Flaine Ski Holidays

Why choose Flaine

Although the main village of Flaine would not be described as the most attractive in France, it’s not for the architecture that makes many Brits flock here each winter – it is the third largest linked ski area in France and it boasts a terrain similar in variety to that of resorts such as Tignes and Val d’Isere, but with an ‘easier on the wallet’ price tag.

Flaine is part of the Grand Massif ski arena and is linked with Samoens (where Club Med has its resort in the Grand Massif, our most popular hotel in the area) and Les Carroz. It is located at 1600m with its slopes facing North and North-West, so its snow lasts well even on sunny days. The ski area covers 265 km of piste so you are not going to run out of pistes anytime soon!

Flaine has built up a strong reputation as a family resort, proving particularly popular with those of our clients who prefer to stay in our self-catered accommodation choices of which Ski Line offers many in the form of self-catered apartments of various sizes and includes a smaller number of hotels and catered chalets.

Skiing in Flaine

Beginners skiing

Flaine’s 2 nursery areas are located right in the village so they are the perfect place to learn to ski and an added bonus is the free lifts and magic carpets which serve them. Once Beginners have less wobble and are ready to move on, the progression slopes are plentiful. There is a newly built beginner’s area which boasts two great green runs and allows early beginners to practice controlled turns and stops!

Intermediate skiing

A great variety of slopes makes Flaine an ideal choice for all levels of intermediates with great snow due to its North and North West facing slopes. Above Flaine is a large bowl, also North facing and mostly above the treeline which is tremendous in good weather as it reaches almost 2,500m and the snow stays in great condition. It’s reached by two gondolas and a fast chair all of which leave from Flaine Forum – one of the resort’s two main sectors. Most of the pistes in this area are very intermediate friendly, with a few gentle blues to cruise down at a leisurely pace. The remaining runs here are mostly reds which have earned their status due mostly to a couple of short steep sections.

Advanced skiing

You could be forgiven for thinking that because Flaine is described as being especially family friendly, the advanced and expert skiers and boarders wouldn’t find much to challenge them. Well you will be pleased to hear that you are wrong, Flaine has some seriously difficult terrain to challenge all levels of advanced skiers and boarders alike and most of it is off-piste. (We strongly advise a guide when skiing off-piste in Flaine, some of the terrain looks at first glance to be safe, it’s not!) We particularly recommend the Styx piste, it’s a seriously proper black with some heart-stopping steep (45 degrees) off piste sections.

Boarders, in particular, will find plenty of runs both on and off-piste to keep them entertained and there is a huge terrain park in Flaine as an added bonus.

Ski accommodation in Flaine

Here at Ski Line, we are able to offer a great choice of ski apartments all of which are self-catered and range from 2 to 5-star properties. All are comfortably furnished and close to the slopes. Please browse our selection which includes those with special recommendations and offers.

Ski Line has a couple of catered chalets which we recommend. We also have a few Ski Hotels some of which have early bird offers if you book before March 31st!

Après ski in Flaine

The more laid back nature of the nightlife in Flaine compared to other ski resorts in France, really appeals to families as it makes this resort particularly family friendly. The White Pub’s happy hour is always popular and it shows music videos on its big screens. There are a few Karaoke bars; the Flying Dutchman being one of the most popular.

Restaurants

Although Gastronomes will not be dashing to Flaine, it has a good selection of reasonably priced, family-friendly eateries all of which are geared towards a clientele who are mainly staying in self-catered apartments. They are very family friendly and the service is good and the meals well cooked using local ingredients.

Vegetarians and Special Dietary Needs – Ski Line always recommend that you call ahead to any eatery you are considering as many places are willing to make changes to their dishes with notice.

Activities off the slopes in Flaine

Flaine is not really recommended for non-skiers, as there is not much to keep them entertained, having said that there is a ten pin bowling alley with a bar which proves popular with family groups. It is also possible to take your car, or rent one, on the ice driving circuit which is quite a novel activity. However, shopping is limited, so unless you need yet another bobble hat this is not really the resort in which to indulge in retail therapy!