If the latest posts from resorts announcing the first snowflakes in October are anything to go by, the end of the year looks set to be particularly generous. The snow is already here, and as the saying goes, “y’a de la peuf!” The winter sports resorts are therefore in the starting blocks to welcome all the impatient people that we are. While we’re waiting to meet you on the chairlift or over a glass of mulled wine, we’ve got all the info you need to make sure you don’t miss out on the start of the season. Between two activities in Lyon, take advantage of skiing in the best spots close to home.And let’s face it, skiing also means the official opening of the raclette season… so hop hop hop and get on the slopes!
Les 2 alpes, one of the best destinations to visit in the world according to Airbnb in 2025!
The resort of Les 2 Alpes is undoubtedly a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Often cited among the finest ski resorts such as Chamonix or Val d’Isère, it boasts an absolutely exceptional ski area culminating at an altitude of 3,600m! Quite simply, if you leave aside the Aiguille du Midi and its 3800m, Les 2 Alpes is the highest ski area in France, giving it an unrivalled quality of natural snow. And still only 2 hours from Lyon. Like Combloux in Haute-Savoie, Les 2 Alpes is one of Airbnb’s top 25 destinations to visit worldwide, cocorico!
⛄ Why go there? For the assurance of good snow throughout the season and a panorama that’s unique in the world
📅 Opening Sunday, November 30, 2025
🎟️ 1-day pass from 63€ for an adult rate (2024 rate)
Villard de Lans
Villard de Lans is the number 1 ski area in the Vercors. It boasts 125 km of slopes in a variety of landscapes (mountains, forests and even canyons). The other big plus? 1h50 from Lyon, so you can ski close to home! And for all those who love the Olympics, this is the resort of Carole Montillet, Olympic champion in Salt Lake in 2002… back in the day!
⛄ Why go there? For the variety of its landscapes and its 57 runs!
📅 Opening Saturday December 13, 2025
🎟️ 1-day ski pass from €41 for adults (2024 prices)
Les 7 Laux
Les Sept Laux is a group of three Alpine winter sports resorts located in the magnificent Belledonne mountain range (Isère). It’s a favorite with Grenoble’s locals and just a 2-hour drive from Lyon. Excellent value for money. The resort is the largest ski area in the Belledonne chain, and one of the top 3 most modern lift parks in France.
⛄ Why go there? For its views over the Grenoble basin and the Grésivaudan valley
📅 Opening Saturday December 20, 2025
🎟️ 1-day pass from €38 for an adult rate (2024 rate)
Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse
This Coeur de Chartreuse ski resort is a true natural cocoon at an altitude of 2,000 m, just 1h40 from Lyon. Its charm lies in the typical architecture of its pretty mountain village. The perfect destination for beginners, with 7 runs (and a red run for the more adventurous!).
⛄ Why go there? For its low price and family format
📅 Opening Saturday, December 20, 2025
🎟️ 1-day pass from €15 for an adult rate (2024 rate)
Les 3 Vallées
Welcome to the ski Mecca of the world! This XXL ski resort is quite simply the largest ski area in the world! With its 600 km of pistes, Les 3 Vallées is the perfect way to discover the vast expanses of Savoie. For experienced skiers, given the price of ski passes… Just 2 hours from Lyon!
⛄ Why go there? Quite simply, because it’s the world’s largest ski area!
📅 Opening Saturday December 6, 2025
🎟️ 1-day ski pass from €79 for an adult rate (2024 rate)
Chamrousse
Chamrousse extends over three levels linked by forest trails and ski slopes in winter. Built in the middle of a forest, the resort offers exceptional panoramic views over Grenoble and its valley. The Belledonne Massif resort offers 43 runs on 90 km of trails for downhill skiers and 40 km for Nordic skiers.
📅 From Saturday December 6, 2025
🎟️ 1-day package from €42.50 for an adult rate (2024 rate)
Oz Vaujany (Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine)
On the border of the magnificent Écrins region , the ski resort of Oz Vaujany welcomes you 2 hours from Lyon to the beautiful Alpe d’Huez ski area. Its cable car climbs to an altitude of +3300 m, one of the highest in this ranking. Without doubt, one of the most beautiful ski resorts in France.
📅 From Saturday December 6, 2025
🎟️ 1-day ski pass 46€ for an adult on Oz Vaujany and 64€ on the grand domaine (2024 rates)
L’Alpe du Grand Serre (resort unlikely to open for the 2025-2026 season)
Located less than 2 hours from Lyon, the Alpe du Grand Serre resort is at the gateway to the Oisans region and offers a multitude of activities at competitive prices. The natural setting is just as exceptional. Look out for the Taillefer massif, its lake and its hiking trails.
📅 From Saturday, December 21, 2024
🎟️ 1-day package from €31.50 for an adult rate (2024 rate)
Chalmazel (resort closed for the 2025-2026 season)
Just 1h45 from Lyon, Chalmazel is a quiet, friendly little resort with 12km of pistes. It’s generally open in winter and summer, and offers very attractive rates.
⛄ Why go there? For its tranquil atmosphere
📅 Closed for the 2025-2026 season
🎟️ 1-day pass from €24 for an adult rate (2024 rate)