Hit the slopes in the French Alps

A ski holiday is the best winter treat. Whether you’re looking for family fun or the ultimate in luxury, the French Alps has it all.

Fly into Lyon and you’ve got so many amazing options within striking distance. And, of course, it’s well worth spending a few days getting to know the city itself. Famed for food, elegant architecture and refined culture, it’s the perfect place to recharge after your ski adventure.

Hit the slopes in the French Alps

Getting to great ski resorts from Lyon Airport is easy. You can grab a taxi, hop on a bus or rent a car. Ben’s Bus and Altibus both offer a great range of options from Lyon Airport to many different resorts. But just make sure you book your mode of transport in advance!

And don’t worry too much about packing gear before you go. In almost all cases, resorts offer multiple options to rent everything you need for the slopes.

La Plagne

Heading away with the kids? La Plagne is an excellent choice. The skiing is wonderful for beginners and seasoned skiers alike, with runs that go through forests, sinkholes and glaciers. And small people are particularly well catered for here. Choose from ski training courses, dog sled rides, ice skating and bobsleighing, or take advantage of kids clubs, creches and babysitters.

Distance from Lyon Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes, 199 km

Courchevel 1850

Courchevel 1850 is arguably the most glamorous ski spot in France. Every year, celebrities, royalty and other exclusive guests flock to these slopes. With access to the world’s largest ski area, this is certainly a winter sports lovers’ playground. As well as premium powder, you can expect five-star hotels, lavish chalets and designer boutiques including Chanel and Louis Vuitton. There’s even a choice of several Michelin-starred restaurants – Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc boasts three stars.

Distance from Lyon Airport: 2 hours 15 minutes, 186 km

Val Thorens

For sky-high thrills, look no further than Val Thorens. It’s Europe’s highest ski resort and is a great spot for avid skiers or snowboard enthusiasts. With breathtaking panoramas at every turn and a vibrant apres-ski scene, this resort is as much fun during the day as it is at night. So if you want non-stop thrills in the heart of the French Alps, you know where to go!

Distance from Lyon Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes, 199 km

Get enchanted by Lyon

After your ski adventure, why not spend a few days in Lyon? With its understated elegance, it’s the perfect place to decompress after an action-packed trip to the Alps.

Foodie paradise

Known as the gastronomic capital of France, you’re definitely going to eat well on your trip. Bouchons are traditional Lyonnais restaurants that serve up regional delicacies, traditional dishes and seasonal specials.

Meanwhile, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is where you can get your hands on the finest gourmet food in the city. It’s a treasure trove of cheeses, chocolates, spices, wines and much more. And for a spot of fine dining, choose from one of the city’s 20 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Cultural delights

Strolling around Lyon in the wintertime is a delight. From the Gothic architecture of Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste to the magical antique carousel in Parc de la Tête d’Or, the city is a sight for sore eyes on a crisp winter afternoon.

If you want to duck in somewhere, Musée Cinéma et Miniature is a lovely place to while away a few hours. Inside, marvel at tiny recreations of scenes from classic movies including Terminator, Mary Poppins, The Matrix and Harry Potter.

For something entirely different, head to the futuristic Musée des Confluences. Journey through space and time in this ambitious science museum, exploring everything from the origins of earth to how societies work.

Your ski adventure starts now! Book great value flights direct to Lyon from Dublin and Cork.