La Clusaz - village
Few French villages are more picturesque, with its traditional village square and Savoyard church. Bustling streets fan out from the square, each boasting a collection of excellent shops, bars and hotels – and all with a very French feel. There is no more atmospheric sight than La Clusaz in mid-winter, cocooned in snow.
Accommodation
There's a wide choice of accommodation, but solidly middle-range rather than with any delusions of grandeur. You need to be happy here in 2 or 3 star hotels – but there are some good ones. The Hotel Beauregard (00 33 4 50 32 68 00) is directly on the slopes, a ski-lift a few paces away. The Alpen Roc (00 33 04 50 02 58 96) is in the centre of town, and has a well-deserved reputation for good food.
There are good-standard apartments to be had too, such as La Résidence (00 33 45 00 242 12), close to the village centre. The Carlina (00 33 45 002 43 48) is popular, as is the ski-in, ski-out Les Sapins (00 33 45 063 33 33).
Ski/snowboard equipment hire
As in many resorts now, the way forward seems to be to rent equipment online, before you go. You can still change your chosen equipment if it doesn't suit, and it cuts down on the hassle in resort – plus you’ll get a healthy discount.
The Twinner Ski Rental site works with Au Sportif (00 33 45 002 41 94) and Aravis Gliss(00 33 45 002 59 59) in La Clusaz, while Skimium.com rents equipment through Oxygene Mont Blanc (00 33 45 032 35 37) and Chalet Sports (00 33 45 002 42 28).
Non-ski activities
Just soaking up the ambiance is a popular activity. There are cleared walks, snowshoeing, tobogganing, an ice-skating rink and an aqua-centre with indoor and outdoor heated pools.
A good selection of shops sell local produce and a must-visit is the outdoor market, every Monday in La Place de l'Eglise. La Cabane and Chalet d'Ambience are good for gifts and souvenirs – and it's easy to get to the delightful lakeside town of Annecy for more serious shopping.
Childcare
La Clusaz is a great family choice and has a range of childcare options with the Club des Mouflets (00 33 45 002 48 91) for children from 8 months to 4 years. Older children who want to ski, from 3 to 6 years, are catered for by Le Club des Champions (00 33 45 032 65 01).
A warning before you travel – both clubs are hot on paperwork and will want to see a birth certificate and medical certificate including proof of BCG vaccination. Book well in advance.
