Imagine this: you land, grab your gear, and within 90 minutes, you’re stepping into your skis as the alpine sun glows over fresh corduroy. No endless motorway monotony, no restless kids (or adults!) asking "Are we there yet?". Just efficient, stress-free travel that gets you to the good stuff faster.
From big-name resorts with reliable snow to charming lesser-known gems, these destinations prove you don’t need to trek deep into the mountains for an epic ski break. Fancy first tracks on your arrival afternoon? A long, lazy lunch on a sunny terrace instead of a service station sandwich? With short transfers, it’s all possible.
And let’s talk après. Why spend your energy on a draining journey when you could be sipping a vin chaud by the fire or soaking in a hot tub while the sun sets? Quick transfers don’t just save time - they help you hit the ground running (or skiing) from the moment you arrive.
So if you’d rather trade travel hours for extra runs, better snow, and more memorable moments, you’re in the right place. Browse our top picks for ski resorts with short transfers - your dream winter escape is closer than you think.
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La Clusaz, France
Fly to: Geneva International Airport
Transfer: 67 km/ 59 minutes
A storybook Alpine village where cobbled streets wind past cosy cafés and the jagged silhouette of Mont Blanc looms in the distance. La Clusaz serves up a perfect mix of terrain - gentle blues for beginners, thigh-burning reds for intermediates, and off-piste adventures that’ll have experts grinning. Fancy exploring secret powder stashes? Book a local guide and dive into backcountry routes that feel worlds away from the crowds.
Families adore this place. Between excellent ski schools, husky sledging, snowshoe trails, and a toboggan run lit up at night, there’s no chance of the kids (or you) getting bored. The vibe? Wholesome but far from sleepy. Après here is less foam party, more fireside Vin Chaud and fondue feasts—though a few lively bars keep things fun after dark.
With a transfer under an hour, La Clusaz is the ultimate weekend escape. Land at Geneva, hop in your transfer, and you could be carving turns by lunchtime. Now that’s how you start a ski holiday.
Chamonix, France
Fly to: Geneva International Airport
Transfer: 103km/ 1 hour 15 minutes
Chamonix isn’t just a ski resort - it’s a legend. Home to the towering Aiguille du Midi, where a cable car whisks you up to 3,842m for panoramic views across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Beginners can find their feet on gentle nursery slopes, while experts can test their nerve on the infamous Vallée Blanche off-piste descent. And for everyone else? Miles of scenic reds and blues with jaw-dropping backdrops.
Accommodation here ranges from rustic wood-clad chalets to sleek boutique hotels—all just a stone’s throw from the lifts. But let’s talk about après. When the sun dips behind Mont Blanc, Chamonix transforms. Sip craft cocktails at a trendy bar, dance on tables at legendary spots like Chambre Neuf, or unwind in a cosy wine cellar.
With a transfer just over an hour, Chamonix is perfect for those who want epic skiing and an even better night out.
Mayrhofen, Austria
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Fly to: Innsbruck Airport
Transfer: 73.6km / 1 hour 5 minutes
Mayrhofen is where Austrian charm meets adrenaline-pumping skiing. Intermediates can cruise down mile-long reds with breathtaking Zillertal views, while experts face off against the Harakiri - Austria’s steepest groomed run with a heart-stopping 78% gradient. Freestylers, meanwhile, flock to PenkenPark for rails, kickers, and a superpipe that’ll test your skills.
The village itself is a postcard of wooden chalets, lively beer halls, and cobbled streets dusted with snow. Time your trip right, and you might catch one of Mayrhofen’s legendary festivals, like Snowbombing’s music madness or the rustic Almabtrieb cattle parade.
With a transfer just over an hour, you’ll have extra time for schnapps tastings, strudel stops, and squeezing in one last run before the lifts close.
Zell am See, Austria
Fly to: Salzburg Airport
Transfer: 76km / 1 hour 17 minutes
Zell am See is like stepping into a snow globe. Picture this: a frozen lake ringed by mountains, cobbled streets lined with pastry shops, and slopes that cater to every level—all just over an hour from the airport. Cruise 138km of pistes, hop on the free shuttle to Kaprun for long, sweeping reds, or challenge yourself on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier’s high-altitude runs.
Families, take note - Maiskogel Mountain is your paradise. Gentle nursery slopes, a magical toboggan run, and even a kids’ adventure trail make it a winter wonderland for little ones. And when it’s time to refuel? Lakeside restaurants serve up hearty goulash and apple strudel with a side of unbeatable views.
If you want charm, variety, and zero transfer fuss, Zell am See delivers in spades.
Morzine, France
Fly to: Geneva Airport
Transfer: 78km / 1 hour 30 minutes
Welcome to the Portes du Soleil, where Morzine sits at the heart of one of the world’s largest ski areas. With 650km of linked pistes (including Avoriaz’s snow-sure slopes and Les Gets’ tree-lined runs), there’s terrain for every ability. Freestylers, make a beeline for the Stash - a Burton-designed snowpark with natural wood features - or the massive kickers in Avoriaz’s parks.
But Morzine isn’t just about the skiing. By night, the village buzzes with over 100 bars and restaurants. Sip local génépi at a rustic pub, dance on tables at Live Morzine, or feast on raclette at a candlelit bistro. The vibe? A perfect mix of Alpine tradition and modern energy.
With a transfer shorter than a Marvel movie, Morzine is the dream for groups that want epic skiing, wild nights, and zero travel hassle.
Why choose Erna Low for short ski transfer resorts?
Flexible travel: We can put together a ski package that works for you with either self-drive deals or airport transfers. You can even arrange your own travel if you prefer.
Price-match guarantee: Book with us knowing you've secured the best deal.
Expert knowledge: The Erna Low team have knowledge of all our destinations so we can advise you on the best ski resorts with short transfers to suit you.
ATOL protection: All our ski holidays are ATOL protected, so you can rest assured that your booking is safe.