At only ninety minutes from Geneva Airport, Flaine is a great resort for your next family ski holiday. Flaine is a car-free resort is nestled in a bowl with views of Mont Blanc. It is also part of the Grand Massif Ski Area, linking it to Sameons, Morrillon and Les Carroz.
The skiing is varied with higher altitude skiing in the bowl and tree-lined runs into the resort itself.
Why you should go to Flaine
- Convenience
- Ski In/ Ski Out
- Car-Free
- Close to Geneva
The Compromises
- Main resort is purpose built,….. a bit concretey
- Only one lift connection to the rest of the Grand Massif
- There are still a number of drag lifts
The Resort
Flaine was built in the 1960s, therefore most of the accommodation in the resort center are concrete. The key advantage for Family Ski Holidays is that most of the accommodation is ski in/out. There are other querks, such as it was designed so that each level of the resort cannot been seen from another.
You can find modern chalet style developments outside the centre in the areas of Montsoleil, La Foret and Hameu de Flaine. Additionally Sameons, Morrillon and Les Carroz are more traditional villages, though the pay off if that you may be further from the lifts.
The Skiing
The Flaine ski area is perfect for family skiing, because even if you only have a short time to ski you can easily get back to the meeting point.
The highest point is Grand Platieres with views over to Mont Blanc and below there are a great selection of reds and blues back to the centre. Your kids will also love the tree-lined blues and greens on the lower slopes. More adventurous skiers will easily be able to go further in the Grand Massif.
Grand Massif
Boasting 265m of piste the Grand Massif has a selection of slopes for everyone. Grand Massif piste map
The skiing varies from higher altitude bowl skiing in Flaine to tree-lined runs into Les Carroz, Samoeons and Morillon. Additionally if you have the time you can even ski Les Cascade blue run. This is a 14km piste that runs from the Grand Platieres all the way to Sixt-fer-e-Chal, from which you catch a shuttle bus back into Samoeons.
Flaine Ski Passes
The ski lift prices are comparable to the likes of other medium sized ski areas such as La Plagne. When compared to larger areas such as Les Trois Vallee a family pass is around 200€ cheaper.
A Flaine only pass can only be purchased for single days. Grand Massif passes can be purchased for individuals or as a family:
- Adult – 255€
- Kids – 191.50€
- Family (2 Adults and 2 Kids) – 789.60€
If you purchase the pass 60 days or more in advance you also get a 5% saving.
Flaine Family Accommodation
There’s a large range of accommodation perfect for a Flaine Family Ski Holiday. I would look at one of the self catering apartments in the newer developments around the centre. Montsoleil, Foret and Hameu de Flaine are just outside the main centre and offer modern ski in/ ski out accommodation. This also means you get better accommodation for your money.
Residence Les Terasses d’Eos
Pierre et Vacance run this ski in/ski out highly rated apartment hotel in Montsoleil. It’s great value, with modern apartments all with balconies looking out over the valley, fully fitted kitchenettes and a heated outside pool. Another advantage is a 24 hour reception for all your needs.
As with all Pierre et Vacance properties all bedding and towels are provided, the kitchen even has a dishwasher.
For a 2 Bedroom apartment at Residence Les Terasses d’Eos the prices across the 2019/20 season are:
- Christmas week £1513
- February Half Term £2865 (or you can rent a 1 Bedroom with a sofa bed for £2292).
- March £1027
- Easter £1308
Residence La Forêt
La Forêt is another property ran by Pierre et Vacance. It is highly rated by families and centrally located in the centre of Flaine. Though Les Terasses is slightly better furnished, La Forêt is cheaper and the advantage is that you are in the centre. La Forêt is also ski in/ ski out with boot room and balcony, you can update to South Facing Room if so needed.
As with all Pierre et Vacance properties all bedding and towels are provided, the kitchen even has a dishwasher.
If none of the accommodation above suits your needs use the map below to find another option.
For a 2 Bedroom apartment at Residence La Forêt the prices across the 2019/20 season are:
- Christmas week £1428
- February Half Term £2406 (or you can rent a 1 Bedroom with a sofa bed for £1827).
- March £964
- Easter £1140
If neither of the above properties meet your needs use the map below to help you.
Booking.comShould you go to Flaine on a Family Ski Holiday?
In summary a Flaine Family Ski Holiday could just be your best yet. It has a great selection of slopes and some amazing properties, my pick would be Residence Les Terasses.
If your not sure or want to explore some other resorts, check out:
- Avoriaz, car-free, ski in/ski out
- Les Menuires, ski in/ ski out, great access into the rest of Les Trois Vallee