La Clusaz Ski Holidays
Once known as Clusa Locus Dei (God's narrow place) for its narrow location within the Aravis mountain range, La Clusaz ski resort is very well positioned to offer an enjoyable and memorable ski experience. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, the village of La Clusaz sits at an altitude of 2616m and spans just over 40km of natural alpine beauty. The resort ski area stretches across and includes the massifs de Balme, de l’Etale, de Manigod, de Beauregard and de Aiguille, which together form the La Clusaz ski resort.
La Clusaz has an impressive ski heritage and has notably hosted winter sports competitions from as far back as 1907. Its heritage also boasts the birthplace of professional French skiers and snow sport athletes such as Catherine Lombard, Vincent Vittoz and Guy Perillat to name a few. La Clusaz ski resort is surrounded by stunning natural beauty from the surrounding massifs. You can catch majestic views of Mont Blanc from the top of the Col de Balme and or take in the beautiful, wooded range on the run coming down from massif Beauregard. The village itself has preserved and maintained its quintessential traditional atmosphere over the years as evidenced with the 18th-century Eglise Sainte-Foy bell tower; a prominent monument amongst the picturesque chalets dotted across the village. Partly owing to its charm and quaint Savoyard appearance, La Clusaz is generally regarded as a family holiday destination. Ideally, it fits the bill for skiers looking for a blend of the traditional Alpine feel without losing out on a great skiing experience.
There is accommodation available to fit all budgets at the La Clusaz ski resort ranking from standard 3-star hotels up to 5-star hotels. There is also an impressive selection of very good restaurants and bars which offer a variety of sensory experiences to choose from. You can opt for the typical apres-ski buzz or a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a lively day on the slopes.
La Clusaz proximity to Geneva is an added advantage especially for overseas travellers as it is a convenient connection to Geneva Airport; a route frequently taken by skiers and holiday makers flying in from international destinations. La Clusaz ski resort can also be reached via Aéroski-Bus from Geneva and via rail connections to the cities of Annecy and La Roche-sur-Foron on the Leman Express; from where bus connections can be made to La Clusaz.
La Clusaz is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and enjoy linked mountains, with some of the best off-piste terrain in the Alps!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
The La Clusaz-Manigod ski area boasts 125km of well-groomed pistes, but if you’re hungry for more terrain, grab an Aravis lift pass and explore a whopping 210 km of skiable slopes, including Le Grand Bornand. The village sits at a picturesque 1,100m, while the lifts whisk you up to 2,600 m on the stunning Massif de Balme for incredible panoramic views and epic descents. The ski area spans five interconnected mountains, each with its own unique character - so whether you’re after gentle tree runs, wide cruising pistes, or powder stashes, La Clusaz keeps things interesting.
Snow conditions in La Clusaz
Thanks to its high altitude and a favourable microclimate, La Clusaz enjoys a strong reputation for reliable snowfall, making it a solid choice for winter sports enthusiasts. To keep the slopes consistently skiable, the resort has an extensive snowmaking system covering about 29% of the area, ensuring great conditions even when Mother Nature takes her time. Typically, the snow is at its best from mid-December through the end of April, with a solid base building up throughout the season for everything from smooth groomers to powder-filled adventures.
Skiing in La Clusaz
La Clusaz is incredibly beginner-friendly, with excellent nursery slopes right at the edge of the village. The Beauregard and Manigod sectors are perfect for families and those just starting out, offering gentle, tree-lined green and blue runs that make learning to ski both safe and scenic. Intermediates will feel right at home too, with a wide variety of blue and red pistes spread across the Étale and Aiguille peaks - there’s plenty of terrain to explore, making it easy to spend an entire day cruising between different sectors without getting bored.
For advanced skiers, La Clusaz may not have a huge number of black runs, but what it lacks in groomed difficulty, it makes up for in freeride opportunities. The Massif de Balme is legendary among off-piste enthusiasts, with challenging ungroomed slopes and powder bowls that have helped shape world-class freeriders like Candide Thovex. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled powder descents or technical challenges, La Clusaz delivers an unforgettable skiing experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Snowboarding in La Clusaz
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La Clusaz is a top spot for snowboarders, offering diverse terrain that caters to all levels and plenty of accessible off-piste runs for those craving a bit of adventure. The resort’s snowpark is well-equipped with jumps, rails, and a boardercross course, making it easy for riders to practice tricks or challenge friends.
On top of that, the extensive lift network - with plenty of gondolas and chairlifts - means minimal reliance on drag lifts, keeping the ride up as smooth and comfortable as the descent down.
Accommodation in La Clusaz
La Clusaz offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cosy, traditional chalets to modern hotels and self-catering apartments, catering to every budget and style of stay.
All Accommodation in La Clusaz
What's available at La Clusaz ski resort?
Après-ski in La Clusaz
Après-ski in La Clusaz combines the vibrant energy of the slopes with the village’s authentic alpine charm, making it a scene that works for families, groups, and solo travellers alike.
- For those not ready to leave the mountains behind, Chalet des Praz is a standout. Perched right on the slopes, it boasts a large, sun-soaked terrace where skiers and snowboarders gather to swap stories over beers or mulled wine. With a DJ pumping tunes and an atmosphere that’s equal parts buzzing and relaxed, it’s the ideal first stop after a day on the snow.
- Les Caves du Paccaly is a local institution, drawing a friendly, mixed crowd for live music nights or DJ sets, all paired with an impressive selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
- Bali Bar, right in the heart of La Clusaz, offers a more upbeat vibe, with pulsing music and a lively crowd that keeps the energy flowing well into the evening.
- For those wanting a truly unique night out, L'Ecluse is a must-see: this nightclub features a glass dance floor suspended over a stream, creating a magical setting for dancing under twinkling lights while the sound of running water adds an unforgettable touch.
Facilities in La Clusaz
La Clusaz is a fully equipped alpine village that makes life easy for visitors. Skiers and snowboarders will find a wide range of rental shops, professional ski schools, and a helpful tourist office to answer any questions and keep your trip running smoothly. Whether you’re a first-timer needing lessons or a seasoned rider looking for top-quality gear, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
When it comes to dining and entertainment, La Clusaz doesn’t disappoint. The village offers an impressive variety of restaurants, from traditional French and Savoyard fare to pizzerias and casual spots for a quick bite. Beyond the slopes, there’s plenty to keep you busy, including an outdoor ice rink, a cinema, a wellness centre with a swimming pool, and even a bowling alley - ensuring that evenings and rest days are just as enjoyable as time on the snow.
Facilities for children in La Clusaz
La Clusaz is a certified Famille Plus resort, meaning families are guaranteed a high standard of services and facilities tailored to children. The village offers dedicated ski areas for little ones and the Village des Enfants, a childcare hub catering to children as young as three months old. Ski schools also provide lessons and courses designed specifically for kids of all ages and abilities, ensuring young skiers and snowboarders have fun while learning in a safe, supportive environment.
Beyond skiing, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to entertain everyone. Night sledging adventures, dog sledging experiences, and themed events during school holidays add variety to the day, making La Clusaz an ideal destination for families looking to combine skiing with memorable alpine fun. Parents can relax knowing that the resort has thoughtfully designed options for children, making it a truly stress-free family getaway.
Why choose Erna Low for La Clusaz 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.
You'll absolutely love the authentic, charming village feel here in La Clusaz - it's a world away from big, purpose-built resorts.
Jane Bolton, Product Director