Skiing near Lyon, France?
 

I need to be in Lyon in a few weeks (Wed-Fri) and am looking for the best nearby ski area to stay over the weekend. I've been to Chamonix, so any other ideas within 2 hrs or so?

The entire area around Grenoble (65 miles from Lyon), where the winter Olympics were held in 1968, and 1992 (Albertville, 90 miles from Lyon).

Beyond the gateway of Albertville, the Trois Valees is a massive ski circus that includes Courchevel (chi-chi, highest cost), Meribel, les Manuires and Val Thorens (highest altitude), and a couple more.

http://www.les3vallees.com/welcome.htm

I once researched a trip from LYS to Val Thorens, and the TGV train runs to Moutiers and links to a bus into the ski areas. It even seeemed feasible to stay in Moutiers for low hotel rates and day trip into the areas, prolly 1-2 hours by bus.

Another bus route takes you more north into the Tignes and Val d'Isere areas. Longer distance, another huge ski circus in Killy's back yard. I've been here and highly recommend it, but it is harder to get to.

http://www.val-disere.com/flash.htm

I'm a little fuzzy on remembering, but there were some areas quite close to LYS in the provencal alps. But since I was looking for higher altitude due to an early season plan, I didn't pursue it.

Have fun!

T2