The Skiing
La Clusaz, sitting at 1100 metres,
has lifts starting at three sites in the village.
The snow record is excellent at all
levels, due to the extensive coverage of snow cannons and
the particular climactic conditions of the Aravis mountain
range.
There are five interlinked ski areas, each with pistes suitable for
all standards. There are also acres of off-piste possibilies for
the better skier. In total there are 140 kms of prepared downhill
runs, served by 54 lifts.
For cross country lovers there are 70 kms of cross country
trails.
If
you chose the Aravis Lift pass, for a small supplement you can ski
in the neighbouring resort of Grand Bornand. Here the 75 kms of
piste, suitable for all skiers, are compactly arranged around a
single mountain.
In both resorts, there are extensive and accessable off piste areas
and many kilometres of cross country trails.
Mountain restaurants are numerous and very competitively
priced.
The lift systems are constantly being improved and are well
situated, making queues non existent or relatively short, even in
high season.
The main lifts are practically all chairs and gondolas, easing
access to all the ski areas.
Both La Clusaz and Grand Bornand
have made extensive investment in snow making facilities,
prolonging the season to the end of April in some areas.
Many
international competitions have been held in La Clusaz and Le Grand
Bornand and both resorts were an integral part of Annecy's abortive
bid for the 2018 Olympics.
