Off the Slopes in Flaine

Off The Slopes in Flaine

As a purpose built resort that was designed around skiing, Flaine is not the best resort for non-skiers. Its layout and architecture make it more functional than the type of resort that you can stroll around admiring the pretty buildings and popping in and out of an abundance of charming boutiques. However, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family occupied off the slopes.

On Snow Activities

Snowmobiling

Ripping around the empty slopes on a snowmobile after the lifts have stopped is one of the most fun après ski activities you can do. Anyone from the age of 18 can take control of their own vehicle, but you can also sit back and enjoy the scenery while an experienced driver whisks you around if you’d prefer. Book a session with Delta Evasion (+33 (0)6 12 21 40 60) at the Blackside shop in Flaine Forum (mornings only). Kids from the age of 10 can ride as a passenger.

Ice Driving Circuit

For another adrenaline-fueled activity, test your driving skills on the resort’s ice driving circuit, which at 1500 metres, is the longest in France. Circuit Glace (+33 (0)4 50 90 82 59) offers tuition ranging from introductory sessions to longer, more advanced courses, or you can drive unsupervised. They have a range of vehicles that you can hire, or you can bring along your own. Spiked tyres are available to rent.

Ice Quad Bikes

There’s also an ice quad biking circuit, which is located next to the ice driving track in the Front de Neige area of the resort. Mecene (+33 (0)6 09 45 36 62) has a range of vehicles for both adults and kids to ride on its 700 metre long track. The centre is open all day, seven days a week, and is floodlit for evening sessions.
They take either individual or group bookings and also offer a range of other activities for groups of 20-50 people, including human table football and snowshoeing.

There’s a hut in the centre of the track where you can buy snacks and refreshments, or you can book a table at the nearby restaurant, La Ferme du Sartot for some post-ride nourishment.

Dog Sledding

Evasion Nordique (+33 (0)6 82 09 50 03) runs a range of dog sledding packages where adults and children can learn to drive a sled of three or four huskies. Their special dogsledding evenings include an hour long introductory dog sledding session followed by dinner in a mountain restaurant.

Paragliding

One of the most exhilarating ways to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery is to take to the sky by paraglide. Flaine Parapente (+33 (0)6 60 08 81 79) is one of several companies in Flaine that offer tandem paraglide flights to visitors, and is recommended by the tourist office.

Off Snow Activities

Swimming

Flaine’s main aquatic centre is located within Résidence Le Centaure in Flaine Forum and is open to the public. The spacious leisure complex has a 25 metre swimming pool, separate kids’ splash pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms where you can book a range of massages and other therapies.

Several other of Flaine’s residences have their own swimming pools and leisure facilities, with Flaine Montsoleil Les Terraces d’Eos having one of the best. Its fantastic heated outdoor pool offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, which can also be enjoyed from the large indoor hot tub and glass fronted gym.

For more information on the spa facilities available in Flaine, check out our Flaine Spa Guide.

Indoor Climbing Wall

The auditorium in Flaine Forêt, next to Résidence La Forêt, houses a number of recreational facilities including an indoor climbing wall, where adults and children of all abilities can have fun scaling its heights under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Bowling

The same centre in Flaine Forêt is also home to the resort’s bowling alley, which has loads to keep both adults and kids occupied after the lifts have stopped. The complex has 6 lanes, with one dedicated to kids from the age of four, as well a games room, pool tables and a bar with large screens that show live sport.

Cinema

The resort’s cinema is located in Flaine Forum, next door to Résidence Le Centaure, and shows a programme of the latest releases, with some screenings in English.

Ice Skating

Flaine Forum is also home to the resort’s ice skating rink, which is another great après ski activity for the whole family.

Cultural Centre

Flaine Forum also has a cultural centre with an art gallery that showcases the work of both regional and international artists. There’s also a bilingual library with titles for both adults and children in French and English, a reading room, and separate audiovisual room. The centre is open from 4-7pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and entry is free.

Shopping

While there are a couple of small boutiques in the main hub of the resort, most of the shops in Flaine are either ski shops or grocery stores.

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