Flaine, a charming ski resort located in the Grand Massif ski area; under two hours from Geneva – known by few as a hidden gem in the French Alps. Once you learn to see past the sometimes unsightly structure of the resort buildings, which are in fact listed historical monuments and protected buildings, and head up the vast lift system, you will soon understand why people are booking skiing holidays Flaine!
The Grand Massif hosts 267km of piste, which is accessible and enjoyable by all ages and all abilities. The variety of runs available at this resort are huge, you can choose to head down challenging tree runs, narrow steep reds and blacks which will push even the most experienced skier to their limits. Here are some of the reasons why you should be going skiing in Flaine.
Great for Families and Big Groups
Learning to ski in Flaine is ideal, there is something for all levels of skiers, which makes it perfect for families and big groups. The green runs that are close to the village are long enough to work on perfecting your technique; and when you feel confident enough to head up the mountain there are a good selection of gentle blue slopes. There are plenty of harder runs for the more experienced skiers as well, including Combe de Gers and Diamante Noir and various off piste.
Modern Skiing
Flaine is a relatively new ski resort in France, purpose built in the 1960s, the centre of Flaine was built in such a way to provide easy access to the slopes. Being part of the Grand Massif ski area, one of the largest ski areas in the French Alps, with slopes for all different levels and the highest peak is located at 2,500 meters altitude.
Off Piste
For all the off piste ski lovers out there, Flaine provides some truly great off piste areas. You can find ungroomed areas around the Grand Massif such as the Gers bowl and the Corbalanche freeski area where you can happily practice your grounds for off piste skiing and snowboarding. However, it is important to note that the natural limestone in this area has cracks in it that are similar to if you were skiing over a glacier. These can be extremely dangerous and very deep. So it is recommended that if you are unfamiliar with the area that you hire an experienced mountain guide.
Mont Blanc Views
At the top of the Grand Platier you will be treated to some incredible views of Mont Blanc; as well as a variety of runs from the top. The Blue Serpentine, and Crystal, Red Lucifer, Faust, Memphisto Superiure and the Black Diamante Noir. An interesting point to mention, the Diamante Noir life takes you to right above the Diamante Noir run, if you have the urge to see one of the steepest runs in the resort.
As well as having an exceptional ski area, Flaine also has one of the best snow records in the French Alps, its bowl like structure catches and then holds the snow, which enables Flaine to offer some of the most consistent piste conditions available.
