The 130km of pistes in La Clusaz is varied but has something for everyone. There are three main lifts accessible from the town centre, leading to the Beauregard Plateau from where you can access Manigod, Merdassier and Col Froix, the Aguille and also make your way over to La Balme. The pistes vary in height from 1,100m – 2,500m.
Our favourite runs
Beginner:
There are several perfect beginner areas – depending on where you are staying. If you are in La Clusaz centre there is a green slope just five minutes walk from the main square, or catch the gondola to the top of the Beauregard plateau and enjoy the long green run there with stunning views towards Mont Blanc and down over La Clusaz. There are also beginner areas at Manigod and the other end of the resort at La Balme – although this is north-facing – great for the snow but cold for learners.
Intermediate:
La Clusaz is fantastic for intermediate skiing with the majority of runs being reds and blues. The pistes have varied terrain, from cruisy tree lined slopes to more challenging reds – all varying in length. For 2008 the Etale sector has been regraded and has two new high speed lifts, one a duo-lift, allowing increased access to the slopes for intermediates, where before this has been mainly the domain of the more advanced skier.
Advanced:
The best place for advanced skiers is undoubtedly La Balme. This north-facing slope is a natural playground of bowls, kickers, off-piste and a mixture of steep reds and challenging blacks. There are is also a great black on Etale not to be missed on a powder day, as well as one of note off the back of Beauregard under the lift – taking you straight down into the village itself.
Off-piste:
Etale is lovely in fresh powder, but all the locals head to La Balme after a fresh snow fall to take advantage of kilometres of off-piste, including a short walk and a drop into the unpisted Combe of Bellachat for very good or backcountry skiers. For those not wanting to risk life and limb but still wanting to enjoy the thrill of fluffy powder there is good snow off to the sides of the pistes, including through some trees, in the Manigod and Merdassier areas.
