A short transfer time can maximise your time on the slopes and get the most out of your holiday. In addition, it saves cost on a long transfer time between groups or solo travel. There are some fantastic Swiss ski resorts near Zurich or Geneva. Our experts have created a guide to Swiss ski resorts near airports.
Villars – Geneva – 1 hour 10 minute transfer time
Villars is one of the best Swiss ski resorts near airports because of its short transfer time from Geneva airport. It boasts 174km of slopes in the area which are most suited to intermediate skiers. It has excellent links to the Les Diablerets glacier, which provides snow-sure slopes throughout the season. There is a wonderful selection of unique restaurants in the area for different food tastes. The nightlife is a good balance of friendly drinks mixed with lively après, with plenty of bars to enjoy.
Stay At:
Villars Palace Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel occupying an emblematic building in the village of Villars, situated just moments away from the nearest ski lifts.
Andermatt – Zurich – 1 hour 30 minute transfer time
Andermatt is the largest ski resort in central Switzerland with 120km of pistes to explore. It has a fantastic reputation for being a powder haven with its great snow record and high altitude of 1,444m – 2,961m. There are skiers around the world that visit for its amazing powder skiing. Beginner or advanced skiers have plenty of vast terrain to enjoy for all abilities. Off the slopes, there are over 20 restaurants to visit and some great family-run bars to grab a drink at. It is one of the best Swiss ski resorts near an airport.
Stay At:
The Chedi Andermatt Hotel combines Alpine chic with Asian sleek with incredible views of the Swiss Alps.
Champéry – Geneva – 1 hour 30 minute transfer time
Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Champéry is an excellent ski destination on the French-Swiss border. There is 600km of slopes to access with fantastic links to Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel. The vast terrain means there’s something for everyone visiting the area. Food lovers will enjoy their time here, as there’s an excellent selection of dining options in Champéry’s main village. This is a more relaxing alternative to skiing the vast Portes du Soleil ski area.
Stay At:
Hotel Suisse in Champéry is an authentic chalet style hotel situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil.
Engelberg – Zurich – 1 hour 30 minute transfer time
Considered a hidden gem of Switzerland, Engelberg has excellent ski conditions due to its high altitude of 1,050m-3,020m. There are 89km of slopes and incredible off-piste terrain to explore. The piste map is mainly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers. Engelberg is famed for the ‘Big Five’ off-piste runs which are considered a freeride mecca. In the area, there are 55 restaurants that serve a mixture of international cuisine. There are also great bars with a relaxed atmosphere for a well-deserved drink after a day on the slopes.
Stay At:
Hotel Kempinski Palace is a luxury escape in Engelberg, with beautiful scenery and skiing.
Crans Montana – Geneva – 2 hours transfer time
Located on the north side of the Rhone Valley, Crans Montana is one of the largest Swiss ski resorts. A lot of its 140km of slopes are south facing so expect great sunshine skiing. The piste map is mainly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers with mostly gentle terrain. The more advanced skiers will enjoy the great off-piste opportunities in the area. In the village, there are over 90 restaurants with a great variety of cuisines. On top of that, there are three main nightclubs, a casino and over 25 bars to choose from.
Stay At:
Located in the breathtaking landscape of Crans Montana, the Crans Ambassador Hotel is a stunning five-star Alpine hotel.
Grindelwald – Zurich – 2 hours transfer time
Based in the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald is a charming ski resort with spectacular views. You can admire the north face of the iconic Eiger mountain. There is 224km of slopes that are mainly suited to intermediate skiers. It has great links to neighbouring ski resorts of Mürren and Wengen. There are over 50 restaurants to visit in the area that serve anything from traditional alpine food to international cuisine. Grindelwald is the liveliest town in the Jungfrau region with great nightlife available. There are many great bars and two main nightclubs in the village. A great Swiss ski resort near an airport.
Stay At:
Bergwelt Grindelwald’s beautifully crafted rooms and suites provide views of the awe-inspiring landscape outside.
Gstaad – Geneva – 2 hours transfer time
Located in the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad is an excellent Swiss ski resort near an airport. Part of the Gstaad Saanenland ski area, there’s access to 200km of slopes with a full lift pass. It’s an ideal destination for any level of skier and it has reliable snow conditions because of its high altitude and glacier skiing. There are fantastic restaurants in the area from the Michelin starred Alpina hotel to the wonderful Japanese restaurant MEGU. In addition, there’s a lively nightlife scene with plenty of different bars and clubs to enjoy.
Stay At:
The Gstaad Palace is a wonderful family run hotel combining classic, grand hotel glamour with an Alpine style.
Mürren – Zurich – 2 hours transfer time
Mürren is your classic mountain village with excellent skiing to enjoy. If you buy a full ski area lift pass you can access an impressive 224km of slopes. The terrain is mostly suited to intermediate to advanced skiers, with many steep slopes around. The views are truly breathtaking on and off the slopes. The cute mountain train that leads you to the traffic-free town is also a lovely highlight. James Bond fans have to visit the rotating restaurant and bar on the Piz Gloria peak. This is a true mountain town with incredible skiing.
Stay At:
The Hotel Eiger in Mürren is a traditional family-run hotel with a wonderful welcoming atmosphere.
Verbier – Geneva – 2 hours transfer time
Arguably the most popular ski resort in Switzerland is Verbier. Its reasonable transfer time makes it one of the best Swiss ski resorts near an airport. As part of the Four Valleys ski area, there’s an impressive 412km of slopes with a full lift pass. The skiing in the area will entertain any level of skier, whether it’s your first time or an expert. It has a massive reputation for its incredible freeride terrain too. Off the slopes, the bars and restaurants have something for every taste. The nightlife has a mix of classy or lively atmospheres. This is a major ski resort that’s easily accessible.
Stay At:
Situated in the heart of Verbier, the Hotel Vanessa is an ideal spot for an Alpine break.
Leukerbad – Geneva – 2 hours 10 minutes transfer time
Leukerbad is the largest thermal spa ski resort in the Alps. Approximately 3.9million litres of bubbling water gush from 65 wonderful thermal springs. The skiing is fantastic too with 55km of uncrowded slopes to enjoy, which is most suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. The village is mainly set up for relaxing in spas but there’s a lively night out at the main nightclub Courage Club. It is an ideal ski destination for skiers who want a relaxing holiday.
Stay At:
Hotel Les Sources des Alpes offers wonderfully warm, health-giving springs in Leukerbad, on the southern slopes of the Swiss Alps.
To find out more about Swiss ski resorts near airports, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
