Les Saisies
Les Saisies is 111 km from Geneva Airport, a drive of about 1 h 50 through the Arve valley, over Megève and up from the Val d'Arly. Set on a wide, high plateau between the Val d'Arly and the Beaufortain, it offers gentle open slopes, excellent cross-country skiing and views of Mont Blanc, which make it one of the most natural family resorts in the region. AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you there directly, with child seats ready on request.
- Distance from GVA: 111 km
- Drive time: about 1 h 50
- Border crossing: yes, into France
- Ski area: Espace Diamant, with Les Saisies at its heart
- Best for: beginners, families with young children and Nordic skiers
The drive from Geneva Airport
After crossing into France, the motorway follows the Arve valley to Sallanches. The road then climbs to Megève, continues down through Praz-sur-Arly to Flumet and finally climbs to the Col des Saisies. The last section includes bends but is well maintained; children who are sensitive to winding roads appreciate a stop in Flumet or a snack before the climb.
On winter Saturdays, traffic through Sallanches and Megève can slow things down, so allow extra time or consider a Sunday or midweek arrival. Child seats and boosters are provided on request; give the children's ages at booking.
Why Les Saisies is ideal for families
Les Saisies sits on a broad, rolling plateau rather than in a steep valley. The slopes are wide and open, with many gentle and intermediate runs, so children can make progress without feeling intimidated. The resort has a reputation for good snow, helped by its altitude and position, and on clear days the views across to Mont Blanc are spectacular.
Les Saisies is also central to the Espace Diamant, which links it with Crest-Voland, Hauteluce, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Flumet and Praz-sur-Arly. Older children and parents can explore far and wide, while younger ones stay on the beginner slopes near the resort centre. Accommodation is mostly in chalets and residences close to the slopes, which simplifies the daily routine with small children.
The resort has a strong Nordic heritage: it hosted cross-country skiing and biathlon events during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Today, its extensive cross-country network is one of the best known in France, and children often enjoy trying Nordic skis on the flat and rolling trails.
Ski schools and children's areas
Ski schools in Les Saisies offer group and private lessons for children from about three or four years old, with dedicated beginner areas and children's zones. For first-time skiers, short morning lessons followed by sledging or a walk keep enthusiasm high. February is the busiest time, when French school holidays fill the resort, so book lessons early.
Families with toddlers will find the gentle snowfields around the resort perfect for first experiences on snow, and some accommodation offers or can recommend childcare options.
Timing helps too. The plateau holds its snow well, and the core season from early January to mid-March is usually the most reliable. February brings the French school holidays and the busiest slopes; January and the weeks of March outside the holidays are quieter, with more space on the nursery areas and in ski school groups.
Things to do off the slopes
- Cross-country skiing: trails for all levels across the plateau.
- Snowshoeing: marked routes with views of Mont Blanc.
- Sledging: gentle runs suitable for younger children.
- Dog sledding: outings are offered in the area and are a memorable experience for children.
- Beaufort cheese: a visit to a dairy in the Beaufortain valley below.
Packing and planning the arrival day
The plateau is exposed, so pack windproof and waterproof outer layers, thermal base layers, warm hats, spare gloves and goggles for each child. The open snowfields reflect a lot of sunlight, making sun cream and lip balm essential. Equipment can be hired in the resort, including cross-country gear. If you bring your own skis or snowboards, declare them at booking.
Arrive with daylight to spare if possible, so you can collect equipment and lift passes before dinner. The road up to the col can be snowy, and your chauffeur carries winter equipment and adapts the pace. A calm first evening helps children start the week rested.
Booking your transfer to Les Saisies
Book with AirportsTransfers.ch online: you see a fixed price for the vehicle before paying by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur tracks your flight, meets you in arrivals with a name sign and waits if you are delayed. Child seats are fitted on request and skis are declared at booking. A V-Class van seats up to seven with skis; a Sprinter minibus suits larger family groups. For help planning, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77.
