7 great ski breaks you can do in a long weekend from LCY

Ditch your Friday work attire, find your passport and grab your ski gloves. Thanks to London City Airport's speedy connections to most of the top European winter resorts, you can enjoy the ultimate weekend getaway on the slopes. Our flights to Geneva, Zurich, Chambéry and Granada (yep, under an hour from Europe’s southernmost ski resort) are your ticket to a trip that’ll get you your ski fix quick.

Here’s our selection of perfect weekend resorts that combine great skiing with a short transfer from a major ski airport, making a super-quick trip from LCY.

Conquer Mont Blanc at Chamonix

In the shadow of the mighty Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak, the bustling border town of Chamonix has been an Alpine activity hub since the 18th century. As well as being the winter sports mecca, it’s just over an hour’s transfer from Geneva, and presents four ski areas along its eponymous valley, versatile enough to cater for all abilities. Come here for huge glacier runs, genuinely epic freeride and plenty of variety on the après scene.

Get me there: Book flights to Geneva

Explore the Three Valleys from Méribel

Méribel delights visitors with its charming chalets and small-village feel, but its prize location at the heart of the Three Valleys ski area is the biggest draw. This superb positioning, with links to a skiable area of 370 miles (600km), fully justifies the 80-minute transfer from Chambéry. Free bus services and gondola lifts connect Méribel with its neighbouring resorts, thought Mérible itself has more than enough both on- and off-piste to keep you busy over a weekend.

Get me there: Book flights to Chambéry Al Bains

Ski on your hotel doorstep at Flaine

Family-friendly Flaine provides easy access to 165 miles (265km) of high-quality pistes, mostly above the tree line. The architecture may be more alluring elsewhere, but convenience is a huge plus-point here – both in terms of a 90-minute transfer from Geneva and the short distance accommodation-to-slope. All the shops, services and ski lifts are at your fingertips in this handy purpose-built resort, giving you maximum riding time and minimum walking-in-ski-boots time.

Get me there: Book flights to Geneva

Step back in time in Malbun, Liechtenstein

Peaceful, romantic Malbun – one of two ski resorts in tiny Liechtenstein – is perfect for couples looking to escape the crowds. This traditional village is compact, with just a small number of hotels to choose from, and the tranquil slopes don't get too crowded (ideal if you’re thinking of travelling during a peak holiday period, like February half term) – you can forget lift queues here. The journey from Zurich takes under two hours, and a 20-minute drive from Malbun into the historic capital of Vaduz offers full value for your weekend trip to the principality.

Get me there: Book flights to Zurich

Take on the giant vertical at Engelberg

If you’re more after a hardcore weekend of packing in the freeride, head to Engelberg – a go-to destination for big lines and general off-piste fun just over an hour south of Zurich. A near-2,000m vertical is the major attraction of this popular Swiss resort, its grand Benedictine monastery aside. Stunning mountain lake views, a wide range of accommodation and an active nightlife scene are among the other selling points of the 'Angel Mountain'.

Get me there: Book flights to Zurich

Sun, snow and scenery in Sierra Nevada

Skiing in Europe isn't all about the Alps. Sun is almost guaranteed at the extensive Sierra Nevada resort, one of Spain's best winter destinations. Despite the southerly latitude, the season typically lasts from November to early May, when the natural elements are supported by a network of snow cannons. There are over 100 runs, plus a cross-country trail and night-skiing at the weekends. To cap it all, transfers from Granada Airport take under an hour, ensuring you don't waste a minute of your weekend away. Go late in the season and it’s genuinely feasible to ski one day and hit the beach the next – just in case you need the novelty factor.

Get me there: Book flights to Granada

Be the King of the Mountains on Alpe d'Huez

Deeply woven into France's sporting DNA, the iconic tower of Alpe d'Huez challenges cyclists in the summer months and skiers in the winter. This versatile, accommodating winter hub – 1 hour and 40 minutes from Chambéry – is among France’s best all-round resorts, with an excellent mix of beginner-friendly lower slopes and varied terrain to keep advanced skiers and riders occupied. Plenty of challenging pistes, extensive off-piste and better-than-average snowparks for France make ADH the complete package. It's friendly and well-equipped with a wide range of facilities for shopping, indoor sports and après ski too. Enjoy counting the hairpins on your way up the mountain and be grateful you’re not pedalling.

Getting there: Book flights to Chambéry