Part of the Grand Massif ski area, Flaine is known for reliable snow conditions and quiet pistes. The 60s architecture is about as marmite as it comes; if you can stomach the brutalist architecture you'll be rewarded in spades with the snow
Get to know Flaine
Flaine is a firm favourite thanks to its incredible snow reliability, ski in, ski out convenience and being part of the huge Grand Massif ski area which flirts with the Mont Blanc region. The area is ideal for families and beginners thanks in part to the open, gentle, pistes but also as most of the slopes end up back in town, making it hard to get lost. On those bad weather days there is the option to head down to the lower elevation area of Samoens for incredible tree lined skiing and the chance to explore the quaint village.
Why you might love it
Families
Beginners
Beginners
Value for money
Short transfers
At a glance
Ski area
Grand Massif
Resort altitude
1600m
Piste range
700–2500m
Lifts
62
Green runs
25
Blue runs
69
Red runs
44
Black runs
11
More about Flaine
Ski holidays in Flaine
Flaine is well connected, with Geneva just an hour's drive away and the town of Cluses is also nearby providing a great place for self drivers to pick up food essentials for the holiday. Slightly further away is Sallanches and Chamonix offering plenty to see on those down days.
The resort is split into three parts, Forêt, Forum and Front de Neige and are all well connected with pedestrian walkways (the resort is car free), just remember to bring some warm shoes. Flaine isn't known for its nightlife, but there are few bars and restaurants dotted around, Restaurant la Perdrix Noire has a relaxed pub feel and serves hearty alpine food.
Skiing in Flaine
Flaine is essentially in a massive bowl up at 1,600m, which is linked to the wider Grand Massif ski area shared with Les Carroz and Samoëns and 265km of piste. So nothing to sniff at. The slopes hold the snow well and the snow record is pretty awesome so you should be good on that front.
As for the actual pistes, much of the area is made up of long, wide cruising pistes - sounds dreamy right? And the grooming is top notch so you won't be battling mogul fields at the end of the day.
Head to Les Carroz for some incredible tree skiing but if you're looking for something a little more challenging, hire a guide and slip over to the back bowl Combe de Gers which is gorgeously steep.
Eating out in Flaine
With Flaine be a big purpose built resort and packed full of self-catering accommodation, it isn't the destination for unbelievable grub and michelin stars galore. That being said there are some great places for tasty dishes that won't cost you the earth. Both on and off the slopes. Plenty of the traditional cheesy fair we bloomin' love and you might even find a couple of taste bud tingling surprises.
The après ski is on the quieter side though straight off the slopes you'll find a nice buzz in many of the bars around the resort. There is a nightclub but don't expect it to blow your mind.
Sustainability in Flaine
Flaine is ahead of its time when it comes to sustainability and technology in general. It was the first ski resort in the world to be awarded the Green Globe certification for a commitment to sustainable tourism.
The resort established an environmental observatory in 2007 to protect and respect the natural heritage of the area, covering 4,219 hectares over 5 municipalities. Tracking growth and preservation solutions for the local wildlife, flora and fauna. The environment is first on the agenda for any proposed ski area development.
The entire resort is powered by 100% green energy and has been since 2016 achieving an AlpEnergies100 certification for a long term strategy to reduce CO2 emissions.
Hidden gems
Spa & wellness
Forget the apres dancing, hit the Totem Spa for some apres relaxing. The outdoor whirlpool is a must and why not grab a massage whilst you're at it.
Best food
Sabaudia is a great little place, awesome food and it's where a lot of the locals drink so you know it's good and there's a great atmosphere to boot.
Best piste
Cascades is a 14km blue running from the peak of the Flaine bowl all the way down through the trees to the village of Sixt where you catch the ski bus back. There's no turning back once you've started
