Mountain lore meets city sophistication on this Alps escape designed for a family of four. Geneva has welcomed travelers since Roman times, now known for watchmaking, humanitarian institutions, and its mirrored lake crowned by the Jet d’Eau. It’s the ideal gateway: easy arrivals, great food, and fun museums before you head into the high country.

Your ski base is Avoriaz: a car‑free, wood‑clad resort perched at 1,800 m in the Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s largest linked ski areas. Built in the 1960s to blend with the cliffs, the village is practically all ski‑in/ski‑out. Snow reliability is excellent from mid‑December into spring, with wide blues for confidence building and thrilling reds—and even the infamous Swiss Wall—for the experts.

Practical notes: Geneva uses CHF, Avoriaz uses EUR. Book ski school early (kids 12/13 love teen groups and parks), and reserve transfers during peak weeks. Helmets, sunscreen, and warm gloves are non‑negotiable. Align Days 4–7 with Thursday–Sunday to make the most of your snow‑sure window.

Geneva

Geneva’s compact old town, gleaming lakefront, and parks make it easy with kids. Between cathedral towers and chocolate shops, you’ll sample Switzerland before swapping cobblestones for corduroy pistes.

• Top sights: St. Pierre Cathedral towers, Old Town lanes, Jet d’Eau, Bastions Park and the Reformation Wall, Patek Philippe Museum, Carouge’s Sardinian quarter.
• Fun facts: The Jet d’Eau can reach 140 m; watchmaking roots stretch to the 16th century; fondue feuds are real—ask two locals where the “best” is.
• Eats to know: Café du Soleil for classic fondue, Luigia for kid‑approved pizzas, Boréal and Birdie for specialty coffee and breakfast plates.

Where to stay (family rooms/apartments): Search central and Paquis/Train‑Station areas for easy rail/airport access: Hotels.com: Geneva or apartment stays via VRBO: Geneva.

How to get here/around: Fly into GVA and take the 6–7 minute airport train to Geneva Cornavin (about CHF 3–4 adult; kids often free with Swiss family discounts). For flights to Europe, compare on Omio (Flights). For local trains/trams and regional connections, check Omio (Trains) or buses on Omio (Buses).

Day 1: Arrive Geneva (afternoon arrival assumed)

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Check in near Cornavin or the lake. Stretch your legs along the Quai du Mont‑Blanc to the Jet d’Eau for photos, then loop into the English Garden to spot the Flower Clock. Coffee and a sweet pick‑me‑up at Boréal Coffee Roasters (single‑origin espresso; hot chocolate for the kids).

Evening: Fondue night at Café du Soleil (rich, garlicky moitié‑moitié; order a salade mêlée to balance it). If you prefer lighter, Luigia serves crisp‑crusted Neapolitan pies; the kids can watch the pizzaioli in action. Early bedtime to reset.

Day 2: Old Town, Chocolate, and Carouge

Morning: Breakfast at Birdie Food & Coffee (scrambled eggs with herbs, granola bowls, excellent flat whites). Climb the wooden stairs of St. Pierre Cathedral’s towers for lake‑and‑alps views, then pop into Maison Tavel to peek at Geneva’s oldest house and a scale model of the city.

Afternoon: Tram to Carouge, the “Greenwich Village of Geneva,” built by Sardinian architects—arcades, courtyards, ateliers. Lunch at Le Lion d’Or (seasonal French‑Swiss plates) or grab panini at a local deli and picnic if the weather’s fair. Treat the family to artisanal chocolates at Stettler or Auer (don’t miss the Amandes Princesse).

Evening: Casual lakeside dinner at Bains des Pâquis canteen (seasonal plat du jour; in winter, hearty soups and raclette). Walk back along the lit quays. Pack for the mountains and confirm your Avoriaz transfer time for tomorrow.

Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil, France)

Avoriaz sits like a wood‑carved sculpture on a sunny plateau: car‑free streets, horse‑drawn sleighs, and lifts at your doorstep. With broad blues in the Proclou sector, tree‑lined reds to Lindarets, and terrain parks—including The Stash by Burton—teens and parents both thrive here.

• Why here: Snow‑sure altitude (1,800–2,466 m), ski‑in/ski‑out, huge Portes du Soleil mileage over France and Switzerland, excellent ski schools (ESF, Evolution 2, Avoriaz Alpine).
• Family highlights: Aquariaz tropical waterpark, gentle Proclou blues, Lil’Stash forest features, sledging zones, a visit to the Village Igloo for a hot chocolate in an ice cave.
• Eat on the mountain: Les Trappeurs (classic Savoyard), Le Yeti (sunny terrace), Le Refuge d’Avoriaz (hearty stews), Crêpe à Gogo (post‑ski crêpes and Savoyard specialties).

Where to stay (ski‑in/ski‑out): Look in La Falaise (easy arrivals), Amara (spacious family apartments, pool access), or Village des Hauts‑Forts. Search options on Hotels.com: Avoriaz and VRBO: Avoriaz.

How to get there from Geneva: Shared shuttle from Geneva Airport takes ~2 hours (about €35–€50 per person; family deals often available). Train + bus via Thonon‑les‑Bains or Cluses to Morzine/Avoriaz station runs ~2.5–3 hours (roughly €25–€40 per person)—compare on Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses). Private transfers run €240–€300 per vehicle each way and are the simplest with ski bags.

Lift passes & lessons (guide pricing): 4‑day Portes du Soleil pass ~€240–€280 adult, ~€190–€230 child; day passes ~€59–€72 adult depending on period. ESF/Evolution 2 3‑hour group lessons ~€55–€70 per person per session; teen freestyle and freeride options available. Book early for Thu–Sun slots.

Day 3: Transfer to Avoriaz, Settle In, Warm‑Up Laps

Morning: Breakfast at your hotel or Cornavin cafés, then depart Geneva. If taking the train/bus combo, pick up snacks and water at the station; otherwise meet your shuttle at GVA. Aim to arrive by late morning so you can ski after lunch.

Afternoon: Check in (La Falaise/Amara are convenient for arrivals). Rent gear at a slopeside shop (many will store skis overnight; ask for family packages and helmets for everyone). Lunch at Les Trappeurs for tartiflette or a lighter croque‑monsieur. Do easy laps on Proclou and Séraussaix blues to dial in the legs and adjust bindings.

Evening: Unwind at Aquariaz’s lazy river and water play zones—great post‑travel reset. Dinner at Le Refuge d’Avoriaz (savory diots sausage, gratin, salads). Early night; check lesson meeting points for tomorrow (ESF signs are clear in the village).

Day 4 (Thursday): Ski School Starts, Explore Proclou & Lindarets

Morning: Quick breakfast—fresh pastries and juice from the village supermarket or a sit‑down at Le Yeti. Kids join ESF/Evolution 2 group lessons (typical 9:15–12:00). Parents: cruise Proclou then head to the Lindarets bowl via Séraussaix for rolling reds and blues.

Afternoon: Reunite for lunch in the “Goat Village” sector—La Crémaillère does excellent omelettes and pommes frites. Family laps back toward Avoriaz via gentle connectors; teens can try Lil’Stash features tucked in the forest (banked turns, small boxes).

Evening: Horse‑drawn sleigh ride through the car‑free streets as the cliff faces glow pink. Dinner at La Cabane—order the Mont d’Or baked cheese or a Savoyard fondue with charcuterie; finish with blueberry tart. Hot chocolate nightcap back at the apartment.

Day 5 (Friday): Portes du Soleil Circuit or Parks Day

Morning: Breakfast at your residence; pack snacks. If weather is stable, ride the Portes du Soleil circuit toward Les Crosets/Champéry for big views; consult the piste map to keep gradients family‑friendly. Expert parent(s) can detour to peek at the Chavanette “Swiss Wall” moguls—spectate rather than ski unless you relish very steep bumps.

Afternoon: Lunch on a sunny terrace at Le Yeti (burgers, salads, kids menu). Option 2 for teens: spend a focused session in The Stash and the beginner park with progression lines. Cool down with blue runs back to the village, practicing carving.

Evening: Pop into the Village Igloo for a photo‑op in the ice bar (warm layers!). Dinner at Crêpe à Gogo—savory galettes (ham, egg, cheese) then Nutella‑banana or lemon‑sugar crêpes for dessert. Board games back at base.

Day 6 (Saturday): Peak Confidence, Sledding, and a Treat

Morning: Coffee and croissants, then link favorite runs—Lindarets, Fornet, or Arare depending on conditions. Consider a private one‑hour technique tune‑up for the kids to lock in progress.

Afternoon: Lunch at Le 155 Steakhouse in Amara (solid grills; veggie options). Swap skis for sleds at the designated luge area near the beginner zone—helmets on and feet as brakes. If you’ve pre‑booked, a short husky ride is a memorable add (age/weight limits apply; check in resort).

Evening: Warm swim and waterslides at Aquariaz. Savory dinner at Les Fontaines Blanches brasserie (onion soup, roast chicken, big salads). Pack up non‑essentials for an easier departure tomorrow.

Day 7 (Sunday): Final Morning on Snow, Return to Geneva, Depart (afternoon)

Morning: Quick breakfast and one last set of blue laps. Drop rentals before noon to avoid queues. If you prefer a relaxed finale, grab pastries and watch the action from a terrace.

Afternoon: Shuttle or bus/train back to Geneva (~2–3 hours). If time permits before your flight/train, late lunch by the station—sandwiches and salads to go—or a fast pizza at Luigia Pont‑Rouge. Depart in the afternoon.

Travel tools: Compare return options on Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses); for flights to/from Europe, use Omio (Flights).

Practical Add‑Ons & Tips

• Gear rental: Ask for family bundles and overnight storage to skip schlepping. Confirm that bindings are set to weight/ability and that everyone’s boots fit snugly.
• Safety: Helmets for all, sunglasses/goggles with UV protection, and SPF 50. Agree on meeting points and swap mobile numbers.
• Budget snapshot (family of four, 4 ski days): Lift passes ~€900–€1,050 total; group lessons for two kids (4 mornings) ~€440–€560; rentals ~€300–€500; shared transfers ~€280–€400; mountain lunches ~€20–€28 per person per day.
• Weather flex: If winds close higher lifts, stay low in Proclou/Lindarets forests; these hold visibility and morale on gray days.

Lodging quick links: Geneva—Hotels.com | VRBO — Avoriaz—Hotels.com | VRBO

That’s a week that balances lakeside culture with high‑alpine adventure. Four snow‑sure days (Thu–Sun) give the kids room to progress while adults range wide, and Geneva bookends add flavor and ease. Expect great memories—and plenty of reasons to come back for more Portes du Soleil terrain.