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Le Grand Bornand Ski Holidays
Nestled in the heart of the Aravis Massif in Haute-Savoie, this traditional village combines postcard-perfect charm with a ski area that’s both varied and genuinely fun to explore.
The resort is divided into two main areas: Le Grand-Bornand Village, located at approximately 1,000m, and Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon, situated slightly higher at 1,300m. Chinaillon is where most of the ski action happens - you’ll find the main lift base here along with plenty of slopeside accommodation and après-ski options. Down in the village, things are a little quieter, perfect for those who prefer a more traditional Alpine atmosphere.
Le Grand-Bornand proudly carries the ‘Famille Plus’ label - France’s official mark for family-friendly resorts. This means it’s properly set up for children, with excellent ski schools, safe beginner areas, and a calendar of activities that goes well beyond skiing.
While the resort has its own self-contained ski area, it’s also part of the Aravis Domain, linking with neighbouring La Clusaz. Together, they offer around 220km of pistes, making this one of the most appealing mid-sized ski regions in the northern French Alps.
Le Grand Bornand is a super-friendly, authentic village that perfectly blends great skiing with the traditional Savoyard charm you've been looking for!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Le Grand-Bornand offers a significant vertical drop of 1,100m within its local area of 90km of pistes, stretching from its village base altitude of 1,000m up to the highest skiable point at 2,100m on Mont Lachat de Châtillon. The resort's own terrain provides a balanced mix of runs, all serviced by 29 lifts, including 2 gondolas and 12 chairlifts. Although not the highest resort in France, this substantial vertical drop allows for long, scenic descents, such as those down to Chinaillon, and the varied altitudes ensure a diverse experience ranging from sweeping alpine bowls at the top to tree-lined trails lower down. Furthermore, the local area combines with the wider Aravis Domain to offer approximately 220km of total skiing, plus 60km of cross-country trails.
Snow conditions in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand enjoys impressively consistent snow for its height, thanks in part to its location, which is tucked near the Mont Blanc massif, helping to funnel moisture-laden storms straight into the Aravis. On average, the resort records around 420 cm of snow per year, and when nature needs a bit of help, an extensive snowmaking network steps in.
The slopes around Mont Lachat tend to retain their snow best, thanks to their north-facing aspect, which keeps things crisp long after other areas have softened. Down toward Chinaillon, you’ll find broad, tree-lined runs that are perfect for low-visibility days, while the higher Maroly valley offers wide-open pistes with a big-mountain feel.
In short, it’s reliable, scenic, and well-balanced - exactly what you want in a family-friendly French resort that still satisfies serious skiers.
Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand is overwhelmingly suited for beginners and intermediates, offering abundant terrain specifically designed for confidence-building and progression. This makes it an exceptional destination where new skiers can learn without intimidation, and confident cruisers are kept thoroughly entertained by the extensive network of blues and gentle reds. For first-timers, the setup is outstanding, featuring dedicated nursery areas in both the village and up at Chinaillon, supported by free-access lifts like the Alpage Express and Outalays carpets. The learning progression is natural, utilising long, winding green runs perfect for practice, which is why Le Grand-Bornand is frequently recognised as one of Europe’s best beginner resorts.
Intermediate skiers will find themselves in their element, as the majority of the local 90km network is comprised of blue and red runs spread across the Maroly, Lachat, and Chinaillon sectors. These pistes are renowned for being beautifully groomed and offer a proper sense of Alpine adventure as they thread through forests and open meadows. Furthermore, intermediates can utilise the Aravis Pass to connect to La Clusaz, immediately expanding their options with an additional 130km of terrain, making Le Grand-Bornand a superb base for mixed-ability groups. While there are only three designated black runs, advanced/ expert skiers can still find adventure, particularly on good snow days when the steeper faces of Mont Lachat offer excellent off-piste options and hidden lines that tend to remain untracked longer due to the resort's modest size.
Snowboarding in Le Grand Bornand
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Le Grand-Bornand has a strong reputation in the snowboard world, largely thanks to its Snowpark GB, which ranks among the best in France. This freestyle playground features everything from XS and S lines for beginners to full-sized jumps, rails, and boxes for the pros. The Big Air Bag is perfect for testing out tricks without the risk of face-planting straight into the snow (we’ve all been there).
There’s also a boardercross course, and for those who prefer natural features to man-made ones, the Maroly Valley offers brilliant freeride terrain - steep enough to be exciting, yet mellow enough to stay fun.
Accommodation in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand has stayed true to its Alpine roots - expect pretty chalets, small hotels, and stylish apartments rather than high-rise concrete blocks.
All accommodation in Le Grand Bornand
What's available at Le Grand Bornand ski resort?
Après-ski in Le Grand Bornand
If your idea of après-ski involves table dancing and ski boots flying, you’re in the wrong place. Le Grand-Bornand’s après scene is more about cosy bars, good wine, and hearty food than all-night parties.
- Le Cent 74 is a local favourite, refined yet relaxed, serving beautifully executed French cuisine with fresh, regional ingredients.
- Auberge du Pré Vieux leans more traditional, offering a rustic-chic setting and seriously good Savoyard dishes.
- L’Optraken is the go-to for a lively drink with friends, serving tapas-style bites in a warm, sociable setting.
- Gourmandises d’Antan is where you head for coffee, pastries, and sweet treats - perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a non-ski day indulgence.
Facilities in Le Grand Bornand
Beyond the slopes, Le Grand-Bornand offers a surprising wealth of activities and facilities, starting with its aquatic centre, which features heated indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a fitness area - making it perfect for rest or recovery days. For those looking to mix up their mountain adventure, the resort provides several unique options: you can try biathlon taster sessions, which combine cross-country skiing with structured rifle shooting, or experience the high-adrenaline challenge of ice climbing on the area's frozen waterfalls. More peaceful activities include snowshoeing through tranquil forest trails, with guided hikes available for all ability levels. For the truly brave, paragliding offers breathtaking aerial views of the Aravis peaks.
The resort also provides opportunities for cultural engagement and appreciation. Visitors can explore the village's charm by visiting its historic church and the Maison du Patrimoine (Heritage House), which offers insights into the region's rich history and traditional architecture. Ultimately, while Le Grand-Bornand may lack the glitz of some larger resorts, its substantial offering of diverse activities, from high-adrenaline sports to cultural exploration and excellent wellness facilities, demonstrates a depth of character and substance that enhances the overall holiday experience.
Facilities for children in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand fully embodies its 'Famille Plus' label, genuinely excelling at catering to families with comprehensive, well-thought-out services. The resort provides dedicated beginner zones for young learners, complete with free-access magic carpets, and both the ESF and independent ski schools offer lessons specifically tailored for every age group. Beyond instruction, the mountain offers fun facilities like the Espace P’tits Montagnards, a central play area in the village, and special fun zones within the snowpark for aspiring mini-freestylers.
The resort ensures stress-free family fun and convenience with several specific attractions. These include multiple safe sledging runs and unique activities like igloo-building workshops offered by the ESF for children aged 6 to 12. Crucially, the entire infrastructure, from kid-friendly restaurants to well-organised childcare services, is designed with parental convenience in mind, confirming that Le Grand-Bornand is a resort created with the practical needs of real families in mind.
Why choose Erna Low for Le Grand Bornand skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Picturesque alpine pastures and over 80km of varied, crowd-free pistes.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
