Updated in December 2024
I'm not much of a winter person, I crave summer during the long winter months. There are a few positives to winter though, Christmas and watching a movie with a log fire burning. The other thing we get excited about is snowboarding, escaping to the snow-covered mountains and that flying feeling when you are sliding down a mountain on a board.
This year we headed off to a family favourite resort in the French Alps. Le Grand Bornand. With slopes ranging from altitudes of 1000 meters to 2100 meters and 24 lifts, it is a great resort to spend a few days enjoying the fresh powder.
There is a long lift from the main base station to get up to the slopes but also a smaller back entrance into the resort. We used the main entrance on the first day and then the back entrance on the other few days. The back entrance was much quicker and easier to get out onto the slopes.
The weather for our entire visit was fantastic, clear blue skies and unusually warm weather meaning that we didn't have to wear many layers at all. Despite the French and English school holidays, the slopes were not that busy. We were able to settle into a few runs that we liked.
If you have never tried snowboarding or skiing before then we highly recommend it, there is no better feeling than carving your way down the slopes at speed and feeling the adrenaline pumping around your body.
You can also use the many equipment hire shops if you don't have your own gear. We would recommend Intersport. The price per adult for a 1-day lift pass is from €34.80 to €45. You will need to pick up your passes from the ticket office near the main lift.
If you feel in need of time away from the slopes, then Annecy is not far and a walk around the town and the lake is a great way to spend a rest day.
