Skiing

Combloux is THE easiest ski resort to drive to from England or from Geneva and has fast road access to several other resorts. The season runs from Dec 17 to Apr 15.

Portes du Mont Blanc : About 150 yards from our apartments, there is a free drag lift up to 'la Cry', the ski base for access to this local area. If you are feeling lazy or have young kids in tow, you can drive up and park near the pistes. Overnight, you can leave kit locked in your car, in the apartment ski lockers, or in a locker at our friendly Marin Sports shop.

The pass covers 90 km of pistes and 27 ski lifts in the area between Combloux, Megeve Jaillet, and Giettaz (see map). This provides plenty of variety for all grades of skier, and with beautiful views, tree lined pistes, two snow parks, 16 friendly restaurants, a good ski school and superb ski creche - all of which makes it ideal for short breaks and family holidays. The really good news is that the pass only costs 27€ per day; (20.60€ child) or 134.50€ for 6 days (104€ child). In April it costs 15€ per day but links to Jaillet and Giettaz are closed.

Under 5s are free and beginners can buy a special 8.30€ day pass that only covers certain lifts.

Evasion Mont-Blanc : This pass includes Megève and St Gervais (see map), and les Contamines (see map), as well as Combloux. It is a vast area, best accessed by driving to one of six lifts serving different sectors. (It is possible but not recommended to walk through Megève or take free ski buses to the Princesse lift on the outskirts of Combloux). The pass costs 40% more than Combloux which compares well with other major resorts because it covers 217 pistes (450km) and 119 ski lifts and costs 38.50€ per day; (31€ child) or 186.50€ for 6 days (149.50€ child). An interesting option is to get a six day pass for Combloux then buy a day pass to sample one of the other areas.

Other resorts nearby : We recommend you consider day trips to several other resorts that are within one hour by car: Praz-sur-Arly and other Diamant Vert resorts (see map); les Houches (see map); Chamonix (see map); Flaine (see map); Morzine or Avoriaz (see map).

Ski school : If you need ski-lessons, we recommend you to contact our rep Tina to advise the smartest approach. She has contacts and can help to make bookings at the local ski-school but the default of entering into group lessons is often not the best solution. You may save money, learn more, and get more enjoyment from a combination of ski guiding, private lessons and teaming up with other skiers.

Ski and boot hire : Our guests get preferential treatment at Marin Sports. 6 days good quality ski and boot hire would cost about 120€, or 78€ for under 16s. (more)

Control your holiday costs : Accommodation accounts for less than 20% of the total cost of a skiing holiday, but where and when you stay affects the cost of travel, food and drink, ski passes etc. We have created a ready reckoner to help you plan.