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Le Grand Bornand Ski Resort Guide |
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Situated in the heart of the Aravis mountains, the Grand Bornand, like nearby La Clusaz, is a typical Savoyard village - remote, unspoilt and built up over hundreds of years by the hard work of a poor farming community. The village's development into a winter ski resort and tourist centre began in earnest after the road connecting Annecy and Thones with the Aravis Valley was opened during the early 1900s. Split into two levels, Le Grand Bornand is the larger central part of the village, while sitting 6 kilometers further towards the scenic Col de Colombiere, Le Grand Bornand-Chinaillon offers direct access to the main ski fields. Part of the Massif des Aravis ski area, Le Grand Bornand offers access to over 220 kilometres of pisted downhill ski runs, along with two snowparks, a halfpipe and 150 kilometres of cross-country ski runs.
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The region's most celebrated cheese, Reblochon, has been produced in the Thones and Arly Valleys in the Massif des Aravis since the thirteenth century. Reblochon was made from milk that was witheld (lait de rebloche) when tax collectors came to check milk yields. The farmers only partially milked the cows, leaving enough concealed within the cows' udders to produce their own homemade cheese after the inspector had gone. Reblochon soon became a principal ingredient of many Savoyard dishes, most famously, tartiflette. You can buy your own Reblochon direct from the cheese makers at the Reblochon market, held every Wednesday in the centre of Le Grand Bornand. |
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The Massif des Aravis ski area is situated approximately 30 kilometres east of Annecy, making it readily accessible from Annecy Airport and train station, as well as just over an hour's journey from Geneva Airport. Encompassing the resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, St Jean de Sixt and Manigod, the Aravis offers 220 kilometers of linked pistes, two snowparks and a halfpipe, including the GB park at the Grand Bornand (classed as one of the top five in France), plus over 150 kilometers of cross country ski runs. The terrain is suitable for all levels of ability, with beginners and intermediates particularly well catered for. |
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The small village of La Clusaz was, for hundreds of years, a poor and remote community of farmers and shepherds - La Clusaz, which means 'narrow pass between two mountains' reflects the very nature of the location. It wasn't until the road connecting Annecy and Thones with the Aravis Valley was opened during the early 1900s and the first ski lifts installed during the 1930s, that the village began it's development into lively tourist centre that exists now. La Clusaz has also recently been awarded the 'Family Plus' label in acknowledgement of its provision for children and young families. |
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Alp Line offer private ski transfers to La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Le Grand Bornand-Chinaillon and St Jean de Sixt. Book your Alp Line ski holiday transfer online now ... | |
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