Ski hire Villard de Lans

In the heart of the Vercors, a stone's throw from Grenoble, Villard de Lans embodies the large family resort of the mid-mountains where you ski wide, long, and facing striking limestone landscapes. Linked to Corrençon-en-Vercors to form the vast Villard–Corrençon area, it combines the charm of a lively town (ice rink, aquatic center, shops open all year round) and the efficiency of a clear snow front, punctuated by wide ski boulevards. Here, winter rhymes with sunshine, fir forests, panoramas of the high plateaus, and fluid logistics—notably thanks to ski hire with Snowrental, directly in the resort.

Resort Identity

Located between 1,050m and approximately 2,050m in altitude, Villard de Lans displays a singular identity: a village lively all year round, architecture of wood and stone chalets and residences, and a deeply rooted mountain culture. The relief of the Vercors—white cliffs, forest valleys, high-altitude pastures—gives the area an immediate and legible character. The resort's history is one of progressive development, designed around alpine skiing, but also Nordic skiing and ice leisure activities; a balance that has forged a warm, family-oriented, and sporty atmosphere.

Detailed Ski Area

The Villard–Corrençon area offers a generous network of blue and red runs that wind between clearings and tree lines, with a few steeper blacks for slope enthusiasts. The connections between sectors are natural: you progress along balconies, dive into the forest, and climb back up to ridges that open up wide perspectives on the Vercors and neighboring massifs. The maximum altitude around 2,000m preserves comfortable snow in the heart of winter; a snowmaking network secures resort returns and key axes when the weather is capricious. The lifts are designed to streamline flows between Villard and Corrençon, which facilitates touring loops during the day.

Beyond alpine skiing, the Haut Vercors Nordic area constitutes a major asset for varying pleasures: forest loops, luminous clearings, long glides at altitude. It is one of the few territories where you can organize a coherent multi-activity stay without sacrificing the quality of the alpine skiing.

Must-Ski Runs

Easy. The snow fronts of Villard and the intermediate flats harbor long blues ideal for rolling out regular turns, working on balance and confidence. The sunshine and very legible run edges are appreciated for accompanying children and beginners.

Intermediate. The "heart" of the domain: large, sustained but homogeneous reds that draw natural curves in the forest. This is the perfect playground for progressing, playing with cambers, and linking vertical drops without interruption.

Difficult. Several more committed blacks punctuate the area; depending on orientation and weather, they offer either firm and technical snow or a blanket of powder after fresh snowfall. They remain close to the axes, which allows for a quick switch to a gentler profile if needed.

Run Edges & Nature. In good conditions and respecting openings, the borders of certain reds and blues offer ribbons of preserved snow. As always: caution, respect for signage, and safety equipment if straying from groomed tracks.

Non-Ski Activities

Villard de Lans is one of the few resorts to offer such a rich après-ski: ice rink, aquatic center, shopping streets, and a lively mountain village atmosphere. Snowshoeing on marked trails, tobogganing, snow gardens, twilight walks: the program adapts to all rhythms. Depending on the period, torchlight descents, concerts, and snow front entertainment punctuate the week. Accommodations and tourist residences often integrate wellness areas (pool, sauna, spa), allowing you to combine recovery and pleasure.

Family Stay

The resort excels in welcoming families. Learning areas are protected, snow gardens are well located, and ski schools offer flexible formats: group lessons by level, private lessons, and slots adapted to pick up the youngest without disrupting the parents' day. The wide blues of the domain are perfect for skiing "together"; in the late afternoon, the ice rink and pool complete the day without multiplying trips. This is Villard's DNA: making the mountains simple and pleasant for all generations.

Access & Transport

From Grenoble, road access to the Vercors is fast (anticipate winter tires/chains in case of snowfall). Grenoble station constitutes the natural rail entry, with connections by coach or private transfers to the resort. The airports of Lyon-Saint-Exupéry and Grenoble-Alpes-Isère efficiently serve the region. Once there, most travel is done on foot or via local shuttles that connect districts and snow fronts.

Ski Hire with Snowrental

Booking your equipment with Snowrental is the guarantee of gear ready upon your arrival, as close as possible to your accommodation, and optimized pickup during off-peak hours. The online booking process is clear: choice of shop, ranges (child, leisure, performance, premium), addition of useful options (helmet, boots, family pack), summary, and secure payment. On the day, you pick up, you adjust, you slide—without wasting time.

Presentation of Snowrental Advantages

With Snowrental, you benefit from a network of partner shops in the resort, controlled stock during busy periods, renewed and maintained ranges, and detailed opening hours per shop. The in-store teams adjust size or stiffness if needed, and can redirect to another category if your program changes (pistes in the morning, run edges in the afternoon). The goal is simple: maximize your useful time on the snow.

Snowrental Shops in Villard de Lans

Anchored in the key sectors of the resort, these partner shops allow you to choose the most practical address according to your accommodation:

• Glovettes Sports
• Skiman 2000 - Glisse Attitude

Events & Local Gastronomy

The season is punctuated by friendly entertainment: torchlight descents, snow front events, Bears matches at the ice rink, shows, and workshops for children. At the table, the Vercors embraces its gourmet personality: Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage, ravioles, mountain cured meats, crozets gratins, village pastries. Between altitude restaurants, local bistronomy, and specialty addresses, you alternate between sunny terraces and cozy dinners upon returning from the slopes.

FAQ

What is the best time to ski in Villard de Lans? From late December to early April, the heart of winter (January–February) offers the best snow consistency. March is ideal for "pleasure" skiing: bright days, milder temperatures, pleasant snow fronts for families.

Which shop to choose according to my accommodation? Located in the hamlet of Les Glovettes, Glovettes Sports is the most practical. Staying on the Côte 2000/balcony side? Skiman 2000 - Glisse Attitude facilitates a quick start and a detour-free return.

Can you vary the skiing with a day in a neighboring resort? Yes, the proximity of Grenoble opens other horizons. For a large balcony over Belledonne, you can discover Chamrousse. In freestyle and high vertical drop mode, you can also join Prapoutel – Les 7 Laux on another day.

Which range of skis to rent according to my level? Beginner: forgiving skis to link short turns with confidence. Intermediate: versatile range stable in curves for long blues/reds. Confirmed: stiffer models for holding speed, or all-mountain if you like the edges of the run. Categories are displayed during Snowrental booking.

How to organize an express weekend? Book equipment in advance, target a shop close to your residence, leave early on the Villard–Corrençon connections, and prioritize a short lunch on a terrace. Keep a margin for the return to the resort to avoid the late afternoon crowds.

Tips for a 100% family stay? Choose accommodation close to a learning area and a Snowrental shop, fix lesson slots compatible with your schedule, and plan a gentle activity after skiing (ice rink, pool) to spare the youngest.

What to do if the weather is changeable? Aim for forest slopes first for comfort, save the ridges for clear windows, and adapt the ski category if needed (a visit to the shop allows for adjustments to settings and equipment).

Neighboring Resorts to Explore

To vary the atmospheres around Grenoble and the Vercors, you can discover Autrans, escape to Gresse en Vercors, ski in Chamrousse or even join Prapoutel – Les 7 Laux. Four complementary options, all well-positioned for a different interlude an hour or less away by road depending on conditions.