Flaine Overview

What's the skiing like? Flaine belongs to the Grand Massif ski area (265km) which is shared with Les Carroz, Samoens and Morillon. There's plenty of varied skiing for all levels in both Flaine's local slopes and the massive linked ski area beyond. Flaine has an excellent snow record and its northfacing slopes hold it well.

The majority of Flaine's ski area is located above the treeline (with skiing up to 2480m) but there's also some pretty runs through the trees to the linked resorts below. Ski lifts are modern and fast with two gondolas and a fast chair serving Flaine Forum.

Advanced skiers will find a wide bowl with some seriously steep black runs and excellent off-piste skiing. Intermediates have a huge variety of slopes, from easy blues to steep reds (the majority of slopes here are blue and red). Beginners will find two nursery areas with four free lifts as well as two very doable greens and some gentle blues above it. Families have various fun areas for the kids with bumps, banks and trees.

Best suited to . . . all levels of skier!

What's the resort like? The resort is divided into two parts: Flaine Forum with its traffic-free centre and above is Flaine Foret. Both have their own lower slope and lift and are dotted with a few bars and restaurants. The majority of accommodation is apartments with ski-in/ski-out facilities. There's further accommodation a little further out in the Montsoleil apartments and Hameau de Flaine (2km away) connected to the slopes by a free ski bus. 

Downside? Flaine is quiet in the evening and there are limited activities off the slopes.

Getting there? Geneva (80km/90mins)

Being a high altitude resort, and with much of the bowl facing north-west, the region has consistently good snow cover. Snow canons service many of the lower slopes to ensure quality skiing here too.

Beginners 

The wide, gentle blues of Serpentine, Cristal and Olivine are perfect runs for beginners to practice carving their turns. We recommend the Cascade run from Flaine to Sixt, reached via the Serpentine blue, which offers 14km of continuous skiing. More challenging blue runs include Tourmaline and Mephisto. A point to note: piste classification is generally accurate, but the Tourmaline run back to Flaine under the Grands Vans chair is a challenge!

A bonus for beginners is the location of the easy runs. The green run located at Flaine’s top station enables beginners to learn while surrounded by views of the bowl and Mont Blanc and not just at the base. Nursery slopes are located next to the village.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers should make for the Grand Massif area to seek out some nice blue and red – the terrain here is perfect for intermediates. Skiers who are keen to progress should head to a hairy red run called Faust which offers a decent amount of vertical. It’s opposite the Serpentine and runs all the way down from the top station to the resort. There are some steep but manageable sections.

Shy intermediates should be able to handle the Serpentine piste while more confident intermediates should take on Mephisto.A popular run is the 14km-long, lift-free Cascades piste.

Experts

Most of the expert terrain is found off-piste and it’s takes a high degree of skill to tackle it – the backcountry here is among the best in Europe so head out with a local guide to find the best powder safely. Skilled skiers will love the side-country as well as the moguls of Gers but a word of warning - the Gers draglift a challenge in itself. Expect unexpected jolts.

Other challenges for advanced skiers and snowboarders include Styx and Le Diamant Noir

Freestylers will find some great natural hits and manmade obstacles to conquer. One of the top snow parks around, the HO5 Jampark can be found on the Calcédoine run over in the Aujon area.

It’s not huge on apres ski but the resort does throw some good parties. During spring,  the resort puts on classical music, electro funk, pop and rock open-air shows on the slopes. They’re completely free and an itinerary is available week by week. On the last day of the spring season the resort holds a free bbq.

For some serious relaxation, we can recommend The Pure Altitude Spa in the swanky Terminal Neige. It has a wellness space, comprising a fitness centre, sensory showers and a relaxation room which extends out onto the terrace with superb mountain views. The Jacuzzi and outdoor saunas have been refitted into old cable car cabins and will transport you to the height of well-being.