Part of the Aravis region, Le Grand Bornand-Chinaillon is renowned by the French as a great Ski Area for both Alpine and Cross-Country skiing. Chalet Balaena is a 3 minutes' drive or 15 minutes' walk to the main ski lifts of Le Grand Bornand-Chinaillon. From here you can link into 90km of pistes suitable for all standards of skiers and snowboarders. One evening a week there is floodlit night-skiing.
Ski Passes:
Ski passes can be purchased for the day (approx. €25) or 6 days (approx €110).
There is also a slightly more expensive 6-day pass for the Aravis area, which allows skiing in nearby La Clusaz (20 minutes' drive or link by bus).
Equipment Rental:
I have a good relationship with our local Intersport ski shop. They rent out good quality equipment and give clients special service and a 15% discount on price. Allow around €80 per 6-day hire for adults.
Ski Schools:
There are two ski schools - the ESF and Starski, the International Ski School who have some excellent English-speaking instructors, ideal for private lessons for skiers or snowboarders. (Prices are approximately €30 - €40 per hour).
Cross-Country Skiing (Ski de Fond):
Chalet Balaena is right by the start of the Cross-Country pistes which extend over 12km into beautiful woodland. There is a total of 58km of tracks including Le Grand Bornand. There is a link to the La Clusaz/Confins Cross-Country area. The ESF have a team of dedicated Cross-Country ski teachers.
Winter Walking & Snowshoeing:
The chalet is located on an official winter walking track which is machined to make walking on snow easier, even just with walking boots. You can also hire snowshoes to enable you to go off the official track more easily. The Cross-Country ski school arranges weekly Snowshoeing outings.
Weather:
Météo France in our Area.