How to get to Chalet Alys
Travel:
By Air
The nearest airport is Geneva which is 70 km away and around 85 minutes to 110 minutes drive away, depending on traffic. There are basically two routes. One takes you through Geneva, along the lake to Thonon les Bains, then up the Abondance Valley. The other goes the other way round the lake via Lausanne up over the mountains to Chatel and down to Abondance. Most people tend to use the former.
Car Hire
Car hire is available at the airport and locally from SuperU supermarket in Vinzier which is a 15 min taxi ride from Abondance.
Buses
Buses run twice a day between Geneva Airport and Abondance through the bus company Altibus in the ski season. Also in the ski season there is the ski bus running every hour between Abondance and the alternative ski areas of La Chapelle d’Abondance, Chatel, Linge & Pre la joux. Buses also run down to Thonon. You can get from Thonon to Geneva and elsewhere by buses and train.
Taxi
Taxi transfers run regularly to and from the airport. There’s Gagneux and Magic Transfer.
Driving from UK
Driving time from Calais to Abondance is about 9.5 hours. There are regular service stations and stopping places for a stretch, toilet break and little walk. The roads in France between Calais and Abondance are superbly well maintained. They are fairly straight and the traffic is usually very light. If you are used to driving only in England you will be delighted when driving on these roads because they are so quiet.
Having a car
A car is not essential as the ski bus runs regularly between Abondance and Chatel and most things you will need are available in Abondance. Having said that a car offers independence in getting to the lifts promptly in the ski season. In summer a car means you can more easily access the mountains, like driving up to the beginning of mountain walks, or drive down to Thonon for a day by the lake.
Distances:
From Abondance
- To Geneva is between 1hr 15 min and 1 hr 50 min depending on traffic and time of travel
- To Thonon les Bain and Lake Leman 30 min by car/bus
- To la Chapelle d’Abondance 8 mins car/bus
- To Chatel resort centre 15 mins by car/bus
- To Linga ski area 15 min by car/bus
- To Pre la joux ski are 20 min by car/bus
- To St Jean d’Aulps ski area 30 min by car/bus