Ski resorts accessible by train from major cities

In Strasbourg, you have several options to go skiing by train quickly.

• La Bresse-Hohneck:

In Strasbourg, you can ski at La Bresse-Hohneck (1h40 travel time, getting off at Remiremont). Its 34-kilometer ski area, between forests and lakes, facing the Hohneck (the highest mountain in the Vosges) will delight you. A ski resort accessible by train, cross-country skiing paradise, also offering the possibility of night skiing, La Bresse-Hohneck is a family destination, suitable for all levels, ideal for skiing in the heart of nature.

• Gérardmer:

Also located in the Vosges, Gérardmer is also accessible via Remiremont station. Its lake, its many nearby rivers, gorges or waterfalls, as well as the beauty of its 40-kilometer family and wooded ski area make it a popular destination. The resort is equipped with snow cannons, so you can ski there for a good part of the year.
Note that it will, however, be faster to access it by car (approximately 1h40 travel time, instead of several hours via public transport).

To find ski resorts accessible by train, you're in the right place: Lyon is undeniably the best large city in France for easy skiing, ideally located near the alpine resorts, just like Grenoble.

• Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse:

Human-sized Alpine resort located at an altitude of 900 meters, Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is the closest by train from Lyon (1h30 by train and 30 minutes by shuttle). An ideal destination if you are also keen on ski touring or balneotherapy. You can even see Mont Blanc and other magnificent panoramas there.

• Les Arcs:

If you're looking for a resort offering a vast playground, head to Arcs, to discover "Paradiski" and its 425 kilometers of slopes. Getting to this ski resort directly accessible by train from Lyon takes about 3 hours to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (connected to Les Arcs by a funicular in less than 10 minutes). It's also a good way to easily discover the La Clusaz ski area (requiring an additional 30 minutes by bus once at Bourg-Saint-Maurice station...), since besides Les Arcs, the Paradiski ski area is made up of numerous resorts (including La Clusaz).

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, Toulouse benefits from a privileged location to reach several winter sports resorts, by train as well as by car.

• Ax-les-Thermes:

Ax-les-Thermes is directly accessible by train from Toulouse (approx. 2 hours). This thermal spa resort specializing in rheumatology treatments appeals to families. You can notably visit the Bains du Couloubret, offering a multitude of relaxation and well-being activities.
Its area is suitable for all ski levels. This ski resort, directly accessible by train, has a snowpark, a snow garden, and a daycare. It's also the ideal place for hiking or snowshoeing.

• Luchon-Superbagnères:

In 2h20, (train journey to Montréjeau-Gourdan-Polignan, then shuttle for 50 minutes), you can ski on 32 kilometers of slopes equipped with snow cannons and suitable for all skiers. A truly family-friendly resort, you can notably ski down slopes between trees. Luchon-Superbagnères has a snowpark and a toboggan run. It's also an opportunity to admire the surrounding peaks, especially Aneto Peak, the highest point in the Pyrenees.

To go on winter sports holidays from Bordeaux, the fastest way is to reach the Pyrenees.

• Cauterets:

Getting directly to this ski resort accessible by train from Bordeaux is easily achievable. Indeed, the resort of Cauterets is located at less than 4 hours from Saint-Jean station (direct TGV to Lourdes in 2h30, then shuttle from Lourdes SNCF station to Cauterets station, in one hour).
Its ski area is separated into 2 distinct parts and it is connected to this pretty thermal town by cable car. Cauterets is also quite lively at night.

• Grand Tourmalet:

The Grand Tourmalet brings together the resorts of Barèges and La Mongie. It is the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees (68 slopes) and is suitable for all types of skiers (beginner or advanced). Barèges is a family village mountain, while La Mongie is a modern resort, located at the foot of the slopes.
To get to this ski resort accessible by train, allow a 4h30 train journey to Tarbes and a 1-hour shuttle.

By residing in Marseille, you don't just have the opportunity to spend sunny holidays by the sea. Several high-altitude areas are accessible by train and car for winter skiing.

• Mont-Ventoux:

Mont-Ventoux is located approximately 4h15 from Marseille (train and shuttle). A family resort, in addition to skiing, it offers multiple alternatives, such as snowboarding or snowshoeing... You can see Mount Ventoux, which gave its name to this resort.

• Pra-Loup:

Its ski area of 180 kilometers (including notably 4 boardercrosses) makes it a popular resort among Marseilles residents. Family-friendly, Pra-Loup brings together several facilities to look after children (ski school, daycare, fun zones...)
Pra-Loup is a ski resort accessible by train that also attracts a young clientele, so it is lively at night. Allow about 5 hours to get there from Marseille (train then shuttle).
All you have to do now is go to the SNCF website to check prices and schedules and book your TGV, TER and/or bus tickets, and thus enjoy the ski slopes!

Do you live in another major city in France (Paris, Grenoble, Nantes, etc.)? Are you also looking for resorts near you by car? Discover our complete guide to prepare your ski trip near your place of residence.