Le Salève, a limestone sentinel overlooking Geneva and Lake Geneva, is far more than a simple mountain; it’s a place steeped in history and a popular natural space, accessible in a few minutes from the urban centres. Nicknamed “the Geneva locals’ mountain”, this chain of the Jura massif located in Haute-Savoie offers exceptional 360° panoramas, taking in the Jura range, the Alps, Lake Geneva and the majestic Mont-Blanc massif. The birthplace of rock climbing and home to a recently renovated emblematic cable car, Le Salève is a four-season destination. In winter, the La Croisette plateau becomes a Nordic area, while in summer, it becomes the playground of hikers, mountain bikers and paragliders. The Col de la Croisette also has a drag lift serving a ski slope.
Le Salève
Overview
Le Salève
Overview of Le Salève
Le Saleve is characterised by its profile as a long ridge accessible via several points. The cable car — whose upper station features remarkable modernist architecture — is a privileged access point to the northern summit. The summit plateau, further south, particularly around La Croisette (approximately 1,175-1,375 m), is the heart of Nordic activities in winter and the starting point for numerous walks. The architecture is discreet, consisting of a few inns, the Nordic lodge and mountain chalets. It is at the Col de la Croisette — linking the Genevois to the Bornes — that the Nordic lodge and drag lift are found. The departure of Nordic ski trails is also possible at the Grotte du Diable, on the Saleve road on the Cruseilles side. The Maison du Saleve below decodes the natural and cultural riches of this mountain.
Our review — Le Salève
Ski area — key figures — Le Salève
- 🌟 Snow stadium (Haute-Savoie)
- 📏 1160 m Village altitude (1360 m Top altitude)
- 🏨 3.666 tourist beds
- 🎿 1 runs
🚠 1 ski lifts
When to visit
Le Salève in summer
In summer, Le Saleve is a top destination for hiking, with over 150 km of marked trails offering routes for all levels — from the family walk to more demanding routes, particularly on the ascent. It is a well-regarded site for climbing (varappe was born here), mountain biking and paragliding, with several launch sites offering memorable flights above the Geneva basin. The cable car provides easy access to the heights for enjoying the viewpoints, mountain restaurants or simply a breath of fresh air. La Maison du Saleve offers exhibitions and events to discover the facets of the mountain.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Paragliding
Le Salève in winter
In winter, Le Saleve — and more particularly the La Croisette sector — transforms into a charming Nordic site. When snow conditions allow, cross-country skiers can enjoy trails laid out for both classic and skating technique, in a forest setting with glimpses of Geneva, Lake Geneva and the Jura. It is also very popular for snowshoeing, with marked routes of different lengths. A few slopes are suitable for children’s tobogganing. The atmosphere is peaceful — ideal for a winter day escape close to the cities. The cable car can also provide access for contemplative snowy walks. A drag lift occasionally opens on Wednesdays and weekends when snow is present.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Snowshoeing • ✅ Winter walks
Skiing
Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from Le Salève: Téléski du Salève (alpin), Le Salève (nordique).
Ski area — Téléski du Salève
⛰️ Altitudes: 1160 m – 1360 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 1 km
💰 Day pass: 15 €
Cross-country ski area — Le Salève
⛰️ Altitudes: 1160 m – 1360 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 14 km
💰 Day pass: 8 €
The Saleve Nordic ski area, between the Col de la Croisette (around 1,175 m) and the Grotte du Diable, offers a fine space for cross-country skiing. It has 14 kilometres of trails (variable depending on snowfall) laid out for both classic and skating technique, with loops of different levels (often blue and red). The La Croisette Nordic Lodge is the main departure point, where you can hire equipment (skis, snowshoes), buy a pass and get snow condition information. Departure from the Cruseilles side at La Grotte du Diable is also possible. The setting — between forests and clearings with views over the Geneva basin and the mountains — makes skiing here particularly enjoyable.
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Ski pass prices — Le Salève
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Le Salève.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Téléski du Salève (alpin skiing) | 15 € | N/A | N/A | 2024-2025 |
| Le Salève (nordique skiing) | 8 € | 48 € | 40 € | 2024-2025 |
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