The 10 Closest Ski Resorts to Grenoble Airport
The excitement before embarking on a ski holiday to Europe can be palpable. Bags are packed, ski passes ordered, Après ski locations identified. All that’s left to do is transport yourself from rainy England to a snowy French wonderland. You step off the plane in Grenoble and think you’ve arrived, but then the ski rep announces “It’s just a short 4-hour transfer to your resort”. Gutted.
Transfer times can eat into a massive proportion of much needed vacation time, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are plenty of high quality, French ski resorts within a short distance of Grenoble airport.
Grenoble is located in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, just west of the Alps themselves. This prime location can see you off the plane and checked into your hotel or chalet in less than 2 hours. So which ski resorts can offer you the shortest transfer time? Here’s a list of some of the best options.
Alpe d’Huez - France
Home to Europe’s longest black run – La Sarenne (16km) - Alpe d’Huez offers extremely quick transfer times from Grenoble airport. A great place to begin your skiing journey, the resort caters to beginners very well. Along with this it also offers gorgeous vistas and a great all-round ski trip experience.
- Transfer time – 1hr 30mins
- Resort height – 1869m
- Highest point – 3300m
- Ski area – 249km
Val Thorens – France
The highest of the 3 resorts present in the Three Valleys, Val Thorens offers absolutely everything. Whether you’re just putting on ski boots for the first time, or looking to cover as much (high altitude) ground as possible, you can’t go wrong here. With a village base of 2300m, VT is one of the most snow-sure resorts in France and around a 2.5 hour journey from Grenoble airport.
- Transfer time – 2hr 30mins
- Resort height – 2300m
- Highest point – 3230m
- Ski area – 600km
Megeve – France
A fantastically beautiful and traditional resort, Megeve isn’t always the go to option for English snow-seekers. Its picture postcard setting with a backdrop of Mont Blanc will appeal to skiers and non-skiers alike. Skiing here makes you feel like a true French local and short transfer time from Grenoble only boosts its desirability.
- Transfer time – 1hr 45mins
- Resort height – 1100m
- Highest point – 2355m
- Ski area – 325km
Les Deux Alpes– France
With a glacier rising to just under 3,600 metres above sea level, Les Deux Alpes provides a pretty snow sure place to ski. Les Deux Alpes boasts some impressive skiing, with its highest point rising to 3,568m. The ski terrain excels when it comes to off-piste and offers loads of choice for intermediate and advanced skiers. Legendary off-piste area La Grave provides an unspoiled off-piste mecca for skiers and snowboarders alike.
- Transfer time – 1hr 25mins
- Resort height – 1650m
- Highest point – 3568m
- Ski area – 220km
Meribel – France
Meribel is a firm favourite amongst British snowsports enthusiasts. With access to countless Après opportunities, alpine lodge style chalets, and some of the best skiing in France. It’s hard to go wrong with this tried and tested classic resort.
- Transfer time – 2hr 15mins
- Resort height – 1700m
- Highest point – 3230m
- Ski Area – 600km
Les Arcs – France
Les Arcs is part of the mesmerising Paradiski ski area, one of the largest in the world. With a host of different villages (at various altitudes) to choose from, there’s something for everybody. Known for having excellent advanced level pistes, beginners can also enjoy beautiful tree-lined blues in nearby Peisey Vallandy. It also offers easy access to the alpine villages via the Bourg-st-Maurice funicular.
- Transfer time – 2hr 30mins
- Resort height – 2100m
- Highest point – 3226m
- Ski area – 425km
La Clusaz – France
Known for its pretty village, La Clusaz can give you a traditional French experience – both on the slopes and off. With a resort base of 1100m, there’s plenty of below tree line skiing on offer. While its size doesn’t quite live up to some of the bigger areas, you’re sure to avoid too many crowds here.
- Transfer time – 1hr 45mins
- Resort height – 1100m
- Highest point – 2477m
- Ski area – 125km
Courchevel – France
Courchevel has at times had a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous. This is largely due to the presence of a private runway adjacent to the village. It’s popular for a reason though. Being a part of The 3 Valleys, it has access to the largest ski area in the world. It’s also the closest resort in The 3 Valleys to Grenoble airport, making it perfect for short and easy transfers.
- Transfer time – 1hr 45mins
- Resort height – 1800m
- Highest point – 3230m
- Ski area – 600km
La Plagne – France
La Plagne is a relatively modern resort, only first sprouting up around 60 years ago. It’s home to 11 separate villages from functional Plagne Centre to picturesque Belle Plagne. Also a part of the massive Paradiski area, it offers easy access to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express. It’s an intermediates paradise with cruisy blues all over (right down to 1250m), but also offers excellent off piste to those more daring.
- Transfer time – 2hr 20mins
- Resort height – 1970m
- Highest point – 3250m
- Ski area – 425km
Serre Chevalier – France
Further south than most of our offerings so far, Serre Chevalier is still well within a decent transfer time from Grenoble airport. Boasting over 250km with plenty of powder and a reliable snow cover, this beautiful area is always a solid choice. Home to over 20 different villages, it’s also home to the highest city in France - Briançon.
- Transfer time – 2hr 30mins
- Resort height – 1500m
- Highest point – 2800m
- Ski area – 250km