Ski holidays in Flaine

Beginners skiing and snowboarding in Flaine

Flaine’s reassuring location in a snow-bowl and excellent snow record means beginner skiers and boarders needn’t be concerned about icy conditions underfoot, there are several wide, easy runs and nursery slopes located around the Flaine Foret area, ideal for finding your ski legs.

Novice skiers will love the wide, gentle nursery slopes at Flaine Foret & the Forum serviced by free beginners’ ‘Magic Carpets’ which are easy to use, and they will not need to buy a lift pass for the first few days (your Instructor will advise you when you need one). Beginners should soon graduate onto the easy Green runs in the Bowl, especially with the technique & confidence given by ski lessons, and can then explore the convenient Blue runs.

Coming off the Serpentine the joyous, blue Cristal run leads into the blue Olivine and all the way into resort. It’s a rewarding and easy route to follow for confident beginners and a great way to ease into your ski holiday. Further afield, the Marvel run in Morillon is one of the most delightful green runs in the Alps. This tree-lined run winds gently into the village and at 5km in length is one of the longest green runs we’re aware of.

Intermediate skiing and snowboarding in Flaine

The Flaine snow-bowl has an incredible network of red runs, ideal for intermediate skiers and the extensive groomed runs and lift system of the Grand Massif are perfect for spending a day touring the mountainside. An excellent start to the week is surely taking the Serpentine all the way from the top of Les Grandes Palatieres, at 2480m high, all the way back to Flaine village. This enjoyable, long blue run affords stunning views of the Grand Massif as you skirt around the edge of the bowl. For a more challenging alternative tackle the red Mephisto run, which heads the opposite way around the bowl.

Also offering up spectacular views is the famous Piste des Cascades, which at 14km long, is sure to test your stamina. This challenging run also starts at the top of Les Grandes Palatieres and it ends in the delightful village of Sixt. From here you will have to take a shuttle bus to get back to the main ski area, but it is certainly worth taking a day of your ski holiday to visit.

The range of skiing for intermediates is first class, with an extensive lift system and huge choice of challenging pistes. The Red slopes in the Flaine bowl are perfect for improving your skills, whilst the runs leading to the neighbouring resorts below the Bowl follow narrow tree-lined trails. Ski down to Samoens Village – take the Grands Vans chair from Forêt up to 2,200m, then ski down either blue run to Tete de Saix, then Marmotte red down to Samoens at 1600m. Take the Chariande Express down to the Village for a stylish lunch. At the top of Aupe du Veran gondola/Lindars Nord chair, Fred is a lovely high Red piste giving unrivalled views. You can see the wild terrain of the Black Agate and Blue Mephisto pistes as you ride up on the chair.

Advanced skiing and snowboarding in Flaine

The steep Diamond Noir plunges you off the top of Les Grandes Palatieres and down one of the most challenging runs in the resort. The Agate is another fun black which can be pretty steep in parts and accessed from the same part of the mountain.

The Styx, located in the Gers snow-bowl, is one of our favourite black runs in resort and a consistent challenge to even expert skiers and boarders. Perhaps even more of a challenge is the long, steep drag-lift (snowboarders beware!), which more than makes up for the relative absence of drag lifts across the rest of resort. Powder lovers head to the Gers bowl for the best off-piste skiing on the mountain. A local guide will help you to find the freshest powder and safest places to ski and board.

Expert skiers will relish the endless off-piste trails, on top of 265 km of pisted runs. Taxing black runs include the Diamond Noir, Styx and Corbalanche from Tete de Saix, and there's plenty of off-piste in the Gers Bowl (but please be aware of the avalanche risk – please check the Grand Massif Domaine Skiable website for the day’s safety rating).

Freestyle and terrain parks in Flaine

There’s no snow park in the Grand Massif but freestyle skiers and boarders are still catered for with a series of ‘Fun Zones’ dotted around the mountain. 

There is also plenty of opportunities for snowboarders particularly with the endless off-piste tracks (but take care with avalanche risk and always go with a guide!)

Free lift passes for children under 8 years and seniors over 75 years are issued in resort, photo ID is required for proof of age.

Prices include €2 non refundable hands free card deposit.

Beginners should book in resort for reduced price passes as not needed from day 1.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Equipment information

• White category skis, boots and helmet are available for children aged 3 – 5 years: £52
• A helmet is included for children

Levels of equipment

• Blue: ideal for beginners to early intermediates – softer and easier to turn
• Red: suit confident intermediates – more rigid for better stability and control, usually new or one season old
• Black: ideal for strong intermediates and advanced skiers wanting high-performance equipment

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Tuition information

• Ski and snowboard 6 days AM timings: 9:30am - 12:30pm. From Feb 9 - 11:45am
• Snowboard 6 days PM timings: 2:15 - 5pm

Levels of tuition

• Beginner: never skied before
• Level 1: advanced beginner; can control speed, snowplough and change direction on gentle slopes 
• Level 2: low intermediate; snowplough turns and start to ski parallel
• Level 3: good intermediate; parallel turns 
• Advanced: fully confident on all slopes and looking to improve technique

Please ensure you pre-book tuition for high season dates to avoid the ski schools being fully booked.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.