Travel to Le Grand Massif with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Huddled between Geneva and Chamonix, the five villages that make up Le Grand Massif offer 265kms of ski runs with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. From the purpose-built town of Flaine to Samoens, the only ski village registered as an historical monument, Le Grand Massif is rich in activity, architecture and history.

Each village offers a range of snow activities in their own unique surroundings. Flaine has a trendy, urban atmosphere set in a natural snow bowl, while the other four villages are considered some of the prettiest and most authentic villages of the Haute Savoie. Although these are some of the quietest of all French ski villages, they still attract plenty of enthusiastic skiers.

The five villages are fully linked and allow access to 134 pistes. The 265kms of ski runs are serviced by 80 lifts, with a total vertical descent of 20,000m. The emphasis here is on beginner and intermediate levels; however, with 15 black runs plus great off-piste, lots of varied terrain, a half-pipe and a snowboarding park, the more experienced skier and the snowboarder alike are more than catered for.

Skiing in Le Grand Massif

Le Grand Massif is France’s fourth-biggest ski area and boasts 265kms of runs over 134 pistes. There is a great selection of terrain for all levels, with some of the most reliable snowfall and an absence of annoying queues. With Mont Blanc always in view, the setting here is perfect for a no-fuss ski experience unlike many others.

The five linked villages offer a more refined ski experience with a tranquil atmosphere and a large array of snow activities. Concert halls, historical villages and a beautiful setting make Le Grand Massif an ideal choice for those who prefer more of a cultural experience. Activities such as swimming, ice-skating, ice-driving, and cross-country skiing are all available here; while innovative villages such as Flaine offer a no-car policy, making the resort a pleasant alternative.

Le Grand Massif is perfect for any intermediate level skier, with a total of 97 red and blue runs; while the novice and expert can choose from 13 and 15 runs, respectively. The highest point is at 2,500m, with a total vertical descent of 20,000m. Eighty lifts service and link the entire area, making sure the 74,500 skiers per hour are well looked after. All 134 pistes add up to an impressive 265kms of varied runs, with some great off-piste for the more adventurous plus three ‘jamparks’ for snowboarders.

The ski season here runs between mid-December to late April, with a range of ski passes available, from full season to half-day. Skiing here is available from mid-December to late April, although ski lifts are operational all year round, offering access to the area.

Apres-ski in Le Grand Massif

Le Grand Massif has many facilities and services to entertain visitors, including: a purpose-built concert hall featuring classical and jazz performances; a cultural centre; free guided tours of the area; an indoor swimming pool, a natural ice-skating rink, an ice-driving school and ice-shoeing. Although the focus here is very much on skiing, there are a sufficient number of bars, cafés and restaurants to keep the resort going well into the night.

If its après-ski you’re looking for, then Le Grand Massif offers a quieter alternative. Take in a jazz or classical show at the impressive concert hall, or make use of the free guided tour around the area. There is an indoor swimming pool, a natural ice-skating rink and an ice-driving school; additionally, ice-shoeing is available.

A popular entertainment spot is the underground Diamant Noir pub, which has live music, shows and football matches, as well as karaoke and theme nights. Also, the Flying Dutchman is a small, friendly venue with a lively atmosphere.

Both Chamonix and Geneva are easily accessible from Le Grand Massif, and make appealing daytrips when a busier atmosphere is needed. Chamonix boasts an impressive history as well as a busy shopping scene and good nightlife, plus the highest ski run in the world. The Italian Alps are accessible via an impressive gondola ride up Mont Blanc.

Transportation to Le Grand Massif

Le Grand Massif itself is only accessible by road, which means travelling in from the nearest big cities, or from the train station at Cluses. Both options require a transfer, with Geneva being 1.5 hours away, Lyon 3 hours away, and Cluses station 27kms from the resort.

Lyon connects to Paris by road, and both Lyon and Geneva have international airports; while Cluses is serviced by the TGV, also connecting to Paris. Paris is accessible by air, Eurostar bus, train and road from the rest of the continent.

Le Grand Massif is approximately 840kms from Calais and it will cost €100 for all road tolls. The journey takes around 8.5 hours in total. If travelling by car from Geneva, the journey is a short 1.5 hours via the A1 then the A40. Alternatively, Lyon is three hours away along the A41. The train station of Cluses is a short 27kms away, also on the A40.

Travelling to Le Grand Massif by train involves a TGV service from Paris to Cluses, the nearest train station to the resort. However, this service only runs at the weekends. For the rest of the week, take a train to Annecy and a coach transfer to Cluses, where taxis are available for transfer to Le Grand Massif.

Geneva is the nearest of the two international airports at 1.5 hours road travel from Le Grand Massif. An airport transfer service is available and connects directly with the resort (tel: +33 450536397). Lyon is three hours from Le Grand Massif, and can be reached by taking the A41 out of the resort area.

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