Flaine
The most well-known resort of the Grand Massif – the 4th largest, linked ski area in France – Flaine is an exceptionally friendly and family orientated ski-village and offers superb value for money. Compromising the five diverse villages of Flaine, Samonëns, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixt, the Grand Massif offers skiers and boarders of all abilities a varied mixture of terrain to explore. From the 2500m, high altitude Grand Platières and incredible off-piste to beautiful tree-lined runs near the traditional villages of Les Carroz and Morillon, this ski area is also characterised by its exceptional snow-record – one of the best in the French Alps.
The snow in Flaine stays on the ground for longer, and remains in good condition thanks to its ideal orientation and location in a wide snow-bowl. The unrivalled, panoramic views from the highest point in resort provide spectacular views of the mighty Mont Blanc. The innovative architecture of Flaine was designed to blend in with nature and created with skiers in mind. The traffic free centre is easy to navigate in your ski boots, and much of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out.
The proximity of Flaine, in the Haute Savoie, to Geneva Airport means that this huge network of exhilarating skiing and intriguing variety of villages is one of the most accessible in the Alps. And the short transfers and exceptional value for money are ideal for families.
Skiing Levels
-
Beginners
-
Intermediates
-
Advanced
-
Snowboard
-
Cross Country
Mountain Facts
-
Ski area
265 km
-
Runs
77
0
0
-
Longest run
14 Km
-
Snowparks
3 snowparks
-
Lifts
Drag lifts 32, Chairlifts 29, Cablecars 1
-
Slope direction
N,E,S
-
Ski/resort bus
True
Things to do in resort
Restaurants, food and drink
There are plenty of excellent restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat in Flaine, both on and off the mountain.
Le Bissac is the perfect, on-piste restaurant, an excellent stop for lunch or a quick refuel. Ideally located at the cross-roads of Flaine Forêt and just above the Ballacha beginners run, this friendly restaurant serves everything from soups and bolognaise to burgers and tartiflette.
Also on the mountain the combined restaurants of Le Michet and L’Eloge are located in an ancient sheepfold, over 100 years old. Le Michet is a charming restaurant serving authentic, local specialties in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, while its sister restaurant serves fast food in a similarly rustic setting.
In the village, L’Ancolie is one of the most luxurious restaurants in Flaine and an excellent place to relax after a day’s skiing. Not only do they have a superb menu of traditional mountain recipes but they also serve a large selection of wines, many of which can be sampled during wine tasting sessions around the central fireplace.
A great place for burger fans, Monster Burger has a good choice of burgers, as well as other fast food such as hot dogs and fish and chips. Open until 2am, this is also a good place for a late night snack, especially if you’ve spent the night clubbing.
Après, bars, clubs and nightlife
Flaine has a lively and eclectic après scene. Le White Pub is one of the main party bars in resort. Located in the Flaine Forum opposite the ice rink, the pub remains open until late into the night supported by large and lively DJ sets.
Le Diamant Noir is another popular party spot, which regularly hosts live bands. The happy hour is popular with tourists, as are the pool tables. La Cascade is a great, piste side après ski spot just 5 minutes from the resort centre. The terrace ice bar is a great place to go to listen to music and admire the stunning panoramic views.
Shopping
There are enough shops in Flaine that you should have no problems finding ski gear and equipment rentals. For visitors staying in a self-catering apartment food, drink and other necessities are also readily available from the local supermarché. The main centres for shopping are located in Flaine Forêt and Flaine Forum.
Spas and relaxation
Both the Montsoleil Apartments and the Hotel Terminal Neige provide excellent spa and wellness facilities which are available to their guests. The Montsoleil has both an indoor pool and an outdoor heated pool in addition to a sauna and steam room. Guests can pay locally for massage and beauty treatments. At the Hotel Terminal Neige the comprehensive wellness centre has several saunas, as well as a whirlpool and sensory shower.
The Centre Aquatique in Flaine is open to the public. This fantastic wellness centre has a heated indoor pool, a children’s pool, saunas, and spa, amongst other facilities. Entrance to the Centre Aquatique is payable locally and treatments and massages are also on offer.
Arts, culture and events
Flaine may not be a chocolate box resort built in the traditional, mountain chalet style, but it nonetheless has a unique cultural heritage and identity, perhaps more distinct than any other village in the Alps. The resort is brimming with seminal examples of Twentieth Century modern art and architecture.
The original resort buildings were designed by the celebrated Bauhaus architect, Marcel Breuer, who was also responsible for Flushing Meadows, home of the US Open tennis, and the Witney Museum of American Art, both in New York. The innovative design was intended not to intrude on the natural surroundings, and from a distance the buildings completely blend in with the mountain landscape.
Spectacular public sculptures by influential 20th Century artists, Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet and Victor Vasarely compliment the local architecture. And the Flaine Art Centre hosts regular contemporary art exhibitions suitable for culture vultures everywhere.
Music is also well represented on Flaine’s cultural calendar. In early March the Electro World festival is an opportunity to discover and listen to a fabulous range of world music. Later in the month Classical Music Week includes free performances of classic works by the likes of Schubert, Debussy and Brahms.
For more information on travel and transport visit our Flaine page
