Switzerland for 3 days in January: flying into Geneva: where to stay and must see's

In January, I'd go directly to Luzern and stay there. You could take a day trip from Bern from there. You also could go to the top of Mt. Rigi. That involves a boat ride across the beautiful lake and a cog wheel train up the mountain. Try to follow the weather and go when the top of Rigi is clear. Often mountain weather is better in the morning. I wouldn't go to Zermatt for a day. The matterhorn is frequently fogged/clouded in.

If you are interested in the Chillon castle, you could see it on the way to Luzern. They do have a luggage check. We enjoyed it, but will your time, you need to make some serious decisions on what is important to you.

Montreux has a beautiful waterfront promenade and is a fun place. It's the only location on the lake I've stayed. How about just basing in Geneva and doing a day trip or two?

While in general, Switzerland is a more expensive country to visit, I would say that the most expensive city I've traveled to in regards to lodging was Geneva. Also, IMO, Geneva is less interesting and attractive than other Swiss cities. If you are interested in going to CERN, then I'd stay a night in Geneva, otherwise I'd stay elsewhere. We really enjoyed CERN, but we have an interest in science, and one of my kids is very interested in physics so she was enthralled. If you wanted to stay near Geneva, I'd stay in Lausanne. But, still, I think your best bet is gorgeous Luzern. Just know that the train ride to Luzern is about 3-3.5 hours from Geneva airport.

Are you flying to Switzerland for just a 3 day trip, or are you moving on afterward, and if so, where?

Thank you!!

I am flying for a 3 day trip only (with my 25yo daughter). Flying directly into and out of Geneva from the US (arriving very early on our 1st day: 7:30am and looking to start our trip right away to maximize our limited time there).
We definitely love outdoors and will only be using public transit.

Thanks for the help everyone! This was a last minute trip that we are super excited about!

Any input into hotels and places we should be sure to see in January would be greatly appreciated!

Do you want snow, or not?
If you do, then I'd go to Chamonix, France. Arrange a transfer with one of the many transfer companies like Mountain Drop Offs, and spend your three days enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful Mont Blanc scenery.

Definitely love snow and would enjoy tobogganing as well!

If we go to Chamonix, any recommendations on where to stay?

Tobogganing is limited in Chamonix. The Swiss do it better, and there are few better places than Grindelwald (or Wengen) for it. But travel time to the Berner Oberland will be quite a bit longer, so I would still lean towards Chamonix.
Hotel de l'Arve would be my recommendation, and avoid the Folie Douce hotel if you want sleep.

Our tentative plan:

Arrive into Geneva airport at 7:30am on Day ONE and take train to Lausanne to explore and then take train on to Chateau de Chillon. Then train to Chamonix to check into lodging.

Day TWO: Chamonix exploring the outdoors and perhaps skiing (beginner or just stick with viewing mountains from cable car and/or paragliding)

Day THREE: perhaps The Aiguille du Midi or a glacier train ride to Montenvers and the glaciers of Mer de Glace, and walk inside in one of its ice caves.

Haven't booked anything yet. Looking at lodging in Chamonix as well as Argentière. As this is our first trip to Switzerland/France, we welcome thoughts on our planning.

Thanks again!!!

It is a very good plan!
I would just skip Lausanne and stay in Vevey or Montreux, which are more fun to explore IMO.
And I would stay in Chamonix, not Argentiere. Argentiere is tiny, not great if the weather does not cooperate.

Thank you again!

We are looking at the following in Chamonix:
- Oustalet
330 Rue du Lyret, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix, France

• Mazot le Petit Drus 114 Chemin de la Corba, Les Praz, 74400 Chamonix, France

-Hôtel de L'Arve by HappyCulture
60 impasse des Anémones, Chamonix City Centre, 74400 Chamonix, France

-Excelsior Chamonix Hôtel & Spa
251, Chemin de Saint Roch Les Tines, Les Tines, 74400 Chamonix, France

What would be best for location and ease of public transportation?

For max convenience, avoid the ones in Les Praz (Mazot...) and Les Tines (Excelsior).
L'Oustalet looks great!

Thank you all for your input!

We had an INCREDIBLE stay! We flew into Geneva airport and took the train to Montreux and stayed at Hotel Splendid (David was a wonderful host!). We visited Chateau de Chillon (incredible castle and it was empty on the day we visited), walked around Lake Geneva, and had a wonderful day. The next day we traveled to Chamonix, France via 3 trains. Very easy and beautiful train rides!
We stayed at Hotel L'Oustalet in Chamonix and I cannot describe how incredible the room was! A balcony facing Mont-Blanc in an Alpine Style, cozy hotel! We were just 100m from the Aiguille du Midi cable car and spent a good part of the day there. Breathtaking!
We also skied with an instructor (Fred) from Chamonix Sport Aventure and rented equipment from Intersport Chamonix. Again, it was another gorgeous day and no crowds for skiing! We cannot wait to return!!