La Clusaz is a charming old Savoyard village and is one of the prettiest, most established ski resorts in the Alps. Although largely unknown outside France, La Clusaz never fails to win over visitors with its traditional village feel, genuine sense of community and great selection of bars, shops and restaurants.
La Clusaz is a large, spread-out resort, a one-hour drive from Geneva airport, has managed to retain much of its charm as a working mountain village centred around an old church and a fast-flowing stream. New buidings have been constructed in chalet style and blend into the picturesque Alpine setting.
All parts of the resort are linked by piste and have extensive snowmaking making spring skiing a good bet. Essentially served by five separate but increasingly well linked ski areas, La Clusaz is surrounded by a wealth of terrain to suit all abilities, although real experts may eventually decide that the off-piste rewards are far greater than those outlined on the map. Mountain access to Beauregard and L’Aiguille is by lifts from the resort centre, including a new cable-car. The other three areas (Balme, L’Etale and Croix-Fry/Merdassier) are reached from various points along the valleys via a satisfactory ski-bus network.
Snow park on le massif d’Aiguille was designed by local world freestyle champion Candide Thovex who also hosts an international freestyle competition at the end of the season. It boasts all manner of ramps, rails and gaps, as well as a boardercross course.
Apres-Ski:
It doesn’t take long to find a good meal in La Clusaz, with La Ferme and L’Arbé just two of the exceptional Savoyard speciality restaurants, and unlikely to break the bank. Gastronimic dining options await at the La Terrasse restaurant, and the wonderfully warm and intimate Vieux Chalet.
When it comes to nightlife, La Clusaz has a good balance, peaceful enough to preserve the alpine tranquility of the resort, yet having enough hustle and bustle in the later bars to satisfy all but the most die-hard party animals. Les Caves de Paccaly and Le Bachal are the nicest bars in town, or the resort’s two nightclubs, L’Écluse and Club 18 are worth checking out if you wish to dance the night away!
Other Activities
Cinema Marked winter walks Heated outdoor swimming pool Ice skating rink Floodlit skiing until 1am Parapenting Snowshoeing Monthly full moon party, skiing by the light of the moon
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