  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Skiing
Ski or snowboard on or off-piste in an uncrowded, well-established ski resort with over 220km of marked runs suitable for all levels of skiers. It offers challenges to good skiers and the chance to learn with 2 excellent ski schools. There are also extensive cross country trails and snowy walking paths.
Nearly all of the Grand Bornand skiing is accessed from Chinaillon. From Chalet Rosa it is 3 minutes by car or 8 minutes by foot, the ski bus also stops at the end of our private road. Car parking is directly adjacent to the slopes.
Beginners will enjoy the gentle green runs and unlike many resorts some of the green runs are actually up the mountain so that beginners get a feel of the mountain atmosphere very early. Once confident beginners can move onto the blue runs and gain access to all areas of the resort.
After a couple of days, a party of skiers containing both experts and beginners can meet for lunch on the mountain without anyone having to sacrifice any fun.
For more advanced skiers there are a good range of red runs a few of which are never machined for those who seek bumps and/or deep snow without having to leave the safety of a marked run.
The three black runs are properly steep and pose a technical challenge for those looking to tackle them. The La Chat runs are some of the steepest in Europe and together with the wide variety of off-piste skiing the resort will keep even the most accomplished skier fully tested.
There is night-time skiing on Tuesdays under floodlights on an easy slope.
Skiers looking to clock up the maximum of kilometres in the area can also ski in La Clusaz by buying day passes or the Aravis pass which allows skiing in both the resorts.
For snowboarders there are 2 boarder cross courses and there is an extensive snow park.
Due to the close proximity to Mont Blanc Chinaillon benefits from its own microclimate providing high levels of snow fall throughout the season. There is also plenty of snow making facilities ensuring good piste conditions back to Chinaillon.
Ski School
There are 2 ski schools Ecole du ski francais www.esf-grand-bo.com and École de Ski et snowboard Internationale Starski www.esi-starski.com.
We have used Starski for the last 3 years, they have several good English-speaking instructors.
They provide lessons for all types of alpine skiing and snowboarding. We recommend their private lessons, as you or your children will learn much faster. Private lessons can be arranged to start at 11am for 2 hours, and if you are running late they will wait for you
In 2003, private lessons cost around €30/hour for 1 or 2 people.
In the peak holiday weeks group lessons are organised for both children and those wanting to learn a specific technique. These are always small groups of no more than six. Group lessons tend to start at 9am.
Most lessons begin and end at an easily accessible restaurant which makes meeting up with friends easy to arrange.
In the peak holiday times, Christmas, New Year and February the instructors get booked up very early. If you want lessons at these times we recommend you book as early as possible.
There is also the ESF which has some good English speaking instructors as well as organising ski school lessons all season.
Cross country skiing
Le Grand Bornand is part of the Aravis ski area which links the three resorts of Le Grand Bornand, St Jean de Sixt and La Clusaz.
There are five different areas of cross country skiing available.
There are a good selection of trails in both Le Grand Bornand and Chinaillon.
The trails in Grand Bornand stretch out along the sheltered valley floor and also link with the neighbouring area of Les Confins, in La Clusaz, via a steep black run.
The Chinaillon skiing has shorter, but steeper trails on the sunny side of the mountain.
There are also buses that link to both St Jean de Sixt and La Clusaz cross country ski areas.
Ski Passes
Ski passes can be bought by the day, the week or the season and for either the Grand Bornand area or the Aravis area.
They can be bought in the Tourist Offices or at the start of the pistes. To give you an idea of prices, in 2003 8 consecutive days cost €25 or €6 per day.
Equipment
Skis, boots and sticks can all be rented in the resort. There is a choice of either classic or skating styles. Approximate cost per week from €38.
Childcare
There is a Crèche in Chinaillon which takes babies from 8 months to 5 years. You will be required to show proof of vaccination, I take my NHS red book.
Other Winter Activities
There are many activities for those who love the mountains but have no intention of skiing.
There are many kilometres of snowy walking paths well away from the ski areas which can be tackled with walking boots.
You could also try raquettes/snow-shoes (rental around €6/day) and there are guides that can take you to remote places with unspoilt views.
There is a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool in La Clusaz and there are gyms and beauty parlours to while away the hours.
There is a market in Le Grand Bornand every Wednesday morning.
Just down the valley is the town of Thônes with its covered walkways and Saturday market.
The city of Annecy is just 40 minutes away by car and has some of the best preserved medieval architecture in Europe as well as smart shops and restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
