Skiing in La Clusaz

La Clusaz covers 5 inter-connected mountain massifs with over 220 km of ski pistes between 1100 and 2400m. Official ski season runs from approx Dec 20 to the end of April. Overall the runs are classified as follows: 40 green - easy, 45 blue - intermediate, 36 red - hard, 10 black - very hard.

Closely linked is Le Grand Bornand, with another 170km of pistes. You can buy an Aravis Ski Pass for both areas, which gives you a very big ski area to explore.

The resort is often classified as an intermediate ski area, but this is mis leading. Expert skiers will find a huge amount of accessible off piste terrain. Becoming known as the freeski capital of Europe (and home to Candide Thovex, World Champion FreeSkier), it really is a fantastic playground for those who know where they are going. Having skied here for many years, Alex will be happy to give you the inside info on some of the best places to ski on and off piste.

The ski resort also gets a higher than French Alps average snowfall each year, due to its geographical location. It also has favorable aspect and keeps snow well, so it may not be the highest resort, you can normally expect some brilliant snow conditions!

You can read the Ski Club of Great Britain guide to La Clusaz here and guide to Le Grand Bornand here

Other winter activities 

If you are not a skier, the location is ideal for enjoying cross country skiing or nordic skiing in the winter at the nearby Plateau des Confins, which has 52 kms of trails. A 7 km trail goes to Grand- Bornand, where there also good cross country skiing.

There are many signed snow shoe trails in the area too - from short stroll to long days out in the mountains.

There is also excellent ski touring possibilities for half day and full days in the Aravis, and a number of mountain refuges in the local area if you fancy an overnight adventure. There are a few ski touring ideas here

Ski Tour equipment and local guides are available for hire in nearby shops in La Clusaz.

Cross country skiing (nordic skiing) area in the Valle de Bouchet between La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand.