Ski resorts near Lyon?
Not far from the city of Lyon, there are several ideal ski resorts for a day on the slopes, a weekend or a longer stay. Located in the Rhône, bordering Isère and not far from Savoie and Haute-Savoie, Lyon indeed offers a wide range of destinations for skiing in the Alps, but not only!
Which ones are the closest? What are the characteristics of this or that resort? It is not always easy to choose your ski resort. That's why we gather here a selection of resorts near Lyon by car or train (then by shuttle) to help you find your next winter holiday destination.
In summary
Do you live in Lyon or its region and are looking for the best slopes for a day, a weekend or a long stay in the mountains? Our guide lists the closest resorts, easily accessible by car or train from the capital of Gaul. From the Chartreuse and Jura massifs to the great Alpine domains of Alpe d'Huez, La Clusaz or La Plagne, easily find the ideal spot. Book your equipment online and pick up your ready and adjusted gear directly in our Sport 2000 stores in the resort.
Saint-pierre-de-Chartreuse ski resort: the closest resort to Lyon
Located in Isère, Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, the closest ski resort to Lyon (1h30) has several essential advantages to offer. On the one hand, a small confidential ski area extremely close to Lyon, very pleasant, wooded and offering unique landscapes of the surrounding peaks. On the other hand, La Chartreuse is also a regional natural park. It's the ideal place for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Finally, L'Oréade Balnéo offers Nordic baths, to admire the panorama in very hot water.
And if you only have one day to devote to skiing, you can easily leave early in the morning and return the same evening. However, depending on the snow conditions, the ski lifts close relatively early in the season, so inquire before you go.
Alpe d'Huez ski resort, under the Isère sun
Ski resort near Lyon (2h30 by car), Alpe d'Huez offers a quality ski area: 250 kilometers of slopes to hurtle down, suitable for all skiing levels. The exceptional sunshine of Alpe d'Huez also explains its success.
To learn or improve, everyone finds the formula that suits them: group or individual lessons with experienced instructors. The area also has 3 snowparks (beginner, intermediate, expert) and handiski is also possible.
A family resort, accommodation (hotels, furnished rentals, bed and breakfasts, etc.) is not lacking.
La Clusaz ski resort, a concentration of sports and fun activities
If the slopes of La Clusaz are numerous (more than 80) and satisfy all categories of skiers, this ski resort near Lyon (2h13) also stands out for its successful mix of old and modern chalets or its pretty bell tower dominating the village. It is also a place where gastronomy holds an important place, especially with the honoring of local Reblochon cheese. Finally, the magnificent panoramas and the variety of après-ski activities also make it a place appreciated by Lyonnais.
Brides-les-Bains ski resort, between skiing and relaxation
Brides-les-Bains has the advantage of being located at the foot of the 3 Valleys ski area, the largest in the world. A small village, it is the perfect destination to unwind, while avoiding the crowds sometimes found in large resorts. From the village, you can take a gondola to climb to Méribel, and why not head towards Les Menuires, Val Thorens or Courchevel.
Located 2h10 from Lyon, this village also has the great advantage of having thermal baths specializing in slimming and rheumatology spa treatments.
Chamrousse ski resort, Nordic ski plateau and alpine domain
Not very high (1,750 meters maximum altitude), Chamrousse nevertheless enjoys certain success. Thanks to a respectable vertical drop (850 meters), and the size of its very wooded ski area (1,300 hectares), this destination attracts families. Close to Lyon (less than 2 hours drive), equipped with snow cannons, it also guarantees finding snow all season, including for lovers of night skiing and cross-country skiing.
Le Grand Bornand ski resort and the Aravis massif domain
With 84 kilometers of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, Le Grand-Bornand, a ski resort near Lyon (2h07) and a perfect destination for families, attracts Lyonnais. It is the ideal place to ski until dusk, admiring the breathtaking landscape offered by the mountain range.
Snowshoeing enthusiasts should also be delighted. The natural sites to discover on hikes all year round attract many visitors, such as Lake Lessy, the Aravis range or the Bouchet valley.
This pretty authentic village, composed of stone houses and wooden chalets, has an ice rink, several accommodation options, bars and restaurants.
Alpe du Grand Serre ski resort, friendly and preserved
Of medium size, this ski resort near Lyon (1h54) is suitable for all levels and all ages : alpine skiing or cross-country skiing, freeride, snowshoeing, sledding, walks, dog sledding. Alpe du Grand Serre is ideal for families. Its natural setting leaves no one indifferent: the Grand Serre, the central peak of the resort, is overlooked by the mountains of Oisans, Écrins and Taillefer.
La Plagne ski resort, a concentration of snow activities
With 11 villages offering varied atmospheres and located between 700 and 2100 meters above sea level, La Plagne allows all holidaymakers to find what they are looking for. Activities are not lacking, both for adults and for children : dog sledding, bobsleigh, fatbiking, motor sports, ice rink, etc.
Alpine skiing and other sliding activities are for all levels, with a vast and diversified area: Paradiski. It is a top choice resort for ski holidays, a little over 2 hours drive from Lyon.
The ski resorts of the Jura and Massif Central
Do you prefer the Jura massif to that of the Alps? In 2 to 2h30, you can for example reach the villages of Métabief, Les Rousses, Lélex, etc. In addition to alpine skiing, you can practice Nordic skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing, etc. and discover delicious local specialties.
Let's not forget the resorts of the Massif Central, perfect for a family stay: Super Besse, Mont-Dore or even Chalmazel just 1h30 by car.
Enjoying an ideal location, Lyon has many other resorts nearby. Towards Grenoble for example, you will find Les 7-Laux, Villard de Lans, Vaujany, Val-Cenis, etc. Are you ready to drive a little further for winter sports? Other Alpine resorts are accessible in 3 to 4 hours (Tignes, Val d'Isère, Briançon, etc.): the choice is vast!