Flaine Ski Holidays
"Flaine is fully pedestrianised in the centre and perfect for families. With lots of beginner slopes but also plenty of challenging runs up high to provide a perfect ski holiday for everyone!"
Sean Barker, Sales Consultant
Located in the Haute-Savoie region, its snow-sure, sunny slopes are part of the gorgeous Grand Massif ski area, which encompasses neighbouring resorts Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval, Morillon, Les Carroz and Samoens. This is one of the world’s largest dedicated snowsports areas, with 265km of interconnected pistes for skiers of all aptitudes, 139 ski runs and 62 ski lifts.
The resort’s high altitude pistes offer awe inspiring views of Mont Blanc, but its most notable man-made feature is probably its distinctive modernist architecture, which was designed to blend in with its Alpine backdrop.
This 100% car-free location has an inclusive ambience and offers doorstep skiing from its plentiful accommodation options, some of which have earned a positive reputation over the years for affordable luxury.
The resort is split into different levels which are connected by footpaths and the resort’s well known red funicular lift. Most accommodation in Flaine is self-catering, which is often the most hassle-free option for families who want to do their own thing at meal times and shop for essentials independently.
When it comes to facilities, you’ll find everything you need here – from après-ski bars to family restaurants, supermarkets and a host of on and off slope activities for kids of all ages.
When you want a great family ski holiday in the French Alps, Flaine is absolutely fabulous!
Flaine Mountain Facts
Flaine has an extensive ski area with varied terrain suitable for all levels and abilities. As part of the Grand Massif ski area, Flaine offers direct access to its 256km of interconnected pistes, which translates into an impressive 64 runs within the local Flaine ski area. The highest point in Flaine is the peak of Grandes Platières at 2500m which sits on the windy side of Mont Blanc. Its position means it bears the brunt of storms coming in from the north-west, but because it’s tucked in so closely to Mont Blanc, it gets a much larger-than-you’d-expect snowfall compared to its actual altitude.
Flaine’s terrain includes a decent selection of red and blue runs for anyone who is a beginner or intermediate, as well as black slopes and ungroomed off-piste routes that pose a fun challenge for experienced and advanced skiers. And if you like skiing amongst incredible views, the surrounding mountains, such as the Tête Pelouse and Pointe Percée, make up some of the resort's jaw-dropping landscape.
Snow conditions in Flaine
Even though Flaine isn’t amongst one of the highest resort’s in France, its unique microclimate means it gets some seriously impressive natural snowfall. So much so, it’s actually one of the most snow-sure spots in the Grand Massif! The summit of the Grandes Platières averages about 15m of snowfall every year, making it one of the most skiable mountains in France. Plus, with the main Flaine bowl facing north-east, the snow sticks around for longer and stays fresh for skiing. Win-win!
Skiing in Flaine
If you’re searching for incredible views, a great selection of slopes and an extensive ski area suitable for all abilities, a ski holiday to Flaine promises a getaway you’ll be talking about for years to come. Here are some of Erna Low's top reasons for booking a Flaine skiing holiday:
- Flaine is nestled at the bottom of a huge north-west facing powdery bowl and has a network of more than 100 snow cannons at the ready to keep the snow fresh and provide extra cover when it’s needed. Add to that Flaine has a selection of long runs averaging about 1000m that roll down from the 2500m Grand Platières, offering jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc as you make your way down the mountain.
- Beginners and first-timers will be more than happy skiing in Flaine. The beginner-friendly nursery areas are handily located near to the lifts and the resort has several wide and spacious green runs that are perfect for practising the basics. In particular, the 5km green Marvel run down to Morillon is a firm favourite and great for confidence-building.
- The blue Serpentine is a long, wide blue that gives beginners a taste of high-altitude skiing at 2480m. Beginners and first-timers here can’t skip the opportunity to take on Europe’s longest blue run and the longest trail in the Grand Massif area – the 14km Piste des Cascades, which winds through an incredible nature reserve down to Sixt. If you plan to give this run a go, keep your eyes peeled to try and spot some local wildlife!
- Intermediates and confident beginners have a decent selection of runs to choose from in the main bowl above the resort coming down from Grand Platières. For example, the Faust is one of several “must-ski” red runs which offers a fun challenge thanks to its sharp descent from the summit that ends with a cut through the forest above the village.
- Experienced and advanced skiers have lots of off-piste terrain to explore in Flaine. If you’re a capable and confident rider, you can pit your wits and skills against some of the resort’s more challenging black runs. We recommend adding the Grandes Platières, Diamond Noir and Lindars Nord to your “can’t-leave-without-skiing” list ASAP.
Snowboarding in Flaine
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With pretty-much-guaranteed snow cover, perpetually groomed slopes, plenty of epic off-piste and a world-class snow park to play in, snowboarders will be in their element in Flaine. Check out our highlights for snowboarders below:
- If you’re a beginner learning the proverbial ropes, be sure to spend the first few days finding your feet and perfecting your carves on the flat runs next to the resort’s four free beginners lifts – Flaine Forum bucket lift, Bissac drag lift and rope tow lift, and Le Pre chairlift.
- Once you start to feel more confident with the basics, the logical next step is to grab a lift pass and explore Flaine’s more challenging blue runs – like those leading off from Les Grandes Platières cable car.
- Freestylers will be in their element at the Jampark in the Calcedoine run at the Aujon ski area, where there are plenty of opportunities to catch some big air and master jumps, jibs, j-turns, side slips and every other manoeuvre under the mountain sun. Confident kids are covered too with the Fantasurf half-pipe.
- There are plenty of epic off-piste runs for freeriders to pit their wits and skills against. The tree-lined terrain at Les Carroz offers a fun challenge for any capable rider whose idea of fun means tearing down obstacle-covered terrain at high speed on only one plank!
Ski Accommodation in Flaine Ski Resort
Flaine ski resort offers a variety of self-catered apartment options perfect for skiers who value both independence and convenience. The resort is purpose-built and features a wide range of ski-in, ski-out, allowing guests to hit the slopes right from their doorstep. You’ll find pretty much everything you’ll need from comfy studios to spacious multi-room units perfect for groups of all sizes. Here’s a snippet of what we have to offer:
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Flaine
Ski Holidays in Flaine
Apres-ski in Flaine
Flaine is one of the quieter, lower-key resorts in the area, so when it comes to après ski, it offers a more laidback and relaxed atmosphere than some of the more party-centric neighbouring resorts. In short, it’s a great place for those who want to have a good time but aren’t necessarily looking for the wild parties that some other French resorts are famous for. However, we’ve got good news... It still has a great selection of bars and restaurants for those looking to unwind and enjoy a cheeky beer with mates after a full and exhausting day on the hill. Here are some of our best après ski highlights:
- Le White Pub in Flaine Forum is one of the most popular spots for après ski – and it’s pretty easy to see why! With live music, a buzzing atmosphere and an extensive drinks menu that serves up a refreshing selection of beers, wines and spirits, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional après-ski vibe with a bit of dancing and late-night partying.
- Named in honour of the resort’s founding year, 1967 is known for its vintage décor and great selection of cocktails, wines and beers. It has a family-friendly après session from 3:30pm each day with treats like cakes, pastries and hot chocolate for the little ones and a wide choice of cuisine, wine and spirits for grown-ups. Although we wouldn’t judge if you chose a warming hot chocolate over a cold après beer (we’re pretty sure they’re some of the best around!).
- Fancy alfresco cuisine served on a scenic “people-watching” terrace only a stone’s throw from the slopes? Then be sure to head over to La Pente à Jules before you turn in for the day – whatever time that may be! Open every lunchtime, you’ll find live DJs playing laidback house music from mid-afternoon and table-top raving only a few hours later! The dress code? Whatever you wear on the slopes.
- If speciality cocktails sound like the kind of thing that’ll hit the spot after a long and tiring day, then Lapiaz Bar is the place to be. Located in the heart of the slopes in the Hôtel Terminal Neige – Totem, you can relax and unwind after a long day by reminiscing with mates over the day’s events while watching live sports on the big screen.
Facilities in Flaine
Perfect for families, friends, couples and solo skiers, Flaine has an impressive range of holiday-making facilities that offer something for everyone. There are ski hire shops, reputable ski schools, supermarkets and souvenir shops, as well as loads of great bars and restaurants that cater for all types of customers. Most of the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, with access to both the slopes and Flaine’s amenities practically on your doorstep.
Facilities for children in Flaine
Flaine is such a popular ski resort for families with kids of all ages. The resort is “Famille Plus” accredited, meaning there are plenty of family-friendly activities, restaurants and amenities designed specifically for children. The free kids' clubs are great for meeting new friends, playing games and enjoying special shows made just for them. There are loads of fun things to do both on and off the slopes, too, such as ice skating, swimming, bowling, ice quad biking, climbing, snowshoeing, sledging... the list goes on!
Why choose Erna Low for Flaine skiing holidays?
- Experience and service: We specialise in providing ski holidays to the French Alps and has successfully done so for almost a century!
- Incredible value holidays: Affordable prices, unforgettable memories and excellent service from passionate and experienced ski fanatics.
- Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from self-drive, catered, self-catered accommodation, chalets, hotels, apartments, budget, premium... the list goes on!
- Customisable travel: Tailor-make exactly what you want and need, spending more time choosing and less time researching.
- Fully protected bookings:We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
FAQs about the Flaine ski area
Is Flaine suitable for beginners?
Flaine is great for beginners and first-timers! It’s the perfect place to learn given that it’s got a decent selection of wide, quiet slopes and a dedicated beginners area with green nursey runs that are great for practising and confidence-building. Once you’re ready to move on to the more challenging blue runs further up the mountain, you can easily reach them via chairlift. And if you decide to take a break from snow-time and have a day off exploring the resort, there are plenty of activities you can do away from the hill. In short, you have a lot to explore!
What ski passes are available?
There are two main types of lift passes available at Flaine. If you’re keen to explore the entire ski area, then the Grand Massif pass gives you access to all runs in the area across five different resorts – Flaine, Samoëns, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt. There’s also the less expensive Flaine ski pass that only covers the local Flaine ski area, which has up to 64 ski runs and is spread out over 1,600 meters.
Are there ski schools and instructors at the resort?
Whatever your skill level – whether you’re a beginner, first-timer, an intermediate looking to progress your skills or a nervous skier who wants to build confidence – Flaine has loads of ski schools and experienced ski instructors to choose from that offer one-on-one or small group lessons. If this sounds like something you’re looking for, you can easily add ski lessons to your Erna Low ski holiday package to Flaine.
Is the resort family-friendly?
Absolutely! Flaine is a great ski resort for families, which we think its “Famille Plus” label proves. The childcare options make the logistics of travelling with children much easier, and there are loads of fun activities like ice skating and bowling to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, with ski-in, ski-out accommodation, you’re always only a short walk away from the slopes!
How do I get to the Flaine ski resort?
Getting to Flaine is pretty easy! If you’re choosing to fly, the closest airport is Geneva – the transfer from there takes around 90 minutes by car or shuttle. If you’d rather travel at your own pace with a self-drive package, you can also drive from other major cities in France.
"Flaine offers great skiing within the wider Grand Massif ski domain and is only 1.5hrs from Geneva so it is very popular for those wishing for short transfers and reliable snow conditions."
Jane Bolton, Product Director
