Le Grand Bornand

• Varied, scenic skiing with uncrowded slopes

• Particularly strong for beginners and families

• More limited mileage for advanced skiers

The ski area is stunning with forests of epicea firs and small mountain granaries dotted across the area. Slopes are largely north and north-west facing, which means they can keep their snow for longer. Skiing back to Le Chinaillon is on a choice of runs from easy greens to reds. If you are staying in the village then you can either take the gondola down (a nice option at the end of the day) or take the red slope, Les Envers.

Beginners

Le Grand Bornand is an excellent choice for beginners. The resort has well-designed learning areas, including the Rosay plateau at the top of the Rosay gondola from the village and reached by a green slope from the top of the Flora chairlift in Le Chinaillon. The area has gentle terrain and modern facilities and boasts one of the longest covered magic carpets in the world, at 201m, which means a longer gentle run to practise on. The plateau also has a large sledging area and its wide flatish runs make it a good place for those starting out on a snowboard.

The layout makes progression natural, with easy access to green and blue runs and smooth connections from the Rosay plateau to other areas. Ski school areas are well organised and meeting points are easy to access, reducing stress for families and first-time skiers.

Intermediates

Intermediates will enjoy relaxed cruising across scenic terrain, particularly in sectors like Maroly above Le Chinaillon. Wide blue and red runs offer plenty of variety, with good lift connections making exploration easy.

From the top of the ski area at 2100m, at the Mont Lachat, try the Dénivel’Maxx route that descends 1100m non-stop over 3km. If you’re an intermediate skiers who’s happy improving technique and getting to know runs, you’ll really enjoy the area. Those who don’t like skiing the same run twice may find the total mileage limited over a full week, although nearby (but not linked) La Clusaz helps extend options.

Advanced

Advanced skiing is centred around the Mont Lachat sector at the top of the ski area, where steeper slopes and freeride terrain provide more challenge as well as some incredible views.

The freeride area, accessed by the Lachat chairlift with non-marked, ungroomed terrain, centred around the black Freeride slope.

For those who enjoy ski touring, three signposted routes have been created alongside downhill ski slopes. Two are free to access, the third starts at the top of the Joyère cable car, so needs a lift pass.

While the resort isn’t known as an expert destination, there is enough variety for confident skiers, especially when exploring ungroomed and off-piste areas.

Mountain fun zones

The SnowparkGB is a standout feature, with multiple lines for all levels a big air bag and a reputation as one of the best freestyle parks in the region (it won a silver medal in the 2025 SNOMAD ski resorts awards). There are also two boardercross (one in the SnowparkGB that is 700m long). A freestyle snowpark aimed more at children, Mom’Park (môme means kid in French rather than mum!), as well as some themed fun slopes mean there is plenty to keep children busy on the slopes.

Nordic skiing

Le Grand Bornand is a major Nordic destination, known for its cross-country trails and biathlon facilities. It regularly hosts the Biathlon World Cup.

With around 68km of trails across the Bouchet Valley (58km over 11 loops in a beautifully wild area of snow-covered spruce trees) and in the upper part of Chinaillon near the old village (with 4 loops), it’s one of the strongest Nordic offerings in the Alps.

• Wide range of traditional and family-friendly activities

• A wide appeal beyond alpine skiing

• Great mix of relaxation and outdoor exploration

Traditional mountain experiences

The resort offers classic Alpine activities such as winter walking on marked trails, ice skating and snowshoeing. You can even combine a snowshoe walk with an outdoor yoga session. These make the most of the beautiful surroundings and provide a slower-paced way to enjoy the mountains.

The scenic setting enhances these experiences, particularly in quieter areas away from the main slopes.

Family-friendly options

Families have plenty to choose from, including sledging, ice skating and a cinema. The resort also has a cow art trail where you can discover different representations of Le Grand Bornand’s favourite animal from sculptures to murals, see if you can find them all!

Adventure and variety

For those looking for something more active, options include paragliding, which our team loved when we were last there, fat biking and night skiing.

For something different try Véloski, an accessible combination of cycling and skiing that is suitable for non-skiers too. Véloskis look like bikes, except they have short skis instead of wheels. Their unique braking system means you can easily control your speed. After the slopes close, you can try this activity on green and blue slopes.

Combined with the strong Nordic offering, which give the chance to try cross-country skiing or biathlon, this creates a well-rounded destination for a variety of interests.

• Good selection of traditional restaurants and local cuisine

• Relaxed après-ski with limited nightlife

• Well-equipped village with strong local character

Local food and Savoyard specialities

Dining in Le Grand Bornand centres around traditional cuisine, with local cheeses such as Reblochon playing a key role.

Le Grand Bornand has around 30 restaurants spread across the village and Le Chinaillon. These range from casual pizzerias and creperies to more refined bistronomic options, and the quality is consistently good, reflecting the region’s strong food culture.

Relaxed après-ski

Après-ski is sociable but low-key. There are plenty of bars and cafés, but evenings focus more on dining and conversation than nightlife.

For those wanting a livelier scene, nearby La Clusaz offers more options.

Everything you need in resort

The village has a wide range of amenities, including shops, small supermarkets and services.

Everything is within easy reach, particularly in the main village, and the two areas as connected by free shuttle buses, making either a convenient and comfortable base for your stay.