The ski resort of Passy Plaine-Joux is located in Haute-Savoie. It is known for its position facing Mont-Blanc, its southern exposure, but also for its family-friendly character. Plaine-Joux is situated between 1,358 and 1,740 meters above sea level.
Passy Plaine-Joux
The ski resort of Plaine-Joux is located in the municipality of Passy. Tourism activity developed following the construction of sanatoriums, such as the one in Guébriant, now used as a holiday village. The ski resort itself was established in 1965. A ski lift, rented by the ski club, was then installed. With the influx of skiers, Plaine-Joux developed over the years. In 1969, the Barmus ski lift was built, followed by the Beudex for beginners. Today, the ski area welcomes locals as well as tourists coming to discover the mountains.
The Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve
The Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve is the largest in Haute-Savoie. It covers 9,445 hectares. It houses archaeological remains and offers a wide variety of natural environments. With a bit of luck and if you open your eyes, you may catch a glimpse of some emblematic mountain species, such as the bearded vulture, ibex, or chamois. In Plaine-Joux, you will have the opportunity to visit the reserve’s house. A great chance to learn more about the fauna and flora of the area.
Additional info: remember that Nature Reserves are subject to strict rules.
The ski area of Plaine-Joux
The ski area of Plaine Joux is particularly suitable for families. Exposed to the south, its sunshine is guaranteed throughout the winter season. The snow is therefore very rarely frozen, which will facilitate the learning process for beginners. Advanced skiers will also find their happiness, especially at the top of the area.
Additional info: we recommend skiing between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This way, you will avoid queues at the ski lifts and can enjoy the ski area peacefully.
© Passy Mont-Blanc – Tourist Office
Accommodations in Passy Plaine-Joux
You will find apartments or mobile homes for rent in Passy for your vacation. For hotels, you may need to look in the surrounding municipalities, such as Sallanches.
We invite you to discover various accommodations, all located near the Plaine Joux resort.
Chalet Arve Passy
The chalet Arve Passy includes 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, covering an area of 130 m². A garden is available for vacationers, and private parking is free. A positive point is that you will be close to the Plaine-Joux resort, as well as other tourist spots in the valley.
Les Greniers du Mont-Blanc
Les Greniers du Mont-Blanc offers several chalets for rent. Independent, they all provide a beautiful view of the Fiz, Aravis, and other surrounding mountains. An activity center is accessible within a 5-minute drive, and you can easily reach Plaine-Joux.
L’Edelweiss Mont-Blanc
L’Edelweiss Mont-Blanc consists of several accommodations. A breakfast is served directly on-site. The common lounge and terrace will allow you to relax after a day outdoors.
Chalet Les Fiz
The chalet Les Fiz has an area of 146 m². It is located at the Plateau d’Assy, just a few minutes by car from the Plaine-Joux slopes. You will enjoy a view of Mont-Blanc from the garden.
Winter sports
Other activities besides alpine skiing can be done in Plaine Joux. Cross-country skiing, for example, with several trails set up for it. You will also have the opportunity to try dog sledding .
For the younger ones, a sledding slope is available near the take-off area for paragliders.
The athletes of the resort
Plaine-Joux and more generally the municipality of Passy, count several high-level athletes. We have chosen to present two female athletes, who compete in different disciplines.
Laly Chaucheprat
Since she was 3 years old, Laly Chaucheprat has been licensed at the Passy-Varan ski club. After several years dedicated to alpine skiing, she decides to turn to telemark. The skier joined the Mont-Blanc Committee in 2017, then the French Team in 2018. In 2022, Laly Chaucheprat won her first World Cup victory at the Saint-Gervais stage.
Maëlle Grossetête
Maëlle Grossetête is a cyclist from Passy. Specializing in cyclo-cross, she was selected for the French Team for the first time in 2020, during the European road cycling championships. The Passy resident is part of the FDJ-Suez-Futuroscope team.
Must-see events in Plaine-Joux
Although it is not very large, several events are organized in the Passy Plaine-Joux resort. We invite you to discover the two most emblematic ones, which take place in summer for one, and in winter for the other.
Trail du Tour des Fiz
The Trail du Tour des Fiz is a competition that takes place every year in early July in Plaine-Joux. Many runners register for the occasion. In total, 6 events are offered, including one for children.
The tour of the 8 refuges is the original race of this trail. It follows the Grand Tour des Fiz hiking circuit and passes through Platé and Anterne. In one day, runners cover 61.5 km and 4,400 meters of positive elevation gain.
Animations are also offered throughout the weekend.
The Festival of Elves
The Festival of Elves is a must-see event at the Plaine Joux ski resort. It takes place on a Sunday during the winter season, on the snow front. Activities are offered throughout the day and end at 5 p.m.
The Festival of Elves is an event to experience with family. You can take the opportunity to do some runs or take a walk to Lac Vert. For lunch, you can easily find a spot on the terrace at one of the restaurants.
Ski passes
Several passes are available online or at the ticket offices of the Plaine-Joux ski lifts. If you are one of those who do not ski all day, you can opt for a 2 or 4-hour pass. Ski tourers will also have the option to take a pass for one or five ascents. Additionally, promotions are offered on season passes, depending on the period they are purchased.
Snowshoe trails
If you enjoy snowshoeing, Plaine-Joux is an ideal resort for you. Among the different trails to explore, we recommend two:
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Lac Vert. This walk is accessible to all levels. You can even choose to do it at the end of the day, after skiing. Just be careful not to walk on the lake, even if it is frozen.
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The tour of Ayères. This loop can also be done with family, although it requires a bit more endurance. Starting from Plaine-Joux, head towards Châtelet. You can take the opportunity to eat at the refuge, although we recommend picnicking at Ayères, facing Mont-Blanc. This walk will take a good part of the day.
Hikes not to be missed
For hiking enthusiasts, certain trails are not to be missed. We propose to discover three, which can be done over several days if you wish to sleep in a refuge.
Lac d’Anterne
Lac d’Anterne is an unmissable hike in Passy Plaine-Joux. Starting from the resort parking lot, you have two options. Go through Lac Vert or directly tackle the ascent via the slopes. The trails meet at Ayères. Before reaching the lake, you will need to pass through the Anterne pass and descend the other side. You can also extend the walk to the Alfred Wills refuge.
Additional info: remember to leave early in the morning, as a large part of the hike is done in full sun.
Duration: 6 hours 30 round trip
Elevation gain: 1,190 meters
Distance: 17.4 km
Désert de Platé
If you ask locals which hike to do in Passy, most will answer Platé. It must be said that this lapiaz desert is worth the detour. The departure is from the Praz Coutant parking lot. Be sure to keep an eye out during the walk, as you might spot ibex and perhaps the bearded vulture.
Additional info: for the more experienced, extend the hike by passing through the Portette pass and descending via the Dérochoir.
Duration: 3 hours round trip
Elevation gain: 860 meters
Distance: 8 km
Lac de Pormenaz
Lac de Pormenaz is the third hike not to be missed in Plaine Joux. Several options are available to you. Go through the ski slopes, via Lac Vert, or via Chorde. The latter route is the one you should choose if you have a dog.
Additional info: you can combine the same hike with Lac d’Anterne and Lac de Pormenaz.
Duration: 5 hours round trip
Elevation gain: 920 meters
Distance: 12.1 km
Access and public transport
To access the Plaine-Joux resort, nothing could be simpler. You can take the train to the Fayet station. Connections are provided to the foot of the slopes, especially if you are staying in the valley. Another option is by car. Free parking is available for vacationers at Plaine-Joux. We simply recommend not arriving too late, especially during school holidays and weekends.
Presentation video of Passy Plaine-Joux
Nearby resorts of Plaine-Joux
Plaine-Joux is not the only resort in the upper Arve valley. For a day, you can also go to the slopes of Saint-Gervais, Combloux, Megève, or even Chamonix. This is a great opportunity to discover new villages in Haute-Savoie.
