Closest Ski Resorts to the UK

Closest Ski Resorts to the UK by Car

La Bresse, France

Altitude: 900m - 1,350m. Ski Area: La Bresse-Hohneck, largest in the Vosges. Snowfall: 200 - 250cm annually. Best for: Families, beginners, budget-conscious travellers. Slope breakdown: 34 slopes (6 green, 13 blue, 13 red, 2 black). Season: Mid-December to mid-March. Drive time from Calais: 6.5 hours.

Why go? Gentle slopes, great for learners and families. It's France’s most accessible resort for drivers from the UK and offers a relaxed atmosphere with affordable pricing.

Gérardmer, France

Altitude: 770m -1,140m. Ski Area: Smaller than La Bresse but still family-friendly. Snowfall: 200cm annually. Best for: Beginners, peaceful skiing away from big crowds. Slope breakdown: 21 slopes (4 green, 7 blue, 7 red, 3 black). Season: Mid-December to early March. Drive time from Calais: 6 hours.

Why go? A charming lakeside town with quiet slopes and traditional French character. Ideal for a short self-drive winter break.

Le Markstein, France

Altitude: 1,020m - 1,265m. Ski Area: Small-scale resort in the Vosges. Snowfall: 180 - 200cm annually. Best for: Cross-country skiing, families, off-the-beaten-track trips. Slope breakdown: 13 alpine slopes + 40km Nordic skiing. Season: Late December to mid-March. Drive time from Calais: 6.5 hours.

Why go? Perfect for those looking to combine alpine and Nordic skiing with a quiet, natural setting.

Closest Ski Resorts by Train (Eurostar + Local Transfer)

Les Arcs (Bourg-Saint-Maurice), France

Altitude: 1,200m - 3,226m (Les Arcs 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000). Ski Area: Part of the Paradiski domain (425km of pistes). Snowfall: 500cm annually. Best for: Intermediates, families, terrain variety. Slope breakdown: 200km (17 green, 67 blue, 43 red, 12 black). Season: Mid-December to late April. Train: Direct Eurostar to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (8 hrs), then funicular to Les Arcs 1600.

Why go? Exclusive ski rentals with private amenities and many with ski-in/ski-out convenience, reliable snow at higher altitudes, and quick transfers make this one of the most accessible French mega-resorts by train.

La Plagne, France

Altitude: 1,250m - 3,250m. Ski Area: Paradiski, shared with Les Arcs. Snowfall: 550cm annually. Best for: Families, intermediate skiers, convenience. Slope breakdown: 225km (9 green, 72 blue, 34 red, 19 black). Season: Mid-December to late April. Train: Eurostar to Aime-la-Plagne (8 hrs), then short transfer.

Why go? Family-friendly villages, gentle slopes, and seamless lift connections to Les Arcs for more advanced terrain.

Val Thorens, France

Altitude: 2,300m (highest resort in Europe). Ski Area: Part of the 3 Valleys (600km of pistes). Snowfall: 600 - 650cm annually. Best for: Early/late season, advanced skiers, party scene. Slope breakdown: 150km (11 green, 29 blue, 29 red, 9 black). Season: Late November to early May. Train: Eurostar to Moutiers (7.5 hrs), then 1h transfer.

Why go? Val Thorens is one of the snowiest and most snow-sure resorts in Europe with excellent après-ski and advanced skiing options.

Closest Ski Resorts by Direct Flight/ Flight + Transfer

Morzine + Avoriaz, France

Altitude: Morzine: 1,000m, Avoriaz: 1,800m. Ski Area: Portes du Soleil (600km of pistes). Snowfall: 300cm in Morzine, 500cm in Avoriaz. Best for: Families, mixed groups, snowparks, off-piste. Slope breakdown: 120km (Morzine/Les Gets), 130km (Avoriaz), variety from green to black. Season: Morzine: Mid-Dec to early April. Avoriaz: Early Dec to late April. Flight: Geneva (1h 30min), transfer time 1h 15min.

Why go? Morzine and Avoriaz form the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, perfect for families and intermediate skiers looking for variety and charm. Morzine offers a traditional alpine village vibe with lively bars and restaurants, while Avoriaz impresses with its snow-sure high altitude and car-free pedestrian streets.

Together, they provide access to over 600km of pistes, making it ideal for exploring diverse terrain without repetition. Whether you’re after relaxed cruising, fun snow parks, or off-piste adventures, this area caters to all levels in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

Chamonix, France

Altitude: 1,035m - 3,842m (Mont Blanc). Ski Area: 150km of slopes + legendary off-piste. Snowfall: 550 - 600cm annually. Best for: Advanced skiers, mountaineers, adventure seekers. Slope breakdown: 150km spread across several areas (Grands Montets, Brévent, Flégère). Season: Early December to early May (Grands Montets). Flight: Geneva (1h 30min), transfer 1h.

Why go? Chamonix is a top choice for advanced skiers and snowboarders craving challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. With access to extensive off-piste routes, glacier skiing, and steep runs across areas like Grands Montets and Brévent, it offers a thrilling playground for adventure seekers. The stunning views of Mont Blanc provide a spectacular backdrop, while the town combines classic alpine charm with a lively après-ski and dining scene. If you want a ski trip packed with variety, excitement, and world-famous mountain atmosphere, Chamonix won’t disappoint.

La Clusaz, France

Altitude: 1,100m - 2,600m. Ski Area: Aravis (125km in La Clusaz alone). Snowfall: 350 - 400cm annually. Best for: Intermediate skiers, charming village stays. Slope breakdown: 84 pistes (18 green, 30 blue, 29 red, 7 black). Season: Mid-December to early April. Flight: Geneva (1h 30min), transfer time 1h.

Why go? La Clusaz is a charming, traditional French Alpine village known for its authentic atmosphere and excellent skiing for all levels. With varied terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste routes, it’s perfect for families and intermediates who want a balanced ski experience. The resort’s picturesque streets, friendly vibe, and great local dining add to its appeal, while the reliable snow and well-groomed pistes ensure plenty of fun on the slopes.

Flaine, France

Altitude: 1,600m - 2,500m. Ski Area: Grand Massif (265km of pistes). Snowfall: 550 - 600cm annually (very snow-sure). Best for: Snow reliability, families, intermediate terrain. Slope breakdown: 64 runs (16 green, 30 blue, 15 red, 3 black). Season: Mid-December to mid-April. Flight: Geneva (1h 30min), transfer time 1h 15min.

Why go? Flaine is a modern, purpose-built ski resort renowned for its extensive, well-maintained slopes and excellent snow conditions thanks to its high altitude. Ideal for intermediates and advanced skiers, it offers a great mix of wide cruisers, challenging black runs, and accessible off-piste terrain. Flaine’s unique Brutalist architecture and vibrant après-ski scene set it apart, while its location in the Grand Massif links you to over 265km of ski trails, making it perfect for those seeking variety and reliable snow.

Courchevel, France

Altitude: 1,300m - 2,740m. Ski Area: Part of the 3 Valleys (600km of pistes). Snowfall: 500–550cm annually. Best for: Luxury ski holidays, varied terrain, families. Slope breakdown: 150km (22 green, 35 blue, 32 red, 13 black). Season: Mid-December to late April. Flight: Geneva (1h 30min), transfer time 2h 15min. Courchevel also operates its own Altiport airport, with commercial flights via Alpine Airlines and private plane and helicopter charters also available.

Why go? Courchevel is the epitome of luxury skiing in the French Alps, offering impeccably groomed slopes, world-class facilities, and an unrivaled après-ski scene. Part of the vast Trois Vallées ski area - the largest linked ski domain in the world - it caters to all levels, from gentle beginner runs to challenging expert terrain. Beyond skiing, Courchevel dazzles with upscale dining, designer boutiques, and lavish chalets, making it the perfect destination for those seeking both top-notch skiing and sophisticated mountain lifestyle.

Val d’Isère, France

Altitude: 1,850m - 3,456m. Ski Area: Part of the Espace Killy (300km of pistes). Snowfall: 500 - 600cm annually. Best for: Advanced skiers, varied terrain, vibrant après-ski. Slope breakdown: Approx. 300km (varied mix of green, blue, red, and black runs). Season: Late November to early May. Flight: Geneva (2h), transfer time 2h 30min.

Why go? Val d’Isère is a legendary alpine resort celebrated for its extensive and challenging terrain, making it a favourite among advanced and expert skiers. As part of the Espace Killy ski area alongside neighbouring Tignes, it offers a vast playground of high-altitude slopes, reliable snow, and thrilling off-piste opportunities. The resort’s charming village atmosphere combines traditional Savoyard architecture with lively bars, restaurants, and an energetic après-ski scene. With pistes catering to all levels, excellent ski schools, and world-class facilities, Val d’Isère blends adrenaline-pumping skiing with a welcoming, vibrant mountain lifestyle.

Final Tips for Quick Ski Trips from the UK

When to Go

January to March offers the best chance of reliable snow and fully open ski resorts. These months bring ideal skiing conditions and vibrant après-ski scenes. Early December and late March can be quieter and less expensive but with more variable snow.

Packing Smart

Travel light, especially if flying. Use soft ski bags to save space and avoid extra baggage fees. Pack thermal layers, waterproof jackets, gloves, and goggles. Consider carrying your ski boots and helmet on board to protect your gear. If you're not sure what to pack our ultimate ski packing list is for you.

Driving Essentials

If you’re driving, make sure your car is fully prepared for winter mountain conditions.

Snow Chains: Always carry snow chains - they’re mandatory in many alpine regions during winter and essential if conditions worsen. Practice fitting them before your trip.

Breakdown Cover: Ensure your breakdown insurance covers you internationally, including roadside assistance and towing across borders. Many UK providers offer European add-ons—check your policy carefully.

EU Car Sticker: Display your UK “GB” or “UK” car sticker on the rear of your vehicle, as required by law for driving in most European countries post-Brexit. This avoids fines and ensures you’re compliant with road rules.

Headlamp Converters: Some countries require headlamp beam deflectors to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic. Check regulations for your route.

Insurance:

Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers winter sports, including medical emergencies, equipment loss, and trip cancellations. Winter sports injuries aren’t always included in standard policies, so double-check your coverage.

Health Documentation:

Bring your EHIC or GHIC card for emergency medical treatment in the EU. It’s not a substitute for travel insurance but offers peace of mind if you need healthcare abroad.

FAQs: Closest Ski Resorts to the UK

Q: What’s the closest ski resort to the UK?

A: By road, La Bresse in the Vosges Mountains, France, is approximately a 6.5-hour drive from Calais, making it the closest resort for a self-drive trip. By air, Chamonix (via Geneva Airport) can be reached in under 4 hours total travel time, including flight and transfers.

Q: Can I take skis on the train?

A: Yes! Both Eurostar and TGV trains allow you to take ski equipment free of charge, though it’s best to check specific luggage policies before travel. Ski bags typically count as one piece of luggage and must meet size requirements.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to ski from the UK?

A: Driving often offers the best value, especially for groups or families, since you can split fuel and toll costs and avoid expensive ski equipment shipping fees. Alternatively, budget airlines with early bookings can offer competitive deals.

Q: Which airport is best for skiing in France?

A: Geneva Airport is the most popular gateway, offering quick access to a wide range of major ski resorts in the French Alps, such as Chamonix, Morzine, and Les Gets. Lyon and Grenoble are also good options depending on your resort choice.

Ready to hit the slopes? Whether you’re going for a weekend or a full week, these resorts make it easy to escape the UK and find fresh powder fast.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re after a cozy, family-friendly ski lodge or a luxurious alpine chalet with breathtaking views, our carefully curated collection of French Alps ski accommodation has something for every type of traveler. From stylish chalets to elegant chalet apartments and VIP spa chalets, explore hand-picked properties that combine comfort, convenience, and first-class service. Many offer ski-in/ski-out access, gourmet dining options, and warm, inviting atmospheres - perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. Plus, all our ski rentals benefit from our optional Concierge - which includes seamless airport transportation, car hire and more - enabling you to create a personalised, hassle-free holiday on the slopes. Find your ideal home away from home and make your ski holiday truly unforgettable, with Top Villas.