10 reasons to visit Isère in winter
Welcome to winter in Isère!
Just hours from the UK by train, Isère offers 21 ski resorts for all abilities from beginners to off-piste, plus a vibrant cultural scene in Grenoble, an hour from the slopes. From ice diving to winter hikes, unique adventures and sustainable tourism await in stunning landscapes.
Here are ten reasons to visit Isère this winter!
#1 A winter destination by train
Simple and sustainable, Isère is easily reached from the UK by train. Eurostar trains connect via Paris to Grenoble, from where regular buses ferry visitors to 14 Isère resorts, including Les Deux Alpes, Les Sept Laux and L’Alpe d’Huez.
#2 A destination in the heart of the French Alps
Whether you’re a beginner skier or an experienced freerider, Isère has the perfect resort for you. With 21 ski resorts spread across the Belledonne, Oisans, Vercors and Chartreuse massifs you’re simply spoilt for choice.
#3 A mountain city break
Surrounded by spectacular scenery and filled with lively wine bars, tasty restaurants and excellent museums, the historic city of Grenoble lies just one hour from the slopes, making it the perfect place for a mountain city break.
#4 A land of unique experiences
It’s not all about skiing in Isère, the mountain resorts also deliver one-of-a-kind experiences, from ice diving in Chamrousse and ski-joring in Oisans to a magical winter piano hike in the unspoilt landscapes of the Chartreuse.
#5 A place of secrets and spirits
First produced by Carthusian monks in 1737, the recipe for Chartreuse botanical spirit remains a closely guarded secret, known only to the monks who still produce it today—but you can enjoy a glass of this liqueur anywhere in Isère.
#6 An off-piste paradise
Experienced skiers will be captivated by the off-piste opportunities in Les Sept Laux and Les Deux Alpes. Guided sessions in both resorts offer challenging yet rewarding routes through stunning landscapes, providing the ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers.
#7 A region home to four massifs
The mountain ranges of Belledonne, Oisans, Vercors and Chartreuse reveal a rich and diverse landscape—a mosaic of jagged peaks, high plateaux, soaring glaciers, deep river valleys and dense forests brimming with wildlife.
#8 A sustainable destination
Isère is quickly establishing itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. Many of its ski resorts have earned the prestigious ‘Flocon Vert’ label, Grenoble was named European Green Capital in 2022, and its commitment to locally sourced food and wine is second to none.
#9 A step apart
Skiing, but not as you know it. Isère’s lesser-known resorts offer outstanding skiing without the busy crowds of more famous French destinations. The result? A relaxed, stress-free holiday on the slopes.
#10 A destination for everyone
Whether you’re learning to master the snowplough, are passionate about cross-country skiing, eager to carve fresh tracks, snowshoe through peaceful forests or simply enjoy a glass of Chartreuse, Isère offers something for everyone.
