Le Grand Bornand Resort Overview
Located in the heart of the French Alps, Le Grand Bornand is a charming and traditional mountain village. Sitting at an elevation of 1,000m, with the highest ski lift reaching 2,100m, the resort is part of the Aravis ski area and offers 84km of varied pisted terrain.
Established in the 17th Century, Le Grand Bornand maintains its authentic alpine charm with chalet-style architecture and a bustling village centre. The resort offers a variety of accommodation, from luxury chalets to self-catering apartments and cosy hotels, many of which boast ski-in-ski-out access.
Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
With 46 ski lifts servicing 84km of pisted runs, Le Grand Bornand offers a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy the gentle, wide slopes found in the village area, while intermediate skiers will appreciate the variety of blues and reds throughout the ski area.
For the more advanced skiers, the challenging black runs around Lachat peak offer steep descents and bumps. Off-piste enthusiasts will find several marked freeride zones and, with a guide, can explore the vast backcountry terrain.
In addition to the traditional alpine skiing, Le Grand Bornand is a renowned centre for cross-country skiing, offering an impressive 58km of trails. Snow parks with jumps and rails are also available for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Is Le Grand Bornand Family-friendly?
Le Grand Bornand is an ideal ski resort for families, with a pedestrian-friendly village centre and a range of child-friendly ski slopes. The resort offers various family amenities, including children’s playgrounds, an ice rink and a cinema. Plus, families can take advantage of the special family ski pass deals.
Après-Ski Scene in Le Grand Bornand
The après ski scene in Le Grand Bornand is relaxed and friendly, with a selection of bars and pubs providing a cosy atmosphere for post-ski drinks and entertainment. Le Green Monkey is a popular venue, offering craft beers and live music, while Bar L’Alhambra is known for its cocktails and warm, welcoming ambiance.
For those looking for late-night entertainment, Le Chinaillon nightclub is the place to be, with a dance floor and DJs spinning tracks until the early hours.
Dining in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand Bornand offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Savoyard cuisine to international dishes. For a gourmet experience, L’Auberge Nordique offers a sophisticated menu in a cosy setting. Alternatively, La Pointe Percée serves hearty mountain classics and Le Chalet du Maroly is the perfect spot for a sunny lunch on the mountain.
How to Get to Le Grand Bornand
The most convenient way to reach Le Grand Bornand from the UK is to fly into Geneva Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour transfer from the resort. Other nearby airports include Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (2h) and Chambéry Airport (1h20m). If you’re travelling by train, the closest station is Annecy (30m transfer). For those driving, ample parking is available in the resort.
Le Grand Bornand Insider Tips
- Enjoy a hot chocolate at Le Grand-Bô café, a charming mountain hut with panoramic views.
- Don’t miss the weekly traditional market in the village square, where you can sample local cheeses and other regional products.
- Try the delicious fondue at La Ferme de la Tournette, a local favourite.
- Take a break from skiing and explore the resort’s Nordic walking trails for a different perspective of the stunning alpine scenery.
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