Flaine Sneeuwverwachting

First time in Flaine having driven in on 13th February (first time for that to!). The resort is of average size and is the oft described collection of concrete boxes. Flaine is nominally split into Flaine Foret and Flaine Forum, the former being particularly reminiscent of late Soviet style architecture. Forum is more modern and consequently easier on the eye and there is a splattering of chalet style accommodation up the mountain a bit. We are staying at the Panoramic, a new build right next to the ski school and access to the Flaine part of the Grande Massif ski area and would definitely recommend this accommodation if you are planning to come here. It's location coupled with the surprisingly large apartments really can't be beaten. There is also a heated pool. The ski area seems best suited for beginners on piste and those that like off-piste in a relatively safe environment. Flaine is essentially a big bowl; all the lifts take skiers up one side of it where there are then a variety of reds and blues back down. The blues are all pretty easy, of reasonable length and well pisted but do get busy, particularly the run back to the ski school area. The others are mostly traverses or roads. The reds are better but none are either over steep or challenging although dropping through the tree line on a virtually empty run was repeatedly appreciated. Generally we found the far side of the mountain less crowded and consequently more fun. There are a few Blacks but these were unpisted or shut. Lifts were all fine although there were a few buttons to give you nightmares. The marketing of this area goes big on the ability to incorporate other resorts and ski areas into your stay but it should be noted that getting out and back to Flaine isn't great. To ski the lower resorts of Les Carroz, Sixt etc requires negotiating one very crowded and dug up blue run or getting on a bus. There looks to be some decent skiing if this is ok for you but remember that the next highest resort after Flaine at 1600 metres is 400 metres lower. All in all, I think Flaine an ok resort but would say it's best suited to absolute beginners or those new to reds. The nightlife is very limited and the prices punitive both in resort and up the mountain. 2 coffees should not cost £10 anywhere outside St Moritz!