Winter and Skiing

Chinaillon village lies at the heart of the Aravis ski area at an altitude of 1400m. Grand Bornand is a well established fully linked ski area, which together with the Aravis ski area has over 220km of downhill runs. Rising to 2100 metres the pistes offer a range of challenges to skiers of all abilities. The lower slopes offer a beautiful skiing environment whilst there are stunning views of the high Alps from the summits of La Flora and Mont Lachat. Chinaillon village itself, offers very easy access to 90km of slopes, 48 runs varying in difficulty (3 black runs, 13 red, 17 blue, 15 green runs). The resort is modern with a recent 6 seat ‘fast’ chair lift at Maroly. Altogether there are 2 gondolas, 12 chair lifts and 25 drag lifts (39 in total).

Click above to get an enlarged view of the piste map.

Ski passes can be purchased either for the Grand Bornand area only or to include the whole Aravis area (La Clusaz also). There is a free shuttle service between the two resorts if you purchase a ski pass “Aravis”.

There are two ski schools operating out of Chinaillon:
-The French Ski School (E.S.F.)
-The International Ski School Starski

Both have several English speaking instructors. Emmanuel Schiltz an independent instructor (English speaking) also works in the area.

There is a creche catering for babies from 8 months old in Chinaillon. You should enquire about availability of places before your holiday.

Cross Country Skiing

The chalet is actually “on piste” for the cross country skiing area in Chinaillon. You can ski from the back of the chalet up onto the tracks or to the Nordie ski school rendezvous point.
Private or group lessons for both adults and children are available.

Down in Grand Bornand there are 58 kms of marked trails mainly in the Bouchet Valley. There are also links with La Clusaz cross country skiing area.

Snow shoeing trips are also available.

Sledging

Chalet Berrier is only 2 minutes walk from the piste bashed village sledging slope. It offers hours of family fun.

Ice Skating

Available throughout the winter in Grand Bonard.

Access to the downhill slope from Chalet Berrier

There is easy access to the slopes from Chalet Berrier. You can drive there in around 3 minutes (and even in the busy weeks, park very close to the lifts) or you can walk to the slopes in about 15 minutes (in ski boots). It is about 5 minute walk to the ski bus stop. This bus offers two routes, one circulating around the village of Chinaillon and one which shuttles between Chinaillon and Le Grand Bornand.