PISTE MAP
SKI Area
- Gateway to one of France’s largest ski areas; the impressive Le Grand Massif.
- One of the best snow records in the entire French Alps, especially in the main bowl.
- 144 slopes all linked together by 103 fast modern lifts.
- A family-friendly resort with varied runs that cater for every ability level.
- Scenic runs offering panoramic views of the grand massif ski area – don’t forget your camera!
- Excellent snow management and plenty of snow-making on the lower slopes.
As far as ski areas go, Flaine is certainly a rare gem; a highly rated, highly convenient ski resort that is the gateway to Le Grand Massif, offering an abundance of varied terrain that successfully caters for all ability levels. Whether you are struggling to remain vertical, just beginning to string some turns together, or carving down black runs without a care in the world, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. It is for this reason why the ski area attracts predominantly family parties, but in reality, Le Grand Massif is suitable for groups of all natures and we are certain that no matter who you are, you’ll find the runs that you are looking for.
Generally speaking, the terrain in Flaine is diverse. For example, the Flaine bowl provides skiers with predominantly wide open pistes, whilst if you head a little lower you will find narrower, more sheltered, wooded areas with terrific tree runs. Even more, piste classification is fairly accurate meaning that if your chosen route is a blue run, you will be skiing on a blue run!
Perched on top of Le Grand Massif in this giant playground! You definitely won’t tire of the magnificent scenic views you are faced with in almost every direction. With 265km of slopes, the Grand Massif ski area really does live up to its name. There is plenty of terrain to keep you busy for a week of skiing, not to mention a ski weekend! In recent years there has been some investment in infrastructure and the ski area now boasts a fast, modern lift system so be prepared to spend less time queuing and dangling from lifts and more time attacking the slopes.
Finally, with a superb natural snow-cover, excellent grooming and reliable snow-making facilities Flaine is certainly a snow-sure resort not to be missed.
Take a look below at our breakdown to find out more information relevant to your ability:
Advanced
Advanced skiers will find plenty of terrains to play on in Flaine. Whilst admittedly, the majority of the most challenging stuff is off-piste, there are still some decent black runs dotted around the resort which once again, due to the resort’s accurate piste classifications, are more than worthy of their ‘black’ status. Specifically, we can recommend the Diamont Noir underneath the main gondola which provides skiers with a narrow, steep option and a multitude of moguls to navigate through. Similarly, the Onyx piste presents a challenge to most advanced skiers and is a quintessential thigh burner.
Intermediates
Whether you are an intermediate after a challenge or just looking for some wide cruisy rollers; Flaine hosts a diverse mixture of reds and blues that touch each end of the intermediate spectrum. This, coupled with a great consistent snow cover means that intermediates will find plenty to play on no matter what stage they are at in their ski development. Confident intermediates will be especially well catered for with a fine selection of reds on offer. If you like to carve the days away then we can certainly recommend Faust, a fast-paced red run placed in the Flaine bowl that offers a steep, wide option.
Alternatively, if you just want to cruise or if you are after something a little more progressive, then we recommend that you head a little lower where there are some great long intermediate tree-lined runs down to Les Carroz as well as some of the wide open rollers down to Morillon 1100.
Beginners
Gentle, progressive terrain is in abundance in the Grand Massif, as are nursery slopes, meaning that if you have just taken up skiing or snowboarding you are in an ideal location for it. Furthermore, the nursery slopes below Forum do not require a lift pass meaning that a pass will only be necessary once you have found your ski legs and are ready to progress onto the higher, more challenging slopes.
With recent developments, the major Foret area is now ideal for beginners, boasting draglifts that are ideally suited for those that are finding their feet. All in all, with the suitable, progressive nursery slopes that the resort has on offer, Flaine is a beginner friendly resort and a great spot in the French Alps to start creating invaluable ski memories.
Snowboarders
Generally speaking, Flaine is a great option for snowboarders mainly due to the extensive terrain, fabulous off-piste and characterful tree runs; Specifically, the forest areas outside the bowl provide some fantastic tree runs that offer a fabulous network of exciting trails through the trees. Even more, luckily the majority of the key lifts in the Grand Massif ski area are chairlifts or gondolas meaning that draglifts won’t be too much of a problem for those boarders who dread them!
Off-Piste*
Off-piste terrain in Flaine can be seriously challenging, so if your ability level allows, there’s certainly some exhilarating skiing and snowboarding to be had away from the crowds. As always, we recommend that you hire a local guide if you want to explore some of the off-piste that the Grand Massif ski area has to offer.
We suggest that serious off-pisters try out some of the terrain left of the Diamant Noir which leads to some steep, narrow corridors that are often home to some untouched powder after a fresh snowfall (get there early to secure this). Also, the Gers draglift in the bowl leads to some excellent off-piste opportunities - just grab a local guide and enjoy the challenges Flaine’s off-piste can present!
* Ski Weekends strongly advise that off-piste skiing should only be undertaken when in the company of a professional ski instructor or guide.
To find out more about skiing in Flaine, feel free to contact one of our friendly Ski Experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com