Winter is approaching, snow is falling on the peaks, and skiing enthusiasts are already planning their vacations. But with so many destinations available, one question comes up every year: how to choose the right ski resort?
Between family resorts, sporting areas, charming villages, and prestigious resorts, the choice can quickly become a headache. To help you plan your mountain stay, Lyon Private Car offers a comprehensive guide—with the added bonus of the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the resorts from Lyon: a transfer with a private driver.
Before booking your accommodation or packages, start by identifying your needs and those of your group. A family with children will not have the same expectations as a group of freeride-loving friends.
If you are going with children or beginners, choose resorts on a human scale, with:
Safe beginner areas
Children's clubs or daycare centers
Non-skiing activities (sledding, ice rink, swimming pool)
A friendly and calm atmosphere in the evening
Examples: Les Saisies, La Plagne, Les Gets, Samoëns, Valloire.
For thrill-seekers and off-piste enthusiasts:
Look for connected areas offering several hundred kilometers of slopes
Check for snow parks or secure freeride areas
Ask about altitude and snow
Examples: Tignes, Val d'Isère, Les 3 Vallées, Chamonix.
Some stations are as attractive for their authenticity as for their architecture:
Wooden chalets, pedestrian streets, mountain shops, local gastronomy...
Ideal for a romantic or relaxing stay
Examples: Megève, Morzine, Saint-Gervais, La Clusaz.
If you like nightlife:
Choose a lively resort with bars, clubs, and après-ski concerts
Check the proximity of the accommodation to the center to avoid night travel
Examples: Les 2 Alpes, Val Thorens, Alpe d'Huez.
Altitude directly influences the quality and duration of snow cover.
Below 1,500 meters, snow may be lacking at the beginning or end of the season.
Between 1,800 and 2,500 meters, snow cover is generally guaranteed.
High altitude resorts like Tignes or Val Thorens guarantee quality snow from November to May.
Also consider consulting:
The number of snow cannons
Exposures (northern slopes retain snow better)
The opening dates of the domain
Not all resorts have the same distribution of slopes:
Beginners: Look for a majority of green and blue runs
Intermediates: favor mixed areas with long red runs
Experts: prefer connected or alpine resorts with a large drop
Good to know: some resorts offer apps that allow you to track your performance, your descents or your average speed.
This is one of the most important points, especially if you are leaving from Lyon.
The ski resorts closest to Lyon:
Les 7 Laux: 1 hour 45 minutes
Chamrousse: 2 hours away
La Clusaz: 2 hours 10 minutes away
Les 2 Alpes / Alpe d'Huez: approximately 2.5 hours
Les Arcs / La Plagne / Tignes / Val d'Isère: between 3 and 3.5 hours
Courchevel / Meribel / Val Thorens : between 2:45 and 3:15
These journeys can be long, especially with Saturday traffic, traffic jams, and snowy roads. That's why more and more vacationers are choosing a private driver from Lyon for a stress-free journey.
At Lyon Private Car, we offer transfers to all ski resorts of the Alps.
Our goal: to make your trip as enjoyable as your stay in the mountains.
Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Plagne, Alpe d'Huez, Les 2 Alpes, Megève, La Clusaz, Chamrousse, Les 7 Laux.
Experienced drivers accustomed to mountain roads
Premium vehicles (Mercedes sedans and vans) equipped with snow tires
Personalized welcome at the train station or at Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport
Luggage and ski equipment assistance
Direct transfer to your accommodation (hotel, chalet or residence)
No need to rent a car, drive in the snow, or look for a parking space. You'll be picked up upon arrival in Lyon and dropped off at the foot of the slopes.
A good resort is not just about its slopes.
Non-skiing activities can make all the difference, especially for non-skiers:
Spa, hammam, wellness center
Snowshoeing or dog sledding
Sledding, ice skating, paragliding, or hot air ballooning
Discover Savoyard specialties: fondue, raclette, tartiflette, croziflette
Also consider the presence of:
Shops, restaurants, pharmacies and covered parking
Free shuttles within the resort
Ski-in/ski-out accommodation
Before booking, estimate the total cost of your stay:
Ski passes (on average €50 to €70/day)
Equipment rental
Accommodation (from studio to luxury chalet)
Transportation (train, car, or private driver)
Food and leisure
Some resorts like Les 7 Laux or Chamrousse offer excellent value for money close to Lyon.
For larger estates, plan on a larger budget, but the experience is often unforgettable.
December: magical atmosphere, but risk of variable snow depending on the resort.
January: excellent snow and fewer people.
February: busiest period (school holidays).
March/April: sun, snow still good at altitude, more relaxed atmosphere.
Tip: Book your private chauffeur transfer in advance to avoid price increases during school holidays.
Before departure:
Check the weather conditions and the required equipment (chains, snow tires).
Download the piste map.
Book your ski passes and rentals online.
If you are traveling from Lyon, prepare your transfer (train station, airport, hotel).
At Lyon Private Car, we adapt schedules to your needs and monitor traffic conditions in the mountains in real time.
The mountain is earned, but it can be enjoyed without stress.
By taking the time to choose your resort carefully — according to your desires, your budget and your level — you can ensure an unforgettable stay.
And for a stress-free departure from Lyon, trust Lyon Private Car, your private transport partner to the ski resorts of the Alps.
Lyon Private Car – Private driver in Lyon
Transfers to: Courchevel, Val Thorens, Méribel, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Megève, La Clusaz, Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d'Huez, Les 7 Laux, and many more.
Departure: Lyon, Saint-Exupéry Airport or Part-Dieu Station
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
Safe driving on snow
Easy booking online or by phone
Book your private chauffeur from Lyon to the ski resort now and start your holiday stress-free.
