La Clusaz Resort Overview
La Clusaz, sitting at 1,100m with its highest ski lift reaching 2,600m, is a traditional French alpine resort located in the heart of the Aravis mountain range. The resort offers access to the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts, providing a total of 220km of pisted terrain.
Established in 1907, La Clusaz boasts a charming, car-free town centre filled with a diverse mix of accommodation options, including cosy chalets, luxury hotels, and self-catered apartments. Known for its consistent snowfall, La Clusaz usually enjoys a deep snow base throughout the ski season, which typically runs from mid-December to late April.
Skiing in La Clusaz
La Clusaz offers a varied ski experience for all skill levels. The resort’s lift pass options include a La Clusaz-only ski pass, giving access to the 49 lifts in the resort and over 125km of pistes, and a full Aravis ski pass which provides skiers with 220km of pisted terrain to explore.
For beginners, La Clusaz offers gentle slopes and wide nursery runs, perfect for those first ski lessons. Intermediate skiers can enjoy a variety of blue and red runs, such as those leading down from the top of the Balme area, which offer stunning views of Mont Blanc.
Advanced skiers are not left out either, with challenging black runs available, such as the famous black piste on La Balme or the off-piste opportunities in the Combe de Bellachat. The resort also houses a snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts, with various jumps and rails to practise your tricks on.
Is La Clusaz Family-friendly?
La Clusaz is a fantastic resort for families, known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere. With a range of ski-in-ski-out accommodation available and a pedestrianised centre, it’s a safe and convenient choice for families. The resort features many family-friendly amenities, such as kid-friendly restaurants, a cinema, an ice rink and a sledging area. Family lift pass deals are also available, with discounts for children under the age of 15.
Après-Ski Scene in La Clusaz
La Clusaz boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with a host of bars and cafe terraces to enjoy. For those looking for live music and a buzzing atmosphere, head to Les Caves du Paccaly, a popular spot located in the heart of the resort. For a more relaxed vibe, try the wine bar, Le Pressoir, which has a large selection of regional wines.
Dining in La Clusaz
La Clusaz has a varied culinary scene, with many restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine. For an unforgettable mountain dining experience, try La Scierie, known for its hearty French dishes and cosy, rustic decor. Alternatively, Le Bercail offers delicious meals with panoramic mountain views from its sunny terrace. For a unique dining experience, visit Le Chalet des Praz, which is only accessible by ski or snowshoe.
How to Get to La Clusaz
The quickest way to get to La Clusaz from the UK is by flying to Geneva Airport, which is a 1-hour transfer from the resort. Other nearby airports include Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (2 hours) and Chambéry Airport (1 hour 20 minutes). If you’re travelling by train, Annecy is the nearest station with a 40-minute transfer time. For those driving, there are numerous parking options around the resort.
La Clusaz Insider Tips
- For a unique après-ski experience, visit Le Grenier, a bar located in an old farm building with a stunning view over the town.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular mode of transport in the resort, offering a charming way to explore.
- Try the famous tartiflette at La Ferme, a restaurant located in a converted barn on the slopes.
- Visit the local market in the centre of town on Monday mornings to sample local produce and pick up some Savoyard souvenirs.
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