When you book a resort with a short transfer, a high-altitude location and a carefully planned itinerary, a long ski weekend in the Alps gives you everything you could wish for... epic skiing, great company and just enough time to soak up the mountain magic. Fly out on a Thursday or Friday, hit the slopes by lunchtime and be home with a smile by Sunday night or Monday afternoon – your choice! No long commitments, no wasted time – just maximum fun packed into minimal days. We call that an absolute win.
The best part? Long weekends work for absolutely every type of skier. Solo travellers can go at their own pace, families can keep things simple (and stress-free) with a shorter stint and large groups of mates can get a good amount of ski time without the logistics of a much longer stay. So whether your idea of a good time involves knee-deep snow, high-energy après-ski or a weekend that feels like a proper escape, we’ll help you make it happen. In short, ski more, stress less and make the most out of every moment on the mountain.
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The Perks of Swapping a Full Week for a Few Powder-Filled Days
Where to start? Long weekends allow you to be spontaneous and chase peak snow without locking yourself into a week-long commitment. Believe it or not, a few days over a long weekend can still pack just as much oomph as your standard week-long ski holiday; albeit at a much lower cost and less time to spare. What’s not to love?
There are so many reasons to enjoy a long ski weekend break. In particular, shorter escapes benefit skiers on a tight work/life schedule unable to take a full week off or annual visitors looking to add an additional few days to their yearly escape. And not forgetting those who just prefer their holidays served in bite-sized bursts of excitement - fun-sized holidays, if you will (not the best pun, we know, but you know what we mean!!). Shorter trips also mean you can focus on what really matters – like maximising your slope time. With a little smart planning (and some Erna Low insider know-how), you can be cruising the hill by Friday lunchtime and be back at home by Monday feeling recharged and refreshed. And because the pace is shorter and sharper, there’s less risk of burning out halfway through the week; perfect if you want to go hard for 72 hours straight, then head home satisfied without the thigh burn...
A ski break over a long weekend is also a great way to squeeze in an extra ski trip each season. Why limit yourself to just one big holiday when you could double up with a long weekend (or two!) instead? That said, if you're chasing a high-impact, low-commitment ski escape, long weekends are where it’s at. And with the right resort, smooth logistics and a ski break that delivers more in less time, our team of friendly ski experts will help you get there.
Short on Time, Big on Snow – Weekend Trips That Deliver
Without beating around the snow (sorry... we just can’t help ourselves!) – while a long ski weekend means you’re short on time, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on an unforgettable winter adventure. If you pick the right resort, a long weekend can deliver every bit as much slope time and quality powder as a full-length stay. The key? Go high.
France is packed with snow-sure resorts that sit well above an impressive 2,000m, increasing your chances of fresh snow and well-groomed pistes. Basically, if you’re looking to get straight into the action from the moment you arrive, these resorts should be top of your list:
- Val Thorens
VT is Europe’s highest resort at 2,300m and a firm favourite for a long weekend break. The resort’s high altitude pretty much guarantees fantastic conditions, and its compact layout means quick and easy access to the slopes from almost anywhere you stay. - Tignes
Part of the iconic Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area, Tignes is an absolute playground for keen skiers looking for steep, snow-sure slopes. Some of the slopes reach as high as 3,456m, making it one of the best powder resorts in France. - Les Arcs 2000
Sitting high up in the huge Paradiski area, Les Arcs 2000 offers a fast and furious hit of ski fun times. The terrain is varied, and the high base elevation gives it a longer season and more reliable snow cover.
Weekend Ski Trips with Quick Transfers from Major Airports
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Every second counts when you’ve only got a few days to play in the Alps. The less time spent travelling, the closer you get to clicking into your ski or snowboard bindings – with some of France’s best ski resorts just a couple of hours away. That’s why we suggest picking a ski resort with a short, stress-free transfer. Here are Erna Low’s top picks:
- La Clusaz
No surprises here. Only about one hour from Geneva, La Clusaz gives you access to 125km of pistes and a laidback Alpine vibe – absolutely perfect for squeezing in a full ski day even if you arrive late morning. It’s also a great resort for families looking for a few days of mountain magic. - Les Gets
Part of the vast Portes du Soleil area and just 1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva, Les Gets is a fantastic resort for multigenerational families or mixed-ability groups. It's ski-in/ski-out friendly, so you can hit the slopes pretty much from your doorstep. - Megève
Stylish, scenic and only 1 hour 20 minutes from Geneva, Megève is a top-tier resort with wide, spacious pistes and relaxed mountain lunches that extend well into the late afternoon. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Planning a Family Ski Weekend Without the Stress
A ski holiday with the family over a long weekend sounds like the perfect idea until you start to consider the logistics! But good news... that’s what we’re here for. Our tips will help ease your planning without making it feel like you’re prepping for a military operation. With the right plan in place, a weekend family break can be easy, fun and surprisingly relaxing, even with little ones in tow.
- Choose a resort with short transfers from the airport. Anything under two hours is ideal. Resorts like La Clusaz or Les Gets make the journey quick and smooth, so you’re not wasting precious ski hours cooped up in a transfer van with tired kids.
- With time a precious resource, aim for ski-in/ski-out accommodation or a property that’s at least within close proximity to the lifts. Bonus points if your accommodation has family-friendly extras like a pool or wellness area for unwinding after an exhausting day on the hill.
- Many high-altitude resorts also offer childcare services, beginner zones and fun snow gardens, which means the little ones stay happy while the adults sneak in a few uninterrupted runs.
- Don’t forget to pre-book ski hire, lift passes and lessons to dodge those first-morning queues. Timing matters, too. If you can travel Thursday night or Friday morning, you can fit in nearly three full days on the slopes. Sunday afternoon flights home work well for squeezing every last minute from your trip. Win-win!
Après-Ski in 48 Hours – Where to Go for the Best Weekend Vibes
If vibrant aprés-ski vibes top your perfect holiday wishlist, our can’t-miss après-ski highlights guarantee an epic time. With only a weekend to spare, you’ll want to get as much “bang for your buck” as possible, so be sure to make a beeline for one of these incredible resorts:
- Val Thorens
Known for its high-energy nights out, you really can’t look past Val Thorens if you're after an unforgettable weekend ski break. And VT’s après scene 100% matches its high altitude. From an “on-top-of-the-world” party on the slopes at La Folie Douce to late-night energy at Malaysia Club, Europe’s largest underground nightclub, VT has plenty of bars and clubs with real character. - Alpe d’Huez
Known as the Island in the Sun, Alpe d’Huez pairs snow-sure pistes with one of the liveliest après scenes in the Alps. Its legendary slope parties combine live DJs, tabletop dancing and panoramic views, while bars like Smithy’s Tavern keep the party going long after the lifts shut down for the day. In summary, Alpe d’Huez is a great choice if you want to pack skiing and partying with fellow ski fanatics into a tight schedule. - Morzine
Morzine offers a perfect blend of alpine charm and atmosphere. Think rustic bars, local craft beers and late-night venues that keep the party going well into the early hours. And with quick access from Geneva, you can be toasting your arrival with a vin chaud just hours after landing. - Chamonix
It’s all about energy in Chamonix. The resort hums with a mix of skiers, climbers and mountain lovers that culminate into a vibe that’s both laid-back and electric. Expect street-side bars, live music and locals who know how to make a weekend feel like a proper event.
Long Weekend Skiing for Solo Travellers – Go at Your Own Pace
Simply put, long weekend ski escapes are pretty much tailor-made for solo skiers. A few days might be considered a short break, but when you’re solo, it’s long enough for a mental reset. There’s hardly anything as freeing as heading to the mountains with just yourself for company. There’s no one to wait around for, no schedules to follow and definitely no group debates about where to stop for lunch. It’s just you, the mountain and the freedom to ski exactly when and how you want. Whether you're chasing powder, perfecting your turns or need a breather from the busyness of everyday life, a weekend away on the slopes can be just the reset you need.
If you’re planning a solo weekend dash, resorts like Morzine, Chamonix and La Plagne are fantastic choices. You’ll have plenty of varied terrain to explore, sociable après-ski hotspots and accommodation options that are just-right for a short stay. And if you end up feeling like some company, consider booking a group ski lesson or join a guided off-piste day. You’ll not only benefit from expert tips, but you’ll also be more than likely to find a few like-minded ski fanatics to link up with for a run or two. Joining in with a group activity is the perfect way to interact with others but still have your own space over the few days you’re away.
Expert tip: Choose accommodation close to the lifts and town centre. That way, everything from morning coffees to après-ski drinks is right on your doorstep, making it easier to dip in and out of socialising at your own pace.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.