Fancy a trip to the mountains with friends during the vacations? Don't forget to take the train! We've selected 10 ski resorts that are easily accessible by train.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Chamonix - Mont Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
How about skiing with a view of the Mont-Blanc? Easily accessible by train from the station in the town center, Chamonix is a legendary ski resort, with the Grands Montets ski area for experienced skiers, the Brévent ski area for its freestyle area, and the Les Houches / Saint-Gervais ski area with its slopes in the forest...
The Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley offers all types of slopes, even for absolute beginners. A benefit when you come to Chamonix as a group: everyone will find a ski area to suit them.
Would you like to discover Chamonix in a different way? The resort has some unusual activities for you and your friends! A treasure hunt in the streets of Chamonix, a mix of escape game and adventure game, will introduce you to the town and tell you the story of the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786. Go to 164 place du Mont-Blanc to begin your adventure!
For a change from skiing and snowshoeing, have you considered a Fatbike? This big-wheel bike lets you cycle on snow. With a guide, you can discover the snowy landscape. 2 or 3-hour excursions are available, so it's up to you and your guide!
Tip: For accommodation, consider youth hostels, where nights cost less than 30€! For cheap meals, we recommend Poco Loco, where you can eat burgers for less than 12€.
How to get there by train?
TGV to Saint-Gervais Le Fayet, then TER to Chamonix Mont-Blanc, the station is at the heart of the resort (Mont-Blanc Express station).
>> Book your train ticket to Chamonix Mont-Blanc
L'Alpe d'Huez (Isère)
In Isère, just outside Grenoble, head for l'Alpe d'Huez, a sunny resort located on a south-facing plateau at an altitude of 1860 m. It's even nicknamed "the island in the sun"!
Want to impress your family on your return from vacation? Then head for Europe's longest black slope, La Sarenne. Climb to 3330 metres and enjoy a 360° view. Enjoy a 16 km descent from the Pic Blanc to the Sarenne gorges. And for those who want to get a full dose of adrenalin, you can take the special Tunnel trail, where you slide through the heart of the rock, leading to one of the steepest slopes in the Alps, with a 30-degree incline.
Escape Games United offers several types of escape games for you to enjoy with friends! The Escape Rooms, with their more-than-realistic settings, immerse you in your quest, which must be completed in less than an hour! It's also possible to take part in a life-size escape game. Using a tablet, you have to get from one point to another using geolocation and special gear. The puzzle takes you down the ski slopes or through the village.
Another option: the Ice Laser Game, a laser game in the snow!
Tip: for groups of 3 or more, go for the more affordable Tribu package.
How to get there by train?
TGV to Grenoble or Lyon, then shuttle to the different Alpe d'Huez ski resorts.
>> Book your train ticket to Grenoble
La Bresse-Hohneck (Vosges)
The La Bresse-Hohneck ski area in the Vosges offers breathtaking scenery. The area will satisfy all your skiing desires: from gentle slopes to steeper ones and activity-based ski areas...
Tobogganing evenings are organized on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during school vacations. You can glide down the 1,600-metre Bourvil slope. If you don't have your own sled, don't worry, you can always book one on site (ideally in advance). A fun-filled evening guaranteed!
Another must-do activity in La Bresse is the Fantasticable zip-line, which takes you over the La Bresse valley. You'll reach speeds of up to 100km/h as you glide along a 1.3km cable. Don't forget to admire the scenery! Please remember to book in advance.
Tip: Every Saturday afternoon, from 3pm to 7pm, dance the night away on the Slalom terrace. The "après-ski" venue at Le Refuge features a DJ to get holidaymakers up and dancing!
How to get there by train?
TGV to Remiremont, then shuttle to La Bresse-Hohneck for just 4€.
>> Book your train ticket to Remiremont
Font-Romeu (Pyrénées)
Want to follow Martin Fourcade's footsteps? Head for Font-Romeu! The resort boasts one of Europe's finest Nordic ski areas. With its 43 kilometer ski domain, you're sure to find the slopes that suit you best.
At Font-Romeu, try your hand at dog sledding! Sit back in a sled and let the dog pack carry you along the snow-covered trails. You can even try your hand at driving a sled dog team! The perfect way to make memories with your group of friends.
After spending the day outdoors, there's nothing better than taking a dip in the hot water baths. Head for the Saint-Thomas baths. Three open-air spa pools offer water temperatures between 34°C (95°F) and 37°C (98°F). The spa also features a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.
Tip: A "ski + baths" package is also available with the Font-Romeu ski resort.
How to get there by train?
INTERCITÉS night train to Latour-de-Carol, then TER (the famous Train Jaune!) to Font-Romeu Odeillo Via station, 3km from the village center. Shuttle buses or cabs then take you to the center. Alternatively, take the TGV to Perpignan station, then the 1€ bus to Font-Romeu.
>> Book your train ticket to Perpignan
Les Rousses (Haut-Jura)
At Les Rousses, you can ski on several mountain ranges: Dôle-Tuffes, Serra and Noirmant. We'll let you and your friends choose!
In the Les Rousses ski resort, you have access to a Boarder Cross and slide park where you can try your hand at freestyle snowboarding! And don't forget: you can get there with a Pass'Alpin.
Les Rousses is also one of France's largest cross-country ski areas. If you've never done cross-country skiing before, don't panic! Special cross-country itineraries are available in the resort's villages, and ski schools provide lessons.
Tip: show your student card and get a 10% discount on your ski pass!
How to get there by train?
TGV to Dijon or Dole, then TER to Morez station, then shuttle to Les Rousses (check timetable to match your travel dates).
>> Book your train ticket to Morez
>> Book your train ticket to Dijon
Le Lioran (Massif central)
Right in the middle of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, Le Lioran ski resort offers the perfect backdrop for skiing! And as soon as you arrive at the station, you'll discover a ski lift, the only one of its kind in Europe, which takes you to the resort with your skis on. An original and fun way to start your winter adventure!
If you're looking for a non-skiing activity, try ski-joering. This Scandinavian sport involves putting on your skis and letting yourself be pulled by a horse. Before it became a sporting activity, this technique was used as a means of transport during harsh winters in northern countries.
You can also ski at night at Le Lioran! On Mondays and Thursdays during the school vacations, two of the resort's slopes are open until 8.30pm. Enjoy stargazing down the slopes.
If you're looking for new sensations, you can head for the Lioran icefall. For a two-hour escapade, climb the icefall and come back with a lifetime of memories.
Tip: the 6-day ski pass costs 138.70€ for under 26-year-olds!
How to get there by train?
Take the INTERCITÉS train to Clermont-Ferrand, then the TER to Le Lioran station, then the ski lift next to the station, or the free shuttle to the resort.
>> Book your train ticket for Le Lioran
Thollon-les-Mémises (Haute-Savoie)
There's no time to get bored in Thollon-les-Mémises, as the resort offers 50km of slopes for every level, an ungroomed slope, a big air bag, a snow park and a fun park!
But what's even more interesting are the low ski pass prices! From 24.50€ for a half-day to 108€ for a 4-day pass! So you can enjoy the park without breaking your budget. And on top of that, you get to enjoy the stunning view over Lake Geneva.
Tip: before you leave, for just 4€, you can take a trip to the natural ice rink at Bernex, just a stone's throw from Evian.
How to get there by train?
TGV to Evian les Bains, then shuttle to Thollon-les-Mémises.
>> Book your train ticket to Evian
Les Arcs (Savoie)
Welcome to Les Arcs, the most accessible resort by train, thanks to its TGV access and cable car link. There's no excuse not to try it: it's super-easy and convenient, taking just 5 hours from Paris or 3 hours from Lyon.
With 425 kilometers of slopes and the Paradiski area (linked to La Plagne), you'll never get bored in Les Arcs. Whether your friends are amateurs or experienced skiers, you'll be spoilt for choice.
You can't miss the Aiguille Rouge cable car ride. Once at the top, enjoy the magnificent view from the panoramic footbridge. Next to the footbridge is a zip line that takes you down at 130 km/h: a breathtaking experience!
Tip: the resort offers low-cost accommodation and accommodation + ski pass packages!
How to get there by train?
Take the TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, then the cable car to the Arc 1600 slopes, a 7-minute walk away. Free shuttle buses will then take you to Arc 1800, Arc 1950 or Arc 2000. Note: the cable car is free with your train ticket.
>> Book your train ticket to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Val Thorens (Savoie)
Head for Europe's highest ski resort! Val-Thorens is the highest resort in the 3 Vallées ski area. With 600 km of slopes, it's also the world's largest ski area.
Ski mountaineering at Val-Thorens! Ski mountaineering lets you climb to the top of the mountains with the strength of your legs, and ski back down more peacefully!
Is your group of friends divided between skiing and snowboarding? There's no need to split into 2 groups, as everyone can enjoy the Snow Park, where skiers and snowboarders can share their passion for snow sports. The 70,000sqm area features tables, rails and boxes of various sizes. Freestyle competitions are often held in the Snow Park.
Tip: check out the DJs mixing for the Folie Douce, a dance bar on the slopes!
How to get there by train?
TGV and TER with change at Chambéry, to Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains station, then shuttle to Val-Thorens resort.
>> Book your train ticket for Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains
Serre Chevalier (Hautes-Alpes)
The largest ski area in the Southern Alps, Serre-Chevalier lets you ski in the forest, in the heart of magnificent scenery. Recreational areas are available, as well as "Discovery" areas for beginners. The Serre Chevalier ski resort boasts 410 hectares of marked ski slopes.
Will you dare to sleep in a tepee in the middle of the mountains? That's what awaits you in the resort of Serre Chevalier. Put on your snowshoes after dark and follow your guide to the trapper's village. Enjoy a typical Hautes-Alpes fondue. Gourmets beware!
Tip: the resort has a website called "Ou!K" where you can save on ski passes and group ski passes with friends. The more the merrier, the more you save!
How to get there by train?
From Paris, direct overnight INTERCITÉS train to Briançon, or TGV + TER to Briançon, with changes at Valence, Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, then RESALP shuttles to the Serre-Chevalier Vallée Briançon ski resort.
>> Book your train ticket to Briançon