The closest ski resorts to Marseille by train

This winter, ready to swap the Mediterranean and the Calanques for the French Alps? Why not enjoy a glass of génépi and a hearty fondue in the mountains after a sunny day on the slopes with plenty of snow?

From Marseille Saint-Charles TGV station, you can easily reach lively, family-friendly ski resorts in the Southern Alps. Discover our top picks for the best ski resorts near Marseille accessible by train.

Isola 2000

  Accessible by TGV and bus, Isola 2000 is the southernmost Alpine ski village and the closest to Marseille by train. Thanks to its altitude between 1,800 and 2,600 metres, it enjoys exceptional sunshine with over 300 days of sun per year. The nearby village of Isola charms visitors with its cobbled streets and authentic mountain spirit. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind at the Aquavallée wellness centre — the perfect way to recharge while enjoying a mix of relaxing and fun activities.  

A ski area suitable for all levels

Close to the Italian border and easily accessible by train, the Mercantour mountain range offers 45 ski runs connected by 20 lifts, covering a total of 120 km. This ski area is ideal for both skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Tony Snowland is also a top spot in the Alpes-Maritimes for snowboarding, set in a stunning white landscape with regular snowfall and magical forest scenery.

How to get to Isola 2000 by train?

For your journey from Marseille, the ski village of Isola 2000 is 290 km away. First, take a TGV train from Marseille to Nice-Ville — a 2 hour 40 minute ride covering 200 km. From Nice-Ville station, a shuttle bus will take you to Isola 2000 in about 1 hour 30 minutes (90 km).

Risoul

  Located at 1,850 metres in the Hautes-Alpes, the high-altitude resort of Risoul stands out as a charming ski village with a warm, authentic atmosphere that appeals to both parents and children. Young skiers can discover the joys of skiing with guaranteed snow at the well-equipped Piou Piou club and Ourson beginner area. Prefer to take it easy? Relax in the 200 m² heated outdoor pool at the Aqualudic & Wellness Centre in Risoul 1850 — the perfect chill-out spot at an affordable price.  

A beautiful ski area

The Forêt Blanche ski area, with over 185 km of marked runs (115 in total) and a peak altitude of 2,750 metres, is known as one of the most stunning ski domains in the Southern Alps. It’s best suited to intermediate skiers, with 49 blue runs and 38 red runs (as well as 18 green and 10 black). The Forêt Blanche offers affordable lift passes — especially if you choose a Travelski package including accommodation, ski pass, and equipment hire.

How to get to Risoul by train?

The train journey from Marseille Saint-Charles TGV station is straightforward. Take a TGV to Embrun (4 hours, 220 km), then a shuttle bus from Embrun station to the Risoul resort — a 45-minute ride covering 25 km.

Pra Loup

Très ensoleillée, Pra Loup, station de ski proche de Marseille en train, met l’accent sur les familles et offre tout le confort nécessaire pour satisfaire les vacanciers. Il est possible d’y découvrir une large palette d’activités : big airbag, zones de freestyle, sculptures sur glace ou encore initiation à la balade en raquettes. Au centre de la station de Pra Loup 1600 se situe une patinoire en plein air, lieu idéal pour les petits et grands amateurs de glisse.

Le + de la station : une halte-garderie accueille les enfants de 6 mois à 5 ans révolus.

A ski area with breathtaking natural scenery

The Espace Lumière ski area features 92 runs across 180 km and 37 lifts, reaching up to 2,575 metres in altitude. It connects Pra Loup and La Foux d’Allos via shuttle bus. The pistes wind through beautiful larch forests and offer something for everyone — from beginners (12 green runs) and intermediate skiers (36 blue and 36 red) to advanced skiers (8 black runs).

How to get to Pra Loup by train?

From Marseille Saint-Charles TGV station, take a train to Gap (3 hours 15 minutes, 180 km). A shuttle service then covers the 74 km journey from Gap to Pra Loup in around 1 hour 30 minutes.

La Foux d’Allos

Labelled “Famille +”, this family-friendly resort at 1,800 metres altitude goes the extra mile to offer a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages. La Foux d’Allos is designed with children in mind, featuring a fun zone, an ice rink, and a rail toboggan right in the heart of the resort.

The Espace Lumière ski area

La Foux d’Allos is linked to Pra Loup — another family-friendly resort — via a shared ski area offering 180 km of slopes, 92 runs, and 37 ski lifts. The 41 runs of Val d’Allos–La Foux, with an 800-metre vertical drop, are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, featuring 20 blue runs and 14 red runs (plus 3 green and 4 black).

How to get to La Foux d'Allos by train?

By train, it is recommended to travel from Marseille Saint-Charles station to Digne Les Bains (3h30), then take a shuttle between Digne Les Bains station and La Foux d’Allos (1h30–2h).