Flaine
Flaine is not only one of the most convenient resorts to get to from Geneva, but it is also part of the Grand Massif, one of the largest ski areas in France.
Best for
Comfortable centre & cruisy pistes
Fun fact
There is a Picasso totem pole in resort (and more art!)
Nearest airport
Geneva (70km)
Centre comfort
Resort charm
Snow sure rating
The piste network of the Grand Massif is impressive and extensive with a wide variety of terrain to suit all abilities. With a total of 267km of slopes serviced by 62 lifts, there is plenty to explore. Even on its own, the Flaine ski area is impressive with 146km of piste and a good spread across the grades.
Flaine has a great reputation for snow cover, much of the skiing is over 2000m, the slopes generally have a north-west aspect and Flaine has a higher than average snowfall all of which help keep the pistes in great condition. The Flaine ‘bowl’ (yes it really is shaped like a bowl!) tends to keep hold of its cover throughout the season and often offers fantastic skiing even in lean snow years.
There is a great selection of pistes including a dedicated beginner area and a huge number of blue and red runs for intermediates. For expert skiers the bowl off the back of the Tete Pelouse could easily keep you entertained for the whole week but there is so much more to explore.
There is some amazing off piste in the Grand Massif ski area that is simply unknown and therefore untracked. Most of the off piste is easily accessible by lift with everything from steep descents to perfect tree skiing in the lower sections. If it’s snowparks you're after, there are three different snowparks in the Grand Massif with kickers, rails and boardercross routes.
Flaine may be known as the 'concrete resort', but the views from the slopes are more than traditional. However you might feel about the architecture, the town has a lot going for it. It is convenient in so many ways, from getting to resort, to easy accessibility with pedestrian lifts to get around. For other stuff to do, there is a swimming pool and spa, a bowling alley, cinema and plenty of artwork to spot around the quasi brutalist alpine town.
The neighbouring villages of the Grand Massif are also easy to get to and offer much more traditional and picturesque mountain villages. The nightlife in Flaine is quieter than in other resorts, it’s much more of a quiet glass of wine or beer in the evening rather than a full night of partying.
The UCPA centre in Flaine is one of the nicest, receiving the full UCPA comfort rating. The centre was formerly a large upmarket hotel chain and the building is modern and comfortable. The centre is very well located in the heart of the town centre and a stone's throw from the slopes.
Rooms
- 4 person rooms
- Twin rooms available
- All rooms en-suite
Facilities
- Well priced bar with a huge fireplace and seating all around
- Buffet style restaurant
- Sun terrace
- Ski equipment and storage all on site
- Lift passes provided at the centre
- WiFi in the bar area. Please note the WiFi is not good enough for working on data intensive activities
All UCPA meals are buffet style and with multiple servings the norm; you won't go hungry.
Breakfast is normally yogurts, cereals, fruit juice, coffee and bread - don't be surprised to see that the coffee and tea is taken in a bowl!
It is possible to return to the centre for lunch everyday where you will find 1 or 2 hot options available. As with all meals there will be a salad bar, plenty of bread, cheese, meat and of course desert. If you prefer you can make a packed lunch at breakfast time and eat on the mountain. Either way you will save a fortune avoiding the piste side restaurants.
Dinner is a 3/4 course buffet - typically a salad bar style starter, a choice of 3 hot main courses, a cheese and cold meat platter and ice cream/dessert.
Due to the cost focussed nature of UCPA and the wide range of dietary requirements, it is impossible to accommodate everyone as standard. If you have any severe dietary requirements please contact the centre two weeks before to let them know. Generally speaking vegetarians will find plenty of options, with vegan options being a little more scarce but improving year on year.
By Air
Geneva airport is the nearest airport and the only airport with regular transfers to Flaine. You would need to arrange onward transport from Geneva Airport to Flaine.
Airport Transfers
We provide Geneva airport transfers through our local transfer partner, Ben's Bus. Transfers run on Saturdays.
There are usually 2 buses from Geneva to Flaine each Saturday (usually one departing in the morning and one departing around 18:00) On the return journey, from Flaine to Geneva, there are usually 3 buses (2 early morning buses and one in the early afternoon for flights departing Geneva at 19:00 or later)
| Dates 2024 -2025 | Latest flight arrival | Earliest flight departure |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 TBC | Likely ~17:00 | Likely ~09:45 |
Timetable for 2024/2025 is TBC
Please log into your dashboard to add your flight details as soon as as your booking is confirmed and your flights are booked as transfer buses get booked up very quickly.
For flights outside of the Saturday schedule, it may be possible to get a train to Cluses and then a bus up to Flaine or you could have a look at Go Massif for transfer options.
Family Week Information
Under 4s cannot travel with Ben's Bus. Those aged between 4 - 11 may travel using a booster seat only, which you will need to bring yourself. If your child requires an 'infant seat' (cradle-like seat) then you will not be able to travel with Ben's Bus.
By Coach
Our partner company Snowexpress offers affordable and environmentally friendly travel to the alps. All hold bags and ski bags are included in the price. Usually there is just one or two weeks (during February or Easter) when the Snowexpress coach will have a Flaine stop. This is still to be confirmed for the 2023/2024 season. For all other weeks, the coach will not be operating to Flaine. The coaches travel through the night from London Victoria to resort, arriving typically after lunchtime directly at the centre.
By Train
The nearest train station to Flaine is Cluses (30km) although Geneva and Anemasse (70km) are also very close by and are slightly easier to get to.
By Car
You can drive to Flaine, however the road up to the resort from the motorway is quite 'alpine', snow tires and chains are almost certainly required in the winter. If you do not have these, an option is to park down the valley and take the bus up.
Parking - There is no direct parking at the UCPA centre. Flaine resort is a 'car free' resort with transport via ski buses. You can drive into the resort to load/unload for up to 90 minutes free of charge during the day and any time between 7.00pm - 3.30am.
Car Park - Col de Pierre Carrée is a large outdoor free car park located further down the valley with free shuttle buses to and from the resort. This is most advisable.
For more information please visit Flaine Tourism website.
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