Isère: An Easy Mountain Escape Ready For Winter
Snow is falling in the French Alps and Isère’s ski resorts are getting ready to open. France’s third largest mountain range is home to 21 ski resorts and 1,200 km of runs from big name resorts including Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski and Les 2 Alpes to smaller but equally impressive ski domains such as Les 7 Laux and Chamrousse. But Isère doesn’t just offer great skiing, it offers an alpine escape that is accessible, affordable and stress-free.
2025/2026 Opening Dates
- Les Deux Alpes: 29/11
- Alpe d’Huez: 06/12
- Vaujany: 06/12
- Oz 3300: 06/12
- Auris-en-Oisans: 06/12
- Villard-de-Lans/Correncon-en-Vercors: 13/12
- Chamrousse: 20/12
- Les 7 Laux: 20/12
Accessible & Affordable
Convenience is key in Isère. The capital, Grenoble, is just a short train ride from Lyon or Paris and there are regular flights from the UK to Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport. From the train station or airport, it’s a short transfer time to the region’s ski resorts.
Unlike some of France’s more famous ski destinations, Isère offers a wallet-friendly winter break. Resorts such as Les 7 Laux, Chamrousse, and Villard-de-Lans enjoy lift passes, accommodation and restaurant options at a more affordable price point than their high-profile Alpine neighbours.
Even big resorts can offer savings: the comfortable and convivial Moontain Hostel in Oz 3000 is a budget base for skiing Alpes d’Huez. Their “Chambres Families & Friends” can sleep between 4 and 10 people.
In Les 2 Alpes, the People Hostel and Base Camp Lodge are great value. Plus, the long ski season means skiers can take advantage of lower prices outside of peak seasons.
Isère’s ski terrain offers the perfect antidote for those looking to escape the crowds of larger resorts. Skiers will find peaceful slopes, minimal lift lines, and a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for both beginners and seasoned skiers.
100% Authentic
It’s not all about skiing, winter in Isère is all about slowing down and getting back to nature. More than 50 per cent of Isère is devoted to nature with three stunning parks - Ecrins National Park, and the Charteuse and Vercors Regional Nature Parks.
Immerse yourself in this wonderfully wild corner of France and discover what makes it tick whether that’s snowshoeing through the forest, going behind the scenes of an off-grid mountain restaurant, Le Clariant, or learning how made-to-order skis are crafted at La Fabrique du Ski.
Learn more about the Chartreuse liqueurs that have been produced by the silent order of Carthusian monks since 1737 at the newly revamped Museum of la Grande Chartreuse. While the experience won’t reveal the names of the 130 botanicals used to create the famous drink, it will share some of the mysteries surrounding both the liquor and the silent order. There’s also a new exhibition exploring the history of the advertising Chartreuse as well as an apothecary and a cocktail bar where you can order a legendary Last Word or Chartreuse Mule.
Meet the three friends who create original plant based spirits and liqueurs using local plants and ingredients at their distillery in Autrans-Méaudre-en-Vercors. Their handmade products include a floral vodka, a gin distilled with Vercors flowers and leaves and an Alpine liquor. Visit L’Entropie and see the trio at work and enjoy a tour and tasting.
City-Ski Weekend
Grenoble is not only the capital of Isère, it’s the ‘Capital of the Alps’: 20 ski resorts sit within one hour from the city.
This winter, combine time on the slopes with time in the city. Travel by train to Grenoble and base yourself at the art-themed Rocky Pop hotel. Travel by bus to Chamrousse for a day ski touring or to Villard-Corrençon for alpine skiing. Back in Grenoble, enjoy a cosy dinner at Comme A Confesse or at La Fondue, followed by cocktails at hip bar, the Blind Pig.
Ice Swimming in Chamrousse
Cold water swimming has long been heralded as a cure for myriad ailments and ice swimming - defined as swimming in water that is 5°C or lower - is said to give you more energy, less stress and a stronger immune system. This winter, plunge into the 1°C crystal-clear waters of Lacs Robert and enjoy the thrill of the cold with the beauty of the alpine landscapes.
Spend the Night in an Igloo
Discover hidden corners of the Chartreuse mountains with guide Thomas Séramour. Enjoy a snowshoe hike through the forest to base camp where you will spend the afternoon building your very own igloo. Enjoy a delicious meal of local speciality, croziflette, followed by a night under the star
Cosy Mountain Huts for Winter Stays
Get back to nature this winter with an overnight stay in a welcoming mountain refuge.
In the Vercors head to Refuge des Feneys located on the Route de la Molière with outstanding views of the Autrans-Méaudre valley or Refuge de Gève, perfectly positioned in the heart of the Autrans Nordic skiing area and snowshoe trails with comfortable accommodation and a wood-fired Nordic bath. Located in the Vercors Regional Natural Park at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Refuge La Soldanelle offers panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc, Dévoluy, Ecrins, Belledonne, Grandes Rousses, and Chartreuse.
In the Belledonne lies Le Refuge du Crêt du Poulet, a charming refuge accessible by snowshoes. At an altitude of 1,735m, Le Refuge du Pré du Mollard is a wonderfully unspoiled former sheepfold that was transformed into an alpine hut in 2001. It is open for one month in winter, over the February school holidays. Located in the heart of the Belledonne massif on the GR 738 hiking trail, Le Habert d'Aiguebelle sleeps 26 in five separate dormitories with meals available. Even better, there is no WiFi or mobile signal meaning you can completely switch off.
