Mountain Layout — Skiing

Here is a larger, more detailed map.

First, all but beginners should take the cable car to the top of Les Grandes Platières to drink in the magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the jagged-toothed range running north (to your left) from the Aguille du Midi. Here on the treeless top of the world you can get a feel for the distances and the variety of terrain spreading out in three directions. Behind you, down the cable car route, are a black run and several alternate intermediate routes running directly back into Flaine or connecting with the chair and surface lifts in this section.

To your right is the Lindars section, reached by another cable system from Flaine, “The Eggs,” cable system. There's also a chair to the top.

To your left stretches another whole system of lifts and trails, served by an eight-seat chair. The trails drop down, on the near side to the gentle beginner area at Flaine center. The trails on the far side drop to the Gers expert terrain, and further left to the long, winding trails down to Samoens, Morillon or Les Carroz. Each of these villages is at the bottom of its own system of trails and lifts, so plan one or two all-day excursions on this side. Leave yourself enough time to explore, stop for lunch and still wend your way back to Flaine before the lifts close.

Les Carroz, Morillon, and the valley town, Samoens, are Flaine’s supporting cast, but their attraction lies in their more traditional Alpine accommodations.

Of the runs above these towns, we liked the blue-rated trail from Cupoire summit (6,166 feet) to the chair near the parking lot in Morillon. With easy turns, a few moguls, and trees for orientation, it’s a fine cruise. The runs on this side are almost invariably intermediate. One exception to try is the black trail from Plateau des Saix summit to the Grand Massif Express (formerly the Vercland lift station.)

Mountain rating
Beginners will find great training slopes and excellent ski instruction.

Intermediates are in the majority here, and the slopes are laid out with that in mind. Les Grandes Platières is an intermediate’s mountain, offering at least 15 different red-rated variations.

Experts will find plenty of challenges, particularly if they enjoy off-trail skiing.