La Clusaz

La Clusaz ski area 

A genuine mountain village with 125km of pistes in the La Clusaz domain - and a ski bus which runs a few times a day links to neighbouring Grand Bornand (the Aravis ski area combines both Grand Bornand and La Clusaz) provides further skiing opportunities. The region is suited to all levels of skiers from beginners to experts.

The La Clusaz domain has some of the best snow conditions in France, the Aravis massif forming the first ‘natural barrier’ to the Alps and so capturing much of the precipitation.

The skiing is divided into five sections – 'Beauregard', 'l’Aiguille', 'Balme', 'l’Etale' and 'Crioux-Fry/Merdassier'. Most of the runs are west or north-west facing, so the snow is generally relatively good. The best snow can perhaps be found on the west-facing slopes of 'La Balme'.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (24/25):

The Aravis lift pass links Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz by shuttle bus. The resorts are not lift-linked.

You can also use a smaller lift pass covering just La Clusaz.

La Clusaz-Manigod local area - 125km of pistes, 49 lifts, 84 slopes:

Green slopes: 18
Blue slopes: 30
Red slopes: 29
Black slopes: 7

La Clusaz skiing info

Beginners
Beginners are well-catered for in La Clusaz. Nursery slopes can be found at 'Beauregard' and 'Cret du Merle'. For gentle blues try 'Beauregard' (there’s a long blue run at 1,650m down to a village called Guy Perillat) – you can then move onto the 'Cret du Merle' for a few more challenges. There’s also a green slope there, and some long green runs at 'Bois de la Motte' too.

Intermediates
La Clusaz is an ideal terrain for intermediates and there are plenty of runs to choose from. The majority of red runs are above 1,650m. Try 'Beauregard' for some great blue pistes. For more challenging and wider blue runs head for 'L’Etale' and 'L’Aiguille'. More advanced skiers should head for 'La Balme'.

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
La Clusaz is well-known for its spectacular off-piste skiing and its terrific gullies and bowls. Over the years, it has become a Mecca for off-piste skiing, freeriding, backcountry, freestyle, freerando with its untamed and extraordinary mountains. So it’s not surprising that it’s become a hotbed for freeriding champions of all ages. Some good expert runs can be found at 'La Balme' – particularly the black Vraille run which is very steep. There’s also an off-piste sector called 'Combe de Bellachat' on the opposite side of this sector. A long black run, La Noire, runs from Beauregard to the village.

Ski touring is making a comeback. It is attracting a new breed of people who are looking for a more ecological approach, where they can experience the wilderness in the mountains. The resort has adapted to this new trend with several suggested itineraries to explore and enjoy.
La Clusaz offers two marked trails for ski touring. These trails are open only during piste opening hours.

Resort runs
You can ski back to the village on blue runs or for complete beginners you can take the gondola back down from 'Beauregard'.

La Clusaz mountain fun zones

Snowscoots, veloskis, snowskates, parets, babysnows and other yooners are welcome on the La Clusaz domain, as long as they respect the dedicated lifts for them.

LCZ family run - located in the 'Mini Loup' area, this zone is ideal for learning the basics of freestyle skiing. It allows skiers and snowboarders to learn the discipline in complete safety and while having fun thanks to a giant mattress with the effigy of the local ram. But the LCZ Family Run is also a large picnic area accessible to all and is where the 'La Clusaz' sign is located for a selfie!

LCZ park - the snowpark of La Clusaz renamed 'LCZ Park' in connection with the group of local riders, offers a playful space to all freestyle lovers! A multitude of modules (big air, rails, boxes…) is available during the whole season.

La Clusaz nordic skiing

With its two benchmark Nordic plateaus, La Clusaz is one of the largest cross-country skiing areas in Haute-Savoie.

'Plateau des confins' (1,420-1,650m): 50km of tracks including a 7km link with the Grand-Bornand Nordic area. Also laser biathlon.
Find it: shuttle link from the village or by car.

'Plateau de Beauregard': 36km of tracks. The Nordic area on Beauregard offers classic and skating cross-country tracks as well as prepared tracks for walkers and snowshoe walkers. 
Find it: access from the village via the Beauregard cable car or by car and shuttle via the 'Col de la Croix Fry'. 

You will need a nordic ski pass.

La Clusaz ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ La Clusaz ski hire and/or La Clusaz lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

La Clusaz group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 4 years to 12 years in La Clusaz with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 10 years+. We can also book private lessons.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

La Clusaz private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF La Clusaz for private lessons - 0033 4 50 02 40 83

La Clusaz childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 3 years-11 years (non-skiers)

La Clusaz has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here to view more information on the Famille Plus label.

'Village d'Enfants' (under town hall) - 40 places (8 for under 3.5 years). Open 8.30am-6pm. Meals and snacks can be provided at a cost. Full dayers have priority over meals than half dayers.

Children 3-5 years during French school holidays and 3-11 years outside of French school holidays.

Indoor and outdoor activities are planned each day (depending on weather).

Please contact Village d'Enfants direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 50 32 69 50

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in La Clusaz

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Viewing platform
Change your perspective and look at the mountains from a different angle. On the 'Col de Balme', it has an exceptional viewpoint. The glass viewing platform is suspended for an unrivalled view over the Mont Blanc massif.
Find it: on the 'Col de Balme'.

Electric mountain biking on snow
A new way to discover the snowy landscapes at the speed of pedals.

The Trapper's Tepee
Jack, also known as the Skilful One or Nehirowisiw in the Atikamekw language of Canada, was the last trapper in La Clusaz. Come and enjoy a unique experience in his authentic tepee, at an altitude of 1,500m. Spend an unforgettable evening in the world of the trapper, at the heart of a larch and spruce forest. Go by snow shoes or take a sled and make your way to the tepee, following professional guides. Have a drink outside, share the trapper’s supper, enjoy the music and head back to the village by sledge.

Snowshoe there and back, accessible to all. If you choose to reach the teepee by sled, the adventure begins in the village with a chairlift ride and then 300m individual sled ride. From 7 years old. On return, a 4km sled descent through the forest will take you to the village centre, offering a memorable end to this evening.

Il Va Fernuy
As the sun sets, take the last lift to Fernuy and enjoy a gourmet snack at the top of the mountain while watching the sun go down. Once night falls, put on your skis and take the last descent to the village, supervised by instructors. Every Thursday from early January to early February between 4.15 and 6pm. From 15 years old and minimum red slope level (or Gold star/Class 3). Register the evening before.
Find it: sommet of the Télécabine du Fernuy. The meeting point is at 4.15pm sharp at the bottom of the Fernuy cable car.

Horse sled on snow
Enjoy the panorama of La Clusaz in winter in a magnificent horse-drawn sleigh.
Find it: start from 'Plateau des Confins', near sledge area.

Snowshoe hiking
Snowshoe hiking gives privileged access to areas the skiers can’t get to where you can enjoy the silence and overwhelming natural beauty. The La Clusaz mountain guides will take you to these places where you can share in the wonder of their beauty. Experience a unique hike and choose a themed excursion, for example, to follow the forest animal tracks, to hike along the ridge of the Aravis for outstanding panoramic views or for a nocturnal hike including a delicious Savoyard meal.

Dog sledging
December - March in good weather. Comfortably seated in the sled, for a unique experience. The 45 mins activity includes an introduction to the pack, a presentation of the musher's job, interaction with the dogs, safety instructions, the initiation (about 20 minutes of riding), and a debriefing after the ride.

Sledging
Take advantage of 3 x free sledding slopes to enjoy the pleasures of sliding at any age. Supervised sledding descents are also offered by the resort’s service providers to go down the slopes in complete safety at nightfall!
Find it: free slope designed for children at 'Champ Giguet' in the village centre.
Free slope designed for children over 6 years old. 120m long with a 22% incline. Access is via the Nant ski lift parking lot. The slope is sunny in the afternoon.
Free slope designed for children on the 'Plateau des Confins' (3km from the village).

Sledging at night
Travel the 4km of track with a sled from the top of the Merle chairlift at 1,500m to the village at 1100m after the ski lifts shut. Supervised by qualified ski instructors, enjoy almost an hour of sledging in a dream setting. Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays in Jan, Feb and March. Wearing a helmet is mandatory for those under 18. From 7 years old. Ski pass for Merle lift needed.

Pedestrian ski lifts
The below can be accessed by pedestrians (as well as skiers):

• TC Balme,
• TC Fernuy,
• TSD Combe des Juments,
• TSF P’tit Loup,
• TC Patinoire,
• TMX Bossonnet (in cabin),
• TSD Crêt du Merle,
• TC Beauregard,
• TPH Transval.

Top winter activities to experience in La Clusaz

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Ice rink
1000m² of ice undercover (but open at the sides). Skate hire available. Modules on the ice and small chairs, seals and dolphins to allow children to slide easily (and even adults!). Also ice bumpers, snack area, Thursday night has a DJ, Friday nights you can try ice hockey.
Find it: place du pré de Foire

Giant swing
A giant swing, 'La Bascule', has opened and will operate in the winter too, so long as the weather is good. The swing, which can accommodate up to 3 users at a time, safely strapped in, swings out over the mountainside above the village.It takes place at an altitude of 1,860m on the Balcon des Aravis terrace. Two levels of swing intensity are available with the most adventurous able to start their swing from a 90-degree tilt. The full swing experience takes about six minutes.

For skiers: from the village take the Crêt du Merle chairlift followed by the Crêt du Loup chairlift (about 30 minutes). From the base of the Combe des Juments chairlift, located on the Col des Aravis road, pedestrians can access the Bascule via a chairlift ride for a small fee.

Access is allowed for individuals measuring at least 1.25m and aged 5 years or older (mandatory accompanying adult up to 12 years old). Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

Distillerie des Aravis
Seeing the still at the Distillerie des Aravis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Romain and Sarah (brother and sister) will welcome you with their smiles and knowledge to introduce you to the world of distillation, with a little tasting included for you to judge for yourself. The Genepi is delicious (we have tried!). Free visit on reservation.

Hot air ballon
Admire the Aravis mountain range from the air! A unique opportunity to take to the skies high above the alpine peaks and contemplate remarkable places such as Mont Blanc, the Col des Aravis or even the Pointe Percée. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Min. height 1m10.

Suspended dinner
Embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure in a gondola lift (18 places available per night). The 'Suspended Dinner' invites you to an unforgettable journey combining gourmet cuisine and breathtaking snowy landscapes. This exclusive concept transforms the cabins of the Transval gondola into ephemeral dining rooms. Every Thursday in Dec, Jan and Feb. The food comes from Restaurant Le Chalet des Joux. Lasts 90 mins to 2 hours. Dress warmly (ski attire recommended), and enjoy the cozy blankets provided to keep comfortable. There is no WC!
Find it: Transval Station, on the side of the 'Combe de Jument'.

Aravis leisure centre (closed for 24/25 season)
Heated pools: 1 outdoor pool 25m + 1 indoor, Jacuzzi, paddling pools, fountain. Fitness: fitness suite, hammam, and sauna. Activities: swimming lessons, aquabike, gym, yoga…

Bowling
Daily opening between 10am and 2am. The bowling alley features 4 lanes that can accommodate 7 players each, as well as pool tables and foosball. Bar, arcade room.
Find it: route des Grandes Alpes.

Paragliding
Tandem paraglide flight over La Clusaz. First flights, training flights, adrenalin rush flights!

'Le Danay' cinema
Cinema is equipped with a panoramic screen and digital Dolby stereo sound. 2-3 screenings per day.
Find it: route de l'Etale.

Market
All year. Every Monday.
Find it: in the church square.

Le Hameau des Alpes
Discover the richness of local culture and heritage in the different display areas, where you can have fun learning all about the making of Reblochon Fermier, discover the origins of skiing, see a traditional oven, sawmill and traditional lofts. A great family visit.
Find it: a stone's throw from the centre of La Clusaz, on the banks of the Nom stream.

Discover la Clusaz
Enrolment at the Tourist Office at least one day before. Local heritage guides will take you on a walk through the village to discover the secrets of our history and traditions. On Wednesdays in Jan, Feb, March and April.

Horse-drawn carriage
Visit La Clusaz in a horse-drawn carriage. A choice of tours is possible, just ask the driver!

Guided farm visit
Stroll through the alpine meadows and meet with local farmers to discover how Reblochon is made. On Fridays from in front of the tourist office. Enrolment at the Tourist Office at least one day before. Tuesdays in Jan and Feb.

La Clusaz news

What's new for the 24/25 season:

• The Hôtel Beauregard is getting a makeover! New bedrooms and a new seminar room will be created, as well as a spa with Phytomer treatments on offer for guests. Lots of new features await future guests when they check in at the Hôtel Beauregard,
  
• The restaurant Le Cin5 at Au Coeur de Village was awarded a star in March 2024 by the famous Michelin Guide, making it the only Michelin-starred restaurant in our village,
• La Bascule: the giant swing in the Aravis mountains. On the Massif de l’Aiguille, La Bascule, the famous giant swing which opened in summer 2024 is now back for the winter season. This one-of-a-kind activity propels participants high in the sky, offering breathtaking views over the Confins valley and Aravis mountain range. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this six-minute flight promises to be an unforgettable experience. You can get there on skis or on foot,
• The Trapper’s Tepee. Jack, also known as the Skilful One or Nehirowisiw in the Atikamekw language of Canada, was the last trapper in La Clusaz. Come and enjoy a unique experience in hisauthentic tepee, at one with the mountains, at an altitude of 1,500m. Share an unforgettable evening in the world of the trapper, at the heart of a larch and spruce forest. Go up by chairlift or minibus, then put on your snow shoes or boots and make your way to the tepee, following our professional guides. Have a drink outside, share the trapper’s supper, enjoy the music and head back to the village by sledge,
• Beauregard immersive space. Beauregard station, scheduled to open in February 2025, is gearing up to offer visitors a fun, immersive experience. It will guide visitors in an unexpected mountain show. In a corner of the gondola lift departure station, this bright space promises to immerse visitors in a screening that’s full of thrills. This first themed film will allow tourists and regular visitors to the village to feel all the freedom and authenticity of the region,
• La Clusaz has put in a bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games for the Nordic events.

La Clusaz events

Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:

• 'Les Pestacles du Père Noël' Christmas festival 23rd December 2024-3rd January 2025: for over 20 years, the Pestacles du Père Noël has been a unique event in La Clusaz as it is the largest family-friendly, street arts festival organised by the resort during the end-of-year holidays,
• 'Bélier Blanc' Night snow races 10th-11th January 2025,
• 'Nocturne des Fondus' An evening of skiing and fondue 17th January 2025,
• LCZ Freestyle Week 3rd-8th February 2025,
  
• Beauregard immersive space: scheduled to open in February 2025, is gearing
  up to offer visitors a fun, immersive experience that will guide visitors in an unexpected mountain show. In a corner of the  gondola lift departure station, this bright space promises to immerse visitors in a screening that’s full of thrills,
• Ski Show 17th February 2025,
• Carnaval 4th March 2025,
• Traditional Savoy evening 12th March 2025,
• Good Vibes Week 16th-20th March 2025,
• Radio Meuh Circus Festival 3rd-6th April 2025: an amazing opportunity to discover new artists in a warm and relaxed atmosphere at the foot of its snow-capped peaks. With concerts in the big top and DJ sets by the slopes with views of the village, the whole resort will beat to the rhythm of the Radio Meuh Circus Festival for four days,
• Defi FolyWaterslide challenge 13th April 2025,
• Boarder LineCross-country ski race 19th-20th April 2025,
• 'Der des Ders' Closing party 27th April 2025.

La Clusaz après-ski, bars & restaurants

In La Clusaz you will find 10 bars, over 60 restaurants (including altitude mountain restaurants), and a nightclub open from midnight - 5am all week.

Why not try:

• 'Balcon des Aravis', perched at the top of the Crêt du Loup ski lift. 200m2 panoramic terrace with tables, loungers, and self-service planchas. know you're not the type to shy away from the cold. It offers you a breathtaking view of the Aravis mountain range and the village below, plus it also overlooks a preserved area where Capercaillie birds peacefully nest. Phone charging points available,
• 'La Ferme', Savoyard restaurant on the slopes, 5 minutes away from the village so can be accessed by foot,
• 'Le Chalet du Lac', authentique savoyard cooking by the lake of the confins. The oldest chalet of the valley, you can seat inside where the cows were or sit on the terrace.

Amenities

La Clusaz is served by a range of amenities including more than 200 shops and services such as supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, gift shops, sports shops, banks, doctors, physiotherapists, pharmacies...you are well catered for shops in La Clusaz.

Is La Clusaz snow sure? 

Historically, La Clusaz has a good snow record, with good snowfall up until the end of the ski season at higher altitudes. The best snowfall in La Clusaz tends to be during late December to the start of January, or in the middle of February. 

Can you ski in La Clusaz in April? 

La Clusaz is typically open until late April or even early May, so this along with the good snow record will allow you to ski in La Clusaz late into the ski season. 

Is La Clusaz good for beginners? 

La Clusaz has something for skiers of all levels, with beginners  being able to make use of plenty of green and blue slopes, with nursery slopes at Beauregard, one of the main sections of the resort, and Cret du Merle which is above the resort. 

Getting to La Clusaz, France

By road:
Driving distance from Calais to La Clusaz: 536 miles (862km, approx 7hrs 30). The Massif des Aravis is easily reachable. Motorway A40 (Autoroute Blanche); exit N°16 Bonneville, direction 'Stations des Aravis' at 20km. Or motorway A41 exit Annecy Nord direction 'Thônes/Stations des Aravis' at 30km.

By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras (or Ashford, Kent). See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to La Clusaz is roughly 20 miles away (32km) in Annecy (approx. 40 mins).

4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to La Clusaz is roughly 46 miles (75km), approx. 1hr 15
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to La Clusaz is roughly 93 miles (150km), approx. 1hr 45
Geneva Airport to La Clusaz is roughly 41 miles (67km), approx. 1hr
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to La Clusaz is roughly 102 miles (165km), approx. 1hr 45 mins

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

The nearest train station to La Clusaz is roughly 20 miles away (32km) in Annecy (approx. 40 mins).

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

La Clusaz opening dates

See resort opening information