Aussois
Aussois is 202 km from Geneva Airport, a drive of about 2 hours 10 minutes via Chambéry and the Maurienne motorway towards Modane. The route crosses the border into France as you leave Geneva. It is a sunny, family-sized village resort on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, and AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you from the terminal to your door in one go.
- Distance from GVA: 202 km
- Drive time: about 2 h 10
- Border crossing: Switzerland to France
- Character: village resort, sunny slopes, national park setting
- Suits: families, beginners and relaxed intermediates
How to get from Geneva Airport to Aussois
Leaving Geneva, the A41 runs south past Annecy to Chambéry, where you join the A43 into the Maurienne valley. This motorway follows the Arc river all the way to the Fréjus tunnel towards Italy. You leave it at Modane, and a short climb on a mountain road takes you up to the sunny terrace where Aussois sits above the valley.
Compared with many French ski resorts, the final ascent is short and not especially steep, which makes Aussois one of the more straightforward resorts to reach in winter. Still, French mountain roads require winter equipment in the cold season, and snow can slow things down. The Maurienne motorway is a main route to Italy, so expect heavy goods traffic on weekdays and holiday traffic on Saturdays.
The ski area: compact and sunny
Aussois has a modest ski area rising above the village on south-facing slopes, which means plenty of sunshine and wide views across the Haute Maurienne. The runs are mostly blues and reds, with gentle beginner slopes near the village. It is not the place for a week of covering huge distances, but it is well suited to families, beginners and skiers who prefer a calm atmosphere and uncrowded pistes.
Stronger skiers will find some steeper sections and off-piste opportunities after fresh snow, and the wider Haute Maurienne has other resorts within a short drive, such as Val Cenis further up the valley, for a change of scenery. With a chauffeur by the hour service, you could even plan a day out to a neighbouring resort without needing a car of your own.
Village life and the Vanoise National Park
Aussois is a traditional Savoyard village with stone houses and a parish church, and it keeps an authentic feel. It sits at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, France's first national park, and in winter the surroundings lend themselves to snowshoeing and nature walks; ibex and chamois are sometimes seen in the area.
Just below the village, the Esseillon forts, a chain of 19th-century fortifications built on rocky outcrops above the Arc gorge, make an interesting outing. A via ferrata route and a suspended footbridge are found near the forts, though these are typically summer activities. In the village itself, evenings are quiet and family-orientated.
Aussois is also known as a cross-country and snowshoeing base, with marked trails across the plateau above the village. Mixed groups, where some members ski while others prefer to walk, find that everyone has something to do without needing a car to reach it. Dog-sled outings and sledging are typical extra activities offered in this part of the Maurienne, though availability varies from season to season.
When to go and what to bring
The season typically runs from mid-December to April. January is generally quiet with good value for time on the slopes, while February holidays fill the village with families. The sunny aspect makes late-season snow softer in the afternoons, so March skiers often prefer mornings on the slopes and afternoons enjoying the terraces.
- Sun protection is essential: high altitude and south-facing slopes mean strong sunshine.
- Declare skis, snowboards and sledges at booking so there is room in the vehicle.
- Ask for child seats in advance if travelling with young children.
- If self-catering, consider bringing basics, as the village shops are limited.
Planning your return to Geneva
On departure day, the short descent to Modane is quick, but the Maurienne motorway and the Chambéry area can be busy on Saturdays. Allow the full drive time plus a margin and aim to reach the airport around two hours before your flight. If heavy snow is forecast, we will contact you about an earlier pick-up.
If you are flying out on a Sunday or midweek, the journey is usually calmer. Remember to allow time for returning hired equipment and handing back accommodation keys before your chauffeur arrives, and let us know in advance if you need to change the pick-up time.
Book your Aussois transfer
AirportsTransfers.ch displays the fixed price for your chosen vehicle before payment, and you can pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name and follows your flight, so delays are not a problem. For families, a Mercedes V-Class carries up to seven passengers with skis and luggage; small groups of three with light bags can travel in an E-Class. Child seats are available on request, and skis should be listed when booking. For questions, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77, 24 hours a day.
