Annecy and La Clusaz combine a lakeside old town with a traditional ski resort in the Aravis, and the drives are short: Annecy is about 44 km and 40 minutes from Geneva Airport, and La Clusaz roughly 45 minutes further into the mountains via Thônes. It is one of the simplest ski and city trips you can plan from Geneva. AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you from GVA to Annecy, up to La Clusaz and back to the airport.
- City stay: Annecy, about 44 km / 40 min from GVA
- Ski stay: La Clusaz, in the Aravis, roughly 45 min from Annecy
- Neighbouring resort: Le Grand-Bornand, close by in the same massif
- Border crossing: the route crosses into France
- Best for: short breaks, couples, families and food lovers
Lake town and mountain village
Annecy is a lakeside town in Haute-Savoie whose old quarter is crossed by canals fed by the Thiou river. The Palais de l'Isle, a former prison standing on a small island in the canal, is the town's best-known image, and the château above the old town houses a museum. Lake Annecy is known for its clear water, and in winter its promenades and the Jardins de l'Europe are peaceful places to walk. Market days fill the old streets with local produce, from cheese and charcuterie to mountain honey.
La Clusaz is a genuine mountain village rather than a purpose-built station, with a church at its heart and a ski area spread across several massifs, linked by lifts. Slopes range from gentle beginner zones to more demanding terrain on the higher sectors, and the views across to the Aravis chain are memorable. Neighbouring Le Grand-Bornand, a short drive away, adds another ski area of similar character. The Aravis is also the home of Reblochon cheese, which you will meet in tartiflette on many menus.
Getting there from Geneva Airport
The motorway south from GVA reaches Annecy in about 40 minutes for 44 km in normal traffic, so you can land in the morning and lunch by the lake. From Annecy the road to La Clusaz runs through Thônes and climbs the Aravis valley; allow roughly 45 minutes. In snowy conditions the last section can be slower, and winter equipment is needed, which your chauffeur will have.
Which order to choose
Two approaches both work well:
- City first: two nights in Annecy to relax after travel, then four or five in La Clusaz, finishing with a short return to GVA from the mountains.
- Ski first: begin in La Clusaz while the legs are fresh, then end with two nights in Annecy, which leaves you just 40 minutes from the airport for your flight home.
The second option is especially useful for early-morning departures. You can also skip the move altogether, stay in Annecy and ski La Clusaz on day trips with a chauffeur by the hour, minimum two hours.
Making the most of both stays
In Annecy, explore the old town early, before crowds, and take time for the lakeside paths towards the Pâquier, a broad lawn with views of the mountains. In La Clusaz, plan your first day on the lower slopes to get your bearings, then explore the higher sectors. Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, winter walking paths and the village's shops and cafés. On a day off from skiing, Le Grand-Bornand's village centre and farm shops are worth a visit for cheese lovers.
Because the distances are small, this itinerary suits long weekends as well as full weeks. Families appreciate the short drive times, and children often enjoy the lake as much as the snow.
Food and evenings in Savoie
Part of the pleasure of this trip is eating well in two settings. Annecy's restaurants range from lakeside terraces to cosy places in the old town serving Savoyard dishes such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette, alongside fish from the lake and wines from Savoie. In La Clusaz, evenings tend to be quieter and centred on the village, with mountain restaurants and farm produce taking centre stage. Picking up Reblochon from a farm in the Aravis to take home is a classic souvenir, and your chauffeur can stop on the way back to the airport if you ask in advance. Evenings in Annecy are lively at weekends, while La Clusaz suits early nights before first lifts, so plan your evenings around which stay comes last.
Booking with AirportsTransfers.ch
Each journey is booked online at a fixed price per vehicle shown before payment by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur follows your flight and meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, waiting if your plane is late. Declare skis when you reserve so the right vehicle is sent; the V-Class Van seats up to seven with ten bags and skis, and the E-Class Business Sedan suits couples with light luggage. Child seats are available on request. For day trips or tailored timings, contact AirportsTransfers.ch on +41 78 346 56 77 via phone or WhatsApp.
