La Clusaz offers a winter paradise, captivating skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from all over the world. Part of the vast Massif des Aravis area, this charming resort is located near the Swiss border, providing seamless access to neighboring resorts.
As one of the more scenic French ski resorts, La Clusaz is a must-visit. We've created this guide to make planning your La Clusaz ski holiday easy. You'll learn 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.
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La Clusaz is located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Aravis valley in southeastern France, near the town of Annecy.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for weekend skiing trips, being just 1.5 hours from Geneva and 1 hour from Annecy | Lack of challenging pistes |
| Ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders | The area can become crowded |
| Outstanding off-piste options in the upper alpine sector | Poor snow quality on the lower pistes |
| Breathtaking peaks and magnificent views | Lift & trail connections can be confusing |
La Clusaz's an idyllic location for beginners offering dedicated nursery slopes and complimentary lifts. Highly recommended ski schools provide a safe and supportive environment, ensuring a great learning experience for beginners.
The resort is a paradise for intermediate skiers. With a vast ski area, there are plenty of gentle cruising blue and red runs. Access to the Aravis ski area provides endless choices, including breathtaking views at the peak of the Col de Balme lift, one of the highest skiable slopes.
An haven for advanced skiers and snowboarders, the resort offers thrilling experiences with giant moguls, steep black runs, couloirs, and sensational off-piste terrain. Iconic runs such as Vraille and Lapiaz provide exhilarating challenges.
For off-piste enthusiasts, La Clusaz boasts extensive off-piste opportunities especially in areas like Balme and Combe de Bellachat
La Clusaz features a dedicated snowpark that has gained acclaim for its range of jumps, rails, and boxes tailored for both beginners and intermediate riders. Beginner snowboarders will appreciate the varied and scenic terrains, making it a picturesque haven for learning. As they progress, the abundance of blue and red runs provides ample opportunity for honing skills. Advanced snowboarders, on the other hand, have a plethora of challenging terrains at their disposal, notably in the L’etale and La Balme areas, known for their steep pistes and powder bowls. The Col de Balme is especially notable for its fresh powder tracks that transform into a bumpy playground.
The ski season in La Clusaz for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 30th and run until April 27th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to La Clusaz this season, be sure to explore our La Clusaz ski deals for the best ski offers available.
La Clusaz offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 34 cm and 33 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 25 cm and occurs less frequently, averaging 2.7 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in La Clusaz, with an impressive 44 cm of snow over 3.2 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 15 cm of snow over 2.1 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 34 cm | 2.8 days |
| January | 33 cm | 2.9 days |
| February | 25 cm | 2.7 days |
| March | 27 cm | 2.8 days |
| April | 15 cm | 2.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
This restaurant features a sunny terrace and serves delicious grilled meats and regional specialities.
Le Chalet des Praz's restaurant is a sure choice for sharing a moment of relaxation with family and friends, offering an exceptional panorama over the Aravis.
A unique high-altitude chalet offering you a breathtaking panoramic view. The chalet is accessible by day by chairlifts and in the evening, by groomer or snowmobile.
A Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the heart of La Clusaz, offering a sophisticated and elegant dining experience.
Another Michelin-starred restaurant (1 star), Le Cinq showcases a fusion of French and international flavours.
Known for its rustic charm and cosy ambiance, La Ferme specializes in traditional Savoyard cuisine with hearty dishes such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, made with locally produced cheese.
With its charming alpine decor and warm hospitality, Le 1647 offers a menu inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.
Le Salto hosts live music performances, DJ sets, and themed parties throughout the season. With its spacious dance floor and vibrant atmosphere, it's the perfect place to let loose and dance the night away.
Situated in a traditional alpine chalet, within this cosy bar you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including local beers and signature cocktails.
For a more intimate setting, La Cave is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of La Clusaz. This trendy wine bar offers a refined selection of wines, both local and international.
Combining a sports bar atmosphere with a lively après-ski vibe, Bali Bar is a favourite among sports enthusiasts.
Download La Clusaz resort map here
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