Majestically perched at an altitude of 1,600 m, Flaine is a quintessential ski haven nestled in the Grand Massif, one of the most extensive ski resorts in France. Renowned for its commendable snow record and proximity to Geneva—just an hour and 15 minutes away—it's not only a perfect weekend getaway but also an ideal destination for families, thanks to its car-free streets.
We've created this guide to make planning your Flaine ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's go!
Flaine is located in the Haute-Savoie department of the French Alps.
For a detailed view of Flaine's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The resort features a diverse range of slopes, accommodating skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. | Limited options for nightlife |
| The main Flaine bowl is particularly known for its dependable snow conditions | Flaine's 1960s architectural style detracts from its aesthetic appeal |
| The village is compact, predominantly car-free, and conveniently situated right at the slopes, making it easy to navigate | Limited number of hotels and chalets |
| Family-friendly, offering excellent facilities for children and a variety of activities off the slopes | Unattractive village center |
Flaine, as part of the Grand Massif ski area alongside Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, offers an extensive skiing experience with over 265 km of pistes in the combined area. Flaine itself boasts 146 km of skiable terrain, spread across 60 pistes, and served by 29 lifts.
Flaine's ski area unfolds into three main sectors:
Flaine is ideal for beginners, offering a range of nursery slopes near the Tapis Pre and Bissac lifts, which are free. Beginners can then progress to the numerous green runs that wind around the resort.
For intermediate skiers, Flaine is a true haven, offering a vast range of cruising blue and red runs. A highlight is the Piste des Cascades, France's longest blue run at 14 km, which winds through a nature reserve down to Sixt village.
Advanced skiers are equally well catered for, with Flaine earning a reputation for its challenging black runs, moguls, and noteworthy off-piste opportunities. Notable runs include the steep Diamant Noir and the demanding Styx descent.
The resort also offers expansive opportunities for off-piste skiing, with the best off-piste areas including Gers bowl and the Combe de Veret.
While the resort doesn't have its own snow park, in the Aujon area, the Jampark stands out with its array of jumps, rails, and modules tailored for snowboarders of every skill level. Moreover, with the introduction of 16 fun zones across the Grand Massif, ranging from Urban’z area's mini jumps to exhilarating boardercross courses above Les Carroz, snowboarders have a myriad of options for fun and learning new tricks.
The ski season in Flaine for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 21st. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Flaine this season, be sure to explore our Flaine ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Flaine offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 39 cm and 40 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 32 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Flaine, with an impressive 51 cm of snow over 3.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 26 cm of snow over 3.9 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 40 cm | 3.0 days |
| January | 40 cm | 3.0 days |
| February | 32 cm | 3.1 days |
| March | 34 cm | 3.3 days |
| April | 21 cm | 2.6 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Famous for its breathtaking mountain views and an extensive range of delicious dishes, L’Ancolie is a preferred spot for lunch.
Tucked away in Flaine Forum, Le Pre d'Oscar is a family-run restaurant that provides panoramic views alongside a varied menu from classic mountain dishes to innovative, internationally inspired cuisine.
A part of the vibrant après-ski scene in Flaine, Casa Nostra is more than just a lively bar. This restaurant serves gourmet dishes inspired by regional recipes and locally-sourced ingredients.
Le Michet, situated in Flaine Foret, is a highly acclaimed restaurant renowned for its gourmet dining experience.
Le Blanchot restaurant delivers a unique blend of traditional Savoyard cuisine and modern gastronomy.
Located conveniently at the base of the slopes, Dune Café Bar is an excellent place to kick off your après-ski activities.
In the heart of Flaine Forum, you'll find Le Perdrix Noire. This restaurant and bar has been a staple in Flaine for years.
Le White Pub is a well-known après-ski destination in Flaine, recognized for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
For those seeking a more dynamic nightlife, the Le Flying Dutchman nightclub offers an opportunity to dance the night away.
Download Flaine resort map here
