Geneva: city of skiers

The Swiss city of Geneva is famous for many things:the Portes du Soleil ski area is an ideal choice, and
cuckoo clocks, hosting the UN H.Q, and being one ofbeing only 1h15 from Geneva it's perfect if you've got
the world's top three cities for quality of life (accordingyoung children on board.
to the 2007 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey byChamonix is a popular choice for advanced skiers or
Mercer Human Resource Center). But it's Geneva'ssnowboarders seeking steep slopes, deep powder,
prime location between the Alps and the Jurachallenging terrain and off piste adventures. And if
mountains that have made it a favourite destination foryou're after the typical chocolate box architecture and
skiers and snowboarders from all over Europe.quaint alpine charm, Gstaad should hit the spot.
There are almost 100 ski resorts between one andThere are also dozens of less well known, but never
three hours drive from Geneva, scattered aroundthe less, interesting ski areas, not so renowned on the
Switzerland itself as well as in neighbouring France andinternational ski circuit but very popular with local skiers,
Italy, accessible either via car or by the highly efficientsuch as Chamrousse (France), San (Sicario) Italty or
and punctual rail system.(Zinal) Switzerland.
Geneva has long been known as a destination forIn recent years the number of flights to Geneva has
British skiers who fly to the city before catching avastly increased as more airlines have opened new
transfer to their favourites such as: Morzine, Zermatt,routes to the city, increasing competition and driving
Wengen, Verbier Meribel, Val Thorens, Courmayeurdown prices.
and a whole host of other renowned resorts.As a gateway to the ski resorts of the Alps, Geneva
With so many different ski resorts so close toalso attracts outdoor enthusiasts who come to live
Geneva, there is plenty of choice for all types of trips.and work in the city and then escape to the mountains
If you're looking for lively après ski (think plenty ofat weekends. And even those who don't ski will find
dancing to Europop in ski boots atop bar tables), thenGeneva's vast mix of restaurants, top boutique
head for a high energy ski town like Val D'isere. For ashopping, theatres and museums a compelling draw.
quieter, more family orientated trip, Les Gets, part of