Looking to steal a cheeky short ski break, ideally without a crazy transfer time? In Europe, we’re actually spoiled for choice for great ski resorts just a short hop from a major airport.
After extensive research, we’ve compiled a our list of some of the best ski resorts for long weekend skiing in Europe. As our list is tailored for those ready to fly into the mountains for a quick and high-quality weekend ski break, these resorts all offer transfer times of under 90 minutes.
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How to choose ski resorts for short or weekend ski breaks
Nabbing a last-minute or short ski break often means finding a ski resort that is not only top-notch but also highly accessible. You don’t want to spend too long messing about with multiple public transport changes, or spending six hours transferring for a weekend ski trip.
If you’re flying in for a two or three day sesh on the mountains, you want to find somewhere that is ideally under 90 minutes from the airport (or less), and obviously offers the quality ski terrain.
To keep costs down, you might also prefer to access a ski area that is well served by public transport, or has affordable transfer connections.
So these are our best picks for short ski breaks in Europe that you can reach easily for a weekend ski getaway.
Chamonix/Les Houches
- Closest Airport: Geneva (GVA)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 55 km
- Altitude: 950m – 2525m
Chamonix is arguably one of the most famous ski resorts, attracting skiers and snowboarders from across the globe for epic ski weekends. It’s just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport and is well served by regular transfers.
Both Chamonix and Les Houches are part of the same Mont Blanc Unlimited ski area, although its better value to buy either the Chamonix Le Pass (for Chamonix) or Les Houches’ own day pass if you’re on a short ski trip. Les Houches is at the beginning of the valley, and Chamonix is at the far end and has better altitude. For this reason also Chamonix is the more expensive option.
Check out Mont Blanc/Chamonix lift passes.
Car or bus is the fastest and most direct way to connect. A car transfer will be an hour, but the public bus service will take closer to an 2 and a half hours.
La Clusaz
- Closest Airport: Geneva (GVA)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 125 km
- Altitude: 1100m – 2600m
A traditional Savoyard village, La Clusaz offers an incredible weekend ski break splashed with authentic French charm. It’s also a great option for a weekend getaway without needing to spend a long time on a bus.
La Clusaz is also a really good option for both families and for those looking for some apres ski. Be warned though that due to it’s easy access from Geneva, it can get crazy busy on the weekends and at peak times such as holidays.
Check out our guide: Family friendly French ski resorts.
Be on the pistes mere hours after walking off your plane in Geneva, with a 1 hour transfer. There is also a bus service year round which takes just under 2 hours from Geneva Airport.
Megeve
- Closest Airport: Geneva (GVA)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 240 kms
- Altitude: 2350m – 1110m
One of the oldest ski regions in France, and Europe for that matter, Megeve is a tree lined wonder. The villages of Megeve, Combloux and St Gervais are for the most part relatively unspoiled traditional villages which are perfect for families and even weekend fun seekers. With views of Mont Blanc and a short transfer from Geneva, this is a great location for a long weekend (although it gets busy at the weekends, thanks to that short transfer time).
Although this isn’t the highest altitude resort in the area, with Chamonix and even La Clusaz topping out, it does get good snowfall throughout the year. Lower altitude slopes might struggle in leaner seasons though.
One more thing to consider is that some of the lift infrastructure is a little bit dated, although there has been investment in the past few years. But the sheer size and stunning views make up for it. Add Megeve to your weekend ski list if you haven’t already!
Portes du Soleil (Morzine, Avoriaz etc)
- Closest Airport: Geneva (GVA)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 600 kms
- Altitude: 1172m – 2020m
The Portes de Soleil ski region is one of the biggest ski areas in the world, which obviously makes it one of the best options for a ski break however long you want to go. And because it spreads across the Frenc/Swiss border, there is lots of choice for places to go. Les Gets is the sleepier option, great for families, while Morzine serves as the hub for the Portes de Soleil region.
For weekend ski breaks you’re better off choosing the local ski pass, for example Morzine/Les Gets, which is one area, or Avoriaz higher up the mountain. Theres also the smaller Roc d’Enfer/St Jean d’Aulpes which is smaller and cheaper than the bigger Morzine/Les Gets pass.
Avoriaz is also an entirely ski-in ski-out resort, which might also be a consideration for getting in some serious weekend ski miles.
There are also options on the Swiss side, at Champoussins, Morgins and Les Crosets – which may obviously be more expensive for accommodation and dining, but the exact same price for the lift pass. The transport options are better on the Swiss side as you can take the train direct from GVA to Aigle (on the train) and then connect into resort easily.
The Morzine and Portes de Soleil area is a fast transfer from Geneva, with regular shared transfers and even a public bus on the French side, and regular trains on the Swiss side.
Find some great deals on Portes du Soleil weekend packages at Skiworld.
Les Diablarets/Villars-Gryon
- Closest Airport: Geneva (GVA)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 45 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 130 km
- Altitude: 1200m – 3000m
One of the most accessible ski resorts in Switzerland, with regards to short transfers, Les Diablarets is easily reached in under 2 hours by car from Geneva by car, or just over 2 hours is using public transport. The towns of Villars, Gryon and Les Diablarets make up this great ski area which is understandably very popular with weekenders from Lausanne and Geneva.
As part of the Alpes Vaudoise area, it offers a good mix of intermediate and beginner friendly terrain, making it great for familes and beginners. Advanced riders might get a little bored, but hey, this is an easily accessible ski resort offering glacier skiing and, if you time it, some great powder conditions too.
This is also one of the cheaper places to ski and snowboard in Switzerland (relatively speaking) so don’t rule it out just because it’s Swiss.
Check out our list of cheap ski resorts in Switzerland.
Zillertal Arena
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck (INN)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 143 km
- Altitude: 1300m – 2500m
Zillertal Arena includes the excellent resorts incluidng Zell am Zimmer and Gerlos. The area is at the head of the valley that also contains Mayrhofen and the Hintertux glacier (more on those in a moment). You’ve got plenty of ski terrain and a cluster of great little villages all accessible via ski bus and train.
In short, this is an amazing winter sports playground. And what’s more, its easily reached from Innsbruck airport via train, bus and private transfer.
Mayrhofen/Zillertal
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck (INN)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 142 km
- Altitude: 630m – 2500m
Further up the breathtaking Zillertal Valley, Mayrhofen is perfectly located for short breaks on the mountain, although you’ll want to stay long. A premier skiing destination, the resort boasts the ability to cater to all skill levels – from casual skiers and snowboarders to dedicated snow sports enthusiasts.
Because of the location, you’ll be able to pick locations from Hippach or Finkenberg all the way up to Hintertux as part of your Zillertal ski pass. We also found Mayrhofen to be a surprisingly affordable ski resort, with lots of options for cheap food and drink and even budget accommodation.
If you’re looking for a top quality option for short ski holidays, with great terrain and apres ski, this is a top choice.
Find some of the cheapest short break deals on Snowtrex.
Alpbach
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck (INN)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 109 km
- Altitude: 675m – 2025m
Alpbach is famous for its scenic beauty and remarkable ski domains, perfect for a spontaneous ski weekend. In fact, Alpbach itself has won accolades such as ‘the loveliest village in Austria’ and ‘best small ski village in Europe’, so if that isn’t high praise then I don’t know what is!
You can also access the same ski area from villages including Niederau and Oberau.
As you might have noticed, Austria isn’t short of great ski resorts a short hop from Innsbruck airport. But we think if you’re looking for a goregous town with great skiing, you’ll be delighted with Alpbach.
You’ll find short ski breaks in Alpbach from around £200 on Snowtrex.
Soll
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck (INN)/Salzburg (SZG)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 284 km
- Altitude: 620m – 1957m
Part of the excellent SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski region, Soll provides exceptional terrain for ultimate skiing adventures. Soll is equidistant (roughly) from Innsbruck and Salzburg which makes it appealing thanks to the flexibility of the flights.
The region is a perfect mix of beginner friendly and more advanced terrain, so you’ll obviously find fantastic skiing or snowboarding, whatever your level.
Grand Massif
- Closest Airport: Geneva (GVA)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour/1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 265 km
- Altitude: 1600m – 2500m
The Grand Massif ski area offers some amazing ski terrain and is one of the best options for high altitude but short transfers from Geneva.
Samoens and Flaine are both great little villages, with a great mix of traditional architecture and more modern facilties. Samoens is further down the valley and offers the minimum time from airport to resort. Flaine is further up the mountain and is located in a bowl, which offers access to all the ski runs. You can also pick Morillion, which is a quieter option a good for a family ski resort in France.
Both are great for a short break and whether you’re on a snowboard or skis, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for a long weekend. Oh, and if you pick places like Samoens or Morillion, you’ll even find some nice ski-in ski-out accommodation as an option.
You’ll find ski packages under £200 for a 3 day stay in Flaine and Samoens on Snowtrex.
Bad Gastein
- Closest Airport: Salzburg (SZG)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 200 km
- Altitude: 1000m – 2686m
The Gastein Valley is a stunning location within Salzburger land, offering stunning terrain and gorgeous traditional Alpine villages. Frankly, any short ski breaks in this area are going to be amazing, but Bad Gastein, as part of the bigger Ski Amade region, might tempt you for exceptional terrain, short or non-existent lift queues and lovely village atmosphere.
This is also a spa town, so you’ll find some great luxury experieces off the mountains, plus good apres ski and lots to see and do.
The romantic atmosphere here makes for a perfect couples long weekend ski break.
Find some of the best ski packages including lift passes in Bad Gastein, check out Snowtrex.
Schladming
- Closest Airport: Salzburg (SZG)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 123 km
- Altitude: 750m – 2015m
Another option in Salzburger land/Ski Amade, Schladming boasts stunning views and famous World Cup slopes. You might not have heard of this ski resort, but with it’s short transfer time and great terrain this might just sneak onto your must ride list.
Despite being great for intermediate and advanced riders, you’ll also find some great opportunities for the kids. Theres lots of beginner terrain and some great schools so you can even book in for ski lessons for yourself or the kids.
St Johann/Flachau
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck (INN)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour
- Ski Domain Size: 210 km
- Altitude: 659m – 1700m
Well located in the Ski Amade region, these are some of the more accessible options for a short break in Austria. While 43 kms might not sound like the biggest domain, 43 kms is ideal for a weekend ski holiday
St Johann is ideal for families and beginners, guaranteeing a memorable weekend ski break that’s peppered with a friendly and nurturing atmosphere. Flachau is well located in the centre of the area which obviously makes it easier to make the most of the terrain over your long weekend.
Kitzbühel
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck (INN)/Salzburg (SZG)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 230 km
- Altitude: 800m – 2000m
Kitzbühel is a quintessential Austrian ski town, perfect for an unforgettable ski weekend bursting with luxurious amenities. This is world class skiing right here, and the Kitzbuhel ski area is great for accessibility, ski area and apres ski. Basically, its the full package.
It’s not the cheapest option for a long weekend, but if you want to really max your time on the slopes and enjoy some of the best ski terrain, this is a serious option.
With that being said, you’ll find deals from around £270 for 3 days in Kitzbuhel with Snowtrex.
Ax-les-Thermes
- Closest Airport: Toulouse (TLS)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 80 km
- Altitude: 1400m – 2373m
Leaving the Alps for a moment – Ax-les-Thermes offers a delightful weekend ski break in the French Pyrenees. This is one of the nicest and most authentic resorts in the Pyrenees, and while it is a little sleepy, the benefits are short or non-existent lift queues and a relatively snow sure terrain.
You’ll also find soothing thermal spas to rejuvenate after a taxing day on the slopes.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the ski pass for Ax-les-Thermes is pretty cheap, working out at around €40 per day.
A great thing about Ax-les-Thermes is that it’s reachable by train from Toulouse, meaning a cheap transfer. Factor in about 2 hours from the main Toulouse Matabiau station.
Estiber offer 3 night stays in Ax 3 Domaines with lift passes included from €160.
Sestriere/Sauze d’Oulx
- Closest Airport: Turin (TRN)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 400 km
- Altitude: 2035m – 2850m
These two Italian resorts are perfect for enjoying an active ski weekend in their vast ski domain, otherwise known as the Milky Way. In fact the Via Lattea also spills over into France, at Montgenevre, and this is one of the biggest interconnected ski areas in Italy.
Sauze is the place for vibrant apres, although Sestriere is also quite lively. If you’re looking for lots of pistes, good shopping and great food, the Via Lattea resorts are a good choice.
Get the train from Turin to Oulx and then connect to your resort/hotel by bus or taxi.
Find some of the best deals on Via Lattea holidays with Europe-Mountains.
Breuil-Cervinia
- Closest Airport: Turin (TRN)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 150 km
- Altitude: 1524m – 3480m
Whats better than riding at the foot of the Matterhorn? How about riding at the foot of the Matterhorn without paying Swiss prices?
Breuil-Cervinia gives you an exhilarating ski experience for about €25 less than a lift pass over the border in Zermatt. Basically you’re skiing the same terrain with that epic Mattehorn view. The resort also gets an extended ski season due to high-altitude slopes, ideal for ski weekends later in the season too. This also means, of course, that you’ve got snow sure terrain and, as it’s Italy, excellent food too.
Public transport from Turin is lengthy and requires multiple changes. Opt for a shared or private transfer, or hire a car and drive to the resort.
Engelberg-Titlis
- Closest Airport: Zurich (ZRH)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 82 km
- Altitude: 1020m – 3020m
You probably haven’t heard of Engelberg-Titlis, but I can assure you, this is a premium ski weekend experience. With the highest point over 3000m, you’re getting incredible snow sure terrain just a short ride from Zurich.
Engelberg is a freeriding hotspot, and is a relatively affordable Swiss ski resort, with lift passes costing around CHF62 for a day.
You will need to take two trains to get here, but it’s pretty straightforward, with one change in Lucerne.
Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis
- Closest Airport: Zurich (ZRH)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 120 km
- Altitude: 1444m – 2963m
The largest ski area in central Switzerland, Andermatt combines the best of Swiss skiing with its quaint village charm. And with the peak falling just short of 3000 metres, you’re getting some excellent snow sure terrain with lots of chances for fresh powder and freediding. Oh and that 120 kms skiable area offers plenty for an action packed snowboarding or ski weekend.
The full ski pass for Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis is kinda expensive at CHF89 for one day, but you can pick up a cheaper pass for the Disentis area (60kms) for just CHF64.
Andermatt is a short drive from Zurich, and there is an option for a train direct to the local station (with a funicular taking you up to the resort),
Mythen
- Closest Airport: Zurich (ZRH)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 50 km
- Altitude: 1035m – 1600m
We think this might be up there for the cheapest Swiss ski resorts – and it’s a really short transfer from Zurich too at less than an hour by car. Bag a lift pass for Mythen for under CHF50, surely one of the best ski weekend deals in Switzerland!
While Mythen isn’t the biggest ski area, we think it offers plenty for the quick fix snowboarder or skiier.
As well as some great beginner friendly areas, theres also a snowpark and a good mixture of terrain for all abilities.
Piani di Bobbio
- Closest Airport: Milan (MXP)
- Transfer Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 35 km
- Altitude: 1300m – 1700m
Piani di Bobbio, in the Italian Alps, is a hidden gem with uncrowded slopes inviting a cozy weekend ski break. Although it isn’t the biggest ski area, it is pretty snowsure and offers some stunning scenery.
There is also a ski bus from Milan on the weekends bringing skiers to the resort.
Krvavec
- Closest Airport: Ljubljana (LJU)
- Transfer Time: 30 mins
- Ski Domain Size: 30 km
- Altitude: 1450m – 1971m
Krvavec is a small, family-friendly resort in Slovenia that makes for a quick and refreshing weekend ski break. Although this isn’t the biggest ski resort on the list, it’s perfect for short breaks and is mere minutes from the closest airport.
To add to this, car hire in Slovenia is cheap – so booking a rental and staying in Ljubljana isn’t an issue.
Read my review of my long weekend ski break in Slovenia.
And there you have it – a comprehensive list of ski resorts in Europe that cater to your weekend ski break needs. Offering short transfer times and incredible ski adventures, these destinations create unforgettable ski weekends.
If you’re looking for a great deal on last minute or long weekend ski package, SkiWorld offer some great packages which include flights and top quality accommodation.
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