Flaine is a specifically built resort located in the Grand Massif area of the Alps, about 45 minutes drive south of Geneva. It is relatively unknown and perhaps cos it is quite close to larger resorts such as Chamonix and Avoriaz it is often over-looked. However, snow conditions are usually very good in this part of the Alps, and Flaine also has a sick park and pipe. It is also linked with the smaller resort of Samoens.

The thing that puts many people off Flaine is that the town itself is not the most attractive site, as is the case with most purpose built resorts (lots of apartment blocks). But if looks don't bother you too much then this place has some truly excellent natural terrain to offer and they are always striving to make improvements to the ski area.

Freeriders should check out the area above the Samoens chair lift which has plenty of long runs which are pretty easily accessed from the top of the chair. Also good are the tree runs around Les Carroz. The only thing here is to watch where you're heading because in places the tree cover is very thick and it's pretty hard to find a line between them. One of the most advanced areas for powder is the back bowls of the Combe de Gers, which is pretty steep terrain and with fresh snow is oh so sweet.
The snowpark is huge, stretching for about 3km and has loads of varied sized kickers and a couple of rails. There is a mini pipe for learning on. Because the park is quite close to the town itself you can actually buy a ticket just to ride the park, as it is served by its own chairlift. Check with the ticket office about that.

The nightlife in Flaine apparently goes off. Although a pretty small village, there are some lively bars which are prepared to stay open pretty much till you're ready to leave. Most of the locals speak pretty good English, so you won't even be needing to consult the StepOn guide to the French language

Accommodation is fairly cheap and there's plenty of apartments or hotels to choose from.

Travel to Flaine is very easy. Get a flight to Geneva then take a bus or transfer to the resort. If driving yourself, follow the Autoroute Blanche to Chamonix/Grand Massif area. To get to Flaine, leave the motorway at Cluses, and just follow the signs basically.

Resorts close to Flaine worth checking out:

Chamonix
Morzine




:: ALL RESORTS A-Z AUSTRIA >> Saalbach Hinterglemm FRANCE >> Avoriaz Chamonix Chatel Courchevel Les Deux Alpes Flaine La Rosiere Les Arcs Les Gets Meribel Morzine Tignes Val D'Isere ITALY >> Campo Felice Livigno La Thuile SPAIN >> Baqueira Beret Cerler Sierra Nevada SWITZERLAND >> Laax Les Crossets Saas Fee St. Moritz Verbier USA >> Breckenridge Jackson Hole Mammoth Mountain Snow Summit CANADA >> Whistler Blackcomb