Best ski resorts near Paris

You want to escape to the ski slopes for a weekend? It's not always easy to find ski resorts near Paris. Here is our selection with all the practical information you need to assess travel time and available transportation.

LES ROUSSES IN THE JURA

The Jura region hides some gems that will delight snow enthusiasts looking for a weekend getaway not far from Paris. Les Rousses is the first French ski resort to be labeled "Green Snowflake". Its ski area covers 50 km of slopes served by 34 ski lifts. It reaches an altitude of 1678 meters and allows for all types of winter sports. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. The ski resort is accessible by train. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes for a TGV to connect Paris to Dole or 3 hours and 15 minutes for a TGV from Paris to Lausanne. Buses from the prefecture of Doubs connect to the resort several times a day.

METABIEF

Among the ski resorts near Paris located in the Jura, Metabief, a commune in the Haut-Doubs, is ideal for a weekend getaway not far from the capital. Skiers, whether experienced or beginners, can have fun on this ski area with 37 km of ski slopes ranging from 900 to 1,463 meters in altitude. Snow enthusiasts can enjoy the 35 slopes accessible to all levels and have fun in five recreational areas (Jurakid'Park, Bio Park, Easy Park, Air Bag, and Snowpark). You can also go snowshoeing or Nordic skiing if you prefer not to go downhill. And for those who enjoy hiking, there are dog sledding excursions available. To get to Metabief, it takes about 3 hours and 56 minutes by car and 5 hours by train. The nearest train stations are Vallorbe (11 km) and Pontalier (22 km).

L’ALPE D’HUEZ

Located in the department of Isère, 59 km from the city of Grenoble, Alpe d'Huez is a vast paradise for skiing, alpine skiing, and vast open spaces overlooking the Oisans valley. Alpe d'Huez reaches an altitude of 1680 meters and offers a ski area of no less than 183 km of slopes connecting the village-resorts of Vaujany, Huez-en-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans, and Villard-Reculard. The highest point at Pic Blanc offers exceptional views of the Ecrins Massif, Mont Blanc, and La Meije. Besides winter sports, the resort offers numerous other activities, including sledging on rails. Alpe d'Huez is accessible by train. It takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to travel from Paris to Grenoble by TGV, then you can finish the journey by bus or taxi.

SKIING AT LE GRAND-BORNAND

In the heart of the Aravis Massif, Le Grand-Bornand resort in Haute-Savoie delights winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking authenticity. The typically Savoyard village centers around its covered market (Grenette), its church, and its shopping streets with century-old chalets. The ski area includes 90 km of downhill ski slopes and 43 km of cross-country tracks. The resort has hosted the Biathlon World Championships and is equipped to meet international competition standards. Le Grand-Bornand is easily accessible by train. To go for a weekend, you need to get a ticket for Paris-Annecy (3 hours and 45 minutes by TGV) and then complete the journey by taking a shuttle.

LA CHAPELLE D’ABONDANCE

How can you resist the joys of winter sports with such a name? La Chapelle d'Abondance is an easily accessible ski resort. Located in Haute-Savoie, it is nestled at the entrance of the vast Portes du Soleil domain, which includes 306 slopes, 600 km of skiing, and 195 ski lifts. La Chapelle d'Abondance is a mountain resort with an authentic character. The ski area of L'Essert, attached to the village, offers numerous and varied activities, including snowshoe hiking, Nordic and alpine skiing, ice driving, and ice skating on a natural rink. It takes 4 hours by TGV to reach Paris to Thonon-les-Bains and finish the journey by shuttle (35 minutes).

Is there anything specific you would like to know or plan regarding these ski resorts near Paris?