Ski near Lyon

The closest ski resorts to Lyon

Dreaming of wide open spaces, fresh air, and days spent in nature? We’re here to help you find your ideal ski resort near Lyon. Torn between the Alps and the Jura? In our opinion, the Alps are the way to go. Not only will you discover some of the most iconic mountain destinations, but you’ll also enjoy exceptional snow conditions and sunshine throughout the season.

All the resorts we recommend are less than a 3-hour drive from Lyon. You can also opt for the train from Lyon Saint-Exupéry to reach the ski resorts of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region even faster.

Les Deux Alpes, one of the highest ski areas in the Alps

Les Deux Alpes – A high-altitude ski resort just a short trip from Lyon Renowned for having one of the highest ski areas in the Alps, Les Deux Alpes is a resort that ticks all the boxes. Just a couple of hours from Lyon, this resort combines the thrill of high-altitude skiing with authentic mountain charm. You can ski up to 3,600 metres above sea level on a vast ski area featuring over 90 pistes.

This Famille Plus-certified resort is ideal for families, offering a warm welcome to both children and adults for a truly magical stay in the mountains.

Getting there is easy: by car, it’s just a 2-hour 20-minute drive from Lyon. By train, head to Grenoble station (70 km from the resort), then take a direct shuttle bus or taxi to Les Deux Alpes.

Les Arcs, a resort with 4 unique areas

A little bonus, as we couldn’t miss this must-visit resort in the Alps. The journey to Les Arcs is well worth it, just about 3 hours from Lyon. Located opposite Mont Blanc, Les Arcs ski resort is part of the huge Paradiski area, connected to La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry — two other resorts you can explore with a Paradiski pass. With 70% of its ski area above 2,000 metres, this destination offers 258 pistes and guarantees excellent snow conditions for every type of skiing. A true paradise for beginners and experienced skiers alike, with 425 km of runs including 77 red and 129 blue pistes.

Getting to this ski resort is very easy. It’s roughly a 3-hour drive from Lyon. By train, it takes about 3 hours 15 minutes from Lyon Saint-Exupéry station. From there, simply take the funicular at Bourg-Saint-Maurice to reach the different areas of Les Arcs: Les Arcs 1600, Les Arcs 1800, Les Arcs 1950, and Les Arcs 2000.

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe

Nestled in the Alpine mountains, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest village. This ski resort near Lyon sits at the top of the 3 Valleys area, the largest ski domain in the world with over 600 kilometres of pistes. You’ll enjoy stunning views across the 78 runs, especially the breathtaking Glacier de Péclet, hailed by the Michelin Guide as the best view in the Alps. Take in a 360° panorama of more than 1,000 Alpine peaks stretching from France to Switzerland and Italy — making your ski trip unforgettable, all just a short distance from Lyon.

Getting to Val Thorens is easy by car or train. From Lyon, it’s about a 2 hour 45 minute drive to this Northern Alps resort. By train, travel to Moutiers station, then take a shuttle for the last 37 kilometres to the ski resort.

Val Cenis, a family-friendly resort close to Lyon

Located in the heart of Vanoise National Park, Val Cenis ski resort offers stunning landscapes and unspoiled nature to explore by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. You can ski over 125 kilometres across 60 different pistes. Take your time to try the longest green run in the world, perfect for both children and adults. Near Lyon, this resort is ideal for families, with everything designed for your comfort and peace of mind.

Getting to Val Cenis is easy by car or train. This ski resort in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is about 225 kilometres and a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Lyon. By train, simply travel to Modane station, then take a shuttle or taxi to the resort.

La Clusaz, a rich natural environment next to Lyon

This Alpine ski resort offers a charming mix of traditional mountain spirit and great skiing, with over 80 different pistes to explore. Book your ski holiday in La Clusaz, a Family Plus-certified resort near Lyon, where everything is designed for both children and adults. Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort offers breathtaking views — all just about 2 hours from Lyon. And for food lovers, don’t miss the local AOP Reblochon cheese, a true symbol of Alpine tradition and craftsmanship that will make your family getaway even more memorable.

La Clusaz is easy to reach by car or train. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it’s less than 2 hours 10 minutes from Lyon by car, or around 2 hours 45 minutes by train and shuttle. The nearest train station is Annecy, about 30 kilometres from the resort.

Brides-les-bains, a spa resort less than 2 hours from Lyon

Brides-les-Bains is a small, welcoming spa town in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Less than 2 hours 10 minutes from Lyon, it offers the perfect mix of village charm and world-class skiing in the heart of the 3 Valleys — Europe’s largest ski area, with over 600 kilometres of pistes.

With a stay in Brides-les-Bains, you can enjoy access to more than 320 runs across the 3 Valleys while also taking time to relax in the resort’s natural thermal waters. It’s the ideal destination for a family ski holiday that combines adventure and well-being, just a short trip from Lyon.

Getting to Brides-les-Bains is easy by car or train. Located around 190 kilometres from Lyon, the drive takes under 2 hours 10 minutes. If travelling by train, head to Moûtiers station, then take a shuttle bus to the resort.

Alpe d’huez: sunshine, snow and skiing near Lyon

Sitting at 1,860 metres above sea level, Alpe d’Huez is a world-renowned ski resort located in the Grandes Rousses range in the Northern Alps. Known as the "Island in the Sun", it enjoys exceptional sunshine with up to 300 sunny days a year — offering a truly unique ski experience.

The Alpe d’Huez ski area is famous for its variety and quality, with 100 runs covering 250 kilometres of slopes suitable for all levels. A favourite among ski champions, the resort is also perfect for families, thanks to a wide range of cultural and sporting activities — all just a short trip from Lyon.

Getting to Alpe d’Huez is easy. By car, it’s around 2 hours 20 minutes from Lyon (about 173 km). By train, you can reach Grenoble in 1 hour 25 minutes from Lyon, then take a shuttle bus for the final 66 kilometres to the resort.

Pralognan la Vanoise: an exceptional nature near Lyon

Nestled at 1,410 metres at the foot of Savoie’s highest peaks, Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a charming ski resort in the Northern Alps. Just a short journey from Lyon, this resort offers 24 ski runs and excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the mountains in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery.

Reaching Pralognan-la-Vanoise is easy by car or train. Located about 209 kilometres from Lyon, the drive takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. If coming by train, head to Moûtiers station, then take a shuttle for the final 27 kilometres to the resort.

Méribel: ski-in ski-out resort in the heart of the Alps near Lyon

One of Méribel’s biggest advantages is its ski-in ski-out convenience — step out of your accommodation and you’re straight onto the slopes! Located in the heart of the 3 Valleys, this resort gives you access to 600 km of pistes across the world’s largest ski area.

Within Méribel’s own valley, you’ll find over 150 km of slopes and 64 individual runs, making it a fantastic destination for a unique mountain holiday.

Getting to Méribel is easy, whether by car or train. It’s just a 2 hour 20 minute drive from Lyon. By train, head to Moûtiers station, then take the Méribus shuttle straight to the resort.