Resort Review
Some of the best skiing in France can be found at the resort of Flaine which nestles in a bowl high in the region of the Haute Savoie and can be reached in about 8/9 hours drive from Calais. There are a total of 77 lifts serving the 265km of downhill piste. Whilst the architecture of some of the buildings might not be to all tastes, the resort is well laid out and very practical. Continuous lifts serve the various levels of the main resort so it is easy to get around.
The skiing is really excellent with 68 blue/green, 49 red and 12 black pistes, all served by a cable car, 4 gondolas, 28 chairlifts and 45 draglifts.
Some of the best skiing is from Les Grandes Platieres (2480m) or alternatively you can try Tete Des Lindars (256lm). So something for everyone and for mums and dads there is a very safe area at the edge of the resort where beginners and kids can learn the art of standing. Even free and gentle drag lifts are there to transport them to the "top" of the most gentle of slopes!
The Grand Massif takes in the nearby resorts of Samoens, Les Carroz and Morillion and offers a wide range of skiing, some of which is through tree-lined slopes.
The village is lively with plenty of apres ski entertainment with an indoor swimming pool, ice skating, sauna, bowling. The Flaine Forum is traffic-free. So ensure you know what your parking arrangements are going to be. And if you are staying in a hotel, it is worth reserving an underground parking space. You will not really need your car during your stay at the resort unless you fancy a drive to one of the nearby resorts.
The main skiing area has runs which lead directly back to the resort and most are north facing. So the snow cover is usually very good throughout the season. |
