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A popular resort in France, quirky Flaine is a great choice for high-quality, snow-sure skiing for all abilities - particularly for beginners.
Built in the 1960s, the resort was designed specifically for skiing. It’s located intentionally on a north-facing bowl to minimise snow melting from sunshine, and has its own microclimate meaning it receives an average of 495cm of snow a year.
Also the first ski resort to introduce artificial snow machines, Flaine is built in a Bauhaus architectural style and is very artsy - we’ll get into that in more detail later.
Found in the Grand Massif ski area with stunning views of Mont Blanc, it’s a great choice for beginners - especially if you’re a family.
Keep reading for all the key information on how Flaine can suit you on a beginner ski holiday.
(All prices and information are reflective of the 24-25 season).
In this beginner's guide, we answer:
- Is Flaine a good resort for beginners?
- Where to stay if you're a beginner in Flaine
- Is Flaine suitable for a first time family ski holiday?
- Beginner skiing in Flaine
- How much do lift passes cost?
- Beginner access to bars and restaurants
- How much do ski lessons cost?
- Is there a beginner-friendly snow park?
Is Flaine a good resort for beginners?
Flaine is a great resort for first-timers - it’s got strong beginner areas and equally good ski schools that provide professional training to get you up and running.
The local Flaine area has 8 greens and 26 blue runs to tackle. This should last most absolute beginners the whole week, while any returning beginners could also explore the rest of the Grand Massif area, or the 25 red runs in the local Flaine area.
If you’re hoping for very lively après, then you’re better off elsewhere - have a look at our guide to the best après-ski resorts in Europe for some ideas - but if you’re looking for excellent value accommodation and reasonably priced lessons, Flaine is a top choice.
Flaine is also great for families, and there are plenty of activities off the slopes that the children will enjoy - read the family section below for more details.
Read more:
St Anton is also a good resort for beginners - particularly those who want a very lively après experience!
Where to stay in Flaine if you’re a beginner
Flaine is a fairly small and walkable resort with two different levels. Flaine Forum lies slightly lower than Flaine Forêt, and the two are connected by paths and quiet roads, but also 2 stylish funiculars.
As such, it doesn’t matter too much where you stay, as you’re never too far away from the slopes, or the beginner areas.
That being said, if you want to be right next to the beginner areas, then you should probably aim for the lower Forum area. Try the self-catered Residence Le Panaromic, which is right by the Bissac beginner area.
The RockyPop Flaine Hotel is a half-board option which is only a short walk from the Érable magic carpet beginner area.
Have a look at all our accommodation in Flaine for more inspiration.
Is Flaine suitable for a first-time family ski holiday?
Yes, absolutely.
Flaine is a very family-friendly resort. It’s a fairly quiet resort in terms of nightlife - expect civilised meals out and fun activities, rather than a party town.
In addition, much of Flaine’s accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, making life really easy for youngsters who don’t want to carry their skis about.
The resort is also largely car-free, meaning pretty much everyone walks (or skis!) about - only adding to the peaceful family nature of the place.
As a fairly major skiing resort for France, there are plenty of strong ski schools in the region to help your little ones learn. Flaine is also a quick 80-minute transfer from Geneva Airport.
When you’re off the slopes the children will enjoy a visit to Galaxy Bowling, where you can let the children beat you (or not!) in a game of ten-pin - there’s also a bar!
Flaine also has a swimming pool, indoor climbing centre, and a cinema which shows some films in English - as well as an outdoor ice-skating rink.
Of course you can also go on some lovely walks or do the usual winter mountain activities - snowshoeing, sledging, quad biking… and more.
Read more:
Want a livelier resort instead? Check out our beginner's guide to Val d'Isère.
Beginner skiing in Flaine
It’s got 2 zones right by either end of the village where newbies learn the ropes, or returners get used to skiing again. Each has a fairly extensive magic carpet and are pretty obviously for beginners, so you won’t get experienced skiers flying through. These are the green Bissac and Érable runs, if you’re looking on a map.
Once you’re comfortable with these slopes, then you can progress onto what you think is comfortable. This would include any of the greens, and possibly some of the blues. There are several more green runs dotted around close to Flaine village, served by drag lifts and chairlifts - including Malachite, Opale, Pin, Épicea and Mélèzes.
The Serpentine and Cristal blue runs are also a good gateway to the rest of the blues thanks to their wide terrain that allows for long, confidence-building turns.
Where to head when you’re ready to explore Flaine
Once you’re comfortable on these runs, then we’d recommend simply tackling any of the runs that you see fit. As the vast majority of Flaine’s local runs are on the well-signposted, inward-facing bowl, you’re very unlikely to get lost.
There’s also always at least 1 blue route back to town that you can take from the top of any chairlift or gondola - bar the Lindars Nord chairlift, which only has a red or black.
You might also want to buy a lift pass for the larger Grand Massif area - there are loads of blues and greens in the Les Carroz, Morillon and Samoëns local areas. These are all lower than Flaine as well, so there’s a lot more tree-lined action - which is both pretty, and also offers shelter from any snowy weather.
How much do lift passes cost in Flaine?
A 1-day lift pass in the local Flaine area costs €57 for those aged from 15-74.
A reduced price is offered to 8-14 years old - €45.60 for the local Flaine area for a day.
Under 8s and 75+ get to ski for free - but only with proof of age. Most resorts don’t get as far as 8 years old for free lift passes, instead capping it at about Under 5 or Under 6!
Amazingly, the lift pass for the entire Grand Massif area is only €2 extra per person per day - opening up 265km of skiing for very little extra money.
For each pass you buy, you’ll also need to pay another €2 for the plastic card that you’ll have to carry around to scan into lifts.
Is there a free lift pass for Flaine?
Yes - Under 8s and those aged 75 and over get to ski for free. They need proof of age though.
Is there a discounted lift pass for beginners?
Yes, there is.
This lift pass covers the relevant ski lifts for beginners, which lead you up to easy slopes. Have a look at the map below for those covered.
Prices are €28.50 for 15-74 year olds, and €22.80 for 8-14 year olds for the day.
Are Flaine après bars and restaurants accessible to beginner skiers?
Most of the après bars are in town anyway. Flaine doesn’t have a party culture like you’d find in places like Val Thorens, where huge crowds dance on a sun terrace next to a slope.
La Pente a Jules is one of the slopeside restaurants, though, and it welcomes a DJ in the later hours of the afternoon. This one’s towards the bottom of the red Almandine piste, which will probably be quite tricky for beginners to go down. Don’t worry though - it is so far down the piste that you can walk up the slope to it.
When you’re done, the ski down to town shouldn’t be tricky (unless you’ve had too many pints!) as it flattens out massively compared to the uphill of the restaurant - and is also very short.
As we’ve already said, most of the après and restaurants are in town - read our après and nightlife guide on Flaine for more information.
How much do ski lessons cost in Flaine?
Flaine is a mainstream ski resort in France, so it’s got a good selection of ski schools. Below are some of the household names that you might recognise, although there should be more options as well.
Remember, while these are the prices that the companies have advertised, these might change. If you book through us, we’ll make sure you get a good deal.
Beginners will start their lessons by warming up and getting used to any new equipment. You’ll gradually learn the technical bits and pieces, and soon enough you’ll hopefully be cruising down the main slopes, having the time of your life!
| Ski School | Group lesson per adult | Group lesson per child | Private lesson adult (per hour) | Private lesson child (per hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| École du ski français (ESF) | €16.60 per hour (3 hours per day, 5 days) | €15.20 per hour (3 hours per day, 5 days) | €53 per hour | €53 per hour |
| Maison Sport | €18.75 per hour (2 hours per day, 6 days) | €23.30 per hour (3 hours per day, 5 days) | €50 per hour | €50 per hour |
| Supreme Ski and Snowboard School | €22.50 per hour (2 hours per day, 5 days) | €23.30 per hour (3 hours per day, 5 days) | €56.30 per hour | €56.30 per hour |
Is there a beginner-friendly snow park in Flaine?
There is a snow park called Ho5Park. It has 2 runs - 1 for experts, and 1 easier one that beginners should be able to tackle at some stage during the week.
Overall, is Flaine a good choice for beginners?
Yes, Flaine is a great choice for beginners - particularly those in a family or people not worried about partying too hard!
It’s a fine place to learn to ski, with various beginner areas, strong ski schools, a discounted beginner lift pass - and plenty of terrain to explore. Indeed, once you’ve learned the basics and can tackle blues, it’s only $2 extra per day to explore the rest of the Grand Massif area, meaning there’s huge amounts of skiing to conquer.
The ski-in/ski-out nature of the town is really convenient, and children will also enjoy the various activities around the resort, including the bowling alley.
Young adults can have fun at the bars, which are generally more relaxed than serious party resorts, but still make for a great time. There’s also a nightclub for keen partiers!
Read more:
Make sure to check out our guide on why Flaine is a great ski resort for even more reasons to go!
Book Your Beginner Ski Holiday to Flaine
If Flaine sounds like it could be the resort for you, then get in touch!
We’re the UK’s largest ski travel agency and have an army of ski-mad staff who can help you organise your holiday to suit your needs perfectly - whether that’s the choice of resort, accommodation, or help with lift passes and tips for learning how to ski… or anything else on your mind!
Call us on 020 3848 3700, or make an enquiry if you don’t have time to chat. Alternatively, have a look at our best Flaine ski holidays, and if you’re ready to book, then you can do so online.
You can also have a read of our group booking guide - if you’ve been put in charge of organising the ski holiday for multiple groups and you’re not sure where to start, it might just make life easier for you.