La Clusaz offers a winter paradise, captivating skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from all over the world. Part of the vast Massif des Aravis area, this charming resort is located near the Swiss border, providing seamless access to neighboring resorts.
As one of the more scenic French ski resorts, La Clusaz is a must-visit. We've created this guide to make planning your La Clusaz ski holiday easy. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
La Clusaz is located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Aravis valley in southeastern France, near the town of Annecy.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for weekend skiing trips, being just 1.5 hours from Geneva and 1 hour from Annecy | Lack of challenging pistes |
| Ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders | The area can become crowded |
| Outstanding off-piste options in the upper alpine sector | Poor snow quality on the lower pistes |
| Breathtaking peaks and magnificent views | Lift & trail connections can be confusing |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything La Clusaz has to offer.
La Clusaz's an idyllic location for beginners offering dedicated nursery slopes and complimentary lifts. Highly recommended ski schools provide a safe and supportive environment, ensuring a great learning experience for beginners.
The resort is a paradise for intermediate skiers. With a vast ski area, there are plenty of gentle cruising blue and red runs. Access to the Aravis ski area provides endless choices, including breathtaking views at the peak of the Col de Balme lift, one of the highest skiable slopes.
An haven for advanced skiers and snowboarders, the resort offers thrilling experiences with giant moguls, steep black runs, couloirs, and sensational off-piste terrain. Iconic runs such as Vraille and Lapiaz provide exhilarating challenges.
For off-piste enthusiasts, La Clusaz boasts extensive off-piste opportunities especially in areas like Balme and Combe de Bellachat
La Clusaz features a dedicated snowpark that has gained acclaim for its range of jumps, rails, and boxes tailored for both beginners and intermediate riders. Beginner snowboarders will appreciate the varied and scenic terrains, making it a picturesque haven for learning. As they progress, the abundance of blue and red runs provides ample opportunity for honing skills. Advanced snowboarders, on the other hand, have a plethora of challenging terrains at their disposal, notably in the L’etale and La Balme areas, known for their steep pistes and powder bowls. The Col de Balme is especially notable for its fresh powder tracks that transform into a bumpy playground.
The ski season in La Clusaz typically runs from mid December to early May. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our La Clusaz deals for the best offers available.
La Clusaz offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 34 cm (13.3 in) and 33 cm (12.9 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 25 cm (9.8 in) and occurs less frequently, averaging 2.7 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in La Clusaz, with an impressive 44 cm (17.3 in) of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 15 cm (15.9 in) of snow over 2.1 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 34 cm | 2.8 days |
| January | 33 cm | 2.9 days |
| February | 25 cm | 2.7 days |
| March | 27 cm | 2.8 days |
| April | 15 cm | 2.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
La Clusaz brings a refreshing blend of Alpine authenticity and understated culinary flair. From tucked-away chalets serving gooey raclette by the fireplace to sleek spots blending mountain flavours with modern French twists, the village manages to please both purists and foodies. Highlights include:
Après-ski in La Clusaz leans more towards rustic wine bars and sun-drenched terraces than raucous table dancing, but that’s not to say you won’t find energy. Highlights include:
Download La Clusaz resort map here
