La Feclaz, France Ski Resort

La Feclaz sits in the hub of the Massif Des Bauges (Bauges peaks). The Bauges are in the Savoy region of France. Like a 16th century Bastion, the Bauges seemingly protect the area, which not only doubles as a ski resort but is very close to the Natural Park. The Baujus (locals) have settled here for centuries and are welcoming to visitors who come to play on the slopes of La Feclaz.

La Feclaz French ski resort especially caters to two types of people: 1.) Those with families; 2.) Those looking for some serious cross-country skiing action. Let's start with the latter: The cross-country skiing in La Feclaz is an up-and-coming paradise for cross-country skiers. By and by, skiers and locals alike consider La Feclaz to be the cross-country capital of not only France but also all of Europe. And, they might very well be right. La Feclaz has 140 km of cross-country ski paths. Moreover, the altitude keeps the scenery interesting. You'll be able to look up and wind through leafless trees and be brushed by firs and conifers.

Now back to the former. La Feclaz is a family oriented ski resort, built for those who are into less risk and more family fun. The 1525 meters of altitude keeps the risks of avalanches to a minimum but the chances of snow to a maximum. The actual resort town is a typical Savoy French village. The resort has somehow kept a real allure and attractiveness in spite of the throngs who come to ski the slopes. Because the ski area (and all those cross country paths) keeps the slopes thinned and manageable, beginning skiers will have extra room to practice their dexterity. La Feclaz wants to attract families as the town's smallness gives the community a familial mood.

If perhaps you're not into either cross-country skiing or bringing your family along, then there's plenty of other activities to do for the lone or couple traveler. There are over 60 km of walking trails, which in winter make for some nice snowshoe paths. For such a small resort, there are well near 50 km of downhill slopes. From some, you can get a nice view of the Lac du Bourget and encompassing mountains. The alpine air and trees make this a nice retreat from the beats of the city or a nice getaway for those in need of an intimate ski holiday in nature. It's easy to get away from the most popular slopes and escape alone into the trees for some exploring. There is also skidooing, sledging, dog sledding, shopping, clubs and restaurants to keep you busy apres skiing.

Since La Feclaz is situated in the Northern Alp region of France, you'll be able to ski low and high at any given time. The ski lifts start from 1165 meters and rise to 1525 meters. There is one chair lift and four draglifts. You'll find most of the cross-country tracks up on the flatter Bauges plateau, overlooking Lac du Bourget (Bourget Lake). La Feclaz is, in fact, part of the Grand Revard ski domain and includes one very challenging Olympic black run. A ski pass can give you from one day to six days of legal exploration through the entire ski area. If you bring your family along, the rates are calculated slightly lower.
If you'd like to take time off the cross-country pathways, then you can try any number of the slopes. Though the ski resort here is small, there are some nice challenges to keep you motivated. There are two green, with an equal number of blue, five red and two black. Moreover, there is plenty of room and slopes summoning the snow boarders of the family. Boarders will have some reserved and freshly groomed slopes to keep jumps flying high. Plus, there is 11 km of official alpine ski trails, though more can be found once you're here and willing to wander through the trees.

There are some nice deals if you book early, either close to town or nearer to the park. Some, like the Hotel Ski Plaza is near the ski lifts and can start as cheap as 85 Euro per night. More modern hotels or more rustic hotels can always be found, though you should book ahead of time to get the choicest of accommodation. If you're into luxury, hotels like Le Ski D'or start at 250 Euro per night while there is cheaper accommodation for the lone or shoestring traveler starting at 25 Euro. If you can't find a place here in La Feclaz, then there are three other resorts nearby that may help you find accommodation. Though some are closer and farther from the main ski area, you'll always have fresh air and cozy smiles in this neck of the woods in France.