Le Grand Bornand is a charming alpine village with a rich skiing heritage and a laid-back atmosphere. Located at 1,000m with its highest peak reaching 2,100m, this French ski resort is part of the Aravis ski area, offering 220km of skiable terrain. It’s renowned for its consistent snowfall and boasts stunning views across the Borne Valley.
With a well-maintained lift system and links to the neighbouring resort of La Clusaz, there’s a wealth of terrain to uncover. Le Grand Bornand is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, with a range of groomed runs and off-piste areas, but also offers challenging slopes for more advanced skiers.
Le Grand Bornand Ski Area
The Le Grand Bornand ski area is divided into two main sectors; Le Grand Bornand Village and Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon. Both areas are accessible from the village centre, offering 47 runs in total, with 9% being green, 25% blue, 45% red and 21% black.
Beginner Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand Bornand is a fantastic resort for beginners. With numerous beginner-friendly slopes and excellent snow conditions, it’s the perfect place to learn to ski. There are three main nursery slopes in the village and at the top of the Rosay gondola. Once comfortable, beginners can progress to the gentle green and blue slopes, such as La Floria or Les Gettiers. As the more challenging runs are higher up the mountain, beginners can safely practice without being overwhelmed.
Intermediate Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
Intermediate skiers will find plenty to keep them entertained in Le Grand Bornand. With a variety of blue and red slopes, there are ample opportunities to progress. The Chinaillon sector is ideal for intermediate skiers, with plenty of long blue and red pistes, like Les Terres Rouges and La Tolar. For those looking to challenge themselves, the red run of La Floria, with its diverse terrain and fantastic views, is a must. Bear in mind that the grading system is slightly more challenging than in other French resorts, so don’t be discouraged if you find some runs more difficult than anticipated.
Advanced Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
While Le Grand Bornand might not be the first choice for thrill-seeking advanced skiers, it does offer some challenging black runs and off-piste areas. Le Lachat, the resort’s highest point, offers two black runs, Le Chamois and Le Dahu, offering steep descents and technical challenges. Le Lachat also provides access to some challenging off-piste areas, making it a popular spot for experienced skiers.
Off-piste Skiing in Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand Bornand offers a number of off-piste opportunities, especially around the Le Lachat peak. Well-known off-piste areas include the Combe de Maroly and the Combe de Grand Crêt. The Combe de Bellachat is a popular off-piste area among locals, offering a 900m vertical drop! For safety reasons, we recommend hiring a local guide or instructor when venturing off-piste. Check out Maison Sport for local guides in Le Grand Bornand.
Snowparks in Le Grand Bornand
For freestyle skiing enthusiasts, Le Grand Bornand has a dedicated snowpark, GB Park, which features a range of jumps, rails and boxes to suit all levels. The park is well-maintained and offers a fun alternate skiing experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, Le Grand Bornand has something for everyone. To make the most of your ski trip, consider booking a ski instructor who can help you explore the best runs for your skill level and enhance your experience on the slopes.