Le Grand Bornand is an ancient mountain village with a central square, a dome of a bell tower, centuries-old chalets, history and traditions. The city was named after the Borne River, which flows through it. The indigenous inhabitants of Le Grand Bornand, the Bornands, are few – only 1,800 people. They carefully preserve their past.

Le Grand-Bornand has preserved the spirit of the mountains to this day, which makes people return here year after year. The Grand Bornand ski resort consists of two villages located at different altitudes:

At an altitude of 1000 meters is the typical Savoyard village of Grand-Bornand with a main square, a church and many shops.
At an altitude of 1300 meters and 6 km higher along the route in the Col de la Colombiere, is located le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon – the main departure point for the ski slopes.

Local farmers still make the famous Reblochon cheese exactly the same as they did hundreds of years ago. The village itself also literally breathes history: the church built in 1546 has still been preserved. Connoisseurs of history and architecture will certainly pay attention to the church bell tower and baroque elements in its decor.

The traditional way of life and the amazing friendliness of the locals are felt from the first minutes of staying at the resort. However, the ski industry in Le Grand Bornan is also well developed.

The first lift, Les Outalays, was built here in the winter of 1953-1954. The resort is now among the top 15 best ski resorts in France. Le Grand Bornan together with La Cluza, Manigo and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt form the Massif Aravé combined ski area, where a single ski pass is available.

Le Grand Bornan is labelled as a “Famille Plus” resort and offers various family activities and childcare services. The nursery at Le Chinaillon welcomes children from eight months to five years old.

How to get there

Nearest airports: Annecy (35 km), Lyon – Saint-Exupéry (150 km), Geneva (50 km).

Nearest train station: Annecy (30 km).

Bus from Annecy or Lyon, in winter from Geneva.

By car: Autoroute 40 (Autoroute Blanche), exit 16 Bonneville, twenty kilometers towards Aravi station, or take Autoroute 41 to Annecy Nord, then thirty kilometers towards Thônes / Annecy station. When traveling by car in winter, remember to bring special equipment, chains or winter tires.

The most convenient way to get to the airport is to order a taxi transfer.

Pistes and lifts

Wide, snow-covered fields, like the ‘col des Annes’, make up most of the Grand Bornard ski area. In turn, the steep slopes of the Aravis Mountains and le Mont Lachat are designed for more experienced riders. On 90 km of prepared slopes, everyone will find something suitable for themselves, whether an experienced rider or a beginner. There are even hiking trails for those who do not want to ski. The 90 km of slopes, whether from Grand-Bornand Village or from Grand-Bornand Chinaillon, are built in a “north-south” format, which guarantees you sun and plenty of snow, as is often the case in the Aravis mountain range.

The highest point reached by the Le Lachat ski lift is 2100 m. Despite the low altitude, there is usually plenty of natural snow. The red and blue runs predominate.

The local slopes are divided into three interconnected zones. For beginners and children, the Joyere and Rosay slopes are ideal. For advanced skiers, the La Floria slopes and the area around Mont Lachat (2100 m) will be interesting. Le Grand Bornan is famous for its cross-country ski trails. The Biathlon World Cup was held here.

83 kilometers of trails, 3 black, 14 red, 15 blue, 12 green.

32 lifts (including 2 gondolas, 13 chairlifts, 14 towbars).

146 snow cannons.

The snow park, located at the top of the Maroly sector at an altitude of 1800 m, is one of the top ten in France. Its area is 5 hectares.

Bordercross trails (700 m)

Half-pipe

Jumping and jibbing lines of three levels of difficulty.

The Aravis Pass connects Le Grand Bornand with La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. The region offers 210 kilometers of slopes. A free bus runs from Le Grand Bornan to neighboring resorts.

Holidays with children

Compared to La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornan is considered a more peaceful and quiet place, which is preferred by families with children. The resort’s infrastructure has been awarded the Famille Plus status, which in France is considered a “quality mark for family holidays”, and it can only be obtained with the approval of the Ministry of Tourism. The resort’s kindergarten takes children from eight months to five years under its temporary care, and the resort itself offers other services for supervising children and organizing their leisure. In particular, there are safe slopes for young skiers and snowboarders.

Where to stay

L’Alpage 3-star hotel

Located in the village of Le Quinaillon, just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Le Grand-Bornand, Hôtel l’Alpage features a heated outdoor swimming pool with views of the mountains and fields. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Each guest room at Hôtel l’Alpage is equipped with a private balcony, telephone, TV and private bathroom.

The l’Alpage restaurant has a south-facing terrace and serves traditional French cuisine. Guests can also relax with a drink in the lounge, which features a TV.

Hotel l’Alpage has a games room and storage for bicycles and motorbikes. The A40/E25 motorway is a 45-minute drive away and guests can visit Lake Annecy, 32 km from the hotel.

Chalet Meringue – OVO Network 5 star hotels

Located 1 km from the ski slopes, Chalet Meringue offers pet-friendly accommodation in Le Grand-Bornand. It offers mountain views. There is a large wooden terrace with a hot tub. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, oven and microwave, as well as a coffee machine. A flat-screen TV and Blu-ray player are available. Free private parking is available at the chalet.

Guests can also enjoy a hammam and a dance floor.

The ski bus stops 100 metres from Chalet Merengue and the village centre is 300 metres away. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including skiing and cycling. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, 70 km from Chalet Merengue.

Chalet La Vigogne et Spa 5 star hotel

Chalet La Vigogne offers a holiday in chalet rooms and apartments. This typical chalet-style accommodation is located in the Le Grand Bornand ski resort, 30 km from Annecy.

The rooms have a cosy and chic décor and a balcony with mountain views.

Some rooms are self-catering; otherwise, guests can order meals, subject to availability and at an additional cost.

La Vigogne et Spa Chalet is conveniently located, ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, less than 2 km from the ski slopes. Other activities in the area include golf, a course just 2 km away.

Chalet Macaron – OVO Network 5 star hotels

Chalet Macaron offers pet-friendly accommodation in Le Grand-Bornan, 700 metres from the ski slopes. This property features an outdoor heated hot tub and free private parking. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

The 4-bedroom chalet features a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, as well as 4 bathrooms, 1 of which includes a spa bath. Each room has a flat-screen TV in the living room. Guests can enjoy a furnished wooden terrace.

The ski bus stops 100 metres from Chalet Macaron and the village centre is 300 metres away. The area offers a variety of activities such as skiing, cycling and fishing.

Best Western Chalet les Saytels 4-star hotel

Located 350 metres from the ski slopes in Le–Grand–Bornand, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a lounge with a fireplace and a spa with a hot tub and sauna. It also has an indoor pool open all year round and electric bikes can be rented on site.

All elegant rooms with wooden walls and mountain-style décor are equipped with an LCD TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi. The bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and one of the 2 restaurants serves regional dishes made with local cheese. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy a hot drink at the bar.

At Les Saytels you can sunbathe in the solarium or play billiards. On request, the staff can organize tours of the cheese factories, as well as lunches and exhibitions in the high-altitude chalets.

Annecy is 32 km away, and Annecy-Haute-Savoie-Mont Blanc Airport is a 40-minute drive from Les Saytels.

APRES-SKI and nightlife

Restaurants (traditional or modern cuisine, savoury or sweet crepes, formal or self-service), pubs and discos. The local gastronomic “chip” is considered to be Reblochon cheese with a rind washed in brine after pressing. It can be purchased, among other things, at the agricultural fair, which takes place every Wednesday and to which local farmers bring their goods.

Creative natures will be able to take part in training courses – watercolor drawings, pottery making, wood painting. Cinema, theatre, library.

The perfect end to your day is a visit to the Espace Aquatique spa in nearby La Clusaz, with a swimming pool for adults and children, a jacuzzi, an outdoor pool, a sauna and a hammam.

Active holidays

Ideally located between Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc, Le Grand Bornand offers 150 kilometres of marked hiking trails, archery, mini golf, paragliding or hot air ballooning, rafting and canyoning, cycling, pétanque and ping-pong, horse riding, ski-biking.

A traditional local pastime in Le Grand Bornan is tobogganing – this device resembles a sled mounted on one wide ski. Village children used to ride such sledges down the mountains.

In the upper part of Maroly is one of the best snow parks in France – le Grand-Bo. Everyone will find something to their liking here, whether you are an experienced or just a beginner rider. From the Bouchet valley to the top of Chinaillon near the old village, a cross-country ski trail stretches. Huge snow-covered fir trees shelter small chalets, creating an indescribable picture of the winter wilderness. 60 km of perfectly groomed slopes lead to La Clusaz, which is the “home” of black difficult slopes. For those who do not ski, Grand Bornand offers other types of active recreation:

Mountain hiking, paragliding, hot air ballooning. Ice climbing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ice skating – all available throughout the season.
For those who need some quiet time, there is a library and a cinema.
Cultural enthusiasts can learn how the locals make their famous Reblochon cheese, enjoy a tour of the village streets and discover the local heritage center.
– After a great day of skiing or walking, take the kids to the “Espace P’tits Montagnards”, which is specially prepared for families with children and is located in the very center of the village.