Looking for a white-knuckle getaway? Ski rental in Lyon is the easy way to reach the summits in the blink of an eye. From the city, the neighboring massifs are just a short drive away: Les 7 Laux and Chamrousse on the Isère side, La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand in Haute-Savoie, or Les Saisies in Savoie, often between 1 h 30 and 2 h 15 depending on traffic. For Nordic sports, consider the Retord plateau and Les Plans d'Hotonnes, perfect for a day in the fresh air.

Winter in Lyon alternates between beautiful cold days and early-morning fog. The good news is that these inversions often bring plenty of sunshine to the resorts, while the plains remain grey. The best period is from December to March, when conditions are often optimal after a snowfall and at sub-zero temperatures. Leave early on weekends, preferring Saturdays outside school vacations, and keep an eye on the weather and snow reports.