Travel to La Clusaz with travel insurance from Essential Travel

In the great untouched and equally unspoilt Aravis area of the northern Alps, is the resort of La Clusaz. Here, visitors are nestled in some stunning scenery. The resort’s plentiful ski runs and miles of cross-country skiing trails make it one of the most popular ski destinations in France.

The skiing here is impeccable, with untouched snow valleys, secret spots, and wide, open spaces. La Clusaz covers five interconnected mountain massifs with over 132kms of ski trails. The resort is equipped with 55 ski lifts (2 cable cars, 4 gondolas, 14 chair lifts, 35 ski tows) and 83 slopes (7 black, 23 red, 28 blue and 25 green). La Clusaz resort is also vaunted for its unbeatable cross-country skiing.

La Clusaz is a popular summer vacation spot as well. Although the slopes are closed in the summer, the resort has many other adventure activities on offer and serves as a year round destination. Prices differ according to the time of year and what activities you choose. The resort is only 50kms from Geneva; by car, the Bonneville exit on the A40 motorway is only 23kms from the Aravis.

Skiing in La Clusaz

Situated in the northern Alps, in the Aravis region, La Clusaz resort is one of the most remarkable places to ski in all of France. Its many ski runs and brilliant cross-country skiing for all abilities make it a hot destination spot. What is just as remarkable is the myriad après-ski activities on offer.

La Clusaz is also a centre for many competitions in the Alpine ski area; the massifs include Balme, Aiguille, Etale, Manigod and Beauregard. The accommodation is second to none, with charming chalets that mirror the natural beauty of the area. All these chalets are served by the best possible facilities.

From Balme to l’Etale, from Beauregard to l’Aiguille by way of Manigod, to La Clusaz itself, you can ski or snowboard to your heart’s content. The resort is equipped with 55 ski lifts (2 cable cars, 4 gondolas, 14 chair lifts, 35 ski tows) and 83 slopes (7 black, 23 red, 28 blue and 25 green).You’ll find everything from hair-raising slopes to easy blue runs, a snow park and a children’s snow garden. The cross-country ski area is ranked ‘quality plus’ by France Ski de Fond. The area has 70kms of runs spread out over two plateaus: Beauregard Plateau and Confins Plateau.

The winter season lasts from December through to April; while the summer season also offers a range of spectacular activities. La Clusaz is 50kms from Geneva, where there is an international airport; from there, bus or hire car is the most suitable means of reaching the resort. Alternatively you can catch the high-speed TGV to Annecy; then by car, take the Annecy North exit on the A41, and follow the road to Thônes/Les Aravis.

Apres-ski in La Clusaz

Après-ski activities include: ice-skating, ice-karting, snowmobiling, paragliding, and sledding. On the full moons throughout the winter season, a full moon party features the latest sounds played by a DJ. La Clusaz has two discos, ten bars and a scattering of restaurants serving everything from pizza to traditional French cuisine.

The Aravis range and its four villages remain genuine with their traditional wooden chalets, protected religious heritage, and customs and traditions still intact. Here you’ll find plenty of things to do as well as many sights, including the churches and natural wonders of the area. Additionally, there is an abundance of restaurants, shops, recreation facilities and a vibrant nightlife.

There are also nurseries for the kids, souvenir shops, health and beauty shops and spas, and grocery stores. All manner of cuisine is served in the many restaurants. At night, La Clusaz really comes alive with two discos and many pubs and bars. There’s also the ice-skating rink, which provides fun for the whole family. The Crêt de Merle is fun to ski down every full moon.

Transportation to La Clusaz

La Clusaz is situated in the northern Alps, right next to the main access routes of this part of the continent, and not far from several large cities; La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and St Jean de Sixt are all ideally located. The most convenient way of getting to the resort is to arrive at Geneva International Airport, and then travel by car to the Bonneville exit on the A40 motorway, which is only 23kms from the Aravis. It’s also possible to take the train to nearby Annecy and then drive, or you can opt to drive all the way.

If you do opt to travel all the way by car, then the Aravis district is easily accessible. The best way to arrive is to follow the A40 (Autoroute Blanche), take exit 16 Bonneville, and then follow the signs Stations des Aravis (20kms). Alternatively, follow the A41, take exit Annecy North and then follow signs Thônes/Stations des Aravis (30kms). If you are coming from the north of France, take the A39 motorway from Dijon, following signs for Geneva. If weather conditions are very bad, come through Annecy (linked to resort weather bulletin).

Coming by train, you should make your way to the station at Annecy, which has a high-speed TGV connection to most big cities.

As well as the airport in Geneva, you can arrive at Lyon (St Exupery Airport), which is 150kms from the resort. From Lyon, you can travel by car, taking the A43 motorway to Chambery, then the A41 to Annecy. Most people travelling to La Clusaz tend to prearrange all travel options through an agency.

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