Ski Holidays in Le Grand Bornand
If you are after a quiet, family ski getaway with quiet slopes during the day and cosy restaurants in the evening, Le Grand Bornand would be your ideal destination. Split into two smaller villages (Grand-Bornand Chinailon at 1300 metres and Grand Bornand Village at 1000 metres), the ski village still manages to keep its incredible charm. Despite the increasing numbers of ski holidaymakers to the Aravis ski area over the years, Le Grand Bornand still remains impressively unspoilt. The village also emanates an authentic alpine feel; from the chalets nestled within the treelines in Chinailon and its sleepy, wooden huts to the old church and central village square in Grand Bornand Village. As part of the Aravis ski area, ski pass holders get access to 220 kilometres of pistes within Le Grand Bornand and the 4 other ski resorts in the area.
Le Grand Bornand is also popular with non-skiers and offers several non-skiing activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, air ballooning and snowmobile rides among others. Its apres activities are rather subdued but it has several charming restaurants perfect for family meals and small gatherings.
Le Grand Bornand is also popular with non-skiers and offers several non-skiing activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, air ballooning and snowmobile rides among others. Its apres activities are rather subdued but it has several charming restaurants perfect for family meals and small gatherings.
Located in the heart of the Haute-Savoie department, between Annecy and Chamonix, Le Grand Bornand is relatively easy to get to, being only less than a 90-minute transfer from Geneva’s International Airport. The accommodation options here range across a good mix of chalets, small family hotels and self-catering apartments; all of which have relatively decent prices, especially in comparison to the larger and more popular destinations in the French Alps. Overall, Le Grand Bornand offers the perfect family ski getaway if you’re looking for uncrowded slopes during the day and cosy evening meals in the evenings.
The Les Aravis mountain skiing ski area in Le Grand Bornand offers a total of 220 kilometres of slopes and stretches between 1,100 metres and 2,500 metres (which also includes La Clusaz) altitude. Thanks to its impressive height, the slopes do have decent snow covering over the season.
Heres the lowdon on skiing in Le Grand Bornand:
Skiers visiting Le Grand Bornand have access to 84 kilometres of pistes with local area ski pass and 230 kilometres across the wider Aravis ski area with the Aravis Alpine ski pass. Access to the ski area is impressively convenient with a network of 24 lifts in total consisting of 2 gondolas, 10 chair lifts, 9 drag lifts and 2 carpet lifts. The ski area ranges between 1,000 metres and 2,100 metres with a 1,100 vertical drop.
Le Grand Bornand is ideal for beginners and intermediate-level skiers. There are 3 separate beginner areas at the base of both villages with nursery slopes as well as wide cruising blues that progressing beginners will find perfect for developing technique.
Intermediate skiers have almost half of the local ski area with up to 40 different runs spread across the ski area and easily accessible from Chinaillon or the Bornand Village.
Advanced and intermediate skiers can also head over to the steep red and blacks coming down La Floria at 1,800 metres for a bit of an adrenaline boost. There are limited advanced pistes in the area for expert skiers with a few more coming down Mont Lachat at 2100 metres.
Freeriders will have fun on the long steep red and blacks coming down La Floroa and Mont Lachat. The terrain is steep enough for beginners and intermediates to enjoy the wide easy blues as well. Freestylers will find some action at the snowpark fully equipped with jump lines to accommodate all levels. It also has several rails, kickers, a half-pipe and a large airbag, a boardercross and fun areas.
No weather forecast available
Le Grand Bornand is a family-oriented ski resort and is popular with kids and families looking for a quiet holiday away. It generally has a subdued apres ski atmosphere with only a couple of bars and nightclubs. The majority of the nightlife in the resort is centred around cosy, traditional restaurants as opposed to loud raucous bars and pubs. There are a number of bars such as Bar Pub Le Cafe and The Green Monkey but most of the other late-night spots are predominantly restaurant and bistro-style establishments. For a night of cocktails and late-night dining, check out Ambiance Bar le Dérapage in Chinaillon or Les Bistrot de Cellier. In Bornanrd Village visit Bar Aux Aravis or Bar Pub Les 2 Guides.
Le Grand Bornand has fantastic facilities and services available to cater all ski holiday-makers all season long. The resort has very good amenities and leisure facilities from piste maintenance and efficient lift networks to excellent accommodation, restaurants and cafes.
Awarded with a Famille Plus Montagne label, Le Grand Bornand is a well-recognised family-friendly ski resort which has excellent child entertainment and welfare facilities and services. The resort continues to exhibit its commitment to children and their families' experiences both on and off the pistes. From ski schools to kids' clubs and entertainment, the resort is more than capable of adequately accommodating and being of service to its little guests.
