Situated in the stunning locale of the Aravis Massif, this traditional French town has been an alpine ski resort since the 1920’s. The attractive town centre is built around an early 19th-century church and a fast flowing mountain stream. La Clusaz boasts a number of character properties set amongst the trees as well as numerous new constructions, the architecture of which is sympathetic to the towns charm and thankfully not the ugly concrete high-rise apartment blocks found elsewhere in France. It draws back its French and British visitor’s year on year allured by its charm and the fact that it is one of the prettiest, most established ski resorts in France.

The skiing in and around La Clusaz is divided into five sectors that are spread out over a number of neighbouring valleys, and all linked by piste or lift. The Beauregard (1690m) and Massif d L'Aiguille (2400m) areas are easily accessed by the lifts operating from the centre of resort. Whilst the Balme (2490m), Massif de L'Etale (2000m), and la Croix-Fry/Merdassier (1480-1500m) areas are reached via the ski-bus network.

Whilst the skiing is particularly good for beginners and intermediates, a good variety of runs mean that the resort should appeal to skiers of all abilities. The snow record for the area is reasonable, with the skiing season usually running from December through to early April. The resort itself though does lie at the relatively low altitude of 1100m, and therefore can suffer from a lack of natural snow cover at the beginning and end of the season, although extensive snowmaking over 60 hectares of piste does help in this regard. At the time of writing the resort is served by three ski schools; the snow académie, Aravis Challenge and the French ski school (ESF). Pre-booking during busy periods is advised.

For those intending to fly, La Clusaz can be reached via a 90 minute transfer from either Chambery or Geneva airports, or a rather longer 2½ hours from Lyon.