Short transfer times are ideal to maximise time on the slopes. Chambéry Airport is a great hub to access some of the best ski resorts in the French Alps. Transfer times are under 2 hours for the resorts we have picked for this guide. Whether you’re a first-time skier or an advanced skier there’s something for everyone. Our ski experts have created a guide to the best ski resorts near Chambéry.
La Clusaz – 1 hour transfer time – 80km
Located in the Aravis Mountain range, La Clusaz is a hidden gem of the French Alps. You can explore 220km of pistes with varying levels of runs. If you’re looking for freeride opportunities a quick trip to La Balme will get you to some fantastic terrain. The ski resort is suited mainly to beginners and intermediates, but there is some challenging terrain to keep more advanced skiers happy.
The village itself has a traditional alpine atmosphere much like Austrian and Swiss resorts. There’s a good selection of restaurants in the area. A top favourite is the La Ferme restaurant which serves the best French cuisine in a rustic chalet. Even though La Clusaz has a great family ski reputation, there is great nightlife in the area. If you want to dance the night away, L’Écluse and Le Bachal have lively DJ sets and live music until the early hours of the morning.
Megève – 1 hour transfer time – 90km
The vast choice of skiing terrain alone is a major reason why Megève is one of the best ski resorts near Chambéry. You can ski an impressive 445km of pistes in the ski area, most of it suitable for beginners and intermediates. There are great tree-lined runs and excellent nursery slopes areas too. The views are breathtaking on and off the slopes.
The town itself has a real old school charm, with cobbled streets, old clocktowers and traditional alpine wooden chalets. In addition, there are great hotels ideally located near the slopes. Megève has some of the best restaurants in the Alps. The Michelin-starred restaurant Flocons de Sel is a must-visit for its creative menu. On top of this, Megève has a great après ski with great clubs and bars. In Saint Gervais, there is the iconic La Folie Douce. For a late-night out head to the Cocoon club.
Courchevel – 1.5 hours transfer time – 110km
Part of the Three Valleys ski area, Courchevel is one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the French Alps. You can ski an impressive 600km of pistes with a full lift pass and there are plenty of off-piste opportunities too. There’s something for all levels of skier and the high altitude slopes mean there is good snow reliability too. The town itself is split into four settlements all with their charm and atmosphere.
Courchevel has the most Michelin starred restaurants of any ski resort in Europe. Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc has three Michelin stars and is known for its incredible creative menu. La Cabane des Bûcherons is a good alternative for a cosy meal. Depending on what part of Courchevel you’re in the nightlife differs. In 1650, the Funky Fox has a lively atmosphere and also show live sports on TV. La Grange in 1850 is the best place to dance the night away until the early hours of the morning.
Méribel – 1.5 hour transfer time -110km
Méribel is a purpose-built ski resort that is perfectly located for a fantastic ski experience. It is part of the Three Valleys ski area and has access to 600km of pistes. The off-piste is brilliant too. All levels of skier will be happy on the mountain, with many varied slopes to enjoy. There is a great range of accommodation options that will suit different price points.
There is a delightful range of restaurants to choose from in the area. Blanchot is a highly regarded place to eat with delicious gourmet food on the menu. Chez Kiki is another favourite that specialises in steaks, lamb and duck cooked over an open fire. In addition to restaurants, there is a great selection of bars to visit. Jack’s Bar has lovely cocktails and beer along with lively live music throughout the season.
Val Thorens – 1.5 hour transfer time – 110km
Val Thorens takes the title of the highest ski resort in Europe and is one of the best ski resorts near Chambéry. Due to its height, Val Thorens has the best snow reliability in the Three Valleys ski area. Great snow conditions and access to 600km of slopes are a fantastic combination. Despite being a purpose-built ski resort it still has an alpine charm and there is innovative architecture.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat there are some great options in Val Thorens. Les Chalet du Thorens has the locally famous McThorens burger to try. There is also a great Asian restaurant called ‘WokSki’ with a delicious menu. The nightlife is very lively in Val Thorens with great bars and clubs. 360 and Folie Douce are the most popular places to visit. Expect loud music, great drinks and a lot of table dancing.
Alpe d’Huez – 1.5 hour transfer time – 120km
Alpe d’Huez has a brilliant reputation on and off the slopes. It’s a south-facing ski resort so expert a lot of sunny days during your visit. Fantastic visibility. You can ski 250km of slopes in the area and there are great freeride opportunities too. All levels of skier will be happy on the slopes of Alpe d’Huez. The village is spread over the mountainside so you’re surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
There is an incredible choice of restaurants in Alpe d’Huez. Le Cremaillere is a top recommendation that specialises in superb meat and fish dishes. Another alternative is Au Montagnard which serves a fantastic Savoyard menu. Alpe D’huez has a very lively nightlife. You can’t go wrong with an afternoon at the iconic La Folie Douce bar which has a fantastic atmosphere. In addition, Underground Bar is another popular place that is London Underground themed.
La Plagne – 1.5 hour transfer time -130km
Part of the Paradiski ski area, La Plagne is one of the most visited ski resorts in the Alps. You can ski 425km of slopes with great connections to neighbouring Les Arcs. The north face of Bellecôte has some of the best off-piste terrain in the Alps. The slopes suit all levels of skier with plenty of pistes to choose from. La Plagne ski resort is made up of 12 base villages, all with their own charm.
There’s a huge range of restaurants in La Plagne to choose from. Le Matafan has a brilliant traditional Savoyard menu, we recommend eating the grilled meats. Le Refuge is another favourite with a cosy rustic setting and great food to eat. There is lively nightlife in the area. Scotty’s Bar is a popular place to enjoy a drink and dance. In the centre of Plagne 1800, Bar La Mine has excellent live music and a friendly atmosphere.
Avoriaz – 1.5 hour transfer time – 130km
Located in the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz has excellent skiing on offer and is one of the best ski resorts near Chambéry. You can explore 600km of slopes in the area with great links to nearby Morzine, Les Gets and Chatel. There is incredible off-piste terrain in the area too. It is a great destination for all levels of skiers. The village itself is a traffic-free area and all the accommodation is virtually ski-in ski-out.
There is a good mix of restaurants to visit in the area. L’Etage is a popular place to eat after a day on the slopes to enjoy hearty French dishes. For delicious fondue and raclette Les Fontaines Blanches is the place to be. Avoriaz also has a lively nightlife. You can enjoy dancing on the tables at La Folie Douce. La Brasserie or Chez Flo are also great spots for live music and drinks.
To find out more about the best ski resorts near Chambéry, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
