Re: tips for a good ski area for beginners close to Geneva
Post 1
Hi Anthony,
Been there with hubby and kids and I can highly recommend on the Haute Savoie side:
- La Clusaz (up the Plateau de Beauregard, the beginners slope is very nice, you can also buy the points card (somethning like 10 euros for 20 lifts on the beginners lift) without taking a whole forfait. Panorama is magnificent and the restaurants have a terrace in the sun in the afternoon, just perfect.)
- Le Grand Bornand is right opposite La Clusaz and has a very nice beginners stadium with ski lifts of increasing difficulty. You access it from the Telecabine du Rosay. You can take the Mini domaine forfait for the day which will cost you about 25 euros and you can go pretty much anywhere you need. Been to 2 restaurants, both not great but... this is not a gastronomic trip.
Both places are under an hour drive from Geneva if you're on the left bank of Geneva. We're in Eaux Vives and it takes us 45 min.
Another tip for beginners, always go on Saturdays, especially during ski holidays. The rentals are usually from Sat to Sat and everybody is busy either packing or unpacking, meaning the slopes are empty and no waiting line at the lifts. Easier to find an instructor at short notice as well.
On the other side of the lake, you have La Faucille in the Jura but I find it less exciting, not as pretty and authentic.
Hoping this helps, enjoy!