Freeriders will like the less crowded area of the Massif de Balme, where a series of red runs and a long black lead to open slopes which allow you to ride off-piste, hitting some powder stashes. Under the Fernuy there are some good tree runs and there’s a cool little valley off the side of the Combe de Borderan. There aren’t really any huge faces to take on but it’s not a bad spot to blood yourself in the ways of off piste, it’s also a good area for an intermediate/beginners mixed ability group.
Freestylers
Freestylers have a halfpipe and park on the Massif de Balme slopes, but it’s very standard although they have improved the pipe in the last few seasons. The way the area is spread out means that there is a lot of okay natural terrain for catching air, but this is not a great freestyle place.
Pistes
The pistes are often neglected so the moguls can build. The slopes allow for some good wide arcs on intermediate terrain; the longest run is on the Balme slopes, whilst on Massif de Beauregard, there's an interesting long run to tackle at speed.
Beginners
Beginners can achieve a lot here, with slopes that are excellent for finding out what snowboarding is like in the early stages. If the snows ok the runs around the Cret du Merle are best once you’ve got the basics and there’s plenty to progress onto.
The Beauregard and L'Etale areas have good, easy slopes; the only potential problem is that they are mostly serviced by drag lifts.
Resort Statistics
Resort Type:
Alpine
Winter: Dec to April Summer: None
Lifts
Total Lifts: 55 Cable cars: 2 Gondolas: 4 Chair lifts: 14 Drag lifts: 35 Max people per hour: 53,000 Board Leashes required: Yes
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 83 Total ride area: 132km Longest run: 3000m
Top lift: 2600m Vertical drop: 1500m First lift: 1100m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 65% Red runs: 27% Black runs: 8%
Lift Passes
Lift Passes: Half-day 22.50 euros
1 Day pass 28 euros
6 Days 146.5 euros
Season 580 euros Lift times:8.30am to 4.00pm
Snowfall
Average annual snowfall: 5m Artificial snowmaking coverage: 10%
Facilities
Snowboard Schools: 1 day 30 euros
5 days 125 euros Snowboard Hire: 22/26 euros for 1 day
115/140 euros for 6 days Night Riding: :
Piste de la télécabine de la patinoire open once a week from 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Other activities
Heliboarding: :
Not available
Snowmobiles: Not available
