Accommodation
La Clusaz is one of the most authentic and characterful ski resorts in the French Alps. Located in the Haute-Savoie at 1,100 m, just 30 km from Annecy and little more than an hour from Geneva Airport, it offers the rare combination of being both a traditional mountain village and a serious ski destination.
The resort is part of the Aravis ski domain, with 210 km of pistes shared between La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Manigod, and St-Jean-de-Sixt. What sets La Clusaz apart is its atmosphere: a Savoyard village that feels lived-in and vibrant year-round, with weekly markets, farm shops, and working alpine pastures that still produce the famous Reblochon cheese.
For skiers, La Clusaz offers varied slopes across five linked massifs, including high-altitude terrain up to 2,600 m and long runs dropping more than 1,500 m. It has hosted freeride events, World Cup races, and is home to French ski champions, yet it remains welcoming and down-to-earth.
La Clusaz’s slopes are spread across five linked mountains: Beauregard, Manigod, L’Étale, Aiguille, and Balme. Each has its own personality, giving the ski area a sense of exploration and diversity.
The ski area is as much about variety as volume. You can cruise family runs in Manigod in the morning, then test yourself on the powder bowls of Balme in the afternoon, all with Mont Blanc looming on the horizon.
La Clusaz offers two main passes: a local pass and the wider Aravis domain.
Passes include access to all five massifs, with Balme and Étale included in the local option. Full details at the La Clusaz ski pass page.
La Clusaz has steadily modernised its lift system, with gondolas and high-speed chairs accessing the main slopes, though some older lifts remain. Snowmaking is extensive, covering lower runs down to the village, while Balme and Étale provide reliable snow thanks to altitude and aspect.
The layout is sprawling, but each massif is well connected, and the sense of moving across varied landscapes is part of the appeal. Unlike high-altitude resorts, tree skiing is a big feature here — a bonus on snowy days.
La Clusaz has retained its Savoyard chalet charm, with most accommodation in traditional wood-and-stone buildings.
The vibe here is authentic and welcoming, with a focus on charm and atmosphere rather than glitz. Browse options via the official La Clusaz accommodation search.
La Clusaz is a resort for food lovers. The village is at the heart of Reblochon country, and local restaurants showcase it in tartiflette, raclette, and fondue. Mountain huts such as Le Vieux Chalet and La Ferme combine rustic settings with hearty fare.
In town, you’ll find everything from crêperies and pizzerias to gourmet dining. The après scene is lively without being over the top: bars like Le Salto and Les Caves du Paccaly are popular, while La Scierie is a long-standing favourite for music and cocktails.
La Clusaz offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing.
For families, the resort offers sledging areas, children’s clubs, and a packed programme of weekly events.
La Clusaz is a real alpine village first and foremost, with roots stretching back centuries. Its wooden chalets, bustling weekly market, and working farms give it a sense of authenticity that many purpose-built resorts lack. The atmosphere is lively but local, with French families making up a big part of the visitor mix.
How to get there from the UK:
La Clusaz combines authentic Savoyard charm with excellent skiing variety. Its five linked massifs offer terrain for all abilities, from gentle beginner slopes to serious freeride lines in Balme. The après scene is fun, the food culture outstanding, and the village itself feels alive and genuine.
While it doesn’t offer the altitude or scale of the Three Valleys or Portes du Soleil, its accessibility, charm, and freeride credentials make it a fantastic choice. For skiers who want an authentic French alpine experience with plenty of personality, La Clusaz is hard to beat.
Get all the latest ski news, gear reviews, snow reports and unmissable features direct to you inbox with our weekly ski update.