Fancy making the most of winter to step away from the Parisian pace and get some fresh air? To escape Paris for a weekend, the mountains are the perfect place. So it's time to clip on your skis, recharge your batteries in the high-altitude sun and come and tuck into some melted cheese! To help you plan your ski weekend from Paris, here are the ski resorts closest to Paris, reachable by train or by car!
The ski resorts less than 4 hours from Paris
The Vosges massif is the closest to Paris by train
Indeed, if you're looking for a ski resort very close to Paris, you should turn to the La Bresse and Gérardmer ski areas. Gérardmer is just 3h30 from Paris and La Bresse 4 hours. To get there, you'll take the train to Remiremont, then a shuttle linking the station to the resort.
Come and ski in the heart of the fir forests and enjoy restorative nature in the intimacy of the Vosges. The family resorts await you with their gastronomy and warm welcome.
Reach Grenoble in 3 hours by train, in the heart of the Alps
The direct train from Paris to Grenoble takes just 3 hours! That means you can leave on Friday after a day's work, or very early on Saturday to be on the slopes when they open. During the winter season, buses link Grenoble to the nearby resorts. Discover, for instance:
The Chamrousse resort and its 90 km of alpine ski runs and 40 km of cross-country trails.
The Les 7 Laux resort : a resort that has renewed its lift network and skilfully laid out its runs to build its reputation among the people of Grenoble.
The Les 2 Alpes resort, which peaks at 3,600 m in altitude. Set in the heart of the Oisans massif, this resort delights riders and its glacier offers a breathtaking view over the Écrins and Mont Blanc.
The Vercors cross-country ski areas such as Lans-en-Vercors and Autrans-Méaudre.
The Massif Central ski resorts, reachable in 4 to 5 hours by car from Paris
You can also head off skiing from Paris by car! For that, head for the Massif Central. Indeed, Le Mont-Dore is only 466 km from Paris, and Besse-Super-Besse 472 km. So allow 4 to 5 hours by car to reach the Auvergne and its ski resorts.
The Massif Central is the largest volcanic area in Europe. A wide range of mountain activities are on offer there: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, hiking, paragliding and cycle touring. The atmosphere isn't the same as in the big Alpine resorts, but it may suit you if you're after peace, quiet and nature.
The ski resorts 5 hours from Paris by train
For those willing to travel a little further to go skiing for a weekend from Paris, other Alpine resorts are reachable by train and shuttle from the station.
Les Arcs
On the route from Paris to Les Arcs, the Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station connects directly to a funicular that takes you up to the ski slopes. In total, allow a little over 5 hours by train to reach Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then 7 minutes by funicular to reach the resort. Snow cover is guaranteed all season long, as 70% of the runs sit above 2,000 metres in altitude!
Les Saisies
To reach Albertville station from Paris, you'll need about 3h40. From the station, you can then get to Les Saisies by bus. Bookings are made the day before by phone.
The Les Saisies resort is ideal for beginners and children. Of course, keen skiers won't be left out either, thanks to the characterful runs across the area. Not forgetting their fabulous cross-country domain: 120 km of forest trails between 1,650 and 1,720 m in altitude. Whatever your level and the sport you practise, by coming to Les Saisies you'll enjoy a 360° panorama over Mont Blanc, the Beaufortain massif and the Aravis range.
La Clusaz
It takes 3h45 by TGV from Paris to reach Annecy, then 30 minutes by free shuttle from Annecy to get to La Clusaz.
For a weekend between lake and mountains, Annecy lets you enjoy skiing as well as a lovely Alpine town that's a delight to wander around. Set at the foot of the Aravis range,
the La Clusaz resort peaks at 2,600 m in altitude and offers you 1,500 m of vertical descent. Thanks to its varied orientations, you can enjoy good snow and sunshine all day long.
