A day’s skiing without taking the car

There are several less tiring, less stressful and more ecological alternatives to driving. Resorts such as L’Alpe d’Huez, Val Thorens, Chamonix and La Clusaz are just a few clicks away…Even if you don’t have a car, or do have a car but don’t have snow tyres, you can still set off from Lyon to enjoy a day on the slopes. Many resorts in the Alps can be reached by bus, train or carpool.

Go skiing by bus from Lyon

Each weekend, several buses can take you from Lyon to the ski resorts. Make the most of lines such as Blablabus, or go to a specialised agency, such as Skimania or Skipower, to see all the available destinations and dates. A ski pass is usually included in the package and, if you don’t have your own gear, you can rent it in Lyon or at the resort. Lastly, if you don’t ski but simply want to enjoy the fresh mountain air, all you need to do is book transport!

Go skiing by train from Lyon

The SNCF train network has various lines to ski resorts and will often get you near to the slopes or, failing that, near to shuttles that will take you to the slopes! The stations Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice are departure points to get to several resorts. Here are some ski resorts that are easily accessible from Lyon by train:

• Les Arcs : one of the most accessible resorts without a car! To get to the slopes of Les Arcs in the northern Alps, it's a 3 to 3½-hour train ride to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and then a 7-minute ride on the funicular. 
• La Clusaz : You will need to go to Annecy by train (2h) and then take a shuttle (about another half hour).
• L'Alpe d'Huez : Boasting 300 days of sun a year, this resort is accessible from Lyon. Take the train to Grenoble (less than 1½ hours) and then a shuttle to Alpe d'Huez (1h30).
• Villard-de-Lans : At the heart of the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the resort of Villard-de-Lans can be easily accessed without a car via Grenoble. It takes less than 1½ hours by train to Grenoble and then 40 minutes by coach to Villard.
• Les Sybelles : To get to Les Sybelles ski resorts (La Toussuire, Le Corbier, Saint-Jean d'Arves, Saint-Sorlin d'Arves, Saint-Colomban-des-Villards), go to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne by train (2h30) and then take the shuttle (30 mn).
• Chamrousse : Overlooking the city of Grenoble, Chamrousse offers a magnificent panorama and is suitable for both experienced skiers and beginners! To reach Chamrousse, allow 1h30 by train to Grenoble and then about 30 minutes by shuttle.

A day on the slopes with car sharing

Why not share your journey with other skiers? Other than the most popular ride-sharing platforms, other websites, such as Skivoiturage, have recently been created specifically for skiers. Also, some resorts even offer ski pass discounts for ride-sharers. Don’t miss out. Ride sharing can also be a great way to meet new people to enjoy après-ski with.

Now you know how to get to the mountains, all you need to do is pick a resort! Going as a family? Follow our tips for a pleasant family skiing weekend. See you soon on the slopes!