it’s easily accessible from Geneva and Annecy, there’s a buzz in town at the weekend. La Clusaz ski resort is just one hour from the airport so is one of the easiest ski resorts to get to.
Stay At:
Stay at Hotel Coeur du Village to stay in the heart of La Clusaz in a fantastic luxury alpine hotel.
6. Whistler (Airport: Vancouver) Transfer Time: 2 hours
At 8,178 acres, Whistler is the largest ski area in North America and caters to all ages and abilities. Thrill seekers can head to the summit of Whistler Mountain on their ski holiday to Canada, which gives you access to some of the most challenging double black runs in the world. Additionally, Whistler is well-known for its fantastic powder skiing. Take a heli-skiing excursion with a guide and uncover fresh, fluffy snow.
The town has a cosmopolitan restaurant scene, with cuisines from around the world. Try La Cantina for dangerously good tacos, Rimrock Cafe for Canadian cuisine, or Creekbread for pizzas. If you still have some energy after dinner, head to the Savage Beagle for dancing and drinks. Whistler ski resort is two hours from the airport.
Stay At:
Stay at the Westin Resort & Spa for superb service and amazing facilities in one of the best ski resorts in Canada.
7. Sierra Nevada (Airport: Grenada) Transfer Time: 1 hour
Sierra Nevada is one of our top ski resorts with short transfers. This lesser-known Spanish resort is one of the highest in altitude in Europe, despite being the southernmost. Originally called ‘Sol y Nieve’, which translates to sun and snow, you can expect exactly that on a ski holiday in Spain. Fair-weather skiers love this Spanish resort as you can ski all morning and sunbathe on the terrace after lunch.
With regular and cheap flights to Grenada and Malaga (a 2-hour transfer), Sierra Nevada is easily accessible. If you hadn’t clocked your location, on a clear day you can see the silhouette of Morocco’s mountains. In addition, Sierra Nevada has a long season from December to April and has reliable snow coverage throughout the season. Sierra Nevada ski resort is just one hour from the airport.
Stay At:
Stay at El Lodge for it’s amazing facilities and relaxing outdoor heated pool.
8. Zell am See (Airport: Salzburg) Transfer Time: 1hr 30mins
One of the most stunning ski destinations in the world is Zell am See. Located near the tranquil Lake Zell and surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape, this ski resort delivers on all fronts. Zell am See is one of the best ski resorts near airports in Europe, as it’s only 1 hour 30 minutes away from Salzburg. You can ski freshly groomed 138km of pistes during your visit.
The ski resort is suited to families and those who enjoy a lively nightlife scene too. There are fantastic ski schools and childcare facilities. On top of that, there’s a diverse number of slopes for all levels of skier. Off the slopes, there is plenty of bars and club to enjoy in the evenings. One of the best easy-to-ski resorts around.
Stay At:
Stay at Hotel Salzburgerhof for stunning lakeside views and top-class service.
9. Chamonix (Airport: Geneva) Transfer Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Geneva is one of the best European airports for skiing, with so many resorts nearby. Chamonix is a fantastic choice too. Located at the foot of the iconic Mont Blanc mountain, the landscape views are unrivalled. If you are a keen off-piste skier, it is one of the best destinations in the world. There are also 150km of diverse groomed slopes to enjoy too. It is an easy-to-reach ski resort due to its 1 hour 30 minute transfer time.
The town itself is very pleasing to the eye. Rich with history it has cobbled streets, medieval churches, and traditional alpine chalets. Off the slopes, there’s a brilliant choice of shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as off-snow activities too. Whether you are on the slopes or in the village you’ll have a fantastic ski holiday experience.
Stay At:
Stay at the Chalet Alta for it’s glorious outdoor heated pool and beautiful alpine surroundings.
10. Kitzbühel (Airport: Salzburg) Transfer Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Famous for the incredible Streif downhill ski course, used on the Alpine World Cup, Kitzbühel is a great ski destination. Even though it has a big race pedigree the resort itself is mainly suited to intermediate skiers. If you get a full lift pass you can explore 234km of pistes. More advanced skiers will love the off-piste skiing opportunities. If you hire a local mountain guide there are great powder pockets to enjoy.
The town itself has kept a traditional alpine feel. It’s largely car-free and has lovely winding cobbled streets. One of the most impressive sights is the striking Gothic St Catherine’s church that towers over the village. There is a fantastic choice of shops, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. There’s also a good selection of accommodation for different price points. One of the best ski resorts near airports in Europe.
Stay At:
Stay at Hotel Weisses Rossl for it’s superb spa facilities and maximum comfort.
There are lots of ski resorts near airports in Europe for you to enjoy. For more information about ski resorts with short transfers that are easy to reach, start your ski holiday search or speak to ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
