Flaine sits on a forested hillside in a natural snowy bowl only 30km (18 miles) from Mont Blanc. The origin of the resort`s name is rather romantic - legend has it that a huge giant slept in the mountains and valleys, resting his head on the spot where Flaine now stands. (Flainoz was an old French word for pillow.) Established in 1968, Flaine dates to the years when France was building big ski resorts in big ski areas very quickly. The emphasis was on constructing resorts that were cheap to stay in but offered doorstep skiing in some of the world`s biggest and best ski areas.
Twenty years on, with the emphasis switching to quality, the concrete rectangles deposited in areas of great natural beauty have drawn much criticism but Flaine has hit back pointing out that its architecture is purposely stark and functional and that it was designed by Marcel Breuer, a master of the Bauhaus school. Although its design may at first appear incongruous it in fact echoes patterns of light and shade that are to be found in the rocks and crags at the base of the valley.
The resort is located at a snowsure altitude in the huge Grand Massif ski area, which has lift-links down to quaint traditional villages like Samoens and Sixt in the valleys below. Flaine itself is also a more vibrant place than many of the purpose-built resorts dating from the same era, it is more genuinely family friendly too, with lots to do besides sliding and a car-free environment. The main part of the resort is split in to three sections - Foret, Forum and Front de Neige, linked together by pedestrian walkways and lifts - the design is very functional. Apres Ski Informal, mostly concentrated in the hotels, bars and restaurants • White Grouse Pub for traditional pub food and good value! La Diamant Noir or Flying Dutchman for live music and good value. Eating Out There are a good number of great value restaurants and cafés: • Le Crocodile, Le Cuban Café, La Raclette, La Marmotte, Le Rendez-vous, Le Pas du Loup Activities Indoor swimming-pool • Ice-skating • Fitness centre, sauna and solarium • Ice-driving circuit • Bowling • Hang-gliding • Snowshoeing • Skidoos • Helicopter tours • Paragliding • Climbing wall |
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calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
