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The best destinations
With many cheap flights and excellent connections to many nearby ski resorts, Grenoble is a fantastic destination for those wanting to head to the slopes. Internationally renowned resorts, such as Alpe d’Huez, are within a reasonable driving distance and there are plenty of great smaller resorts closer to the city. Below we will explore some of the best ski resorts near Grenoble, showing you the distance from Grenoble train station and airport, the facilities at the resort and the type slopes.
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Airport/Resort – 60 mins Train Station/Resort – 40 mins
This resort is centred around the small village of Villard de Lans and is a great option for families looking for somewhere cozy and quiet. You can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, relax in one of the many bars and restaurants or have some family fun in the winter sports area. Villard de Lans is in the heart of the Massif Vercors range with slopes for all levels and offers beginners skiing at Colline des Bains and Hameau de Ribambel. The resort is perfect for those looking to do things other than skiing, with horse riding, ice-climbing and snowshoeing. There is also plenty of indoor entertainment with a pottery studio, bowling, lots of bars and cafes and two nightclubs.
Airport/Resort – 70 mins Train Station/Resort – 75 mins
Chamrousse was made famous by the 1968 Winter Olympics and offers amazing panoramic views from an altitude of 1600m. It is popular with families as the 92 km of slopes are split into two sections. One section is dedicated to beginners and children, while the other offers slopes of varying difficulties. It has beautiful tree-lined Alpine pistes and when the weather is clear the views are stunning! The resort comprises two modern villages, Chamrousse 1650 and Chamrousee 1750 offering all you could need. If you want a break from skiing, you can try your hand at snowmobiling or dog sledding or for some relaxation, head to the spa.
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Airport/Resort – 85 mins Train Station/Resort – 90 mins
If you are looking for a traditional Alpine farming village with access to a vast expanse of ski slopes, then Vaujany is your resort! Vaujany is connected to the Alpe d’Huez and the Grand Domaine resorts, giving visitors plenty of options at all levels. Vaujany is also far less crowded than the neighbouring Alpe d’Huez resort itself and has a gondola carrying up to 160 people to the top of the Pic Blanc at 2800m. It is a rapid ascent and is rarely full. The surrounding slopes face all directions, meaning that you can always find the best conditions. It is also one of the best resorts for children with the ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ label for its great facilities.
Airport/Resort – 95 mins Train Station/Resort – 80 mins
Known as the Ile au Soleil (Island of the Sun) for its sunny southern facing slopes, Alpe d’Huez is a large resort with so much to offer! Visitors will have access to 240 km of downhill skiing with 120 ski runs. This includes the renowned Sarenne ski run, which at 16km is the longest in the world! There is a great mix of slopes and the resort also has a ‘Famille Plus’ label making it perfect for family holidays. There is English day care and children’s ski lessons available. Alpe d’Huez is a great value resort with lots of skiing on offer, affordable accommodation and lots of choice when it comes to bars and restaurants. There is a lively apres-ski, every year there is the International Film Festival of Comedy and plenty to explore beyond skiing, such as the nearby ice caves and forests.
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Airport/Resort – 95 mins Train Station/Resort – 80 mins
Les Deux Alpes is France’s oldest ski resort and is centred around the villages of Mont de Lans and Venosc. It is also Europe’s largest summer skiing area due to its large glacier. It is perfect for beginners and is a popular destination for younger skiers and snowboarders, giving it a varied and lively nightlife. The resort’s brilliant snowpark makes it popular with snowboarders with many opportunities for freestyle and freeriding in the many off-piste areas. With many bars and restaurants and plenty of activities for non-skiers, including paragliding, snowshoeing and spa breaks, the resort offers something for everyone. Excellent skiing no matter your level is to be had and you can also enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery!
There are many coach and private taxi options for transferring to the ski resorts from both Grenoble Airport and Grenoble bus station. To help you choose, we have some fantastic recommendations for you.
Since 2008 Snowbus has been arranging transfers to ski resorts in France and has built up a wealth of experience in providing cheap and easy options for travellers. With a reliable and trustworthy local network in Grenoble and Geneva, they can be flexible and help you find the best transfer deal, no matter your group size. Snowbus only works with experienced drivers and there will always be English-speaking staff on hand to help you.
Snowcompare is a great comparison website that allows you to find cheap private and shared ski transfer options from companies in France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Save yourself time searching through independent websites yourself, clearly see the prices of each option, compare customer reviews and see current availability.