The best ski resorts in Switzerland near Lake Geneva

The top ski resorts in Switzerland around Lake Geneva.

Find out which are the best ski resorts within an hour of the Swiss towns of Montreux and Lausanne - Lake Geneva

We have skied most of the resorts in the Valais area and there are many nearby gems with world-class skiing and facilities for all abilities.

One of the great things about the resorts in the east of canton Vaud and the lower Valais is their proximity to the popular towns of Lausanne and Montreux at the east end of Lake Geneva.

This makes them perfect for a weekend break or day trip for residents living near the lake.

SnowPros Ski School Director Dave has picked his favourite ski resorts that are within an hours drive from Lake Geneva.

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Are you ready to discover best ski resorts in Switzerland near Lake Geneva

Villars 

Journey time: 45min Lausanne : 30min Montreux

‘I love to ski in Villars.  I love the sense of history about the place which is one of the original places to ski in Switzerland.  I love to ski back down at the end of the day and race the train down from Bretaye.  You ski next to the train line that comes up from the valley below all the way back down to the telecabine at Roc d’Orsay.  There is a lovely natural mogul field on the left as you exit the tunnel that goes under the tracks.’

‘The terrain in Bretaye is perfect for beginners and lower intermediates and it's a great place to teach with a friendly atmosphere, nice restaurants and a lovely climate.’

Les Crosets

Journey time: 60min Lausanne : 40min Montreux

SnowPros ski school frequently uses Les Crosets, which has become a popular choice among our clients. They appreciate the area for its easy access and varied entry points. Located just a short drive from Monthey to Val-d'Illiez, Les Crosets offers ample parking options, including a convenient underground garage. For beginners, the slopes are easily accessible from the village, making it perfect for families with young children. Additionally, you can reach Les Crosets via the Champery Planachaux telecabine and the Grand Paradis lift, providing alternative access routes without the need for a lengthy drive.

The altitude of Les Crosets, sitting at 1672 meters, ensures excellent snow conditions throughout the winter. We've been able to ski here as early as the last weekend of November, thanks to the high lifts that reach up to 2277 meters at Mossettes. The recent development of a snowmaking reservoir has made Les Crosets one of the most snow-sure locations in the area, catering to skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The varied terrain includes a long beginner slope and a range of blue, red, and black runs, plus an exciting snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts.

Les Crosets also boasts hidden gems in its dining options, with delightful restaurants like Cabane a Sucre for crepes, Hotel l'Etable for local meats, and Le Toupin for traditional mountain fare. The Cookie Café at the top of the Mossettes lift offers a family-friendly atmosphere and stunning views. Moreover, its proximity to France allows skiers to easily access the broader Portes du Soleil area, making it a fantastic base for exploring the extensive ski region while enjoying the quieter Swiss slopes.

Verbier 

Journey time: 1h15 Lausanne : 1hr Montreux

‘When we get a chance to go and ski in Verbier, it often feels like we are taking a trip to a big city. The town is massive compared to the alpine villages that we normally teach in.’

‘Verbier is linked into the 4 Valleys ski area which means you can also ski Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, Bruson and La Tzoumaz. The skiing is big in scale and there is accessible off piste everwhere. If you are a powder hound, it’s the place to go. A secret tip on a powder day is to head to the tree lined slopes of Bruson instead.’

‘One of the lesser known things about Verbier though is that the La Chaux area is perfect for those coming out of the beginner areas and making their first turns on gentle blue slopes.’

Morgins

Journey time: 50min Lausanne : 35min Montreux

‘This is our most popular resort at the weekends.  It has super easy access, especially with the new telecabine going in this winter, really quiet slopes and fantastic terrain for all levels.  It’s a great spot for weekend skiing and there is something about the light and the trees that means I love skiing in Morgins, it’s a really special place.’

‘Morgins is a charming little Valais village in the Portes du Soleil ski area and is the last Swiss resort before you cross over into the French Haute Savoie.  Start a lot of our beginner clients there because the facilities for beginner skiers are excellent.  There is a hidden slope at the top of the village called the Geant, which is pretty much the most perfect slope I’ve ever seen for turning snowplough skiers into parallel skiers.’ 

Chatel 

Journey time: 60min Lausanne: 45min Montreux

‘We aren’t often over the other side of the border skiing with our French brothers and sisters but when we do, we love to ski in Chatel, in the Portes du Soleil.’

‘Chatel is a typical Haute Savoie village which has managed to retain much of its character despite a massive amount of development in recent years.’

‘It has great facilities for all levels at Pre La Joux but it does get really busy at peak times.  A pro tip to avoid the crowds is to head for the Barbossine or Super Chatel sectors.  They are usually deserted but they do have a few drag lifts which is enough to put some people off.’

Leysin

The beginner area at the Leysin ski station is a paradise for new skiers, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, well-maintained slopes, and modern lifts that ensure an excellent learning experience. With its south-facing orientation, Leysin enjoys an abundance of sunny days, making it a perfect spot for skiing.

For intermediate skiers, Leysin offers a diverse range of slopes and trails that cater to various skill levels. The variety includes everything from easy blue runs to more challenging red trails, allowing skiers to improve their skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Compared to more famous Swiss ski resorts, Leysin tends to be less crowded, providing more space on the slopes and shorter lift lines. This leads to a more relaxed skiing experience, allowing visitors to enjoy their time on the mountain without the hustle and bustle often found at larger resorts.

Champery

Journey time: 50min Lausanne: 35min Montreux

‘I'm always really happy when we have clients book with us to ski in Champery.  I always think of Champery as a sort of mini, unspoilt Verbier but with lots more alpine charm and friendliness.

There is something magical about heading up on the big red Planachaux cable car up to 2000m and walking out onto the snow into panoramic views of the Dents du Midi and Dents Blanche.

Saas Fee

Journey time: 2h10 Lausanne: 1h55 Montreux​

‘Ok so this is a further than an hour but I love Saas Fee and it’s worth a trip if you have the time.’

‘I love it for the car free, other world-like, germanic village that it is, as well as the glacier that gives us our easy access summer skiing and the amazing autumn skiing that often offers up over 1000 vertical metres in early November.’

‘If you take a trip there in the winter, you’ll be amazed how cold it is but it’s a great skiing experience you should try once.  The sheer scale of the 12 4000m plus mountains 

If you want to ski with a Snowpros instructor in any of these resort send us a message.