A car-free resort, Flaine is part of the Grand Massif area (with it’s 265km of 144 linked runs), with connections. It is centred on three main areas: Morillon, Samoens and Les Carroz, running from 1600m up to 2500m. The resort itself is split into two, connected by 2 free lifts (Pre and Telebenne): Flaine Forêt (1700m) and Flaine Forum (1600m). The first has more accommodation, while the second is better for restaurants, bars etc. Flaine is seemingly ever expanding, with new lifts popping every season.

Flaine is regarded by many as a child of the ‘60s, exhibiting much of that era’s typical architecture. In fact the designer, Marcel Breuer, was one of the Bauhaus design movements star architects. However, there are many cutting edge advances built into the resort; all electric cabling is underground, the gas-heating plant is pollution free.

Beginners are well catered for, with four free lifts available for the Novices. The Marvel run is an enjoyable long Green run that winds through the trees. The Fantasurf funpark is aimed at kids, and has it’s own reduced price ticket.

Freeriders will enjoy the off-piste potential, especially the tree areas at Les Carroz – beware: trees take no prisoners, and usually come out the winner in any one-on-one encounters!

Just off the Calcédoine is the Jampark, for those moving up from the Fantasurf level. There’s the usual smattering of potentially big hits.

There are a number of well groomed fast pistes, which should keep the speed merchants happy. The Cascades piste clocks in at 14kms; dropping 1800m from Les Grandes Platiéres to finish at the village of Sixt Fer à Cheval. Heli-boarding is well worth the expense if you concentrate on the Combe dè Gers area. As usual, a guide is a definite positive to get the maximum value from your off-piste time, and done in (relative) safety.

On top of the usual ski & snowboarding Flaine offers many other activities. Ice Quad Bikes and Ice Karts, and Ice driving are motorised options, with Snow Kiting a more eco-friendly one.

Facts

Top lift: 2500m

Longest run: 14km

Total number of pistes: 60

Lifts: 29

Green runs: 8

Blu runs: 22

Red Runs: 29

Black runs: 4

Off Piste: Good to Excellent

Slope Style: Freestyle 80%

Slope Style: Freeride 72%

Pipes: 1

Parks: 1

Trees: yes

Transfer time: 1hr 15mins from Geneva

Nightlife: Flaine Forum is the place to be.

09/10 6 day Grand Massif Liftpass

Adult: €204

Child:  €183

Senior : €156

Family: 6 day for the price of 5 day.

Tourist Office: Flaine

Lift passes: Grand Massif

Forecast: Flaine meteo