Offering culture, history, tranquility and some of the best shopping in Europe, Geneva is the perfect getaway for a gentle relax and sophisticated rejuvenation. A beautiful and serene place, it has many protected buildings with the entire old city of Geneva being listed as part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.
Even more special in Winter are the magnificent Swiss Alps and picturesque snow sports resorts promising exhiliration and excitement. If you’re needing a change of scenery this winter, look no further than the stunning city and surroundings of Geneva. At Sixt we’ve compiled some of the best things to do once you’re in the Swiss city, and are offering a special 15% discount off your Geneva car hire for Winter 2019.
Snow Sports:
A fantastic winter excursion and deservedly first on our hit list, Geneva does winter sports very well. Only a short distance from this Swiss hub and Alpine gateway are the grand mountains dotted with many resorts, from student party towns to family resorts to exclusive boutique chalets. For a trusted ski resort that caters for all ability levels and is not brimming with tourists, La Grand Bornand will not disappoint. It is under an hour’s drive from Geneva and boasts a range of slopes suitable for beginners as well experienced skiers. For more experienced skiers who enjoy the challenge of cross country skiing, head to Mount Saleve which is very close to Geneva city centre. From the top of the mountain you can also enjoy great panoramic views of the city and the lake cradling it.
Glacier Walking:
A drive to the glacial area of Glacier 3000 is an excellent day or more trip from Geneva which encapsulates the best of the Alps. This glacial area links the three cantons of Bern, Valais and Vaud and offers breathtaking views of 24 peaks over 4,000 metres in height, including the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and Mont Blanc. Enjoy hiking, skiing, dog sledding and the world’s highest toboggan run with the rare opportunity to walk on a glacier. Its not just about the destination – the journey is also awesome, starting with a drive along Lake Geneva and heading up to the the magnificent Col du Pillon mountain pass for an incredible cable car ride into the world of the glaciers.
See more of Surrounding Europe:
Geneva sits on the border between Switzerland and France, and so is well placed for hitting multiple countries and embarking on a European roadtrip. Just an hour and a half’s drive from Geneva through the picturesque Arve Valley is Chamonix, the iconic village sitting at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.
As the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix is known for outstanding skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports opportunities. For those looking for something a little less active but still wanting to enjoy the mountains, the cable car to Aiguille du Midi is the perfect way to see breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc and the Alps as well as breath in some fresh mountain air.
Lake Geneva:
Lake Geneva:For an option to stay local and not get so active look no further than Lake Geneva, the largest lake in western Europe. This extremely vast and beautifully calm lake is a treat to enjoy, plus shelters charming villages along its shores. The periphery of the narrow, curved lake is almost 100km from one side to the other – just over an hours drive takes you from the city of Geneva to the Alpine villages in the fairy-tale-esque municipality of Montreux.
The whole lake is an area of outstanding natural beauty and it is easy to get swept away and understand how it has been inspiring artist and creative thinkers ranging from Lord Byron to Deep Purple.
Explore it all by car
Hiring a car and driving is the best way to explore the mountainous countryside and enjoy a winter sports resort. Many areas are inaccessible by public transport so having your own rental car ensures you quick and easy access to all those hidden mountain gems and scenic drives. For more information on a Geneva car hire we have large car rental branches at Geneva Airport and Geneva Airport French Side depending on where you land. We have a whole range of vehicles on offer, including 4x4s and all-wheel drives that can be readily equipped with winter tyres and ski equipment – perfect for your winter escape.
