Chézery-Menthières Area

Chézery-Menthières is a small ski station located in the commune of Chézery-Forens, tucked into the Jura massif in the Ain department, right at the foot of the Crêt d'Eau peak. The Menthières resort is part of the Monts Jura ski area and draws mainly families looking for a quieter alternative to the bigger, busier Alpine resorts.

How do you get to Menthières?

The resort sits at Stade de neige de Menthières, 01410 Chézery-Forens, in the heart of the Ain Jura, close to the Swiss border. The nearest major airport is Geneva, roughly 60 km away, while Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport is about 90 km away — around a 1.5-hour drive. Thanks to its proximity to Geneva, Menthières is a popular easy day-trip destination for skiers based in the Geneva region.

What does the ski area offer?

The alpine ski domain at Menthières covers around 8 km of runs, spread between 1,050 and 1,534 metres in altitude. Skiers have 9 downhill runs to choose from, spanning a range of difficulty levels: 2 green runs, 2 blue runs, 4 red runs, and 1 black run. That mix makes the station particularly welcoming for beginners and families with children, while more experienced skiers can still test themselves on the black run.

Beyond the downhill slopes, Menthières also has a dedicated sledging slope, a cross-country skiing area, and marked snowshoeing trails — making it a well-rounded destination for both fast-paced skiing and calmer winter activities.

Who is this resort best suited for?

Menthières is above all a place to learn and discover winter sports. Its compact scale, the gentle profile of most runs, and the magic carpet lift for younger children make it an ideal spot for a first encounter with skiing — without the crowds and long lift queues typical of larger resorts.

How much does a lift pass cost?

A day pass costs 19 € per person, while a pass limited to the magic carpet lift costs 12 € per person. Children under 5 get free access upon presenting ID at the ticket office.

When is the best time to visit?

The ski season at Menthières generally runs from December to March, depending on snow conditions in this part of the Jura. Given the resort's moderate altitude (topping out at 1,534 m), it's worth checking current snow reports before heading out, especially early and late in the season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Menthières suitable for beginner skiers? Yes — that's one of the resort's main strengths. The predominance of green and blue runs, plus the magic carpet lift for children, make it a popular choice for first ski lessons.

How far is Menthières from Geneva? About 60 km, making it one of the closer ski options for people living in the Geneva area.

Can you go cross-country skiing at Menthières? Yes, alongside the downhill runs the resort also has a cross-country skiing area and marked snowshoeing trails.

What is the highest point of the ski area? The slopes reach up to 1,534 metres, and with the base at 1,050 metres, that vertical drop allows for varied runs despite the domain's relatively small overall size.