Flaine
Flaine is a modern, snow-sure resort located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, at the heart of the Grand Massif ski area, which connects five resorts: Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. With a resort altitude of 1,600 m and skiing up to 2,500 m, Flaine offers 265 km of interconnected pistes, making it a highly appealing option for families, beginners, and intermediates — though advanced riders will also find rewarding terrain both on and off-piste.
- Resort Altitude: 1,600 m to 2,500 m
- Ski Area: 265 km of marked pistes
- Snow Reliability: Excellent – One of the most snow-sure non-glacier resorts.
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Flaine - Key facts
Resort Altitude
1,600m (village) to 2,500m (Flaine summit)
Ski Area
265 km of marked pistes
Number Of Runs
Total Number of Runs
Number Of Lifts
Over 62 across Grand Massif
Longest Run
“Cascades” run from Flaine to Sixt
Travel Time
Approx. 1.5 hours by car or transfer
Flaine is a practical, snow-sure, and budget-friendly ski destination that’s particularly appealing to families, beginners, and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It benefits from a unique microclimate and north-facing terrain that ensures excellent snow cover throughout the season, especially in the upper bowl and linked Grand Massif areas.
Its short transfer time from Geneva (just 1.5 hours) makes it one of the most accessible alpine resorts, ideal for weekend trips and travelers flying in from across Europe. While it may lack the traditional village charm of older resorts, Flaine more than compensates with convenience, reliability, and value.
Compared to other major French ski areas, Flaine’s combination of extensive terrain, reliable snow, ease of access, and relatively low costs makes it a smart, underrated choice for those looking to ski big without spending big.
Access to Flaine
Flaine is one of the most accessible major French resorts, especially from Geneva:
- Geneva Airport (GVA) – approx. 1.5 hours
- Chambéry Airport – approx. 2 hours
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport – approx. 2.5 hours
- Grenoble Airport – approx. 2.5 hours
Transfer times are short, and the final stretch of road into Flaine, while winding, is usually well maintained. Shared transfers and shuttle services from Geneva are frequent and reasonably priced.
The ease of access makes Flaine a favorite for short breaks, families, and skiers looking for maximum slope time with minimum travel hassle.
Flaine Price
Flaine is generally very well priced for a resort with high snow reliability and such an extensive ski area:
- 6-day adult lift pass (Grand Massif): Approx. €325–€340
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Accommodation:
- Budget apartments: from €500–€800/week
- Mid-range hotels: from €1,000–€1,600/week for two
- Premium chalets or residences: from €2,000+
When compared to other large French resorts like Val d’Isère or Courchevel, Flaine offers significant savings on both accommodation and lift passes, without compromising on the size or quality of the terrain.
Flaine is a hidden gem in the French Alps, offering a rare combination of high-altitude, snow-sure skiing, excellent value for money, and fast, easy access from Geneva. As part of the Grand Massif ski area (which includes Samoëns, Les Carroz, Morillon, and Sixt), Flaine grants skiers and snowboarders access to a vast 265 km of interconnected pistes suited especially to beginners, intermediates, and families, with some great off-piste potential for more advanced riders.
Though not as high as some glacier resorts, Flaine consistently ranks among the most snow-sure non-glacier ski resorts in the French Alps. Sitting at a base of 1,600 m and rising to 2,500 m, its north- and northwest-facing slopes and bowl-like geography help trap and retain snow, even during lean years.
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Flaine
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