The Alps are home to some of the best countries for skiing and the most popular skiing destinations in the world. With staggering vistas, optimum skiing conditions, and miles of ski runs to explore, we’re lucky to have access to the perfect alpine getaway in just a few hours.
While the Alps are quite spread out, certain ski resorts are easily accessible from major UK airports.
In this article, we’ve highlighted our top picks for the closest luxury ski resorts to visit if you are travelling from the UK. We’ve also shared some of our favourite luxury chalets that offer alpine charm and unforgettable views throughout the entire season.
Ski destinations that are closest to the UK and London
Whether you are travelling directly from London or further afield in the UK, the below list features some of the easiest skiing mountains to get to from airports in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Dublin, Birmingham and Bristol.
1) St Anton, Austria
Part of the largest ski area in Austria, skiers can enjoy over 300km of pistes. It makes our list of ski resorts closest to the UK thanks to its accessibility and proximity to Innsbruck Airport.
Situated just over an hour’s drive from Innsbruck airport, St Anton also has easy access to Lech for the ultimate luxury trip not too far from home. With a mixture of terrains for all abilities, St Anton has long been a hot spot for advanced skiers and aprés-ski goers alike.
How to get to St Anton
Coach and car transfers to St Anton take about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Innsbruck airport, making it the perfect destination for a luxury ski break without too much hassle or travel time.
Catered luxury chalets in St Anton
- Villa Villekulla - Sleeps 10
- Chalet Zari - Sleeps 6
- Chalet Tschoder - Sleeps 14
- Chalet Lena - Sleeps 23
Luxury ski hotels in St Anton
- Raffl’s St Antoner Hof - 5-star
- Hotel Tannenhof - 5-star
- Raffl’s Tyrol Hotel - 4-star
- Das Mooser Hotel - 4-star
View our luxury ski accommodation in St Anton.
2) Morzine, France
Morzine, France, is a ski resort optimally located for quick access to the slopes. Only an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport, guests can enjoy a swift transfer before arriving at the exceptional ski facilities that Morzine has to offer. With slopes that feature secluded forest trails as well as mountain views, Morzine is located in the centre of the Portes du Soleil ski area. With fantastic powder and ideal temperatures, thanks to its positioning between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, it’s an ultimate skiing destination.
How to get to Morzine
Morzine is located just a 1 hour 30 minute drive transfer from Geneva airport, with Chambery airport a 1 hour 40 minute transfer.
. A great, familiy-friendly ski resort resort just a few hours from the UK, it’s no wonder Morzine makes our shortlist.
Catered luxury chalets Morzine
- ZEMS Lodge - Sleeps 8
- Chalet Debussy - Sleeps 8
- Chalet Bouquetin - Sleeps 10
- La Maison - Sleeps 12
View our luxury ski accommodation in Morzine.
3) Chamonix, France
For traditional alpine skiing in a luxurious destination, look no further than Chamonix. Popular with skiing enthusiasts as well as those looking for a little bit of luxury, Chamonix is nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, with access to stunning pistes and off-piste tracks. With a bustling town centre, nightlife and boutiques to enjoy, Chamonix makes our list as an ultimate destination for skiers, situated only 501 miles from London. As the host destination for the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, Chamonix plays a pivotal role in alpine history and is the perfect winter getaway for families, large groups and everything in between.
How to get to Chamonix
The closest airport to Chamonix is Geneva airport in Switzerland, with an estimated transfer time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Chambery airport, France is a close second, with a 1 hour 30 minute transfer time. With a few options to choose from, the easy access to Chamonix is one of the reasons why it’s so popular for skiers from the UK.
Catered luxury chalets in Chamonix
- Chalet Big Bear - Sleeps 10
- Marmotte Retreat - Sleeps 8
- Chalet Amazonia - Sleeps 28
- Le Chalet Mont Blanc - Sleeps 24
Luxury 5-star ski hotel in Chamonix
Hotel Mont Blanc - One of the oldest hotels in Chamonix, Hotel Mont Blanc offers a luxurious experience with stylish and spacious rooms that feature stunning views of the Mont Blanc mountain. With delicious cuisine and a hotel bar, no matter how you want to unwind, Hotel Mont Blanc has it all.
View our luxury ski accommodation in Chamonix
4) Megève, France
Megève is located in the heart of the French Alps in the Mont d’Arbois Ski Area, with chic, cosy vibes and good snowfall on the mountains guaranteed. With a variety of slopes, Megève is a sheltered ski resort, making it less susceptible to bad weather and cold winds. With good proximity to the UK, as well as a chic town centre with traditional alpine features, Megève makes our list of luxury destinations that are accessible from London and the UK with ease. If the delightful town centre isn’t enough to catch your eye, then its mountainous views, medieval history and gourmet restaurants will keep you occupied. For a chic French stay that epitomises everything about skiing, Megève is for you!
How to get to Megève
Geneva airport is the closest airport to Megève. You can enjoy a stress-free transfer at just over 1-hour drive. Chambery and Grenoble airports are situated within a two-hour drive and with the Sallanches-Combloux-Megève train station only 12km away, there are alternative options if you don’t want to fly.
Luxury catered chalets in Megève
- Chalet Divinity - Sleeps 10
- Chalet Ariana - Sleeps 10
- Chalet Petite Ourse- Sleeps 15
- The Ultima Chalet Megève - Sleeps 18
Luxury 5-star ski hotels in Megève
- Hotel Alpaga - 5 star
- Four Seasons Hotel - 5 star
- Les Fermes de Marie - 5 star
- Hotel Coeur de Megève - 4 star
View our luxury ski accommodation in Megève
5) Crans-Montana, Switzerland
A municipality in Switzerland, Crans-Montana is a less well-known ski resort that nevertheless offers stunning vistas, great skiing and a bustling atmosphere. With views of the Valais ski area and a vantage point from Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, Crans Montana has a lot to offer. The 140km of south-facing slopes are enough to keep any skier entertained, and with easy access to a snowpark as well as cross-country skiing, there’s something for everyone. Non-skiers can enjoy the array of restaurants and bars, snow tubing, and forest trails, making it a truly universal resort with plenty to keep you occupied and entertained.
How to get to Crans-Montana
Geneva airport is around a 2-hour transfer time from Crans-Montana, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a Swiss ski resort while keeping travel times down. If you’re able to access flights to Sion Airport, Switzerland, then the transfer time is only 40 minutes.
Luxury catered chalets in Crans-Montana
- Chalet Renee - Ski in, ski out - Sleeps 6
- Chalet Benou - Ski in, ski out - Sleeps 8
- Prestige Apartment, Six Senses hotel - Ski in, ski out - Sleeps 6
5-star ski hotels in Crans-Montana
- Le Crans Hotel and Spa - 5 Star
- Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences - 5 Star
- Crans Ambassador - 5 Star
View our luxury ski accommodation in Crans-Montana
Explore our entire collection of luxury ski accommodations around the world, or find out why the Alps are an attractive place to visit even for non-skiers in our article ‘The allure of the Alps – More than just skiing’.
With years of expertise and experience pairing guests with their perfect luxury skiing holiday, start your journey and contact our team.
