 Poster: A snowHead
|
Hello Hive mind of Snowheads...
I work really odd hours (I have a hospitality business) and I'm trying to slot in a few extra days of super cheap skiing. I want to fly to Geneva on a Sunday, ski Monday Tuesday Wednesday and come back Thursday. I've found super cheap flights, but what under pins the value aspect of this little trip is the fact I've got a mate with a flat in central Geneva who's happy to let me crash on his sofa and use his pots and pans...
So; my question is this; is there a cheap public transport option that will get me to and from Geneva and the slopes (resort is unimportant) each morning for the lifts opening and back at close of play? I know I'm looking at a couple of hours round trip but that doesn't bother me. I've found a few options on line but nothing seems to quite give the definitive answer I'm looking for.
Thanks in advance,
Luke
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Yep, from the central bus station. Loads of locals use it, I've used it many times, very efficient and friendly.
Buses will run to one resort usually Mon-thurs, maybe 2 on Fridays, and a few more on Saturday and Sunday (if enough demand).
Stations generally include biggest PdS resorts, La Clusaz/Le Grand Bornand, Chamonix, Flaine. Cost is about 75/80chf (though may have gone up for this winter), for the return bus and day lift pass. If you go to the final resort on the line for the day, the bus normally sits there all day, so you can leave your normal boots etc in the luggage compartment while you are off skiing (but do check first). Tickets can be bought in advance, or at the window on the day, though they have been known to run out (might not be such an issue mid-week, I'm not sure). It's generally a departure between 8am - 8.30am, you should be on the slopes by 10am, finish around 4pm for a 4.15/4.30pm departure, and back in the centre by 6pm.
This winters ski timetable doesn't seem to be up yet - when it is you'll find it here: www.gare-routiere.ch
Use the drop down box at the bottom and choose something like "Forfait Ski" or "Stations ski", then click the little check box beside it to download the pdf. You'll need to actually check at the office though to see which buses really are running each day 
(There is a "Stations Alpines" option at the moment - that's not it, that's just the winter timetable for standard buses to various mountain towns. The one you want will very clearly talk about, in French!, combined tickets and daily times)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Ah, I was about to suggest that timings might be awkward but I see that @fixx has fixed that as such. Yes, pretty easy to do, just aim for the nearer resorts (Les Gets, Morzine, Morillon, etc.)
A nice idea.
And you get to hang out in the fleshpots of Geneva.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@fixx, Thanks so much! My French is pretty appalling but I shall muddle through! Can you help me with my next question; I'm planning on going 1st week in December - I know it's all looking a bit green at the moment, but which resorts do you think will be open?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
I doubt you will find much open, on a weekday, within a bus ride of Geneva, that early in the season (before the season, really). Chamonix, maybe. Bear in mind that however good the snow is, the lifts cost money to operate so resorts don't run them unless they can be sure of selling enough tickets to recoup the cost. On weekdays in early December that's unlikely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@LukeRibs, You could catch the train from Geneva to Zermatt which will be open at that time of year, it takes about 3.5 hours though and was 55chF each way on a saver ticket via the sbb.ch site.
Could you not rent a car, stay the first and last night at your mates and then find a cheap hotel or hostel near to where the conditions are good and the slopes are open?
There'll be plenty of accommodation available that week and it shouldn't cost a lot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@LukeRibs, ah - that's going to be tricky. Nowhere close will be open, so the local day buses won't be running. If it has to be a day trip, you could get the train to Verbier, they might have some parts of the area open, but it'll be close to 3 hours each way to and from the actual slopes.
If you really need to ski at that time of year, then staying in Tignes, Val Thorens, or Zermatt are your best options.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@sanman, I did have a feeling I may be jumping the gun somewhat - such is my desire to get away ASAP!
@skichampcouk, Tips much appreciated thanks, but with 3 trips booked already for next year I need to do this on a budget tighter than a duck's bum hole, the car rental and paying for accom just tips it over the edge of affordability....
On reflection; I think I'm best postponing to January, and staying at my mate's and getting the bus to a different resort each day...
Thanks all!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| Quote: |
I think I'm best postponing to January
|
That.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nothing close to Geneva will be open this early. Verbier will be open, but it's a 2-hour drive or almost 2.5 hours train journey. A train leaves from GVA around 7.30 takes you to the slopes around 10 am. Interestingly, you will be less restricted for time as the last gondola that takes you to the train is at 19.30. I've known people who did it. But it will be too much to do it three days in a row.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
