Individually the towns of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and St Jean de Sixt are attractive, traditional ski stations with a relaxed vibe, quiet slopes and a great atmosphere. Combined, they make for a large, diverse ski area (220km) to rival any in the Alps, conveniently located within 1 hour of Geneva, and only 30 mins from Annecy itself.

What is the skiing like at the Lake Annecy Resorts?

It may seem like a common claim, but with 220km of skiing, across a number of different peaks, there really is skiing to delight all levels of skier here.

Beginners will love the learning area in Grand Bornand, with a host of long green runs to explore the mountain, stopping off at a quaint farmhouse restaurant for a hot chocolate or vin chaud. The learner area at Beauregard (La Clusaz) is also a well connected area ideal for starting out.

Intermediates will be in heaven with miles of cruisy blues and reds linking the entire area, so you rarely have to ski the same runs again, and feel like you have had a real explore of the area. Manigod comes into its own here, with lots of ‘hidden skiing’ in a stunning bowl below the 2,400m peak of L’Etale.

Advanced skiers and off-piste powder hounds will lap up the freeride bowls of La Balme, Torchere and Fernuy, the stomping ground of freeride world champ Candide Thovex. The Espace Freeride in Grand Bornand is well worth heading to, and the extensive snow park is rated one of the best in France.

For more detail, check out our insiders guides to Skiing La Clusaz and Skiing Grand Bornand.

What are the Lake Annecy Resorts like for Families?

La Clusaz and Grand Bornand have both been awarded the ‘Famille Plus’ mark for their excellent facilities for families. There is a wide range of family friendly events put on throughout the ski season.

We can help guests arrange crèche and childrens ski school as part of our extra services.

What is going on in the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts this winter?

There are plenty of events in the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts this year – freestyle ski competitions, displays, live music, street performances, full moon skiing, snowboard championships, charity races – you name it! For a full list check out our page on events in La Clusaz, and events in Grand Bornand.

Fancy skiing near Lake Annecy?

Ski Weekends Thursday to Monday From £455pp	Ski Midweeks Monday to Thursday From £280pp	Ski Weeks Monday or Thursday changeover From £695

In 2010 Grand Bornand built a biathlon stadium and re-landscaped the arrival and departure points of the cross country skiing course at the start of the Vallee du Bouchet in preparation for a series of major events. This year sees the second major international event with the Eon IBU World Cup 3 Biathlon event taking place between the 13th and 18th December 2012.

Biathlon consists of cross country skiing and rifle shooting – a mix of strength, stamina, steadiness of hand and good aim. Cross country skiing alone is a tough sport – competitors push their bodies to the limit as they propel themselves through rolling meadows, up steep inclines and down hills at terrifying speeds. When you add the need for a steady hand to shoot on target their willpower becomes obvious as they hold their breath for added stillness after sprinting to the shoot-spot.

The first Biathlon competition held in the new GB stadium was the European Cup in March 2011. This 3-day event saw exceptionally fit men and women of all European nationalites battling it out on the tracks and in the shooting stadium. This December it gets even bigger as GB host the World Cup.

This exciting event brings a great atmosphere to the village. As well as many world champion athletes, their support teams and trainers, fans flock to the village to support them too – a real bonus for the tourism industry as restaurants, bars and hotels get a well deserved boost in revenue at the start of the winter season.

For full details off the Biathlon World Cup you can visit the Grand Bornand website.

Fancy skiing in Grand Bornand?

Ski Weekends Thursday to Monday From £455pp	Ski Midweeks Monday to Thursday From £280pp	Ski Weeks Monday or Thursday changeover From £695

Apartment Description

This apartment is a self contained unit within a larger chalet, next door to the Aravis Lodge. It has one bedroom containing either a double or twin beds along with a set of bunk beds. This makes it ideal for a family with two kids, or a couple just wanting a bit of extra space.

The living room is well-decorated with everything you need on a self catered holiday; table, chairs, sofa, open log fire, TV, DVD/CD player and free WIFI. There are full sized patio windows allowing access to the large, private terrace.

The kitchen is fully equipped kitchen boasting a very large oven, 5-ring gas cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave and a full range of utensils, pans, crockery and glassware.

There is one bathroom for the apartment containing large bath with shower, toilet and washbasin.

Set on the grounds of the Aravis Lodge, you can benefit from private parking and access to some the Lodge facilities such as the bar, on-site ski hire and of course the help and assistance of the Ski Weekender team.

Apartment Location

Chalet Aravis is located in centre of the village of St Jean de Sixt, just 5 minutes from the base of the ski lifts or the village centres of Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz.

The village itself offers a well stocked small supermarket, a chemist, newsagent, 2 bakeries, a greengrocer and several bars and restaurants; all just across the road from the apartment. In addition there is a free ski bus linking the resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand.

For those who self drive it is only half an hour to the medieval village of Annecy as well as other local attractions such as the sumptuous weekly produce markets. Otherwise, airport transfers can be arranged at an extra cost.

Contact Us

Please contact us for further information about this apartment. We can provide quotes for all aspects of your holiday, and are happy to discuss your requirements and make suggestions.

Independent Ski Holidays prices and availability	Guide to the ski resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand	Fully catered options for La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand

Apartment Description

The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen full 4 ring electric hob and oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and ample cooking utensils, crockery and glassware.

Three large bedrooms can be either double or twin rooms and each has a WC and either a shower room or bath room in traditional wood cladding with high-end facilities. There is even a sauna!

The living area is generously spacious with luxurious sofas, rugs and all the mod cons including large TV and DVD player, surround sound and many books, games and other entertainments.

Apartment Location

Just a few hundred metres from all of Grand Bornand’s main amenities, including bars, restaurants, shops and the main square which hosts a local market every Wednesday morning.

There is a regular ski bus which stops just 50m away from the chalet which takes you to the main telecabine ski lift – just a 3 minute bus journey away.

These apartments are perfect for those looking to self drive or hire a car at the airport (there is plenty of private parking). But its central location also means you can fly to Geneva, we will arrange airport transfers for you to the chalet and you are able to enjoy a full week’s skiing holiday without needing to use your car.

Contact Us

Please contact us for further information about these apartments. We can provide quotes for all aspects of your holiday, and are happy to discuss your requirements and make suggestions.

Independent Ski Holidays prices and availability	Guide to the ski resort of Le Grand Bornand	Fully catered options for Le Grand Bornand

In an exciting move, Ski Weekender’s convenient 3- and 4-day packages will be available through January and March in a comfortable catered chalet in Samoens, sleeping up to 12 people. Providing everything that you have come to expect from the usual Ski Weekender package, guests can take advantage of free airport transfers, lift passes included, 3 course dinner with wine, hot breakfast and afternoon tea and cakes and exploring the new resort with our ski hosting.

Samoens is well known as the 4^th largest linked ski domain in France, covering over 265km of pistes within the ski areas of Samoens, Flaine, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixt. With fantastic skiing for all levels this really is a resort for all abilities – from green run skiers and cruisy blue lovers to those who love challenging reds and blacks and even park rats! Samoens even offers one of the longest blue runs in France, Les Cascades, at over 14km top to bottom.

Of course the one thing that Ski Weekender will never compromise is the level of service that you will receive on your holiday. Consequently you can be sure that whether you take a Thursday – Monday break or a Monday – Thursday midweek trip, your every need will be met.

Find out more:

Ski Weekends from £455pp	Ski Midweeks from £280pp	Ski Weeks from £695pp

Call us now on
0845 557 5983

Hotel Description

Hotel Beauregard has 95 bedrooms comprising single, twin and double rooms, with some triple and family options also available. All rooms are well decorated, spacious, ensuite with generous bathrooms, boast beautiful views over the Aravis mountains and most rooms have balcony or terrace access.

The reception area leads on to a large communal area, lounge and bar with comfy chairs and an open log-burning fire. The hotel benefits from a comprehensive leisure suite which includes a large heated swimming pool, sauna and hamman, gym and a Jacuzzi offering superb views out across the village rooftops. This is all open throughout the day, offering a haven of calm and tranquillity in which to ease tired legs from a day of skiing. There is also a large sun terrace for the warmer days.

To add to the convenience the hotel has its own ski hire facility onsite and also gives you a large heated ski locker facility to ensure you have dry, warm boots for the morning.

Hotel Location

Located at the top of the village centre of La Clusaz, Hotel Beauregard is ski in / ski out, being based on one of the main ski pistes. A short, few minute walk brings you into the centre of La Clusaz which offers a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants. There are three main ski lifts from the centre of La Clusaz and a free ski bus (with your lift pass) to other areas of the resort.

Contact Us

Please contact us for further information about this hotel. We can provide quotes for all aspects of your holiday, and are happy to discuss your requirements and make suggestions.

Independent Ski Holidays prices and availability	Guide to the ski resort of La Clusaz	Fully catered options for La Clusaz