The ski resort of La Clusaz is an authentic mountain village, home to great champions such as Edgar Grospiron and Candide Thovex. The resort is located at an altitude of 1,040 meters and allows you to ski up to 2,470 meters!
A traditional mountain village
The favorite resort of the people of Annecy has been built between tradition and modernity. It is located at the end of a closed valley, surrounded by vast pastures. At the beginning of the 20th century, the opening of the Route des Grandes Alpes allowed for the first winter tourism boom. Agriculture, with the production of cheese including reblochon, fairs, and forestry developed the local economy.
In 1955, the construction of the cable car launched mass winter sports in the resort. Many champions come from the village: Guy Peillat, Raphaël Monod, and Régine Cavagnoud. This resort welcomes both French and international clientele with numerous hotels of varying standards.
The church of La Clusaz, typical of the Haute-Savoyard baroque style, is located in the center of the village. We recommend the Aquatic area of the Aravis. In winter and summer, you can swim in heated pools with a magnificent view of the mountains. A large slide with a Slide cannon delights children.
Every year, in mid-September, the traditional Foire de la Croix takes place on the Champ-Giguet. Several competitions determine the best cows of the Abondance breed. The fair also determines the best reblochon in the valley. This event marks the return of herds to the village after the descent from the alpine pastures. During this day, various activities are offered: a market in the church square, musical entertainment, an agricultural equipment exhibition, carriage rides, a zip line, and demonstrations of herd dogs by the breeders.
The ski area
The equipment offered in this fantastic playground is substantial:
- Kilometers of alpine ski slopes: 132 km
- Number of slopes: 85, which break down as follows – 24 green, 30 blue, 24 red, and 7 black
- Number of ski lifts: 55, which break down as follows – 34 drag lifts, 14 chairlifts, 1 cable car & 6 gondolas
- Kilometers of cross-country ski trails: 70 km
- A snowpark and a bordercross
Winter sports
The resort is renowned for acrobatic skiing. Its ski area spans the five massifs of Balme, Aiguille, Étale, Manigod, and Beauregard. The plateaus of Beauregard and Les Confins have beautiful Nordic ski trails.
Most major winter sports disciplines can be practiced at the La Clusaz resort:
- Nordic, alpine, and touring skiing
- Skating
- Snowshoeing
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Dog sledding
- Speed riding
- Ski Joëing
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels and tourist accommodations in La Clusaz that offer excellent value for money. They receive very good reviews from customers.
Hôtel Beauregard
An establishment in pure Savoyard architectural style, which benefits from ski-in/ski-out access. Its strengths: heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam. The rooms are tastefully decorated. Restaurants and shops are nearby. You also have a parking space available upon reservation.
Hôtel Les Sapins
All rooms are spacious, carefully decorated, and have a private bathroom as well as a balcony offering stunning views of the Aravis mountain range. The slopes are accessible on foot, and the Savoyard architecture combined with a refined restaurant makes this establishment an ideal place for your stay.
St-Alban Hôtel & Spa
A magnificent four-star hotel that takes care of its guests: ski pass sales, concierge service, indoor pool, wellness center, and spa. The establishment organizes a ski equipment rental service. The resort is located 1 km away.
Hôtel La Montagne
A traditional and quality hotel establishment located 180 m from the ski slopes. On the program: private bathroom, Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast. The cuisine served is traditional with delicious local specialties such as fondue and tartiflette.
Hôtel Christiania
A location in the heart of the village of La Clusaz, in immediate proximity to the ski slopes. This 3-star hotel, which has a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, is equipped with a terrace and a sauna. The Crêt du Merle chairlift is located 150 m away.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable mountain vacation, we offer the rental of three chalets in La Clusaz that receive excellent customer reviews:
Chalet le 1791
With an area of 60 m², this beautiful traditional chalet is located near the ski school and has free private parking, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and a lovely terrace. The view of the mountains is worth the trip. It is decorated in the Savoyard wooden style.
Chalet-Hôtel Inarpa
This accommodation is located on the road that goes from La Clusaz to Les Confins. It allows for ski-in/ski-out access to the ski area. The amenities include: parking, a lounge area, fireplace, cable TV. The jacuzzi allows you to enjoy the view of the mountains.
Chalet Cosyneige
A very nice address for this 134 m² chalet with a hot tub, private parking space, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, equipped kitchen, dining area. The large balcony offers a view of the river. You benefit from ski-in/ski-out access.
The athletes of the resort
The La Clusaz ski resort has many athletes. Some have distinguished themselves internationally. Here are a few figures from the village.
Edgar Grospiron
Born in 1969, Edgar Grospiron is a former acrobatic skiing champion. Specialized in moguls, he became the first champion of the discipline in Albertville in 1992. A three-time world champion, he also finished first four times in the overall standings of the mogul World Cup. Since retiring from skiing, Edgar Grospiron has become a consultant and speaker in management and motivation.
Régine Cavagnoud
Régine Cavagnoud is a French skier specialized in Super-G. Born in Thônes in 1970, she started skiing at the La Clusaz resort at the age of 5. At the age of 15, she joined the French team. Although her career was slowed by injuries, she became the Super-G world champion in 2001. Régine Cavagnoud, who has 8 victories and an overall World Cup ranking in her discipline, passed away in 2001 during training.
Vincent Vittoz
In La Clusaz, cross-country skier Vincent Vittoz needs no introduction. Born in 1975 in Annecy, the Nordic skier has eight individual victories to his name and one in relay. In 2005, he finished second in the overall World Cup standings. Since announcing his retirement from sports, Vincent Vittoz has become a coach. He coached the French cross-country skiers from 2011 to 2018. Today, he trains the French biathlon team.
Candide Thovex
Candide Thovex. If you are a skiing enthusiast, you have certainly heard this name. The skier, a freestyle specialist, began his career at the age of 14 in 1996. He notably won the big-air at the X-Games in 2000 and 2001, as well as the half pipe and super pipe respectively in 2001 and 2003. In 2010, he emerged victorious from the Freeride World Tour during his first participation in the competition. Today, Candide Thovex combines filmmaking and entrepreneurship.
Attractive ski passes
Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing: the ski area offered by La Clusaz is very vast, which is why prices vary depending on whether you want to ski only in La Clusaz or across the entire area. We invite you to discover the offers available: alpine ski passes and cross-country ski passes. Students can benefit from a specific pass, as can seniors.
Snowshoe trails
The resort offers more than 30 km of groomed circuits and 95 km of marked trails in the Aravis for practicing this nature-friendly sport. You can choose an easy family walk or a full day, depending on your desires:
- The Merdassier-Croix Fry circuit: this large groomed and marked trail allows you to connect the Col du Merdassier to the Col de la Croix Fry. It will let you discover the authentic Merdassier alpine pasture and the Grand Crêt forest. Duration: 1 hour for 2.6 km.
- The descent from Mersassier to La Clusaz: this trail reveals the natural Merdassier alpine pasture and then descends to the resort along the edge of the woods. Duration: 2 h 45 for 5.6 km.
- Les Confins: located above La Clusaz, this area dedicated to cross-country skiing allows you to follow many snowshoe trails that will let you see the traces of the iconic wildlife of Haute-Savoie.
Must-see events in La Clusaz
La Clusaz is a dynamic resort where many events are organized. Some have become must-sees. Here are two of them.
The Radio Meuh Circus Festival
This innovative festival allows you to meet various artists in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. It is hosted by the independent web radio Radio Meuh. Over the years, the event has attracted an increasingly large audience. It takes place every year over four days, at the end of March or the beginning of April. It is held at the bottom of the slopes, in the parking lot of the Salon des Dames.
It is an opportunity to discover new bands, as well as live artists. The festival offers concerts under a marquee and DJ sets on the slopes and in the center of the village.
Le Bélier
Le Bélier is a must-see event in La Clusaz, organized by the Sports Club. Born from the meeting of trail and hiking enthusiasts, it is divided into three editions throughout the year: the Bélier Blanc in January, the Bélier VTT in June, and the Bélier trail in August.
On average, 4,000 participants start these races every year, including 1,500 hikers. Children have their own race, and an exhibitor village is set up in the heart of the resort.
Summer activity ideas
We offer you some ideas for a great summer vacation in La Clusaz.
The tour of Lake Les Confins
4 km from the village center, access is via the path located below the restaurant Le Foly. This loop, accessible to all levels, is ideal for a family outing and takes about an hour to complete. The lake, nestled at the foot of the Aravis combes, offers a preserved natural setting. Several restaurants are also nearby to extend the break.
Lake Tardevant
The departure is on the trail that leads to the Bombardellaz refuge. After this, the path passes through the combe de Tardevant and leads you to the lake. The return is via the Paccaly alpine pasture, where you can admire a lovely typical chalet. For the more experienced, we recommend continuing to the Pointe de Tardevant, from where you will see Mont-Blanc.
The Les Confins Leisure Area
On the Les Confins plateau, children can enjoy many activities: two zip lines (one 300 m and one 700 m), a balance workshop with stilts and slackline, a high ropes course with zip lines accessible from 4 years old (Accro Tyro), as well as a trampoline and a bouncy castle for safe fun!
Tasting at the farm: on the Beauregard plateau, the Corbassières farm offers delicious snacks during a farm visit. The view of the Aravis mountain range is unforgettable.
The Savoie Cheese Festival
This event has been held every year for 16 years in one of the territories of Savoie cheeses. In 2021, La Clusaz hosted this event at the end of August. It is an opportunity to understand the production of the local cheese star: the reblochon AOP. The public meets herds and participates in games, as well as activities.
Tasting at the farm
On the Beauregard plateau, the Corbassières farm offers delicious snacks. The view of the Aravis mountain range is unforgettable.
Access and Skibus
You can access the La Clusaz ski resort via the town of Thônes or Bonneville, but also via Grand Bornand, coming from Cluses and via the N212 between Megève and Albertville. From Annecy, it takes about 45 minutes to reach La Clusaz. We recommend leaving early, especially during the winter season. Delays are not uncommon and can start as soon as the end of the Aravis road.
A daily bus line connects Annecy and La Clusaz for a fare of €8. On weekends, the resort offers transportation between Annecy (departure from the Glaisins cemetery in Annecy-le-Vieux) for the purchase of a daily ski pass. Departure is at 8:30 am for a return at 5:25 pm.
A bus line called SKIBUS provides shuttle service between Le Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, La Clusaz, Manigod, and Thônes. It connects residences, village centers, and the foot of the slopes. The service stops on April 11. Fare: €2 per ticket or €10 for a weekly pass. The skibus is free upon presentation of a resident card, Aravis Bus card, or a valid Aravis alpine ski pass for the La Clusaz, Manigod, and Grand Bornand areas.
Official video of the La Clusaz resort
Other resorts near La Clusaz
Semnoz Resort
Grand Bornand Resort
