This small and picturesque resort has a distinctive alpine charm that has loyal skiers and boarders returning year after year. Unspoiled by crowds and scattered with traditional Savoyard architecture, it is one of the most beautiful resorts in the French Alps.
The focal point of the town is the beautiful Savoyard church that stands in the village square, surrounded by a number of busy streets which come alive with the many events put on throughout the season. A number of excellent shops sell local produce and the après is animated and lively with stylish bars for sipping cocktails and traditional French restaurants where you can taste a fondue of the famous local Reblochon cheese- all awaiting your arrival from the piste.
Just an hour drive from Geneva airport, the resort is conveniently accessible making it perfect for an easy week or weekend getaway and ski in ski out accommodation makes for an even smoother journey onto the piste. Despite its location, the resort is fairly unknown outside of France so the slopes are rarely overcrowded and whilst the village becomes lively at peak times, the piste remains calm and peaceful. This, as well as its excellent beginner area and childcare services makes La Clusaz an ideal destination for a family holiday - it’s no wonder it has been awarded France’s Famille Plus label.
With varied terrain extending over the four mountains of Beauregard, L’Étale, Aiguille and Balme and stunning panoramas over the Avaris region, every level of skier and boarder will find something to fall in love with at this hidden gem resort. La Clusaz is linked by bus to the neighbouring resorts of Manigod and Grand Bornand. All are skiable with the Aravis ski area pass but with a huge variety of terrain extending over the four mountains, there is definitely enough to ski at La Clusaz alone.
Location: French Alps
Established: 1907
Open: December - April
Downhill: 220km
View our detailed La Clusaz snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our La Clusaz snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Geneva | 50 km, 1hr |
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Top Altitude: | 2600m |
Bottom Altitude: | 1100m |
Resort Altitude: | 1100m |
Longest run: | 4km |
Slope Orientation: | NW |
Vertical Drop: | 1500m |
Skiable Vertical: | |
Night Skiing: | Yes |
Glacier: | No |
Downhill Runs: | 220km |
Beginner slopes: | 63% |
Intermediate: | 29% |
Advanced slopes: | 8% |
Lift Pass Price: | 185,80 € (adult 6 day) |
Nearby resorts: Manigod, Le Grand Bornand, Megeve, St Gervais, Chamonix |
Carve through the powder at the sheltered bowl of La Balme, test the challenging terrain at L’Aguille, spend a leisurely day cruising Beauregard and gain some speed on the steep verticals at L’Étale. With a huge variety of terrain spreading over these four spectacular mountains and beautiful, sweeping panoramas along the way, every level of skier and boarder will find themselves lured to the charm of La Clusaz.
Beginners can enjoy the stunning views at higher altitudes as there are a number of gentle green and blue runs on all four ski areas- although less confident boarders should be wary as they will come across a number of drag lifts on the way. Beauregard is the best place for those gaining confidence on the snow, with a number of steady beginner runs and a peaceful pace on the slopes. The ski area is good for learners and first timers as there are some excellent ski and snowboard schools and whilst the resort gets busier at peak times, the mountains remain fairly crowd-free.
Intermediate skiers and boarders can explore wherever they please with an exciting network of red runs sweeping across the four mountains. For fresh powder and breath-taking views over Mont Blanc, head over to Balme which can be accessed by heading to the peak of L’Aiguille and taking the windy Fernuy down to the La Balme bubble. For sunny slopes and long verticals, L’Aiguille is ideal and L’Étale also has some steep descents.
Experts will enjoy gaining speed on the steeper red runs and there are a number of challenging blacks. La Noire and Tetras are two favourites and you’ll find some thrilling off piste through the trees.
The ski area is a favourite freestyling destination with some fantastic natural features. There is also a snow park suited and booted with kicks, boxes, jumps and rails and a chill area where you can kick back with a drink to watch the pros.
There is always something happening in this lively town, with events put on by the tourist office and a number of chic bars and laid-back restaurants to try. La Clusaz is known for its welcome evenings with free hot chocolates and vin chaud where everyone can gather together for a meet and greet and find out what events they can expect during their week on the snow.
There are a number of mountain restaurants which make for an ideal stop-off point for that well-deserved pick-me-up. Make sure you try some of the famous Reblochon cheese at its birth place - every good restaurant in town will proudly offer this on its menu - try Les Relais d’Aguille for a tasty tartiflette or Les chalet des Praz for a sip of rouge where you’ll find a chic and stylish atmosphere. La Cordee makes for a casual evening meal with a friendly atmosphere and local cuisine and you can take the family to L’Ourson for some delicious food at good value. For a more sophisticated setting, Restaurant le 5 boasts delicious cuisine and a wonderful wine menu. Pub Salto is a popular hot spot for après ski drinks and you can move on to Les caves for a laid-back evening with live music or party on till dawn at the trendy L’Etale nightclub.
Weekly torch-lit descents, Christmas carnivals and full moon parties on the slopes are just a few of the events to expect here. You can also try snow-shoeing, dog sledding and tobogganing or relax in the heated outdoor pool and indulge in a treatment from one of the spa facilities.
The piste is kept well-groomed throughout the season and during the winter months a history of decent snow fall means you’re most likely to get some great snow conditions across the mountain - the sheltered bowl at Balme is famous for fresh powder skiing in the winter months. With the peak sitting at 2600m and North-West facing slopes, skiing conditions should be good through to the end of the season, especially further up the mountain.
Snowmaking technology covers the lower runs on sunny Easter days and with the land beneath mostly flat pastureland, you don’t need heaps of snow to make them skiable so skiing back to the resort is usually possible. The resort is busiest at peak times as it is very popular with families, however whilst the town becomes busy with events the piste remains peaceful and rarely crowded.
With a spectacular torch-lit descent overlooked by Santa and his elves and a Christmas carnival to rouse the whole family in to the festive spirit, Christmas in La Clusaz is a truly unforgettable experience. La Clusaz Christmas ski holidays ‣
A week-long party is put on in preparation for New Year’s Eve in La Clusaz where you can see a magical firework display whilst huddled together with a glass of vin chaud before partying your way in to the New Year at a lively bar. La Clusaz New Year ski holidays ‣
The whole family will enjoy Half Term in La Clusaz when there will be a host of events on throughout the week for a whole lot of family fun! Whilst the village busies up with excited skiers, the piste is rarely overcrowded so beginners can learn in peace. La Clusaz Half Term ski holidays ‣
Sunny slopes and loads of fun activities are what to expect during Easter in La Clusaz. As the snow melts away in the afternoon sun, the family can get involved in one of the events and friends can catch some rays at a sunny balcony café. La Clusaz Easter ski holidays ‣
This beautiful alpine village is the perfect place to bring younger ones who are just starting out on the snow as with an excellent beginner area and charming town they’re sure to fall in love with the snow straight away. To prove its excellent services to families, the resort has been awarded the prestigious ‘Famile Plus’ label by the French Tourism board.
There are some fantastic ski schools available and ESF’s club Piou Piou is dedicated to introducing the very young ones to the snow with games and fun learning. Beauregard is the best ski area for beginners, there are a number of easy greens and blues and this part of the mountain rarely attracts the speed daemons so novices can learn in peace at an unhurried pace. For a long family day of cruising the slopes, steady the skis at Beauregard and venture across the mountain - take the Access au Massif de l’Etale and get on the chair to Cret du loop, from there you take Le Dahu and join La Motte all the way back to the village. More experienced families should consider getting a guide for an amazing experience of the best off piste in the area. The day doesn’t end when you leave the piste as the tourist office ensures everybody is entertained by putting on various events throughout the season such as carnivals, parties and games that all ages will love!
We have some unbeatable deals on accommodation for families which you can browse below. Apartments are great if you’re looking for an intimate holiday and we have apartments catering from 4-6 people, close to the shops and restaurants so you have everything you need at the doorstep. Families with younger children may also like our ski-in / ski-out hotels, making journeys to and from the slopes a breeze. All apartments are self-catered, giving you the freedom to move at your own pace and our hotels come in a variety of board options so you can choose from B&B, Half-Board or Full-Board to suit your clan’s dining preferences.
Groups are really well catered for in this charming town with a huge variety of terrain and a lively après at the end of the day. Browse our selection of the best accommodation for groups below to find unbeatable deals for your holiday. We have accommodation in ideal central locations so the whole group can make the most of the skiing and nightlife.
The ski area suits everyone making this a brilliant resort for a mixed ability group. Beginners just steadying their skis and boards can head to Beauregard for some easy greens and blues while those looking for more of a challenge can ski over to La Balme for fresh powder before everyone meets at a cosy mountain bar for a midday pick-me-up. At the end of a long day, start your après ski on the slopes at Les Chalet des Praz or head down to Pub Le Salto - the hot spot for afternoon drinks. For a causal evening meal, head to Le Cordee. Those wanting chilled drinks can settle down at Le Grenier whilst anyone after a heavier night can dance in to the early hours at L’Ecluse.
Our hotels are ideal for large groups who may have stragglers booking at a later date - many have big lounge areas which make a relaxing place where everyone can meet before heading out on the town. You can choose a hotel in the centre of the resort with ski-in ski-out location for those keen skiers who can’t wait to get out on the first lift. Our hotels come in a variety of board options so you can choose which best suits you.
We have some excellent apartments which are ideal for groups wanting to ski on a budget - choose a central apartment so you’re never far from the action. All apartments are self-catered giving you the freedom to cook for yourselves or head out to a restaurant and have someone do it all for you.
Our best accommodation packages include flights and transfers for an easy and cheap way to get everyone to the mountains – drop our ski specialists a line for expert advice and easy booking.
Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
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Résidence Les Cimes | 7 | £ 759 |
Hotel au Coeur du Village | 7 | £ 1599 |
Résidence Mendi Alde | 7 | £ 494 |
Résidence Les Grandes Alpes | 7 | £ 759 |
Hotel Le Chamois | 7 | £ 959 |
Hotel Beauregard | 7 | £ 1479 |
Hotel Christiania | 7 | £ 1079 |
Hotel Alpen Roc | 7 | £ 1239 |
Residence Mendi Alde | 7 | £ 448 |
Prestige Hotel Le Chamois | 7 | £ 784 |