Getting on skis for the first time is not always easy. However, your efforts will all be worthwhile with the great feeling you get skiing in an exceptional natural environment. The Aravis Massif is home to several ski stations with all the ingredients beginners need to make a start.
Here are some of our recommended pistes and top tips to get you started…
Beginner’s Skiing in La Clusaz
This is the biggest ski station in the Aravis, with five mountains and a variety of descents. There is plenty of choice for skiers of all levels, from beginners to the more experienced.
Reaching a height of 2600m, the area has 125km of pistes, with no less than 18 green runs and 30 blues. Beginners are well served!
Where to ski
The Beauregard Plateau, overlooking La Clusaz, offers lots of possibilities.
The Les Riffroids ski lift will take you to a beginners’ slope starting close to the village.
At the top of the gondola, the beginners’ area is served by the Ceutire and Etoile des Neiges, which will take you to the Source and Plateau green runs, ideal for practising in peace.
From the Etoile and Ceutire ski lifts, the blue runs of Les Prises and Guy Périllat (La Clusaz’s own ski champion) offer you a nice run with wide curves to the bottom of the station.
There you can take the Crêt du Merle chairlift to a choice of other good blue runs.
Beginner’s deals
There’s a special package for beginners which works on a points card system.
It is valid for one or more lifts (you can use one lift several times, and others at special rates).
Transport
Ski buses serve the Aravis stations (Grand-Bornand – Saint-Jean-de-Sixt – La Clusaz – Manigod – Thônes).
It’s free with a ski pass or the carte d’Hôtes. Find out more here (website in French).
Useful contacts
Tourist Office:
La Clusaz resort website
161 Pl. de l’Église
Tel: 04 50 32 65 00
ESF La Clusaz:
ESF website
9 Chemin de la Croix
Tel : +33 4 50 02 40 83
Discover self-catered chalets in La Clusaz
Beginner’s Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
Nestled in the heart of the Aravis, Le Grand Bornand is a traditional village combining authenticity and a prestigious ski area.
With 90km of pistes, of which 16 are green and 13 blue, the station’s highest point is Mont Lachat at 2100m. It’s a paradise for beginners, but there are some really lovely pistes for the more experienced.
Where to ski
At the top of the Rosay gondola, you can get to the beginners’ area via the Les Raîches ski lift and the juniors rope tow, which serve the Serpentine and Violette green runs, which are ideal for gaining confidence and practising.
To measure your progress, take the Languières chairlift to the top of Floria.
From there, two lovely blues, Abondance and Glisse en Cœur offer a lovely long descent, from which you can admire the scenery.
Beginner’s deals
The Mini Domaine pass is ideal for beginners. With a limited area of 13 lifts in Le Grand Bornand (Rosay and Joyère gondolas, Castor rope tow, Les Raîches ski lift).
In spring, it’s worth checking with ESF to see what deals they are offering on group lessons.
Purchase your lift pass here.
Transport
Ski buses serve the Aravis stations (Grand-Bornand – Saint-Jean-de-Sixt – La Clusaz – Manigod – Thônes). It’s free with a ski pass or the carte d’Hôtes.
Click here for more information.
Useful contacts
Tourist Office:
Le Grand Bornand website
62 Pl. de l’Eglise
Tel: 04 50 02 78 00
ESF Le Grand Bornand:
ESF website
62 Pl. de l’Eglise
+33 (0)4 50 02 79 10
Book a chalet in Le Grand Bornand
Beginner’s Skiing in Manigod
The station of Manigod is part of the La Clusaz ski area. It offers a good variety of options for families and natural skiing experts.
The station is based around the Croix-Fry and Merdassier cols, allowing you to switch to La Clusaz. With a high point at the Tete du Cabeau (1810m), there are seven green runs and 12 blues.
Where to ski
Take the Rosière ski lift on the Croix-Fry side to try out your turns on the green run of the same name.
The Chevreuil ski lift at Merdassier is a great place to start, as it serves lots of easy blue runs: Framboises, Girolles, Gentiane, Myosotis, which are ideal for learning the basics.
Two Baby ski lifts (Baby-Chou and Perce Neige) are particularly designed for the smallest skiers.
The Croix Fry slope offers some lovely pistes, such as the blue Cabeau.
With a La Clusaz /Manigod pass, you can switch to La Clusaz via the Envers green run.
Beginner’s deals
Manigod have adaptable dynamic pricing for their passes. You can discover their lift pass options here.
Transport
Ski buses serve the Aravis stations (Grand-Bornand – Saint-Jean-de-Sixt – La Clusaz – Manigod – Thônes). It’s free with a ski pass or the carte d’Hôtes.
Check timetables here.
Useful contacts
Tourist Office:
Manigod website
Tel: 04 50 44 92 44
3 Route de Thônes
ESF Manigod:
ESF website
Tel: 04 50 44 92 04
CR de Manigod au Col de la Croix Fry
Book a self-catered property in Manigod
More ski schools…
If you want to explore some other ski schools in the Aravis, then check out our blog post about our top recommendations here.
Useful resources for beginners…
Heading to the mountains for your first skiing holiday can be daunting, but luckily we have some fantastic resources to help get you started. Check out other useful posts about beginner skiing…
- The Beginner’s Guide to Skiing Holidays
- 6 Steps to Plan the Perfect Ski Holiday
- Skiing vs Snowboarding: which is easier to learn?
- The Best French Ski Slopes for Beginners
- The Best Places in The French Alps for Beginner Snowboarders
- 7 of the Best Pre-Ski Holiday Exercises
- Renting Ski Equipment in the French Alps: How Much Does It Cost?
- How To Book A Ski Holiday
If you’re yet to book your accommodation for your ski holiday in the Aravis, then check out our extensive collection of partner properties in the area…
