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 startedโฆ
Beginnerโs 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 beginnersโ slope starting close to the village.
At the top of the gondola, the beginnersโ 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 Pรฉrillat (La Clusazโs own ski champion) offer you a nice run with wide curves to the bottom of the station.
There you can take the Crรชt du Merle chairlift to a choice of other good blue runs.
Beginnerโs deals
Thereโs 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 โ Saint-Jean-de-Sixt โ La Clusaz โ Manigod โ Thรดnes).
Itโs free with a ski pass or the carte dโHรดtes.
Useful contacts
Tourist Office:
La Clusaz resort website
161 Pl. de lโรglise
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
Beginnerโs 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 stationโs highest point is Mont Lachat at 2100m. Itโs 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 beginnersโ area via the Les Raรฎches 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 Languiรจres chairlift to the top of Floria.
From there, two lovely blues, Abondance and Glisse en Cลur offer a lovely long descent, from which you can admire the scenery.
Beginnerโs deals
The Mini Domaine pass is ideal for beginners. With a limited area of 13 lifts in Le Grand-Bornand (Rosay and Joyรจre gondolas, Castor rope tow, Les Raรฎches ski lift).
In spring, itโs 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 โ Saint-Jean-de-Sixt โ La Clusaz โ Manigod โ Thรดnes). Itโs free with a ski pass or the carte dโHรดtes.
Click here for more information.
Useful contacts
Tourist Office:
Le Grand-Bornand website
62 Pl. de lโEglise
Tel: 04 50 02 78 00
ESF Le Grand-Bornand:
ESF website
62 Pl. de lโEglise
+33 (0)4 50 02 79 10
Book a chalet in Le Grand-Bornand
Beginnerโs 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 Rosiรจre 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.
Beginnerโs 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 โ Saint-Jean-de-Sixt โ La Clusaz โ Manigod โ Thรดnes). Itโs free with a ski pass or the carte dโHรดtes.
Check timetables here.
Useful contacts
Tourist Office:
Manigod website
Tel: 04 50 44 92 44
3 Route de Thรดnes
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 schoolsโฆ
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 beginnersโฆ
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 skiingโฆ
- The Beginnerโs 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 youโre yet to book your accommodation for your ski holiday in the Aravis, then check out our extensive collection of partner properties in the areaโฆ
