Chambéry Airport is a great hub to access some of the best ski resorts in the French Alps. In this blog, we’ve included resorts with transfer times under two hours, allowing you to spend more time carving down the slopes and less time stuck in traffic. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a pro, there’s a perfect destination here for every experience level.
We’ve taken a fresh look at these resorts for winter 25/26 to make sure they’re still the best ski resorts near Chambéry for your next winter ski holiday.
La Clusaz – 1 hour transfer time – 80km
Located in the Aravis Mountain range, La Clusaz is a hidden gem of the French Alps, letting you explore 220 kilometres of pistes with varying levels of runs. If you’re looking for freeride opportunities, a quick trip to La Balme and you’ll find some fantastic terrain. The ski resort is primarily suited for beginners and intermediates, but it also offers some challenging terrain to keep more advanced skiers satisfied.
The village has a traditional Alpine atmosphere, similar to Austrian and Swiss resorts, where you’ll find some lovely food places. A top favourite is the La Ferme restaurant, which serves delicious French cuisine in a rustic chalet. While La Clusaz is well-known for its family-friendly skiing, there is fantastic 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 is a major reason why Megève is one of the best ski resorts near Chambéry – you can ski an impressive 445 kilometres of pistes, most of it suitable for beginners and intermediates. There are tree-lined runs and excellent nursery slope areas with breathtaking views surrounding you at every turn.
The town has kept its old-school charm, with cobbled streets, old clock towers and traditional alpine wooden chalets. There are also some excellent hotels 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. The après ski scene will also not disappoint, with some great clubs and bars in the centre of the village. Go to Saint Gervais for the iconic La Folie Douce, or head to the Cocoon club for a late-night out.
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 600 kilometres of pistes with a full lift pass, and there are plenty of off-piste opportunities. The high-altitude slopes mean there’s good snow reliability, ideal for all levels of skier.
One of Courchevel’s standout features is its impressive culinary scene – the resort offers more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other ski resort in Europe. One of them is Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, with three Michelin stars, the restaurant is known for its creative menu. La Cabane des Bûcherons is a great alternative for a cosy meal. Depending on where you are in Courchevel, the nightlife can be varied. In 1650, the Funky Fox has a lively atmosphere and also shows live sports on TV. La Grange in 1850 is the best place to dance the night away.
Méribel – 1.5 hour transfer time – 110km
Méribel is a purpose-built ski resort, perfectly located for a fantastic ski experience. It is part of the Three Valleys ski area and has access to 600 kilometres of pistes. The off-piste is brilliant – all levels of skier will enjoy many varied slopes. There is a wide range of accommodations that will suit different price points and preferences.
For restaurant options, Blanchot is a highly regarded place to eat, offering delicious gourmet food. Chez Kiki is another favourite that specialises in steaks, lamb and duck grilled over an open fire. For a drink or two, 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 ski resort is the highest in Europe and is one of the best ski resorts near Chambéry. Due to its altitude, Val Thorens boasts the finest snow reliability in the Three Valleys ski area. Despite being purpose-built, Chambéry still retains Alpine charm, complemented by innovative architecture that adds a modern twist to the resort.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are some great options in Val Thorens. Don’t miss the chance to try the locally famous McThorens burger at Les Chalet du Thorens. There is also a great Asian restaurant called ‘WokSki’ with a delicious menu. Boasting a lively nightlife, Val Thorens offers some superb bars and clubs. 360 and Folie Douce are the most popular places to visit. Expect loud music, great drinks and a lot of dancing on tables!
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 you’ll have quite a few sunny days during your visit. You can ski 250 kilometres of slopes in the area, and there are great freeride opportunities, allowing all skiers to experience the best the slopes have to offer. What’s more, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain views at every turn.
There’s 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, offering a wonderful Savoyard menu. For some nightlife, you can’t go wrong spending an afternoon at the iconic La Folie Douce bar with fantastic atmosphere. The Underground Bar is another popular place that is London Underground themed, making British visitors feel right at home.
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. With 425 kilometres of slopes and great connections to neighbouring Les Arcs, skiers of all levels can have an unforgettable experience. 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.
There’s a plethora 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. Scotty’s Bar is a popular place to enjoy a drink and dance, or, 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 is one of the best ski resorts near Chambéry with excellent skiing to offer. Explore 600 kilometres of slopes in the area with great links to nearby Morzine, Les Gets and Chatel. There is incredible off-piste terrain, with a great destination for all levels of skiers. Avoriaz stands out as a traffic-free area, with all the accommodation being ski-in ski-out.
Overall, there is a good mix of restaurants to visit. L’Etage is a popular place to eat a hearty French dish after a day on the slopes. If you’re craving a delicious fondue and raclette, Les Fontaines Blanches is the place to be. When the sun sets, let your hair down at La Folie Douce, La Brasserie, or Chez Flo – all great spots for live music and drinks.
To find out more about the best ski resorts near Chambéry, please call our ski experts at 0207 471 7700.
