Flaine Ski Resort, France

Overview of Flaine

Situated at the foot of one of the largest linked ski areas in France, the Grand Massif - 265km of varied and excellent pistes - Flaine is a purpose-built resort designed for convenience. It’s a great choice for a short ski break or a full week. The snow is consistent and great quality and the accommodation is mostly ski-in-ski-out, making it really convenient. See some of the best ski apartments in Flaine.

The Grand Masssif ski area includes Samoëns, Les Carroz and Morillon, all worth a visit during your trip. The ski area is well linked, making exploring and navigating straightforward, especially for intermediates. At the end of the ski day, there isn’t a huge party atmosphere; Flaine has a much more relaxed feel.

You may hear people criticise the resort for being a bit tired, with old, slow ski lifts but this is simply not true. Flaine has enjoyed considerable investment in recent years to modernise many aspects of the resort. Plus, being only an hour’s transfer from Geneva, it represents a fantastic option for families.

Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on a Flaine ski holiday.

3 Things We Love About Flaine

1. Compact, varied and peaceful – the ideal family ski resort
2. Part of the Grand Massif ski area
3. Only an hour from Geneva airport!

Skiing and Snowboarding in Flaine

Built at the foot of a big alpine bowl below Mont Blanc, Flaine offers arguably the best skiing the Grand Massif has to offer. The ski area offers a great range of terrain for all standards including a popular terrain park. Flaine also offers surprisingly excellent off-piste skiing and it’s well worth hiring a guide for the day if you want to explore the best of it.

Reach the lip of Flaine’s bowl at Les Grandes Platières for spectacular photo ops of the various peaks including Aiguille de Midi and Mont Blanc. From here, venture out and ski the rest of the Grand Massif area which has some wonderful long runs, up to 14km long.

Flaine also offers good nursery slopes for beginners and children. A bonus for any beginner is that the green piste is located at the top station, meaning beginners can learn to ski surrounded by the inspiring views of both the bowl and Mont Blanc – rather than at the base of the ski area, like in many other resorts.

Lift Passes in Flaine

Being able to explore a huge ski area like the Grand Massif is something any visitor to Flaine should take advantage of – even if it’s your first week on skis. The area is very accessible for novices. With that in mind, opt for the Grand Massif area lift pass. It’s one of the best value km/£ passes on the market! A local area pass is available if you’re sure you won’t want to leave the Flaine alpine bowl.

Activities in Flaine

As well as skiing in the Grand Massif under the masterful gaze of Mont Blanc, you can also experience some fun non-ski activities during your ski holiday…

• Ice driving - Test your driving skills with the Ice Driving School. Introductory courses as well as longer and higher level options available. 
• Ice quad - Another fun way to enjoy the snow and available for those aged 7 years and older.
• Helicopter rides - Hit the skies for epic views over the mountains and ski resorts. Visit Mont Blanc Helicopters for more information.
• Ice rink - Based in Flaine Forum and with prices for those with and without skates. 
• Snowshoeing trips - Available both during the day as well as a special night time experience which also includes an authentic Savoyard dinner.
• Indoor climbing wall - Located at Flaine Forum and there is both and indoor and outdoor wall.
• Aquatic Centre - Unwind after a day on the slopes by relaxing in the Aquatic Centre. Facilities include heated indoor pool, a spa, sauna and whirlpool.
• Dog sledding - Be pulled along by a pack of husky dogs through snow covered and beautiful landscapes.  
• Paragliding - An experience for those after an adrenaline rush. Available through Flaine Parapente and Parapente Planete.
• Bowling alley - A great activity to do with friends, along with some beer and snacks.
• Tobogganing - Fun for the kids - slide down the slopes for free in Flaine Forum and at Col de Pierre Carree.
• Cinema - Located in Flaine Forum and another relaxing way to spend the evening.

Après Ski in Flaine

Flaine isn’t known for its après ski or nightlife. However, there are a couple of good bars to enjoy a beer at the end of the ski day.

• Le Perdrix Noire – Ideal post-skiing après bar, popular with British skiers and the bar menu is also good value.
• Le White Pub – Really popular at happy hour for obvious reasons, but also probably the best place to go when there’s some sport on TV as they show most matches.
• Les Caves – The premier nightclub in Flaine, open from 11 pm till 5 am every day.

Places to Eat in Flaine

As most accommodation in Flaine is self-catered and many of the guests are families, there isn’t a call for a large range of restaurants. There are some places worth a visit though, for when cooking for yourself just feels like a step too far on holiday!

• La Pente a Jules – A lovely slope-side restaurant/café with a large terrace, serving hearty hot food and good beers on tap. They have a strong reputation for great burgers.
• Le Michet - Savoyard specialities, French cuisine and a large variety on the menu. Gets great reviews and booking is recommended.
• Brasserie Les Cimes - Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, and serving pizza, local dishes, salads and more. 
• Pizzeria Chez Pierrot – Rumoured to be serve among the best pizzas in the resort. Mountain classics such as fondue and pierrade are also on the menu.
• Friendly Kitchen - Serving a variety of dishes and cuisines.
• O' Boulot - For tapas as well as wine and beer.
• La Perdrix Noire - Offering specialties including rotisserie, fish, meat and grills, as well as fondue.

Family Features

As well as the fun non-skiing options in the Activities tab, Flaine also offers the following amenities for families:

• Ski schools - The ski schools in the resort welcome children from 2 ½, teaching the basics of skiing, interspersed with lots of fun play in the snow.
• Garderie Les Petits Loups - A nursery which accommodates babies from 6 months to 3 years.