Skier on tree-lined wide piste with big mountain view near the Col de Merdassier.

La Clusaz

Massif des Aravis, Haute-Savoie, French Alps

Close to both Annecy and Geneva, from which it has long attracted large numbers of recreational skiers. There are swift transfers from Geneva airport, and this is one of the closest areas for drivers from the UK.

Despite a relatively modest altitude, snowfalls tend to be reliable enough to ensure long seasons.

Just above the village is the famous Col des Aravis (gateway to the Val d'Arly) on the Route des Grandes-Alpes, while further up the valley is Le Grand Bornand, included in the Aravis lift-pass.

View of approaching cabin of gondola lift above La Clusaz, with village below and mountain backdrop.

The Ski Area

  • Ski amid the natural beauty in Manigod and Beauregard sectors.
  • For more challenging terrain head for the Massif de Balme.

Experienced skiers will opt for the Aravis lift-pass, which adds shuttle-linked le Grand Bornand to the mix, along with a subtle change of style and scenery. La Clusaz’s own skiing, though, is surprisingly varied. You’ll discover great natural beauty among the wooded flanks of both Manigod and Beauregard sectors (much of it Blue-graded, and a good place to start the day) and some steeper Reds nearby in the Etale and Aiguille areas. More challenging, gradient-wise, are the flanks of the Massif de Balme, which has hosted speed-skiing record attempts and whose snow quality holds up well later in the day. One particularly inspired feature is the provision of long return runs, graded from Green to Black, allowing skiers of all abilities to end their days in real style.

Lift-wise, the system works well and the signs of investment are clear enough. Here and there, though, you'll still encounter an important link served by a slow drag-lift, which won’t suit everyone.

Some major changes from winter 2017/18: the Crêt du Merle chairlift has been upgraded to a 6-seater detachable with a new departure station including the ticket office, sports club, ski lockers and an access ramp on the front-de-neige for people with reduced mobility.

Resort Information

Altitude : 1100m - 2600m
La Clusaz
Pistes Total:
125 km
18 Green
30 Blue
29 Red
7 Black
Ski Resort Lifts : 49
29 Draglifts
13 Chairlifts
1 Télémix Gondola/Chairlift
4 Gondolas
1 Cable Cars
Massif des Aravis
Pistes Total:
211 km
Bar chart of ski piste percentages in the Aravis ski area, French Alps.
33 Green
43 Blue
46 Red
12 Black
Ski Domain Lifts: 77

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Wide view of La Clusaz rooftops against a backdrop of the snow-covered Aravis mountains

The Ski Village

  • Traditional village centre with chalet-style accommodation.
  • Get away from it all in small, more remote villages.

Despite being far from small, the main village has been careful to preserve its traditional Savoyard look and feel. The skyline is still dominated by the 18th-century belltower of the Eglise Sainte-Foy, and a high proportion of visitor accommodation is in individual mountain chalet style. At nightfall the village looks a picture and there's plenty of choice for those in search of nightlife, although the influx of day-skiers can create traffic problems and fill public car-parking areas (most of which are payable). Frequent free shuttle-buses serve less-central park areas, however. For a dramatically simpler option in magical surroundings, consider a base away from things over in the Manigod or Merdassier areas (and pack snow-chains if you’ll be driving there).

Staying There

Value for Money Accommodation Dining Out Nightlife Village Charm

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Skiers and ski instructor around debutant area in La Clausaz ski area

Why go skiing in La Clusaz ?

Most levels of skier, with particular appeal for those looking for traditional character, both on and off the mountain, without compromising the skiing experience. The local mountains offer chocolate-box scenery, yet are big enough to provide some surprisingly long runs – along with some surprisingly steep ones, too. It’s a solid choice for mixed-ability groups and those improving their skill and fitness levels. Beginners have a safe, self-contained area just beside the Beauregard gondola, on the other side of which is the Jardin d’Enfants children’s area.

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Skiing There

Beginners / Families Intermediates Advanced / Expert Mountain Scenery

Snowboarding

Designed for 3 levels with good variety. Family fun zone.
1 Snowparks
1 Snowboarder Cross


Cross-Country Skiing

24 loops and 7km link to Grand Bornand
86km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails

Handiski...

  • La Clusaz is a designated Handiski station and will offer advice to people who plan to visit.
  • ESF have specialist instructors, trained to welcome people with disabilities, reduced mobility or sensory impairment. Equipment is included in the lesson fee (tandem-ski, GMS, dual and uniski ...) Contact ESF +33 (0)4 50 02 56 83 to reserve equipment and to book an instructor.
  • There's a comprehensive access guide to La Clusaz ( in .pdf format and French) including details for all services, hotels, shops etc.

icon-smileyYes please...

  • Classic Alpine town in an incomparable location.
  • Terrain for everyone.
  • Family Fun Zone in secure area for initiation into freestyling.
  • Accommodation for most budgets including expanding luxury sector, in a choice of settings.
  • Party vibe if you want it.
  • Shuttle bus links other Aravis resorts of Le Grand Bornand and Saint-Jean de Sixt.
  • One of the shortest journeys for those driving from the UK.
  • Short transfers from Geneva flights or TGV rail connection in Annecy.
  • Superb destination for short break skiing.

icon-frowneyYes but...

  • It’s not that high.
  • Weekends bring lots of traffic and pressure on local car-parks (which are pricey).

icon-winkingOur Tips

  • Buy your lift-pass in advance to avoid Sunday morning ticket queues created by day-skiers.
  • The snow in the Balme sector holds up well for afternoon skiing in spring.

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Practical Information

Tried and testedHotel Alpen Roc

La Clusaz

Alpen Roc hotel, La Clusaz, typical room with balcony

An attractive chalet style hotel with fabulous views over the village to the slopes. Its location, just 150m from the lifts make this central hotel really convenient for skiers and great for strolling out in the evening to enjoy the nearby bars and restaurants. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, sauna, fitness room and beauty, spa and balneotherapy treatment area - perfect to soothe those aching limbs.
The buffet style breakfast is plentiful and delicious and is served in the large, sunny restaurant on the ground floor. In the evenings, you can dine here and enjoy traditional cuisine whilst admiring the panoramic views.
Parking spaces are extremely limited so expect to use one of the nearby car parks (payable).

Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk.


Hotel & Spa Au Coeur du Village

La Clusaz

Hotel and Spa Au Couer du Village, La Clusaz, typical room.

This luxury 5* Hotel & Spa, one of the finest in the Alps, is located in the centre of the village with direct access to the ski-lifts. There are 50 luxury suites, all with lounge and balcony and indulgent balneo bathrooms. They are beautifully decorated in a blend of old wood and chic contemporary mountain style with high quality fittings and equipment and luxury soft furnishings.
The facilities at Au Coeur du Village include an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and a super Spa offering sumptuous treatments including massages and body scrubs.
The bar/lounge area with its attractive central fireplace is the ideal place to relax and unwind after a day skiing. The restaurant offers a refined cuisine based on organic locally sourced produce in an attractive setting.

Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk.


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