Image: JulPo / iStock

EUROPE:If you want to combine vibrant city life and a skiing holiday, then Geneva offers the perfect conditions for a winter holiday break. Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc and is within striking distance to some great ski fields. So, here are our top tips for your winter vacay.

For Families: Villars/ Gryon/ Les Diablerets

The largest ski field near Geneva is especially popular among families as it offers easy to moderately difficult runs on more than 100 kilometres of slopes. Those who prefer activities other than skiing will find two toboggan runs, an ice-skating rink as well as cross-country and biathlon trails, and a play park for kids.

For Adventurers: Glacier 3000

If you prefer a little more speed with your views, the Glacier 3000 ski field is perfect for you. As the name suggests, the field is 3000m above sea level and skiers and snowboarders can glide their way from 3000m to 1300m from November to May. An easy day trip from Geneva, non skiers can brave the peak walk across the 107-metre-long suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks - trust us, the views of the Alps, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc are amazing.

Snowy Fun in Two Countries: Saint-Cergue La Dôle

The La Dôle ski field connects the Swiss and French Jura mountains. For travellers, this means snowy you can have double the fun from France to Switzerland and back again. Your starting point is France about an hour’s drive away from your home base at Geneva. The good news for beginners is the slopes aren’t overly busy and kids will feel perfectly at ease on the slopes.

Authentic Village Atmosphere: Megeve

Authentic, but with a touch of luxury, the village of Megeve in France is only about an hour’s drive from Geneva's CBD. In addition to brilliantly prepared slopes, wonderfully beautiful views await you on the mountain. The valley offers temptations such as après-ski locations, local delicacies, fantastic events and an abundance of shops.

World-Renowned: Chamonix

Last, but not least, we recommend Chamonix - the El Dorado of winter sports to your must-ski list.  This field is where skiers the world over congregate for fun in the snow and cosy social gatherings. Expect steep descents, tree runs and deep-snow, as well as beginner slopes for the littlies. Even as late as May, you can ski or snowboard within a short distance of the glacier, and the towering Mont Blanc. A winter wonderland indeed!

Stay and Play in Geneva

And when the skiing is done, Geneva offers a bunch of great sight-seeing attractions to warm you up. For the foodies, there's chocolate tasting in the Old Town, Gruyere Chocolate and Cheese tours or Fondue tours. For nature loveres, you can relax and enjoy a winter's cruise on the lake whilst pop culture vultures can't go past Montreux and it's links to Freddie Mercury. Oh, and did we mention the shopping?   The Adina Geneva, our very first hotel in Switzerland, puts you in the thick of all the city action in the bustling ‘Quartier de L’Étang’ neighbourhood. From here, you can reach the ski fields in under an hour.