Flaine Ski Resort

Flaine

Flaine's brutal architecture puts some people off, but the resort has good skiing for all standards, is easy to reach, ideal for families and relatively inexpensive. And if you really can't stand the modernist buildings, try the newer suburbs or one of the lower, lift-linked villages like Les Carroz.

Flaine was purpose-built in the 1960s in a naturally snowy bowl in the Giffre Massif at 1,600m above sea level. To this day, few doubt the merits of its location but its architecture is another matter. The original buildings that still dominate the main resort were a brave experiment with ‘shadow and light’ (and a lot of concrete) that nowadays have few fans. But lessons were learnt and the newer suburbs of Hameau de Flaine and Flaine Montsoleil are much nicer, as are the more traditional mountain villages below Flaine that are lift-linked to it, such as Les Carroz, Morillon and Samoens.

Whilst the centre of Flaine might not be pretty, it’s still convenient and good value, especially for families. It’s one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva Airport. And once you’re there, the lifts, shops and ski hire outlets are all close to the accommodation. The free bus service is good but you will only use it regularly if you’re staying in Hameau de Flaine; otherwise, you can walk or ski everywhere. Flaine is therefore car-free apart from a few access roads.

And the skiing is good too. Flaine’s highest lifts might not be particularly elevated (all the pistes are below 2500m) but they access predominantly north-facing slopes that receive regular top-ups of fresh powder. Similarly, Flaine’s ski area, Le Grand Massif, is no record-breaker in size but it extends to Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens and Sixt; and with approximately 60 lifts, 140 runs and 265 km of ski slopes, it easily large enough skiing for most skiers coming for a week.

All standards of skier are catered for. Beginners in both Flaine and Les Carroz have handy nursery slopes with free lifts and good ski schools. Improving novices and less confident skiers who don’t want to venture far from the resort can take advantage of a cheaper lift pass; and experts have some genuinely challenging black pistes, the famous Gers bowl and plenty of off-piste best tackled with a guide. There is also a long list of activities for non-skiers, including one of the best concert halls in the Alps and a full ice-driving circuit.

Ultimate-Ski partner ALPINRESORTS.com works with several shops in Flaine and the other Grand Massif villages and can secure discounts of up to 60% if you book online here.