European Ski Resorts A-Z
Flaine, France
Resort height: |
1600m |
|
Slopes: |
700-2480m |
|
Pistes: |
265km |
|
Flaine has a microclimate and is blessed with exceptional natural snowfall. The summit of the 2450m Grandes Platières averages 15m of snow a year and is probably the snowiest skiable mountain in France. The main Flaine bowl also faces north or north-east, and holds its snow well.
But whilst you can normally count on good snow locally, outlying areas such as Morillon and Les Carroz are lower and more exposed. Conditions in the Grand Massif as a whole are therefore much more variable.
Outside the main Flaine bowl, the best snow conditions are normally found on the high north-facing slopes above Samöens 1600.
Where to ski in bad weather:
If you can get there, and the snow is ok, the slopes above Morillon and especially Les Carroz have plenty of trees and are the best places to head in a storm.
Flaine itself has a few trees close to resort level, but otherwise offers little protection and is bleak in poor visibility.
Where to head in poor snow conditions:
The main Flaine bowl has by far the best snow record in the Grand Massif and is one of the most snow-sure areas in the Haute Savoie. You can also repeatedly ski the top half of the bowl without having to return to resort level.
Read our blog on why Flaine has such a good snow record
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