Ski Resort Guide
Flaine
Flaine Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
The ski resort of Flaine is like a huge work of art, designed by architect Marcel Breuer, a master of the Bauhaus style.
The artistic theme goes beyond the architecture, with several large public art works at the base of the slopes, including a Picasso. But your eyes may be drawn away from this and up to the vast snowy bowl beyond, surrounding Flaine. Take one of the many lifts to the top and you'll have a great view of Mont Blanc in one direction, or perhaps down to one of the four traditional villages which share the huge Grand Massif area with Flaine. These include Morillon, Les Carroz, Samoëns and Sixt in the valleys below.
The artistic theme goes beyond the architecture, with several large public art works at the base of the slopes, including a Picasso. But your eyes may be drawn away from this and up to the vast snowy bowl beyond, surrounding Flaine. Take one of the many lifts to the top and you'll have a great view of Mont Blanc in one direction, or perhaps down to one of the four traditional villages which share the huge Grand Massif area with Flaine. These include Morillon, Les Carroz, Samoëns and Sixt in the valleys below.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,600m (5,249ft).
Top elevation: 2,480m (8,136ft).
Base elevation: 1,600m (5,249ft).
Number of lifts: 29.
Number of runs: 59.
Average annual snowfall: 5m (16.4ft).
Where in the world?
Flaine lies in the northern part of the French Alps in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France, between Geneva and Chamonix. It is surrounded by several major ski regions: in the north by Les Portes du Soleil, in the east by the Aravis, and in the south by the Mt Blanc region.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from early December until late April.
Flaine sits at the heart of the Grand Massif, one of the world's biggest ski areas, with 265km (167 miles) of trails for all standards of skier and boarder. The 140km (87 miles) of runs local to Flaine are largely located within a vast, mostly treeless snow bowl with dozens of trails leading down in to it, most ultimately returning to the large nursery area at the base of the slopes. The north-facing slopes here normally ensure good snow.
A fast, queue-gobbling eight-seater chairlift whisks skiers and boarders over the back of the resort to link to some wonderful long ski runs down through the forest to neighbouring villages that also participate in the Grand Massif, including Morillon and Samoëns. The longest of these runs is Cascades, a famous 14km (9-mile) trail with spectacular panoramic views.
The lift back to Flaine is slightly less accommodating than the eight-seater chair and there can be crowded bottlenecks at peak periods, but the resort is working to rectify this.
Most of the vast terrain is suited to intermediates but for advanced skiers there are 12 black trails, including one of the longest in the Alps down to Samoëns. The Combe de Gers powder bowl is also popular and off-piste courses are run by the ski schools.
Flaine sits at the heart of the Grand Massif, one of the world's biggest ski areas, with 265km (167 miles) of trails for all standards of skier and boarder. The 140km (87 miles) of runs local to Flaine are largely located within a vast, mostly treeless snow bowl with dozens of trails leading down in to it, most ultimately returning to the large nursery area at the base of the slopes. The north-facing slopes here normally ensure good snow.
A fast, queue-gobbling eight-seater chairlift whisks skiers and boarders over the back of the resort to link to some wonderful long ski runs down through the forest to neighbouring villages that also participate in the Grand Massif, including Morillon and Samoëns. The longest of these runs is Cascades, a famous 14km (9-mile) trail with spectacular panoramic views.
The lift back to Flaine is slightly less accommodating than the eight-seater chair and there can be crowded bottlenecks at peak periods, but the resort is working to rectify this.
Most of the vast terrain is suited to intermediates but for advanced skiers there are 12 black trails, including one of the longest in the Alps down to Samoëns. The Combe de Gers powder bowl is also popular and off-piste courses are run by the ski schools.
Beyond the slopes
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.
Outdoor options include paragliding, helicopter sightseeing flights, snowshoeing, dog sledding, an ice rink, an ice-driving school and snowmobile tours.
Family fun
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'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.
Retail therapy
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.
Après ski
Flaine's après-ski scene is concentrated on half a dozen bars at the base of the slopeside apartment complexes. One of the busiest is the ‘real English/Irish Pub', the White Pub, Flaine Forum, which serves a good range of beers and spirits and has been under English ownership for many years. The Flying Dutchman, Flaine Forêt, is a better choice if you prefer your entertainment to be from south of the Channel. There's usually a party atmosphere, enthused by a wide selection of European beers.
Eating out
There are more than 20 places to eat around Flaine with budget to mid-range eateries the norm. La Perdrix Noire, Flaine Forêt, offers house specialities including grills, seafood, cheese and meat fondues. Sucré Salé, Flaine Forêt, follows Flaine's artistic theme by surrounding diners with artwork; chef's specialities include pitta and home-made pastry. Restaurant Savoyard, Hôtel Aujon, Flaine Forum, serves Savoyard specialities and reservations are recommended.
Getting around
Most of Flaine is designed for pedestrian or skier access with paths, steps, ski runs and pedestrian lifts linking the different levels. Cars are banned from the resort except for loading and unloading baggage on departure/arrival; extensive car parking is provided. A free shuttle bus circulates around the few outlying points.
Splashing out
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.
Accommodation
Moderate
La CascadeStay on the piste, but five minutes' walk from central Flaine, in a beautiful wooden mountain restaurant.
Flaine Forêt
Tel: (04) 5090 8766.
Website: www.lacascade-flaine.fr
Moderate
Ski Chalets Le Hameau de FlaineUnique in the Alps, comprising 70 colourful and comfortable ski chalets built in a genuine Scandinavian style.
Le Hameau de Flaine
Tel: (04) 5090 4040.
Website: www.flaine-reservation.com
Budget
MMV Hotel Club AujonSki club hotel in the centre of Flaine Forum, close to the ski lifts and slopes. Family suites available, with Wi-Fi access, and children's club (from 18 months).
Flaine Forum
Tel: (04) 9212 6212.
Website: www.mmv.fr
Getting there
Nearest airport: Geneva (GVA).
Distance to resort: 69km (43 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Cluses.
Distance to resort: 25km (16 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Distance to resort: 69km (43 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Cluses.
Distance to resort: 25km (16 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Experts, Snowboarders, Families, Snow reliability, Beginners, Intermediates
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox.
Advertisement
Travel Deals
Advertising features
-
Finland Family holidays There is something about the snow in Finland that makes you wonder if the locals sneak out at night and spray it with a coat of brilliant white paint – it
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
