Flaine
Le Grand Massif, Haute-Savoie, French Alps
The Grand Massif’s largest ski village supplies an upbeat base for exploring the huge linked domain.
Purpose-built Flaine sits in a wide bowl, sheltering it from the worst excesses of passing weather fronts.
A respectable altitude means slightly longer transfers from Geneva airport than to neighboring Samoëns, Morillon or Les Carroz but it remains one of the shorter drives to the Alps from the UK.
The Ski Area
- Part of the Grand Massif ski area with 265km of pistes.
- Skiing for everyone here, even dedicated free-ride areas to make the most of Flaine's powder snow.
The Grand Massif is deservedly popular with British skiers, who value its wealth of varied terrain, good snow record and the fact that it offers something for just about everyone, including those in search of mileage. Select your lift-pass according to your own hunger for exploration, starting with the Forfait Flaine offering 120km of pistes around the Flaine itself. The Forfait Massif, on the other hand, expands things to include the terrain between Flaine and Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixt Fer A Cheval - a total of 145km. Topping off the options is the Forfait Grand Massif, opening up all 265km of groomed pistes, with something for pretty well all levels of skiing ability. Both the lift system and piste layout are constantly being improved, although later in the day there are still signs of congestion on key return runs into Flaine Forêt.
Resort Information
Altitude :
1600m -
2500m
Flaine
Pistes Total: 140 km
8 Green
26 Blue
25 Red
5 Black
Pistes Total: 140 km
26 Blue
25 Red
5 Black
Ski Resort Lifts :
24
3 Magic Carpets
9 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
1 Cabriolet
2 Gondolas
3 Magic Carpets
9 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
1 Cabriolet
2 Gondolas
Grand Massif
Pistes Total: 265 km
23 Green
61 Blue
47 Red
12 Black
Pistes Total: 265 km
61 Blue
47 Red
12 Black
Ski Domain Lifts:
67
9 Magic Carpets
25 Draglifts
26 Chairlifts
1 Cabriolet
6 Gondolas
1 Cable Cars
9 Magic Carpets
25 Draglifts
26 Chairlifts
1 Cabriolet
6 Gondolas
1 Cable Cars
Green Credentials...
- The Grand Massif ski area was awarded the Green Globe certificate for its lifts, pistes and associated services.
- Flaine is a pioneer in sustainable initiatives.
- 100% renewable energy.
- Electric car charging points in Flaine Forum.
- Traffic-free resort centre.
- Environmental Observatory to monitor local biodiversity.
- Only 30 mins from the TGV station at Cluses.
Other ski resorts in the Grand Massif
Samoëns
Samoëns combines extensive skiing with premium accommodation for a discerning clientèle seeking the ambience of a traditional mountain village.
Les Carroz
Les Carroz is in an exceptional location on a wide, sunny plateau to the west of the Grand Massif domain. A traditional style village with excellent services for families.
Flaine
Purpose-built ski village with assertive mid-’60s architecture styled by Marcel Breuer. Sited high in the Grand Massif ski domain with terrain to suit everyone.
The Ski Village
- Purpose-built ski village with distinctive 1960s architecture.
- Innovator of many eco-friendly initiatives.
Opinion is sharply divided on the hard-edged architectural style of Flaine Forum, but since some of the original apartment blocks are now officially listed as Historic Monuments they obviously have their own fans. And most subsequent developments have sustained the general feel, preserving much of the original unity of the site. All of which makes it refreshingly free from ostentation, and a fun place to be. It’s practical, too, with everything close at hand. Slightly less so, but offering sweeping views over the village is the Hameau de Flaine - seventy or so Scandinavian-style chalets added on an elevated site 2km away by a Norwegian developer during the 1980s. Set between the two is the car-free Flaine Montsoleil resort, originally developed by the Canadian Intrawest Corporation and now owned by French leisure giant Pierre et Vacances.
Staying There
See Practical Information below for accommodation suggestions.
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Why go skiing in Flaine ?
Mile-hungry intermediates who find the idea of ski-touring appealing, but prefer for the most part to remain safely on-piste - the Grand Massif has lots of terrain, and each sector has its own distinct personality. And getting around is easy, with plenty of Blue-graded cruising for those simply want to glide around the mountains in relaxed fashion and see the sights. Those who normally prefer to stick closer to home might just find things more limiting, though, as all the great scenery lies beyond the surrounding ridges and many skiers waste no time heading off to enjoy them. As for beginners, if you’re keen to make rapid progress then Flaine could be a good choice, as you’ll soon be hankering to leave that bowl and ski what lies above and beyond it.
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Skiing There
Beginners / Families
Intermediates
Advanced / Expert
Mountain Scenery
Snowboarding
Flaine Fun Zones include a forest-style boarder cross and snowpark, Urban'z beginners zone and Balaken family zone.1 Snowparks
1 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
Take a shuttle bus to the highest and snowiest Nordic ski area in the Alps.2.5km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Reserved parking at the bottom of the cable car, entrance via Flaine Forum. Under the Cassiopée flats in Flaine Forum (2 places), and Combe de Vernant carpark (2 places).
- Direct access to most pistes in Flaine and the Grand Massif. See more information on the Flaine website - Adapted Ski.
- Preferential ski pass price for disabled skiers (conditions apply).
- Public toilets at Covagnes – one step depending on the amount of snow.
- For adapted accommodation options contact the Tourist Office + 33 (0)4 50 90 80 01 or ask your tour operator.
- Ecole du Ski Français (ESF), Ski Ecole International and Flaine Mountain (offer equipment) have specialist instructors.
Yes please...
- Excellent snow record.
- Eco-friendly, excellent green credentials.
- Big-mountain skiing, combined with lively (but not too lively) mood.
- Capable, modern lift system with convenient hands-free lift passes.
- Short transfers from Geneva.
- Secure learning areas with free lifts for beginners - whatever their age!
- Areas dedicated to off-piste skiing where free-riders can make the most of Flaine's powder snow.
- The 14km long piste Cascades - a blue graded adventure suitable for families.
Yes but...
- Flaine Forum isn’t exactly chocolate-box pretty...
- Despite improvements, return runs can become congested.
Our Tips
- When temperatures are low and snow conditions are good, ski Les Cascades - but be ready for an always-icy final section...
- Flaine offers plenty of money-saving deals throughout the season - check the Flaine website for details.
Practical Information
Les Chalets du Hameau
Flaine, Grand Massif
Le Hameau de Flaine is a small hamlet offering a collection of unique chalets built in Scandinavian style. The lively resort centre of Flaine Forum/Flaine la Fôret and its ski lifts to the Grand Massif ski area is only 2km away via ski or the free shuttle bus. For your convenience, there's a grocery shop, restaurant, bar and reception desk for all information at the heart of the hamlet.
All the apartments and chalets are fitted and furnished to a high standard, are south-facing and have some of the best views over the valley. As they're all privately owned, each one is individual and has personal touches, which make them homely, comfortable and inviting.
They all have a fully equipped kitchenette with electric hob, oven, fridge and dishwasher (the chalets also have a freezer), TV (with 2 English channels), ski locker and a balcony or terrace.
Enquiries and bookings:
Ski Collection
0844 576 0175 (UK)
or +44 (0)2392 890 960
reservations@skicollection.co.uk
Le Centaure
Flaine, Grand Massif
Le Centaure is a 4* luxury residence offers 62 self-catering ski apartments in 1 main building. The apartments are south-facing and range from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom split level. It’s superbly situated by the ‘Les Grandes Platieres’ cable car and near the resort centre. A large internal staircase leads you to the open-air roof terrace where you can ski-in and ski-out (depending on snow levels) and enjoy spectacular views over the ski area and the surrounding mountains.
Facilities at Le Centaure include free access to the ‘Centre Ô des Cimes’ Spa with indoor heated swimming pool with children’s pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and fitness room. Numerous facial or body treatments and massages are available (payable). There’s a communal lounge area at the reception, free Wi-Fi, luggage room, lifts, ski locker with heated boot racks. A bakery delivery service (payable) is available.
Enquiries and bookings:
Ski Collection
0844 576 0175 (UK)
or +44 (0)2392 890 960
reservations@skicollection.co.uk