La Clusaz - Manigod Ski Resort

Adventurous slopes, beautiful panoramas and magnificent high valleys can be found all in one place in La Clusaz-Manigod.

Located about 30 kilometers (miles) from Annecy, the ski resort offers five mountain ranges and 125 kilometers (78 miles) of groomed runs to skiers of all ages and skill levels. The mountain ranges of Balme, Aiguille, Etale, Manigod and Beauregard all bring their own distinctive features together and form one of the top ski resorts in the French Alps. 85 slopes with an altitude of up to 2,600 meters (8530 feet) make for a wonderful winter sport experience for families and experts alike. 

The heart of Haute-Savoie offers around 65 kilometers (40 miles) of beginner-level runs. The broad slopes can be found in all five of the mountain massifs, making it possible for beginners to explore all regions of the resort. 

More experienced skiers can enjoy 35 kilometers (22 miles) of intermediate runs, especially around Massif de Balme and Massif de l'Aiguille. The regions offer great runs as well as spectacular views from their highest points, with Mont Blanc being only one of the landmarks visible from here. The most skilled skiers will find their challenge on 32 kilometers (20 miles) of expert-level terrain. La Noire (Beauregard), La Tetras (Etale), Vraille (Balme) and several other steep and difficult runs will challenge even experienced veterans of downhill skiing. 

Children are especially welcome in the ski resort labeled "Famille Plus", making it perfect for family vacations. A total of four kids' ski parks as well as many kids' clubs guarantee fun both on and off the slopes. Both offer a large variety of games and activities to give the young ones a wonderful time. 

Freestylers will love the snow park located in the Massif de l'Aiguille. Accessible through four lifts - Merle, Stade, Loup and Louveteau - it offers three different lines, one for every level of expertise. While the beginners' line comes with some simple kicks and boxes, the advanced line is equipped with big airs and rainbow rails. The expert line, including more difficult big airs, downhill boxes, rails and diam tubes, will test highly skilled freestylers to their limits. Two boardercross runs are also avilable to those looking for variety, while freestylers can relax in the sunny Chill Park Zone. 

Large ungroomed terrains can be found around La Clusaz-Manigod. Backcountry-skiers can explore them by themselves or on guided tours.

Free shuttle busses are available, connecting La Clusaz-Manigod with the ski resorts of Saint-Jean de Sixt and Le Grand-Bornand. With the Aravis ski pass, fans of winter sports can enjoy a total of 210 kilometers (130 miles) of runs and 81 ski lifts.

Both the areas around the slopes and the valley count with a large number of restaurants and huts. "Le Bercail" on the slope of Cret du Merle for example offers regional specialties to its guests. At the "Télémark Café" in the Massif de l'Etale, visitors can indulge in French cuisine as well as in homemade desserts. The self-service restaurant "Altitude 1647" in Beauregard delights customers with dishes from the Savoy region. Down in the valley, winter sports enthusiasts can take a break at "La Calèche" or "Le Grenier" with its charming fireplace.

Feel like taking a break from the slopes? La Clusaz-Manigod offers countless other winter sports activities, such as cross-country runs or trails for winter and snowshoe hiking. Discover fun new activities like snowscooting, veloskiing, snowskating, yooners or ski joering. Go tobogganing and enjoy ice skating or enjoy the view from above while paragliding or during a ride in a hot air balloon. Animal lovers will want to go horseback riding or take a trip on a horse or dog sleigh. To recover from all the action, check out the resort's swimming pool and spa, or risk it all at the Casino Impérial. 

Over 60 bars can be found in La Clusaz-Manigod, making for a great après-ski experience. On the way back to the valley, the "Relais de l'Aiguille" is already a first possible stop. Having reached the valley, the "Pressoir Bar", offering close to 100 kinds of beer, and "La Braise" with its wide range of wines, as well as the "Salto" are top locations. Famous for its glass floor above a mountain stream, discotheque "L'Ecluse" is the perfect destination for all party lovers. Throughout the season there are concerts taking place on the main square. The ski resort also counts with many restaurants, for those looking for a more quiet atmosphere. 

By car: 
From Annecy, take the D16 going East when leaving the city. Once you reach the roundabout, take the exit towards the D909 going to Thônes (second exit). Follow the route until La Clusaz via Les Villards-sur-Thônes and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt.

By public transport: 
The closest airport is located in Geneva, about a 70 kilometer (43 mile) drive from La Clusaz. You can take the train until Annecy, but will have to take a taxi for the remaining 30 kilometers.