La Clusaz ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in La Clusaz
Resort review
La Clusaz is just 50km from Geneva in the middle of the beautiful Aravis mountains in between Lake Annecy and the Mont Blanc Massif. Surrounded by mighty peaks and pine forests, you can enjoy extensive skiing in winter and relaxing walks in the summer.
Similar to the other traditional villages, the emphasis is definitely on the family, with a laid back atmosphere and lots of facilities for the children. Since the first lift was built in 1954 at Chinaillon, the resort has come a long way and is now ranked as one of the top ski resorts in France.
Children
La Clusaz carries the "Famille Plus Montage" label in recognition of the wide range of activities and play areas for the children such as 3 sledging areas and forest adventure course plus children under 5 years old ski for free.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1100m |
| Top lift | 2600m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 211 |
| Longest run | 2 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 86 km |
| Season | Dec to Alpril |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
La clusaz ski area
Ski holidays in this pretty resort are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers. For advanced skiers, there are a handful of blacks dotted around the various resorts in the Massif des Aravis plus some excellent off-piste opportunities. Locally, there are 132km of pistes spread over 5 interlinked massifs of Beauregard, Manigod, L'Etale, L'Aiguille and Balme.
Beginners
La Clusaz is a super ski resort if you are starting out for the first time. Lots of wide greens and blues will get you touring around in no time.
Intermediate
Intermediate skiing is what the Aravis massif pistes are really geared up for with lots of long cruising blues and reds.
Advanced
La Clusaz has several black pistes which are more challenging and steeper for the expert skier than the slopes around the other resorts of the Aravis Mountains. However, the attraction for advanced skiers and boarders is the off-piste possibilities - backcountry freestyle skistouring on fat skis is a firm favourite!
Cross-country
There are 24 circuits spread between Les Cinfins (1450m) and Beauregard (1600m) and provide a massive 86km of trails.For some seriously challenging cross country, you can explore the 60km of trails that wind through the forest to Le Grand Bornand including the 7km black rated Frasses circuit.
Snowboard
At the top of the Maroly area of the ski resort, the Grand-Bo snow park has something for everyone and is ranked among the top 10 in France, with a half-pipe, boardercross, and 4 jump lines.
Things to see & do
- Ice climbing
- Ice skating
- Snowmobiling
- Sledging
- Trekking & snowshoeing
- Parapenting
- Ski Joering - being pulled along on skis by a horse!
Spa & wellbeing
There are several wellness centres in the village offering a range of treatments including body wraps, hot stone and massages. Not to miss is the Aravis Aqua Park with its indoor and outdoor pools both heated to 27 degrees.
Après-ski
La Clusaz are several very good restaurants serving up rich local dishes and the local Reblochon cheese. The nightlife is probably best described as relaxed and not a resort to head for if you are looking for all night parties. Gourmet food accompanied by quality wine is certainly on the menu.
Our views on La Clusaz
La Clusaz is not that well known outside of France but is getting increasingly popular as a family friendly ski resort. In a nutshell, it is a traditional alpine village, authentic and great value and one to try at least once for your ski holidays.
