Best ski resorts near Paris

Welcome to our guide to ski resorts near Paris, designed for ski lovers who want to enjoy a variety of ski areas without having to travel long distances from the capital.
In this article, we present six ski destinations within easy reach of Paris: Chamonix, Les Arcs, Super Besse, Métabief, Le Grand Bornand and l'Alpe d'Huez.
Whether you're looking for varied ski areas, family resorts or destinations offering spectacular panoramas, you'll find what you're looking for in our selection. Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure in these ski resorts closest to Paris.
 

Chamonix: Accessible from Paris

Chamonix, located in the majestic French Alps, is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery but also for its easy accessibility from Paris. This world-renowned resort attracts skiers and mountain lovers from all corners of the globe.
 

How do I get to Chamonix from Paris ?

There are several options for getting to Chamonix from Paris. The quickest is to fly from Paris to Geneva, followed by a bus or train transfer to Chamonix, which takes around an hour.
If you prefer the train, the TGV runs from Paris to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in around 5 hours. From there, a regional Mont-Blanc Express train will take you directly to Chamonix in less than an hour.
For those who opt to drive, the journey can take around 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions, via the A6 motorway and then the A40, offering spectacular views along the way.

Activities and features of the Chamonix resort

Chamonix doesn't just offer excellent ski slopes; it's a complete destination for winter sports enthusiasts. As well as downhill skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice climbing. Chamonix is also famous for the Vallée Blanche, a spectacular off-piste descent that attracts discerning skiers from all over the world.
In summer, Chamonix becomes a paradise for hikers, climbers and mountain bikers. The ski lifts give you easy access to high altitudes for panoramic walks around Mont Blanc.
In addition, Chamonix offers a rich selection of boutiques, gourmet restaurants and cultural venues to enrich any visitor experience, whether for a day or a week.

Les Arcs: Diversity and wide open spaces close to Paris

Les Arcs, a vast ski area in the heart of the French Alps, is renowned for its integrated modern architecture and slopes to suit all levels of skier.
Just a few hours from Paris, this resort offers an impressive diversity of terrain, from green to black runs, as well as fun areas for all the family.

Les Arcs 1800 and 2000: the perfect choice for all abilities

Les Arcs 1800, the vibrant heart of the resort, is perfect for families and groups of friends with its many services, shops and restaurants. This part of the resort is particularly popular for its festive atmosphere and accommodation options with ski-to-door access.
Les Arcs 2000, situated higher up, offers greater challenges for experienced skiers with demanding red and black runs, while guaranteeing quality snow throughout the season.
Together, Les Arcs 1800 and 2000 offer a complete experience that caters for everyone, from beginners to experts, making this one of the best ski resorts near Paris.
 

Getting to Les Arcs from Paris

Getting to Les Arcs from Paris is both simple and convenient, making the resort a top destination for a ski weekend or extended holiday. By train, the journey is particularly easy: take the direct TGV from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. Once in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a fast funicular will take you straight to the heart of Les Arcs in just 7 minutes.
For those who prefer to drive, the journey takes around 7 hours, offering magnificent scenery along the A6 motorway followed by the A43 towards Savoie. Whether you're looking for a gentle ski break or a challenging descent, Les Arcs is a family-friendly ski resort close to Paris that promises great adventures just a few hours from home.

Super Besse in the Massif Central

Super Besse, nestled in the Massif Central, offers a unique skiing experience away from the busier Alps. This dynamic resort is ideal for families, beginners and intermediate skiers, while offering a variety of activities for non-skiers.
With its welcoming atmosphere and modern facilities, Super Besse is a great destination for those looking for a great value ski resort close to Paris.

Attractions at Super Besse

Super Besse is much more than just a ski resort; it's a true mountain leisure centre. As well as downhill skiing, the resort offers a wide range of winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even a toboggan run that will thrill young and old alike.
For thrill-seekers, the Fantaski zip-line offers an exhilarating experience over Lac des Hermines.
In summer, the lake is transformed into a leisure centre where you can go sailing, paddle boarding or simply relax on the beach. The fun areas at Super Besse also host a variety of seasonal events and activities that enrich the visitor experience all year round.
 

Getting to Super Besse from Paris

Getting to Super Besse from Paris is relatively straightforward, whether you choose to travel by car or train. By car, the journey takes around 5 hours via the A71, making it an accessible destination for a ski weekend.
By train, the nearest station is Clermont-Ferrand, where you can then catch a bus or hire a car to cover the remaining 45km to the resort.
This ease of access, combined with the variety of slopes and activities on offer, makes Super Besse a popular Massif Central Super Besse ski resort for those looking to avoid the crowds of the Alps while enjoying a rewarding and diverse ski holiday.

Métabief: Jura charm just a few hours from Paris

Métabief, a gem in the Jura, offers a warm atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, making it an attractive alternative to the larger, busier ski resorts in the Alps.
Just a few hours from Paris, Métabief attracts visitors with its picturesque setting and skiing options to suit all abilities, especially for families and beginners.

Why choose Métabief for cross-country skiing and ski schools ?

Métabief is particularly well known for its excellent cross-country skiing conditions. With kilometres of well-maintained and varied runs, enthusiasts can enjoy an idyllic setting through forests and snow-covered plains.
The resort also boasts a number of ski schools offering courses for all ages and levels, from very young beginners to advanced skiers looking to perfect their technique. The passionate and experienced instructors ensure rapid and safe progress in a welcoming environment.
By choosing Métabief, you are opting for quality teaching in one of the best ski resorts near Paris, ideal for learning and perfecting your technique in a peaceful, family environment.

Itinerary Paris-Métabief

Access to Métabief from Paris is convenient, offering several options for those who prefer to leave the car in the garage. By train, the easiest route is to take a TGV from Paris to Frasne station, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. From there, a short bus or taxi journey will take you directly to the station, around 20 minutes away.
For those wishing to drive, the journey by car takes around 5 hours via the A6 and A36, passing through beautiful parts of rural France before reaching the Jura.
This ease of access makes Métabief a very attractive Jura Métabief ski resort for Parisians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a rejuvenating ski weekend.

Le Grand-Bornand: a family resort close to Paris

Le Grand-Bornand, located in the magnificent Aravis region of Haute-Savoie, offers the charm of a traditional mountain village combined with an exceptional ski area. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere and varied activities, it's an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the snow close to Paris.

Enjoying Grand-Bornand as a family

Le Grand-Bornand is perfectly suited to families, with a range of activities designed for all ages. Children can learn to ski in complete safety, with ski schools catering for young skiers from an early age.
The resort also offers fun areas, such as toboggan runs and snow play parks, which guarantee fun and safety under professional supervision.
As well as skiing, Le Grand-Bornand also offers dog-sleigh rides, ice-skating sessions and snowshoe outings, ideal for discovering the snowy landscape in an original and memorable way.
With its many restaurants and cafés, Le Grand-Bornand is also a great place to relax after an active day on the slopes, offering tasty local specialities to delight the whole family.

Journey from Paris to Le Grand-Bornand

Travelling from Paris to Le Grand-Bornand is fairly straightforward, whether by train or car. By train, the most convenient route is to take a TGV from Paris to Annecy, which takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes. From there, regional buses are available to take you directly to Grand-Bornand in around an hour. This mode of transport is not only environmentally friendly, but also allows you to enjoy the Alpine scenery without the stress of driving.
For those who prefer the flexibility of a car, the journey takes around 6 hours via the A6 and A40 motorways. The route is particularly scenic, passing through different regions of France before arriving at the high mountains.
Whether you choose the train or the car, Le Grand-Bornand remains a family-friendly ski resort close to Paris, easily accessible for an extended weekend or family ski holiday.

L'Alpe d'Huez: top-level skiing accessible from Paris

L'Alpe d'Huez, often nicknamed the ‘Île au Soleil’ because of its exceptional sunshine, is a destination of choice for skiers of all abilities, offering vast and varied slopes.
Located in the Grandes Rousses, this resort is famous for its competitive slopes as well as its more relaxed skiing options, making it ideal for those looking for top-level skiing within easy reach of Paris.

Night skiing and fun areas at Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is renowned for its innovations in the skiing experience, not least thanks to its night skiing facilities. The floodlit pistes offer a unique skiing experience, allowing you to ski under the stars in a spectacular setting. This option is perfect for those who want to maximise their time on the slopes or simply discover skiing from a different angle.
As well as night skiing, the resort has a host of fun areas designed to keep the whole family entertained. Snow parks, slalom zones and toboggan runs are available, each offering a fun and safe experience for children and adults alike.
Alpe d'Huez is also equipped with several ski schools offering lessons for all ages, ensuring that every visitor can make the most of their time on the slopes, whether they are beginners or advanced skiers.

How do I get to Alpe d'Huez from Paris ?

Getting to Alpe d'Huez from Paris is a relatively simple undertaking, thanks to the excellent transport links. By train, the quickest way is to take the TGV from Paris to Grenoble, a journey that takes around three hours. From Grenoble, frequent buses make the journey to Alpe d'Huez in around an hour and a half, dropping you off directly in the heart of the resort.
For those who prefer to travel by car, the journey takes around 7 hours via the A6, followed by the A48 to Grenoble, then mountain roads to the resort. This route offers breathtaking views of the Alpine scenery, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The accessibility of Alpe d'Huez makes it a favourite destination for Parisians looking for a ski weekend or an extended mountain holiday.

Choose your ideal ski resort near Paris

By choosing one of these ski resorts near Paris, you're sure to enjoy your passion for winter sports to the full. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend break or a longer holiday, each resort offers unique features to enhance your experience. Plan ahead, book your equipment on Ski Republic, and get ready to hit the slopes! Happy skiing!