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 .

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 Boarding 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. Patinoire de Flaine: Phone: 
• Snowshoeing trips - Available both during the day as well as a special night time experience which also includes an authentic Savoyard dinner. Flaine Mountain: 
• 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. 
• Cinema - Located in Flaine Forum and another relaxing way to spend the evening.  
• Tobogganing - Fun for the kids - slide down the slopes for free in Flaine Forum and at Col de Pierre Carree.

Après Ski in Flaine

Flaine is centred around family ski so there isn’t a huge après and nightlife scene in the resort. However, there are some good restaurants which open their bars late, terraces on the slopes to enjoy an afternoon drink and some lively pubs for happy hour.

• Le White Pub – a lively pub with a rock theme. Regular live bands performing throughout the week with free entry and daily happy hour.   
• L'éloge - Located in the heart of the resort this is an ideal place to enjoy drink straight off the cable car before you head back to your accommodation.  
• The Beastie Club – with great music, pool tables and a daily happy hour, this is a fun and relaxed bar to unwind and enjoy a drink.    

Places to eat in Flaine

For a small resort, Flaine offers lots of good options as well as some recent openings and diverse selection of cuisines.

• Sushi House – a new and exciting restaurant within The RockyPop brings an Asian flare to the mountains! Sushi lovers favourites include makis, nigiris, sashimis, California rolls, soups… and much more.  
• Rocky Buffet – this family favourite with large buffets is open only for dinner and offers a variety of cuisine with seasonal and local products.  
• L'Ancolie - One of the most popular places to eat in resort with the traditional log chalet décor and warming fire. The traditional Savoyard menu includes pierrade, which comes with steak, duck and turkey as well as potatoes and salad.  
• Chez Pierrot - Popular and family-friendly, they serve up great pizzas and some of the best fondue and braserade in town - a definite must-try. 
• L'Eterlou – excellent value for money in a traditional and upmarket venue with value-for-money 3-course set menus.  
• Brasserie le Cimes – Another family favourite with a large menu which includes all the classics like fondue and raclette.  

Family Features Flaine

Flaine's one of our best resorts for families. Lots of its accommodations are close to the lifts and have family facilities, the ski school is easy to get to and there’s plenty to do off the slopes.

• Galaxy Bowling - There's plenty to keep the family entertained here, with six bowling lanes, a games room and pool tables. There's also a bar for post-games refreshment. 
• 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. Check Yeti offers a variety of ski schools:  
• Garderie Les Petits Loups - A nursery which accommodates babies from 6 months to 3 years.