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Indoor pool with views of the snow at Au Coeur du Village in La Clusaz

Ski resorts

La Clusaz: skiing in a real mountain village in the Aravis

A living village with a church spire and reblochon cheese, five ski areas and Annecy close by. This is La Clusaz, and the hotels with ski-in/ski-out access.

 

La Clusaz is a village before it is a ski resort. The church spire stands in the centre, farmers still make reblochon cheese in the surrounding valleys, and in the morning the bakeries fill the air with the smell of fresh bread. In winter the streets fill with skiers, but the village keeps its genuine, warm soul.

La Clusaz lies in the Aravis mountains of Haute-Savoie, not far from Annecy and Geneva. That makes it popular both for a long ski holiday and a short mountain break.

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A real mountain village

La Clusaz grew up around an old farming village, and you can feel it in the architecture and atmosphere. Timber and stone houses line the streets, and many families have lived here for generations. The village is lively, but never hectic.

Five ski areas in the Aravis

La Clusaz has five ski areas spread around the village, with runs for every level. You will find everything from wide family pistes to steep descents and freeride terrain. Many runs wind through forest, and the views of the Aravis peaks are beautiful.

Because the ski areas lie on different sides of the valley, it is easy to find sun or shelter depending on the weather.

Reblochon and mountain food

The Aravis is the home of reblochon, one of France’s best-known cheeses. It is the key ingredient in tartiflette, the dish many associate with a cold evening in the Alps. In La Clusaz it tastes even better, ideally with a glass of white wine from Savoie.

A day in La Clusaz

The morning starts with croissants from the bakery and a walk to the lift. The morning can be spent in the Beauregard or L’Aiguille ski areas, with lunch on a sunny terrace overlooking the village.

In the afternoon it is time for one last run, before you wander through the village and perhaps buy cheese and sausages in one of the local shops.

When is the best time to visit La Clusaz?

The season usually runs from December to April. January and February often bring good conditions, while March offers more sunshine. Half term is busy, so book early.

Skiing with children in La Clusaz

La Clusaz has ski schools and family-friendly runs, and the village is easy to get around and safe. There are also activities off the slopes, such as sledging and skating.

Food and evenings in La Clusaz

Evenings in La Clusaz are cosy and friendly. Restaurants serve tartiflette, fondue and raclette, and several hotels have their own restaurants and spas. After dinner you can enjoy a drink in one of the bars in the centre, where the mood is relaxed and local.

Getting to La Clusaz

The nearest major airport is Geneva, a relatively short drive away. Annecy is even closer, and buses run between Annecy and La Clusaz during the season.

Where to stay in La Clusaz

Stay in the heart of the village or ski-in/ski-out. Here are three hotels we would happily choose.

Au Coeur du Village: luxury in the centre

A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a free ski bus.

Book your stay: See rooms at Au Coeur du Village

Les Chalets de la Serraz: chalet charm

A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a free ski bus.

Book your stay: See rooms at Les Chalets de la Serraz

Hotel Beauregard: by the slopes

A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and ski storage.

Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Beauregard

Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Morzine.

Frequently asked questions about skiing in La Clusaz

Where should I stay in La Clusaz?

Au Coeur du Village offers ski-in/ski-out access in the heart of the village, Les Chalets de la Serraz has chalet charm, and Hotel Beauregard sits right by the slopes.

What is reblochon?

Reblochon is a cheese from the Aravis area and the key ingredient in tartiflette, a classic dish of the French Alps.

How many ski areas does La Clusaz have?

La Clusaz has five ski areas spread around the village, with runs for every level.

How do you get to La Clusaz?

Fly to Geneva and drive or take a transfer to La Clusaz. Buses also run from Annecy during the season.