Can you go skiing from Lille? Yes! Les Rousses, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Val Thorens, Bourg-Saint-Maurice... Whatever your level in skiing or snowboarding, whether you are skiing with family, as a couple, or with friends, you will find one or more ski resorts relatively close to Lille that meet your needs in the list below. Head to the Vosges, Jura, or Northern Alps for your next winter holiday!
The Vosges – the closest mountain range to Lille by car
If you plan to go skiing by car, the closest resorts are in the Vosges. Gérardmer and La Bresse are among the most popular, offering multiple activities and opportunities for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and more.
These are ideal destinations for families, thanks to their moderate altitude and child-friendly facilities.
Count on approximately 5h30 by car to reach these Vosges ski resorts. Taking the train can save some time, but several connections are required to reach your destination.
Les Rousses – Jura ski resort, 6 hours from Lille
After 6 hours by car, you can strap on your skis at the Les Rousses resort. This family-friendly ski area, nestled in spruce forests near Lake des Rousses, offers a calming panorama. Les Rousses is also perfect for cross-country skiing. Located just a few kilometers from the Swiss border and Lake Geneva, the resort is also a great opportunity for a bit of sightseeing.
If you’re traveling at the last minute, don’t worry – you can find all the ski and snowboard equipment you need at the Sport 2000 store in Les Rousses.
Les Arcs – from Lille to the Alps in 7 to 9 hours
Les Arcs is a ski resort reachable by car from the capital of Flanders (about 9 hours on average). Alternatively, from Lille-Flandres train station, you can also reach Les Arcs easily by train in about 7 hours. You can disembark at Chambéry (then shuttle) or at Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and from there take the funicular to the resort in just a few minutes.
Les Arcs is a ski resort relatively close to Lille with a massive ski area (425 km, part of Paradiski), most of the slopes above 2,000 meters altitude. The resort is also popular for relaxation (multiple spas), exquisite gastronomy, shopping, and nightlife.
La Plagne – family-friendly and sporty Alpine resort
La Plagne is accessible by train (6h45 to Aime-la-Plagne), then shuttle, or by car (8h15).
With exceptional snow, a vast and varied ski area (the 2nd largest in the world), and good sunshine, La Plagne is a ski resort near Lille that also offers many non-skiing activities, such as ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoe hiking, or relaxing at the Paradisio spa (hammam, spa, water jets...). La Plagne is therefore ideal for families, couples, or friends.
Val Thorens – huge ski area a little over 8 hours from Lille
It takes around 8h30 by car and 8h15 by train (to Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains station) to reach this popular winter sports destination.
With slopes open from November to May within the largest ski area in the world (Les 3 Vallées), Val Thorens attracts both alpine skiers and snowboarders for its exceptional facilities: the resort village sits at 2,300 meters altitude, with the highest point of its ski area reaching 3,230 meters. Snow is guaranteed!
This resort is ideal for relaxation, sledding, paragliding, and tasting regional mountain specialties in local shops and restaurants.
You can rent or buy ski equipment at one of the five Sport 2000 stores in this ski resort near Lille.
Flaine – alpine, Nordic skiing, and hiking with Mont Blanc views
Flaine is 7h40 by car from Lille (or 8h by train to Magland station, then 30-minute shuttle). Situated at 2,500 meters altitude within the Grand Massif ski area, it appeals to beginners, advanced skiers, and off-piste enthusiasts.
Relatively unknown, it still enjoys good snow. Located at the foot of the slopes, it offers a 360° view of the Mont-Blanc, Belledonne, Aravis, and Jura ranges.
La Clusaz – 7h35 by car
In 7h30 by car or train (to Cluses) from Lille, enjoy the charming village of La Clusaz. This ski resort near Lille blends beautiful traditional stone mountain architecture (including the church) with more modern buildings. La Clusaz has a 132 km ski area suitable for all levels and off-piste skiing. The atmosphere is relaxed and festive.
You now have some ideas to head to the mountains in France from Lille. Remember to book your accommodation and plan your equipment rental with Sport 2000! Online rental saves money and gives you a wide choice of gear: skis, snowboards, sleds, snowshoes, and more.