Looking for inspiration for your next ski destination? How about a traditional mountain resort, littered with old buildings and tastefully built chalets, just one hour away from Geneva? La Clusaz is one of the most easily accessible resorts from the UK, and this is just the start, here are 10 more reasons why you should choose La Clusaz as your next ski destination.
1) Endless activities
There is so much more to this resort than just skiing, one of our favourites being the glass viewing platform overlooking the famous Mont Blanc massif. You can also take part in some snow sporting activities with the family, including ski touring, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, horse-drawn sleigh ride, ice circuit, dog sledding and so much more. Alternatively, if you need a break from the slopes entirely, take a guided farm visit! Stroll through the alpine meadows and meet with local farmers to discover how Reblochon cheese is made.
2) Easy access
Sometimes, plans can be spontaneous and this resort has got you covered for that. If you are looking for a weekend getaway or short break, La Clusaz is the perfect destination. Just one hour away from Geneva airport and one of the quickest drives from Calais, we think you need to gather your group of friends for a last-minute getaway!
3) A great range of skiing
La Clusaz is a giant playground! With five interlinked mountains; Beauregard, l’Aiguille, Balme, l’Etale and Crioux-Fry/Merdassier, you certainly won't have a dull moment here!
Beginners are well catered for and there's ideal terrain for intermediates. Try Beauregard for some great blue pistes and more advanced skiers should head for La Balme. La Clusaz has become a Mecca for off-piste skiing/freeriding too.
4) The French feel
La Clusaz is home to a charming French village that has remained traditional and kept its character and atmosphere. Every Monday there is a market in the church square which sells local produce, and if you want to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage, Le Hameau des Alpes has different display areas where you can learn about the resort's history!
5) All the amenities
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to going out for dinner, La Clusaz has access to lively bars and numerous restaurants specialising in traditional French food. With more than 200 shops and services including supermarkets, banks, doctors, pharmacies, sports shops, you will have everything you need in one place.
6) The events
La Clusaz is excellent at creating popular exciting events! Did you know... since 1987 it has organised 3 Championships and 26 World Cups! Established events such as the Défi Foly, a giant water slide on the Confins Lake established in 1987 and the Bélier, one of the oldest “trails” events in the Haute Savoie that has finished off every summer season since 1985!
7) Swimming under snowflakes
Dive into a small oasis with a breath-taking view of the mountains at Espace Aquatique des Aravis. Whether it's winter or summer, the water is heated so you have the best of both worlds! With both an outdoor swimming pool and paddling pool, this leisure centre allows you to capture the beauty of the snow and mountains with the family.
8) Snow!
The La Clusaz domain is known for some of the best snow conditions in France, the Aravis massif forming the first ‘natural barrier’ to the Alps and therefore capturing much of the precipitation.
9) One of the biggest vertical drops
For the thrill-seekers, the ski resort Aravis-Annecy has one of the biggest vertical drops with an exceptional 1500m elevation difference from the summit of the Balme to the village, La Clusaz!
10) Beautiful accommodation.
We have such a range of beautiful accommodation in the Aravis-Annecy mountains ranging from 3-star to 5-star including self-catered apartments, luxury hotels, bed and breakfast chalets. Whether you are coming with family or with a large group of friends, there is something for everyone!
Recommended stays
Below we have listed three great places to stay, but if you would like advice on which accommodation would suit your group best, please send an email or call our friendly team on 023 9283 9310.
This 3-star hotel benefits from an excellent location in the village centre, 150m from the lifts and ski school office. Built in a traditional chalet style, staggered on the mountainside, this charming hotel has all the facilities for enjoying the resort's renowned après-ski.
This 4* superior luxury residence enjoys one of the best locations in the resort. Situated at the foot of the Bossonnet slope and just 50m from the Bossonnet 6-man chairlift, the P'tit Bossonnet drag lift and the ski school meeting point and 350m from the village centre.
The high-quality Enarpa successfully combines the benefits of the services of a hotel stay with the independence of private chalet living. Located 4kms from the centre of La Clusaz on the road to the Lac des Confins, the Chalet Hotel Enarpa enjoys a peaceful, rural location set against the beautiful backdrop of the breath-taking Aravis mountains.