
France
An authentic Savoyard village offering exceptional family skiing and world-class snowparks.
2 properties available
About the Resort
Le Grand Bornand is a beautifully preserved, working Savoyard farming village set in the heart of the Aravis mountain range. Unlike purpose-built resorts, it maintains an authentic, year-round community feel and is famously known as the birthplace of Reblochon cheese. The resort is divided into two distinct bases: the traditional Le Grand Bornand Village at 1,000m, and the higher-altitude, ski-in/ski-out hub of Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon at 1,300m.
The Resort
The ski area is primarily laid out over rolling summer pastures, which means excellent skiing is possible even with a modest snowpack. It is a genuine haven for families and intermediate skiers, boasting wide, sun-drenched cruising runs and excellent beginner facilities bearing the French 'Famille Plus' label.
While largely gentle, the resort punches above its weight for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, home to the 'Le Grand Bo' snowpark—consistently ranked among the best in France. For those looking to explore further, the regional Aravis ski pass seamlessly links the resort with neighboring La Clusaz, offering 220km of combined alpine terrain.
On the Mountain
The terrain heavily favors beginners and intermediates with an abundance of wide, rolling blue and red pistes scattered across the Joyère, Rosay, and Maroly sectors. Despite its gentle reputation, experts can find thrills in the dedicated freeride area on Mont Lachat or the acclaimed Le Grand Bo snowpark.
Aravis Massif
Located near Lake Annecy, the Aravis combines dramatic jagged peaks with gentle pasturelands and deeply rooted Savoyard farming traditions.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Families
Famille Plus certified with excellent beginner zones and a welcoming, relaxed village vibe.
Beginners
Dedicated learning areas and long, confidence-building green and blue pistes.
Intermediates
A vast network of linked blue and red cruising runs across the Maroly and Lachat valleys.
Freestylers
Home to the massive Le Grand Bo snowpark, featuring a halfpipe, varied kickers, and a boardercross.
Full Collection
Where to Eat
Le Chalet Venay
Chinaillon (Slopeside)
A historic 19th-century farm serving hearty homemade local dishes with an unbeatable rustic atmosphere.
La Taverne
Le Grand Bornand Village
A cozy, traditional restaurant in the village center known for excellent alpine cheese specialties.
Les Terres Rouges
Top of the slopes (Maroly)
A great mountain restaurant featuring a vast panoramic terrace, perfect for a sunny alpine lunch.
La Bournerie
Chinaillon
Set in a traditional old farmhouse offering fantastic locally sourced meats and potato gratins.
Common Questions
The ski season in Le Grand Bornand typically runs Mid-December to mid-April. The resort averages 4m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. February school holidays are extremely busy; the Aravis joint pass is highly recommended for stays of 3 days or more.
Le Grand Bornand offers 90km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,100m. The terrain heavily favors beginners and intermediates with an abundance of wide, rolling blue and red pistes scattered across the Joyère, Rosay, and Maroly sectors. Despite its gentle reputation, experts can find thrills in the dedicated freeride area on Mont Lachat or the acclaimed Le Grand Bo snowpark. It forms part of the Aravis Massif ski area.
An authentic Savoyard village offering exceptional family skiing and world-class snowparks. Le Grand Bornand is a traditional alpine village, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, beginners, intermediates, snowpark, quiet village.
Le Grand Bornand receives an average of 4m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,100m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Consistent base due to underlying pasturelands requiring less snow to open.
Le Grand Bornand is well-suited for several types of visitors. For families: Famille Plus certified with excellent beginner zones and a welcoming, relaxed village vibe. For beginners: Dedicated learning areas and long, confidence-building green and blue pistes. For intermediates: A vast network of linked blue and red cruising runs across the Maroly and Lachat valleys.
The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), about 65km away (approximately 1h 10min by transfer). Regular bus services (Altibus) and private taxi transfers are available directly from Geneva Airport. Le Grand Bornand is also reachable by train via Annecy Gare SNCF. Easily accessible by TGV to Annecy, followed by a 45-minute journey on the Lihsa local bus line 62 or 63.
Lift passes in Le Grand Bornand are available as Adult Day Pass (Grand Bornand) (EUR 46), Adult 6-Day Pass (Aravis) (EUR 255). Passes often cover the wider Aravis Massif area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book accommodation well in advance for the French school holiday periods.
Standout dining in Le Grand Bornand includes Le Chalet Venay (A historic 19th-century farm serving hearty homemade local dishes with an unbeatable rustic atmosphere.), La Taverne (A cozy, traditional restaurant in the village center known for excellent alpine cheese specialties.), Les Terres Rouges (A great mountain restaurant featuring a vast panoramic terrace, perfect for a sunny alpine lunch.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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