Les Saisies
Les Saisies is 111 km from Geneva Airport, and the drive takes about 1 hour 50 minutes via the A40 to Sallanches, then Megève, Flumet and the climb to the col. The resort sits on a high, open plateau between the Val d'Arly and the Beaufortain, at the heart of the Espace Diamant, and is renowned for its cross-country skiing. AirportsTransfers.ch offers private transfers from GVA directly to your accommodation in Les Saisies.
- Distance from GVA: 111 km
- Drive time: about 1 hour 50 minutes
- Border crossing: yes, the route crosses the border into France
- Ski area: Espace Diamant, with Crest-Voland, Hauteluce, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Praz-sur-Arly and Flumet
- Best for: families, intermediates and cross-country skiers
From Geneva Airport to Les Saisies
The route crosses into France and follows the A40 motorway towards Chamonix as far as Sallanches. From there it climbs through Combloux to Megève, continues along the Val d'Arly past Praz-sur-Arly to Flumet, and then climbs a mountain road via Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe or Crest-Voland to the Col des Saisies, where the resort is located. The final climb is steady and well maintained but can be demanding in heavy snow. An alternative approach from Albertville via Beaufort and Hauteluce is sometimes used depending on conditions. With several climbs and the passage through Megève, the journey takes close to two hours, more on Saturdays in February. A driver who knows the roads can choose the best route and adjust to the weather.
The ski area: Les Saisies and the Espace Diamant
Les Saisies is the highest and best-known resort of the Espace Diamant, a linked area that includes Crest-Voland, Cohennoz, Hauteluce, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Praz-sur-Arly and Flumet. Its slopes are mostly wide, open and gentle to moderate, making it an excellent choice for families, beginners and intermediates. The altitude and the plateau setting give it a good reputation for snow reliability. Les Saisies is particularly well known for cross-country skiing: it hosted cross-country and biathlon events during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, and its trails across the plateau and through forests are among the most extensive in the French Alps. Snowshoeing and ski touring are also popular. Off-piste skiers should hire a qualified guide.
The resort and where to stay
Les Saisies is a family-oriented resort, built around the col with chalets, apartment residences and hotels. Its atmosphere is relaxed and friendly rather than glamorous, and it is popular with French and Belgian families. Many residences are close to the slopes, and the resort has shops, restaurants and services for a week's stay. Views stretch across to the Mont Blanc massif on clear days. Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledding, winter walks on marked paths, sledging and visits to the Beaufortain cheese cooperatives in the valley. Evenings are quiet, centred on cosy restaurants serving Savoyard specialities such as fondue and tartiflette with local Beaufort cheese.
When to go and practical tips
The season generally runs from mid-December to April. The altitude and the plateau's north-facing aspects help Les Saisies hold snow well, so March can be excellent, with longer days and sunshine. January is quiet and cold, ideal for cross-country skiing. February school holidays are the busiest period. Saturday traffic through Megève and the Val d'Arly is the main source of delay; arrive early or on Sunday if you can. Winter tyres and chains are required in French mountain areas. If you are bringing cross-country skis as well as alpine equipment, declare them when booking so there is enough space in the vehicle.
Les Saisies works especially well for groups with mixed interests. Downhill skiers can explore the Espace Diamant, cross-country enthusiasts have the plateau trails on their doorstep, and those who prefer not to ski can enjoy the snow on foot. Because the resort is compact, everyone can meet for lunch without long journeys between sectors.
The return journey
On a winter Saturday, allow at least three hours between leaving Les Saisies and your flight, and a little more if snow is forecast. Early morning departures are generally quicker and calmer. Your driver will confirm the best route the evening before.
Booking your Les Saisies transfer
Book online with AirportsTransfers.ch and the fixed price for your vehicle is displayed before you pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur follows your flight, meets you in arrivals with a name sign and includes waiting time if your flight is late. Choose a Mercedes E-Class for small parties, a V-Class van for up to seven with skis, or a Sprinter minibus for groups. Child seats are available on request, and skis should be declared at booking. Phone or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77, 24 hours a day.
