Le Grand-Bornand

The village of Le Grand-Bornand in the Aravis massif, together with nearby Le Chinaillon, forms a well-organised ski resort with 90 km of pistes. Add the ski areas of the other Aravis resorts (La Clusaz, St. Jean de Sixt and Manigod) and you get a total of 220 km of pistes covered by a single ski pass (the Aravis Pass). The skiing here is among the most beautiful in the whole Aravis range. Easy and moderately difficult pistes predominate. The wide, treeless slopes above Le Grand-Bornand are perfect for learning and polishing your technique. The more difficult pistes are around Le Chinaillon. Those looking for sporting challenges will not find much here (a few difficult runs and good freeride terrain). However, there is always the alternative of the more demanding pistes in the ski area of nearby La Clusaz. Snowboarders, on the other hand, will feel very much at home. Besides off-piste terrain, Le Grand-Bornand also offers boarders a snow park. The cross-country trails total almost 60 km, a large share of them quite demanding. Le Grand-Bornand is only 6 km from the largest resort in the region, La Clusaz. With their traditional buildings, both villages are full of unpretentious charm, but Le Grand-Bornand is much smaller and quieter than lively La Clusaz. The range of sports away from skiing is tailored to the guests who come here, mostly families with children but also seniors. An extensive network of walking paths, snowshoe walks, skating rinks and toboggan runs, a fitness centre, an indoor pool and curling are some of the options. Those who want loud nights out would do better to choose nearby La Clusaz. Life in Le Grand-Bornand is rather quiet, which visitors appreciate. The weekly market selling local produce is popular. Another attraction is the international sled dog race "La Gran Pia", held every year.