Between lofty Mont Blanc and sparkling Lake Annecy, in the heart of France's Aravis region, Le Grand-Bornand ski holidays combine authentic Savoyard charm with fantastic intermediate slopes.
A ski holiday in Le Grand-Bornand looks a lot like dropping the kids off for lessons on Plateau du Rosay’s wide, gentle bunny slopes while you get stuck into cruising down the resort’s oodles of smile-inducing reds and blues.
Teenagers will love practising tricks on the Big Air Bag at the SnowparkGB, while seasoned skiers can dive into a top-notch ski touring scene. Book a guide to explore off the beaten track - the backcountry mountain vistas are phenomenal!
Local cheese tasting – Sample Le Grand Bornand’s famous Reblochon, tartiflette, and oh-so-cheesy fondue.
Sledge racing – Indulge your competitive streak with some good old-fashioned sledge racing. Allez, allez, allez!
Horse-drawn sleigh ride – Glide through whimsical snowy meadows on a magical family ride.
Fat bike excursion – Book an adrenaline-fuelled adventure on snow with a fat bike ride.
Weekly farmers market – Pick up some fresh Reblochon and other regional alpine goodies to take home with you!
Restaurants in Le Grand-Bornand
Confins des Sens – A must for foodies, this Michelin Guide-approved restaurant offers refined, high-end French cuisine, including their signature muscat-flavoured foie gras.
La Bournerie – Set in a 200-year-old alpine farmhouse on the slopes, this is the destination for all things fromage; think wheels of raclette and homemade Reblochon Tartiflette. Mmm..
Le Chalet Venay – Situated at the foot of the Lachat chairlift in Chinaillon, this is the go-to lunch spot for bluebird days when you never want to leave the slopes.
L'Ancoly – Hidden from the crowds, this secret spot serves irresistible gourmet burgers and daily specials (plat du jour).
Nightlife & Apres in Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand offers plenty to enjoy right beside the slopes...
The Green Monkey – At the heart of Le Grand Bornand’s après scene, this wooden-clad bar is lively, welcoming, and international, with happy hours and live music nights.
Papi Jo – At the foot of the slopes, this is the ideal spot to move from skiing to après without even taking off your boots.
La Datcha – Creative cocktails and tapas sharing platters go hand in hand at this chic bar.
S Pub – Relaxed yet lively, this spot invites you to sample an extensive selection of whiskies and rums.
FAQs about Le Grand-Bornand ski holidays Your questions answered by our Le Grand-Bornand ski resort expert
What is skiing like in Le Grand-Bornand ski resort?
Le Grand-Bornand skiing is a dream for intermediates who love scenic, tree-lined runs and a traditional French Alps atmosphere. With over 90km of local pistes, there’s a wealth of blues and reds to explore.
Meanwhile, Europe’s 2nd best snowpark, GBsnowpark, keeps freeride fanatics entertained with a Big Air Bag, boardercross, bidon, pole jam, whoops, rainbow, rainbow kick, s-rails, spin, waterfall, boxes, rails, and tubes (phew!)
Are ski holidays in Le Grand-Bornand snow-sure?
Le Grand-Bornand has a strong snow record due to its prime location for capturing moisture in the Aravis range, beside Mont Blanc.
While the Le Grand-Bornand ski resort itself is considered low-altitude (1,000m), the main skiing takes place above Le Chinaillon (1,300m to 2,100m) and is supported by extensive snow-making should things ever get thin.
That said, the best dumps usually fall in February and March.
When’s the best time to book a Le Grand-Bornand ski holiday?
January and February ski holidays in Le Grand-Bornand feature the resort's best snow, and the half-term provides an ideal opportunity for a family ski break.
March ski trips offer beautiful "spring skiing" conditions, and invite long, sunny lunches on the terrace.
Top tip - make the most of longer days with sunset ski sessions during February and March - there’s nothing quite like cruising down the mountain under an Insta-worthy pink sky.
Should I book a ski weekend in Le Grand-Bornand?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re short of time, Le Grand-Bornand ski resort isquick and easy to access from Geneva airport(GVA), and spot on for a ski weekend break. In fact, it’s got one of the shortest transfer times in the Alps!
Top tip: make sure to look out for the dates of the French Biathlon World Cup in December.
Is Le Grand-Bornand ski resort linked with any other resorts?
Yes. Le Grand-Bornand ski resort is part of the Aravis Ski Area.
Although it is not connected to other ski areas by lift, a short, free 10-minute shuttle bus can take you to France’s La Clusaz, unlocking a further 220km of slopes.
Are Le Grand-Bornand ski holidays good for beginners?
Yes. Excellent for beginner holidays, Le Grand-Bornand offers dedicated "low-speed" zones as well as high-altitude nursery slopes on the Rosay plateau that let first-timers enjoy great snow and great views while practising their first snow ploughs.
Looking for the best beginner ski holidays in France? We've got you covered,
Is Le Grand-Bornand good for family ski trips?
Yes, Le Grand-Bornand ski holidays are excellent for families. As a holder of the coveted "Famille Plus" label, Le Grand-Bornand offers discounted family lift passes, excellent ski schools, themed “cow” runs for children, high-altitude nursery slopes, and childcare facilities in the village.
Looking for the best family ski trips in France? Read our blog here.
Is Le Grand-Bornand ski resort good for snowboard holidays?
Yes, Le Grand-Bornand is an excellent destination for snowboard holidays, especially for intermediates who love scenic, tree-lined blues and reds. We recommend checking out L’Abondance, a long, sweeping blue that offers incredible views of the village and the valley.
In addition, this year, SnowparkGB was crowned the 2nd-best snowpark in Europe and features lines for all levels. Enjoy boardercross, a Big Air Bag, bidon, pole jam, whoops, rainbow, rainbow kick, s-rails, spin, waterfall, boxes, rails, and tubes.
Can you go night skiing on a Le Grand-Bornand ski holiday?
Yes.Le Grand-Bornand offers night skiing on the Charmieux run and is often accompanied by live music and fondue parties.
Are Le Grand-Bornand ski holidays good for non-skiers?
Yes, Le Grand-Bornand still offers plenty to do off the slopes. The village itself is full of working farms and 200-year-old timber-clad chalets, and the food here is nothing short of world-class (especially the local cheese!)
We recommend checking out the local farmers’ markets, taking cheese farm tours, trying ice skating, and exploring the beautiful winter walking trails.
Hotels & Apartments in Le Grand-Bornand
Our top recommended hotels and apartments. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists