Craving a winter escape to the slopes? We hear you.
Ski weekends in France are the ultimate mountain retreat. Offering world-class skiing with short transfers and fuss-free travel, with the ability to reach top resorts like Chamonix, Megève, or Flaine in under 90 minutes.
With flights from Bristol, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and more, you can be sitting beside the slopes enjoying fondue by lunchtime on Friday, and return to the office with a goggle tan by Monday morning. Avoid the Saturday–Saturday travel crowds and cherry-pick your resort based on the snow forecast - win after win!
Ready to set off for a ski weekend in France? Scroll down for inspiration, use our search bar above, or give us a bell here.
What is the best ski resort for a France ski weekend?
Chamonix ski weekends are perfect for avid skiers eager to spend every second out on the slopes. Enjoy super-speedy transfers from Geneva airport, four distinct ski areas to explore across the Mont Blanc ski area, and one of the longest seasons in the French Alps.
Ski weekends in Morzine are perfect for large groups of mates with different ability levels. Benefit from swift flights and transfers, over 580km of interconnected pistes in the vast Portes du Soleil area, and easy access to the high-altitude slopes of neighbouring Avoriaz.
Ski weekends in La Clusaz offer snowy high-altitude slopes and plentiful forest runs just 50km from Geneva airport. Chic, sophisticated, and packed with cruisy blues and challenging blacks - it’s a must for ski-mad couples looking for a charming alpine escape.
Read more about our best ski weekends in France here.
FAQs about ski weekends in France Your questions answered by our France ski weekend expert
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, coming in at a whopping 2,300m above sea level. These high altitudes guarantee reliable snow from November to May, so whenever you go and for however long, you’re almost always guaranteed a decent coating of the white stuff. Transfers from Geneva Airport usually take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Looking for somewhere with a shorter transfer time? Check out “snow hole” Flaine. With fab snow totals, great family-friendly slopes, and transfers from Geneva airport of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, it’s a fab fuss-free choice for those wanting to avoid long coach journeys.
When’s the best time to book a ski weekend in France?
Booking in advance always guarantees you a good price and availability, so if you know which resort or hotel you want, it's best to secure your reservation early.
That said, if you are flexible, we have plenty of "last-minute" deals in the four weeks leading up to departure, especially in January and March outside of the school holidays. Not only will this flexibility help you get a great deal, but it also lets you chase the best snow conditions and enjoy prime piste powder.
Top tips for booking a France ski weekend or short break?
Check transfer times: Opt for resorts with quick transfers from major travel hubs, such as Geneva and Lyon airports. When searching, make sure to check the ‘short transfer available’ option.
Book an early flight out and a late flight back: Make the most of the short time you have by aiming to land before 10am local time. This way, you can grab your rental gear and lift passes early and still get a full day on the pistes.
Pre-book your extras: Ski hire, lift passes, and lessons are available to book at checkout. Make sure you book everything in advance to beat the queues and get straight out on the slopes.
Travel light: Opt for hand luggage instead of a full suitcase. You can rent your equipment at the resort and avoid waiting at the luggage belt at arrivals. A win-win!
Best resort to book for a beginner ski weekend in France?
Alpe d’Huez is an excellent resort for a beginnerski weekend in France. The resort's layout promotes progression, featuring nursery slopes that enjoy sunlight for most of the day, and a vast network of wide, gentle green runs at the edge of the village. This makes it ideal for those who wish to avoid long lift waits and airport transfers and get straight onto the pistes.
Best resort to book for a family ski weekend in France?
Avoriaz is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top family ski resorts, and just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, it offers a fantastic, fuss-free option for those with only a weekend available.
Nearly entirely car-free, ski-in/ski-out, and featuring the world-class Village des Enfants for lessons as well as the Aquariaz water park for entertainment after the lifts close, it has everything you need within a snowball’s throw of your accommodation. Temper tantrums? Not in Avoriaz!
Looking for the best family ski resorts in France? Look no further.
Best France ski resort for a group ski weekend?
For group ski weekends in France, it has to be a short ski break to Chamonix. Catering to all skill levels, offering plenty for non-skiers, and with an après-ski scene that stays lively late into the night, you can fly in Friday morning and be on the slopes by lunchtime, with just a 90-minute transfer from Geneva airport.
Where to go for a cheap ski weekend in France?
Les Contamines and Saint-Gervais are top choices for cheap France ski weekends. With cheaper lift pass prices, affordable accommodation, and connections to larger neighbouring resorts and ski areas, these spots are perfect for a quick ski escape minus the big spend.
Looking for the best cheap ski weekends in Europe? Check out our blog here.
Is it possible to do a ski weekend in France?
Yes, you can go skiing in France for just a weekend. In fact, ski weekends in France are becoming increasingly popular. This is because many of France’s top ski resorts are within a 90-minute drive of Geneva, Lyon, or Chambéry airports.
Most people planning to book a France ski weekend usually choose an early morning flight on Thursday or Friday, and a late evening return flight on Sunday. This way, you can enjoy a full three days on the slopes.
Is going on a ski weekend in France worth it?
Yes, absolutely! A ski weekend in France is a fantastic way to get a quick "snow fix" without using a full week of annual leave. Although your travel expenses (flights, transfers, etc.) will remain the same, you'll save on accommodation costs, lift passes, and ski rental - making this a more budget-friendly option, especially for groups of friends or those planning a ski stag do or ski hen do party.
To maximise your value for money, we recommend choosing a resort with ski-in/ski-out access and a short transfer time to make the most of your time on the mountain.