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Welcome to Flaine, Grand Massif
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This is an independent skiing website devoted
to the French Alps resort
of Flaine. Located high in the Haute Savoie alpine region of France, Flaine is the
core resort of the Grand Massif Domain.
Resort Overview
Flaine opened in 1968 and was the brainchild of Eric Boissonnas
and Marcel Breuer. The latter was a leading exponent of the Bauhaus
school of design and the resort reflects heavily on this modern art theme.
The resort is divided into two centres connected by free lifts. Flaine Forum is the busier and lower at 1600m whilst the higher Flaine Foret is located at 1700m. During the 1980s a Scandanavian style village, Hameau de Flaine, consisting of 70 traditional chalets was added 2km from the centre at 1800m.
Today, the 1960s/70s concept of mass market value
ski resorts in France has somewhat faded in favour of a more traditional
approach and so Flaine has a somewhat love/hate following. Some see
the concrete blocks as monstrosities, some as art. If the resort splits opinion, most would agree that
from a distance, the grey concrete walls and dark wood balconies
blend into the narrow tree lined valley setting.
Further resort expansion is planned with an exciting new village at Flaine Montsoleil. The first residence is due to open in time for the start of the 2008 season.
The ski domain links Flaine to the villages of Sixt, Samoens, Morillon and Les Carroz to create a vast region totaling 265km
of pistes. Flaine is a huge snowsure bowl encompassing 140Km of slopes which
break down as follows: 7 green, 19 blue, 22 red and 4 black. For a more detailed view see the
large scale Grand Massif piste map.
Flaine is somewhat unusual in that one of the green slopes runs from the resort top
station which enables beginners to see the amazing views of Mont
Blanc and the bowl before riding back down in the Cable Car.
Ski Area Improvements
The Neige investment plan is currently underway to upgrade the Flaine ski area. This project will be carried out in a series of major phases scheduled to be completed by Christmas 2009 and will see substantial improvements to uplift and slopes.
What's New for 2007 / 2008
The Flaine ski hire page includes a shop location map and should help ease the process of kitting up prior to the trip.
Also, there's the latest winter season 2007 / 2008 information on the domain with webcam links for both Flaine and the Grand Massif.
Additional Opinions
It's very useful to have reviews from other resort visitors for the winter 2007 / 2008 season.
Opinions and experiences can be sent in via the feedback page.
Also, a visitors image gallery is planned. If you'd like to
see your Flaine or Grand Massif holiday photos on this site then simply
send them in by using the email link at the bottom of the page.
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