Flaine ski resort information

Flaine is one of the livelier purpose-built ski resorts. There's also a small cultural centre containing unusual displays of artwork in keeping with Flaine's heritage. Other indoor facilities include a cinema, swimming pool and fitness centre. 

Outdoor options include paragliding, helicopter sightseeing flights, snowshoeing, dog sledding, an ice rink, an ice-driving school and snowmobile tours.

Almost completely car free, with a compact centre, affordable restaurants and an extensive nursery ski area, Flaine is a good choice for families. Children from six months old can be cared for in the Petits Loups nursery, Flaine Forum, then there's ski kindergarten from age three with either the International Ski School or the Ecole du Ski Français (ESF), Flaine Forum.

There's lots for children to do besides ski including ice karting (from age six) and indoor climbing, and there's a playpark with mini toboggan hill at the base of the slopes.

There is an adequate selection of about 20 shops covering all the essentials, especially ski gear. Most are concentrated in two small malls or along the snow front at the base of the ski runs. Douce France, Flaine Forêt, and Le Marché Savoyard, Flaine Forum, sells regional specialities including a wide choice of wine and cheese.

You can experience the thrill of controlling a car on Flaine's 1,000m (3,300ft) ice circuit (www.circuitglace.com) which recreates the difficulties encountered on a mountain road, with fast curves, bends, hairpin bends, ascents and descents.