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La Clusaz Resort Reviews


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Visitor reviews for La Clusaz Ski Resort

La Clusaz Ratings

Overall: 4.2. Based on 27 votes and 23 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 3.8

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) La Clusaz is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 4.5

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) La Clusaz has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 4.3

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.5

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 4.7

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of La Clusaz.

Public Transport: 3.7

(1) There are no buses or taxis to La Clusaz, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.5

(1) No places to stay in/near La Clusaz, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 3.9

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 4.0

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in La Clusaz.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.4

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 4.0

(1) There are no child care facilities at La Clusaz, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 4.1

(1) La Clusaz relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.5

(1) There are no snow groomers at La Clusaz, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at La Clusaz are groomed daily.

Shelter: 4.1

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) La Clusaz is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 3.8

(1) If snow conditions are poor at La Clusaz, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.1

(1) La Clusaz usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 4.4

(1) The staff at La Clusaz are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at La Clusaz are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 4.0

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.5

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.8

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 3.9

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.5

(1) No intermediate terrain at La Clusaz, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.1

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 4.0

(1) Not even a kicker at La Clusaz, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 4.3

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around La Clusaz, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 2.8

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) La Clusaz has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 4.3

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.6

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 4.3

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 4.1

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 4.0

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 4.3

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 4.2

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 4.2

(1) Overall, La Clusaz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 4.2

(1) Overall, La Clusaz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

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January 03, 2023
Vladimir Boschi from Ski Croatia Croatia
The most bad prepared pistes I have ever seen. We traveled 1200 km for nothing. Cheaters, one you report about pistes on internet, completely different in realty.
February 20, 2018
Derion from Ski Greece Greece
Actually under the name "La Clusaz" there are five interconnected ski centers with the same ticket: Balme, Aiguille, Etale, Beauregard and Manigod. Last year I visited Beauregard and Manigod. This year I skied Aiguille and Balme. So I am still missing Etale. I stayed in Annecy. It is about 30km far away from La Clusaz and an hour bus drive. I took the offer from Annecy bus station. At 40€ per person a lift ticket and bus transfer are included. Really good price! The bus leaves from Annecy at 09:30 and returns at 17:00. I skied on Friday, 16th February 2018. What a fantastic ski day. I was really worried about rain that had fallen the last day. However, the rain caused no problem. Temperature was at about 6C in the base and around freezing level at the top of the mountains (approximately 2.500m). I rented good ski equipment at 27€/day. I started skiing in Auguille. The only piste in not so good condition was Merle, because there were too many people skiing on it. However, and despite the fact it was French winter school holidays and the ski center was really busy, there were almost no queues at the lifts. Snow coverage was really good: 40 cm at the base and more than 3 meters on the top. Not a single stone in the whole ski center. The weather was very changeable. In the lower slopes, there was little rain. In some slopes there was sun. On the top of the mountains (Aiguille and Balme as well) there was dense fog. On the top of Balme (piste Blanchot) it was snowing heavily. What a weather mixture in one single day and a single ski center! In my opinion, the best mountain is Balme. You do not need to take the gondola from Aiguille. I skied down the red piste La Fernuy. It was written that the piste was not prepared and the snow was heavy. Well, this was not true. Fernuy was pretty nice and the view from there was fantastic. Furthermore, Balme was much quiter than Aiguille and a lot more enjoyable, as the mountain was virtually empty from skiers. The red Blanchot, Torchere and Lachat were really good. Up on the top, in the beginning and the middle of Blanchot, it was snowing heavily. Down further, the weather cleared. I skied the red Lachat, which is a big red piste, totally alone! La Clusaz consists mostly of blue and red pistes. It is the paradise of the interemediate skier. You need at least three full days to visit all the five interconnected ski centers. Overall, it was one the best skiing experiences ever from all the aspects. La Clusaz is totally recommended!
March 10, 2014
Simon from Loughborough from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I visited La Clusaz for the 1st time last week with 10 mates. The group was varied with people on their 1st ski trip to off-piste experts. All of us had a tremendous time both on the slopes and around the town. There was lots of snow, the people are friendly, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants. Plus, compared to other resorts in the Alps, the overall cost is relatively inexpensive. There are 130 kms of runs and a large variety of slope for all abilities. It's also really pretty, both in the mountains and around the town. Definitely worth a visit!
January 27, 2014
Andrew from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Having skied at Le Grand Bornand a few times, we decided to try its sister resort out this last Christmas. Despite a very early start to snowfall, as far back as October, three weeks of sun and mild temperatures had taken snow levels down and made a lot of pistes very scratchy and stony. Even so, there was good snow at the top of La Balme and the Bergerie. There was a big dump on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, which made things a whole lot better. Cret du Loup and the Aiguille massif were beautiful. Restaurant recommendations: Les Praz, piste-side, was lovely but not cheap. It's not often I'll have a €23 burger, but I have to say it was worth it. La Ferme, on the road to the Col des Aravis, is also on-piste and does fantastic fondue, homemade digestif and brilliant atmosphere and service. The village is also really nice and there's plenty going on, if not heaving with clubs and noise.
February 26, 2013
Darcy from Ski France France
I have been skiing in La Clusaz since 1990. My children started skiing there as well at the age of 9 yrs and 7 yrs. I fell in love with La Clusaz from that date and have been skiing there religiously 3-4 times a year travelling from the UK (by car or plane). I have always found La Clusaz friendly and the most beautiful Alpine resort with character (no concrete blocks). Restaurants are plentiful (on the slopes and in the resort centre. I have been promoting La Clusaz to my friends and family and my children's friends. Plenty of varied skiing (for the novice, children, adults, and for any serious skiers). Slopes (pistes) are very well maintained daily. Just look at the slopes during school holidays and you hear lots of English. I will not hesitate to recommend La Clusaz to anyone. Just come once, you fall in love with it instantly.
November 14, 2012
Sas from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I have spent a season and several holidays in La Clusaz and love it. It is a genuine year round village which is unusual in France. The people are friendly and the restaurants are great. I have skied all over the world and am confused at comments suggesting that lunch options are limited? This is France! Restaurants are high quality and abundant. Prices aren't cheap compared to overseas resorts but compared to larger French resorts it's much better value. For true advanced skiers there is plenty of challenge with excellent off-piste and snow conditions over on La Balme. Short transfer from Geneva makes weekend and late season skiing (dependant on conditions) an option. If La Clusaz was a little higher it would be the perfect resort (albeit too crowded!).
October 30, 2012
Caroline Watkinson from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Have visited La Clusaz for the past six years and find something new each time. Love the skiing, love the village, love the ease of access {drive there in a day}. Lovely accommodation available if you bother to look, good mountain restaurants, good free bus service to access the many ski areas. My only complaint would be the traffic congestion and lack of parking caused by the increase in visitors. Reports of nowhere for lunch, lack of nursery slopes and surly staff are unfounded.
July 19, 2012
mike from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Until recently, skiing in La Clusaz was a peaceful experience. The resort was frequented by French families with a smattering of British and other Europeans in the know about this relatively low key resort. There was always a fairly large contingent of baggy trouser-ed free skiers and a smaller number of freestyle snowboarders, but I always found they stuck to the areas they preferred and were respectful of family groups and more traditional skiers. Unfortunately, the last few years have seen a rise in numbers of less attractive types with whom to share the slopes. Boorish, conspicuous consumers from both the East and West of France are now represented in number and I've observed behavior on the slopes and in the village deteriorating. La Clusaz is becoming just another crowded and tacky ski resort. It's former charm made up for it's limited skiing and patchy snow record. With this gone, the resort has little to offer.
July 02, 2012
Melissa from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I have not been, but I am hoping to go soon. Friends have told me the staff are rude, hard to get there and no where to buy a lunch.
March 16, 2011
Chris K from Ski Netherlands Netherlands
Went to La Clusaz past four days (12-15 March) for the first time. Enjoyed the good range of slopes and the village. Snow was not too good: icy in the morning and wet in the afternoon. Best area was La Balme: best snow, good runs for intermediate and good skiers. Worst was Lacha-run there with icy bumps and no grooming. The other ones in the la Balme area were great though, including some fresh snow tracks off the piste. Never found a place where waiting for the lifts was such a rare phenomenon. Absolutely good point, let's you ski all day! Stayed in hotel Beaulieu; easy to book on internet and decent service, including the use of the swimming pool of hotel Carlina, just 30 meters from Beaulieu. Decided to return next year, hopefully with better snow (especially due to high temperatures).

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