FLAINE, FRANCE

Flaine is an excellent ski holiday destination boosting a remarkable snow record. Located just 1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva, making it a great option for a long weekend, whilst the car-free streets will appeal to families. The reliable snowfall (averages of 6m per year) and 265km of pistes more than make up for the 1960s architecture. The resort itself is split into two different levels, Flaine Forum is the lower level and Flaine Foret the upper, with two lifts linking the levels.

The ski area has lovely views, taking in the Mont Blanc massif at the higher points. Beginners will find the nursery slopes at the foot of the Flaine Foret area as well as a small selection of green runs. Intermediates are well catered for as the majority of the runs in the local area, as well as the wider full area, are blues and reds. The 14km-long Cascades piste down to Sixt is more suited to skiers with its flat top section, but you are rewarded for the effort with the fantastic views.

With the excellent snowfall you will be focussing all your energy on exploring the full extent of the Grand Massif ski area. The Grand Massif lift system has been well developed and maintained and makes the impressive network of nearly 80 lifts carrying 75,000 people per hour.

Home to one of the biggest board parks in Europe, ‘Jam Park’ which is almost a mile long, ski holidays in Flaine are a favourite with snowboarders. Every Sunday at the Jam Park there is a snow party, with a barbeque and DJ’s, definitely worth a visit during your ski holidays in Flaine. Other attractions you can enjoy on ski holidays in Flaine include a half-pipe, boarder cross, a range of jumps, a reception chalet and a sound system.

Flaine is reknowned for its natural snow coverage and with and extra 280 snow making facilities across it's pistes skiers can guarantee there will be snow throughout the whole season.

The resort was purpose built to focus on skiing but the restort does have a few bars and restaurants for apres-ski entertainment with themed nights and live music from early afternoon to late into the night. For skiers looking for the ultimate relaxation after a hard days carving the slopes the Aquatic Centre offer spa and treatment rooms with jacuzzi and sauna facilities.

Other activities to enjoy are:

• Paragliding
• Ice quad biking and buggy driving
• Ice driving and steering
• Helicopter flights
• Snowmobiling
• Snowkiting
• Big Air Bag
• Dog sledding trips
• Snowshoeing
• Hiking trails

For more fun off the slopes tourists can enjoy various leisure activities including:

• Cinema
• Aquatic Centre
• Indoor Climbing
• Cultural Centre and Library
• Bowling
• Driving simulator
• Ice-Rink
• Sledge

The nearest international airport to resort is Geneva (GVA) the next closest would be Chambery (CMF) but there are a few other airports including Lyon (LYS) and Grenoble (GNB) which are also within a short driving distance of the resort.