La Clusaz

La Clusaz Ski Resort

The traditional resort of La Clusaz offers varied terrain a stones throw from Geneva, making this one of the best weekend destinations in the Alps.

If you’re looking for a varied ski area that is very easy to access from the UK, look no further than La Clusaz. Booking late for a quick weekend trip here is a good option as it is not the highest resort – although recent snowmaking investment has helped ensure reliable conditions – so try and get here after fresh snow to experience the resort at its best. On the hill there is some great variety, with something for everyone, including the great Balme area made famous by La Clusaz’s best known resident, Candide Thovex.

The town of La Clusaz is a genuine mountain village, littered with old buildings, tastefully built new chalets and with a rustic and charming centre. Its location is ideal for weekend visits – it takes only an hour to get here from Geneva airport.

What's New for 2019/20?

If you're a fan of heights then La Clusaz has something for you this season. The Passarelle au Col de Balme - a new 6.5m long suspended walkway and bridge at the top of La Balme in La Clusaz - will take you out across the void at the rear of the Aravis mountains. If you're not too scared, you'll even be able to enjoy a stunning view of Mont Blanc.

Other changes in La Clusaz for this season have been limited. They include subtle landscaping works of the snow park, Cret de Loup and Cret de Merle sectors, along with the addition of yet more snow cannons across this region.

Our La Clusaz Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

La Clusaz Skiing and Snowboarding

Although there is a decent learner area in the village, beginners should head up the gondola to the Massif de Beauregard, which is home to a very neat area of greens and gentle drags. Much of the rest of the ski area is an excellent, interlinked area for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Quieter runs are on offer in the Manigod sector – but you will have to put up with some slow lifts.

The Col de Balme is the best area for more advanced skiers and snowboarders. In fresh powder this is where to head to and find fresh tracks, but this quickly turns into a big, bumpy playground, which can be equally as fun. Long and fairly steep runs drop off form the neighbouring Torcère draglift – just be careful riding this lift up if you are not competent on steep and fast drags.

• Total Pistes: 125km
• Green: 18%
• Blue: 36%
• Red: 36%
• Black: 10%
• Lifts: 49
• Altitude: 1040m – 2477m

La Clusaz Piste Map

The local area map can be downloaded here.

La Clusaz Resort

There is a lot of good value accommodation to choose from in the La Clusaz valley, but if you want the best access to the slopes then stick close to the rustic town centre. This will also give you the best access to some lively bars and numerous restaurants specialising in local French food.

Off the slopes there is a lot to do, including dog sledding, cross country skiing, tobogganing and ice skating. There is also an excellent outdoor pool and leisure centre with stunning views up over the mountain.

How to get to La Clusaz

The drive from Geneva is very quick and easy, making this an excellent weekend destination – it takes around an hour depending on traffic. It is also one of the easiest resorts to drive to from the UK.

• Geneva airport: 1 hour
• Calais: approximately 10 hours driving (534 miles)

La Clusaz Contact Details

• Website: www.laclusaz.com
• Email: Contact via online form
• Telephone: +33 04 50 32 65 00
• Facebook: @LaClusaz
• Instagram: @laclusazskiresort
• Twitter: @LaClusaz