La Clusaz

LA CLUSAZ SKI AREA 

A genuine mountain village with more than 132km of pistes in the La Clusaz domain - and a ski bus link to neighbouring Grand Bornand (the Aravis ski area combines both Grand Bornand and La Clusaz) provides further skiing opportunities. The region is suited to all levels of skiers from beginners to experts.

The La Clusaz domain has some of the best snow conditions in France, the Aravis massif forming the first ‘natural barrier’ to the Alps and so capturing much of the precipitation.

The skiing is divided into five sections – Beauregard, l’Aiguille, Balme, l’Etale and Crioux-Fry/Merdassier. Most of the runs are west or north-west facing, so the snow is generally relatively good. The best snow can perhaps be found on the west-facing slopes of La Balme.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

The Aravis lift pass links Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz by shuttle bus. The resorts are not lift-linked.

You can also use a smaller lift pass covering just La Clusaz.

La Clusaz-Manigod local area - 125km of pistes, 49 lifts, 85 slopes:

Green slopes: 16
Blue slopes: 31
Red slopes: 30
Black slopes: 8

LA CLUSAZ SKIING

LA CLUSAZ BEGINNERS

Beginners are well catered for in La Clusaz. Nursery slopes can be found at village level at Beauregard and Cret du Merle. For gentle blues try Beauregard (there’s a long blue run at 1650m down to a village called Guy Perillat) – you can then move onto the Cret du Merle for a few more challenges. There’s also a green slope there, and some long green runs at Bois de la Motte too.

LA CLUSAZ INTERMEDIATES

La Clusaz has some ideal terrain for intermediates and there are plenty of runs to choose from. The majority of red runs are above 1650m. Again try Beauregard for some great blue pistes. For more challenging and wider blue runs head for L’Etale and L’Aiguille. More advanced skiers should head for La Balme.

LA CLUSAZ EXPERTS

La Clusaz is well-known for its spectacular off-piste skiing and its terrific gullies and bowls. Over the years, it has become a Mecca for off-piste skiing/freeriding with its untamed and extraordinary mountains. So it’s not surprising that it’s become a hotbed for freeriding champions of all ages. Some good expert runs can be found at La Balme – particularly the black Vraille run which is very steep. There’s also an off-piste sector called Combe de Bellachat on the opposite side of this sector. A long black run, La Noire, runs from Beauregard to the village.

LA CLUSAZ SNOWBOARDING

Fortunately, most of the draglifts can be avoided! For beginners, there are some good nursery slopes with chairlift links and La Balme is good for free-riders.

LA CLUSAZ RESORT RUNS

Depending on which area of the La Clusaz ski domain you’re coming from, there are resort runs of all levels from green to black.

La Clusaz is known for it's tasty Reblochon cheese! This 2021/22 season the resort that has long offered visitors cheese farm visits is upping its cheese game by renaming the 2.5km long Envers blue slope as the Reblochon Run.

LA CLUSAZ NIGHT SKIING

La Clusaz organises "Full Moon" evenings when you can ski by moonlight on the Cret du Loup and Cret du Merle areas. Normally this event runs from 9pm to 1am.

There’s also floodlit skiing every week from 8.30pm to 10.30pm, as well as on the piste by the Patinoire gondola. Free. 

La Clusaz ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ La Clusaz ski hire and/or La Clusaz lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

La Clusaz group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 4 years to 12 years in La Clusaz with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 10 years+. We can also book private lessons.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

La Clusaz private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF La Clusaz for private lessons - 0033 4 50 02 40 83

La Clusaz childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 3 years-11 years (non-skiers)

La Clusaz has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here to view more information on the Famille Plus label.

'Village d'Enfants' (under town hall) - 40 places (8 for under 3.5 years). Open 8.30am-6pm. Meals and snacks can be provided at a cost. Full dayers have priority over meals than half dayers.

Children 3-5 years during French school holidays and 3-11 years outside of French school holidays.

Indoor and outdoor activities are planned each day (depending on weather).

Please contact Village d'Enfants direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 50 32 69 50

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top winter activities to experience in La Clusaz

Please note: Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.

Snowsport activities:

New viewing platform for 19/20
Change your perspective and look at the mountains from a different angle. On the Col de Balme, it will be opening its doors to an exceptional viewpoint. The glass viewing platform is suspended for an unrivalled view over the Mont Blanc massif.

Ski freeride
La Clusaz is well known for its exceptional off-piste skiing, its unique geographical location and its impressive and magnificent coombs. It has long become established as the hub of Freeriding and is well known as a great destination for free riders, where after just 20 minutes’ walk you can access breath-taking untouched slopes. It comes as little surprise that the resort has been a hotbed of champions for generations with the recent two-times world champion Loic Collomb Patton, you are more than likely to spot some as you ski down.

LCZ Family Run by Columbia:
Located in the Mini Loup sector, it’s the ideal zone to learn the basics of Freestyle. Skiers and snowboarders can have fun as they safely try out the discipline. LCZ Family Run is also a giant picnic area open to all and the track that leads to the obligatory selfie in front of the letters!

Ski touring
Ski touring is making a comeback. It is attracting a new breed of people who are looking for a more ecological approach, where they can experience the wilderness in the mountains. The resort has adapted to this new trend with several suggested itineraries to explore and enjoy.
La Clusaz offers two marked trails for ski touring in free practice! These trails are open only during runway opening hours.
BEAUREGARD (initiation level) Start: 1000m (Giguet field) / Finish: 1600m (Station) 600m / Distance : 5km / Return by the tracks of Beauregard
ETALE (confirmed level) Start: 1300m (Parking des Joux) / Finish: 2000m (First aid station) Height difference: 700m / Distance: 4km / Return by the Grouse Track (Black)

Nordic skiing
Nordic skiing has become popular again. The sports ticks all the boxes in the current trends of getting in shape through exploring nature. It is an authentic, ecological, and also a highly effective sport. The major advantage of this time-honoured sport is its location in the heart of the natural environment, silent and untouched. The perfect activity to switch off from daily life and get away from it all.

Snowshoe hiking
Snowshoe hiking gives privileged access to areas the skiers can’t get to, where you can enjoy the silence and overwhelming natural beauty. The La Clusaz mountain guides will take you to these places where you can share in the wonder of their beauty. Experience a unique hike and choose a themed excursion, for example, to follow the forest animal tracks, to hike along the ridge of the Aravis for outstanding panoramic views or for a nocturnal hike including a delicious Savoyard meal.

Ice rink
1000 m² of ice under a wooden roof. Skate hire, individual or group lessons, seminars and evening sessions. Ice games: Modules on the ice and small chairs, seals and dolphins to allow children to slide with playful support. Every morning.
Hurricane bumpers on ice:
Let yourself go to the whirlwinds and stamp the other participants! A new activity at the rink. Unaccompanied from 6 years / accompanied by 1 parent: from 3 years.

Horse-drawn sledge rides
Enjoy the magnificent views over La Clusaz in winter on a horse-drawn sledge. Leaves from the Confins plateau.

Takamaka
The TAKAMAKA team will take you on an exceptional experience on a Snow Racer, descend the mountain on a veritable snow kart!

Ice circuit
Come and test electric vehicles on the ice. Located just outside the village on the Route des Confins.

Dog sledging
Full day excursions on reservation only (each person has a sledge with 4 dogs). Maximum 6 people. Groups accepted on reservation.

Husky’s spirit
Come and enjoy a wonderful adventure with René Duc, the professional musher. Spend a fantastic time with him and his dogs on the Col des Aravis, only 10 minutes from La Clusaz.

Other activities:

Aravis leisure centre
Heated pools: 1 outdoor pool 25m + 1 indoor, Jacuzzi, paddling pools, fountain. Fitness: fitness suite, hammam, and sauna. Activities: swimming lessons, aquabike, gym, yoga…

Bowling
A bowling alley in the heart of La Clusaz! Open in the afternoon. 4 tracks for 7 players each / 2 Bonzini Baby foot / 2 Billiards / 1 darts game / Contests and animations.

Casino imperial (Lake Annecy)
Enjoy a night out in Annecy (nearby) at the Casino Impérial with its traditional games and slot machines!

Paragliding
The « S-en-Ciel » team will take you up for a tandem paraglide over La Clusaz. First flights, training flight, adrenalin rush flights

Library
Culture and library for all. Consultation, book lending, encyclopaedias and internet search.

Cinema
Widescreen, stereo Dolby sound. Showings every day.

Market
All year. Every Monday in the church square.

Le Hameau des Alpes
Discover the richness of local culture and heritage in the different display areas, where you can have fun learning all about the making of Reblochon Fermier, discover the origins of skiing, see a traditional oven, sawmill and traditional lofts. A great family visit

Discover la Clusaz with gisèle
Enrolment at the Tourist Office at least one day before. Local heritage guides will take you on a walk through the village to discover the secrets of our history and traditions. On Thursdays at 9.45am, leaves from the tourist office.

Horse-drawn carriage
Visit La Clusaz in a horse-drawn carriage. A choice of tours is possible, just ask the driver! Reservation not required (except weddings and groups).

Guided farm visit
Stroll through the alpine meadows and meet with local farmers to discover how Reblochon is made. On Fridays from in front of the tourist office. Enrolment at the Tourist Office at least one day before.

Nordic areas
Plateau des confins (1420 - 1650m):
Official Nordic location for the World Cup awarded level 4 « Nordic France » and « Family Plus » At the heart of the Aravis mountain range, sunny and varied tracks for all abilities. Relax and re-energise, guaranteed! 550 km of tracks including a 7km link with the Grand Bornand domain. Children’s snow garden / Nordic Club des pioupious. Nordic Ski Park: Slalom, jumps, tunnel, loom, ski hockey, ski football. Nordic Cross: fun and technical circuit open to all. Laser Biathlon. Shuttle link from the village When you’re there: Information post, first aid post, picnic room, ski schools, sports shop, hotels, restaurants, car parking.
Plateau de Beauregard:
The Nordic area on Beauregard offers classic and skating cross-country tracks as well as prepared tracks for walkers and snowshoe walkers. 20 km of tracks, 8 tracks. Access from the village via the Beauregard cable car or by car and shuttle via the Col de la Croix Fry. When you’re there: first aid post, picnic room, ski lessons, sports shops, hotels, restaurants and car parking.

Please note: All the above information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.

La Clusaz news

What's new for the 24/25 season:

• The Hôtel Beauregard is getting a makeover! New bedrooms and a new seminar room will be created, as well as a spa with Phytomer treatments on offer for guests. Lots of new features await future guests when they check in at the Hôtel Beauregard,
  
• The restaurant Le Cin5 at Au Coeur de Village was awarded a star in March 2024 by the famous Michelin Guide, making it the only Michelin-starred restaurant in our village,
• La Bascule: the giant swing in the Aravis mountains. On the Massif de l’Aiguille, La Bascule, the famous giant swing which opened in summer 2024 is now back for the winter season. This one-of-a-kind activity propels participants high in the sky, offering breathtaking views over the Confins valley and Aravis mountain range. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this six-minute flight promises to be an unforgettable experience. You can get there on skis or on foot,
• The Trapper’s Tepee. Jack, also known as the Skilful One or Nehirowisiw in the Atikamekw language of Canada, was the last trapper in La Clusaz. Come and enjoy a unique experience in hisauthentic tepee, at one with the mountains, at an altitude of 1,500m. Share an unforgettable evening in the world of the trapper, at the heart of a larch and spruce forest. Go up by chairlift or minibus, then put on your snow shoes or boots and make your way to the tepee, following our professional guides. Have a drink outside, share the trapper’s supper, enjoy the music and head back to the village by sledge,
• Beauregard immersive space. Beauregard station, scheduled to open in February 2025, is gearing up to offer visitors a fun, immersive experience. It will guide visitors in an unexpected mountain show. In a corner of the gondola lift departure station, this bright space promises to immerse visitors in a screening that’s full of thrills. This first themed film will allow tourists and regular visitors to the village to feel all the freedom and authenticity of the region,
• La Clusaz has put in a bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games for the Nordic events.

La Clusaz events

Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:

• 'Les Pestacles du Père Noël' Christmas festival 23rd December 2024-3rd January 2025: for over 20 years, the Pestacles du Père Noël has been a unique event in La Clusaz as it is the largest family-friendly, street arts festival organised by the resort during the end-of-year holidays,
• 'Bélier Blanc' Night snow races 10th-11th January 2025,
• 'Nocturne des Fondus' An evening of skiing and fondue 17th January 2025,
• LCZ Freestyle Week 3rd-8th February 2025,
• Ski Show 17th February 2025,
• Carnaval 4th March 2025,
• Traditional Savoy evening 12th March 2025,
• Good Vibes Week 16th-20th March 2025,
• Radio Meuh Circus Festival 3rd-6th April 2025: an amazing opportunity to discover new artists in a warm and relaxed atmosphere at the foot of its snow-capped peaks. With concerts in the big top and DJ sets by the slopes with views of the village, the whole resort will beat to the rhythm of the Radio Meuh Circus Festival for four days,
• Defi FolyWaterslide challenge 13th April 2025,
• Boarder LineCross-country ski race 19th-20th April 2025,
• 'Der des Ders' Closing party 27th April 2025.

La Clusaz Restaurants, Bars & Aprés-ski

10 bars, restaurants, and a nightclub open from 11pm - 5am all week.

La Clusaz Altitude Restaurants

If you want a delicious lunch and succulent deserts, head to Le Bercail, an old chalet on le Cret du Merle slope.

La Clusaz Amenities

La Clusaz is served by a range of amenities including: more than 200 shops and services including supermarkets, banks, doctors, pharmacies, sports shops.

Currency exchange in banks during week and in tourist office at weekends and public holidays.

Internet terminals and WiFi – tourist office & Cyber Espace/Services Académie.

Is La Clusaz snow sure? 

Historically, La Clusaz has a good snow record, with good snowfall up until the end of the ski season at higher altitudes. The best snowfall in La Clusaz tends to be during late December to the start of January, or in the middle of February. 

Can you ski in La Clusaz in April? 

La Clusaz is typically open until late April or even early May, so this along with the good snow record will allow you to ski in La Clusaz late into the ski season. 

Is La Clusaz good for beginners? 

La Clusaz has something for skiers of all levels, with beginners  being able to make use of plenty of green and blue slopes, with nursery slopes at Beauregard, one of the main sections of the resort, and Cret du Merle which is above the resort. 

Getting to La Clusaz, France

By Road:

Driving distance from Calais to La Clusaz: 536 miles (approx 7hr30).

The Massif des Aravis is easily reachable:
- Motorway A 40 (Autoroute Blanche); exit N° 16 Bonneville, direction Stations des Aravis at 20 km 
- Motorway A 41 exit Annecy Nord direction Thônes / Stations des Aravis at 30 km

By Rail: 

SNCF station of Annecy at 32km. 
Réservation: 0033 8 92 35 35 35 
Daily link by bus – Voyages Crolard: +33 (0)4 50 02 20 58
www.voyages-crolard.com

Airports:

Annecy-Meythet airport at 32 km (30 mins)
www.annecy-airport.com/

Shuttle bus between airport, TGV railway station and La Clusaz.
Geneva airport at 50km from Grand Bornand (1 hour)
www.gva.ch

Shuttle bus between Geneva and La Clusaz (www.gare-routiere.com)

Chambery Airport is 75km from Grand Bornand (1 ¼ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com

Lyon - Saint Exupéry airport at 150km (1 ¾ hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com

www.altibus.com. TGV high speed train connection between Lyon and Annecy.

Grenoble Airport is 165km from Grand Bornand (1 ¾ hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com

Public shuttle bus transfers from airport

Lyon Airport - La Clusaz via Annecy (www.altibus.com). 

Geneva Airport - La Clusaz (www.coach-station.com).

La Clusaz Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here. 

Getting around the resort

Departures every 30mins from the Salon des Dames car park. Inter-resort shuttle buses are free for holders of an Aravis pass. From La Clusaz to Grand Bornand takes 10 mins. Departs every 30mins from the Salon des Dames car park from 9am (8.30am in February) to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 6pm. Regular ski bus every 20 mins.

Parking

Salon des Dames car park – 420 covered parking spaces at entrance to the village. Height limit 2.35m. Open 24/7. Coach and shuttle bus boarding area.

La Croix car park – 333 covered paying spaces in the village (1.80m limit). Open 24/7.

Les Chenons car park – 500 free parking spaces at the Balme Massif.

Ski Lockers/lockers

Ski lockers available at le Bossonnet and at the ski pass office at champ Giguet. Left luggage lockers available at the bus station.

Other

Currency exchange – in banks during the week and in the tourist office at the weekends and on public holidays.

Luggage storage available at the bus station.

La Clusaz resort season dates

La Clusaz ski area is open: 03/12/22 - 01/05/23