Live the experience Beginners' areas

  1. Home
  2. What to do?
  3. Sports, leisure, wellness
  4. Winter sports
  5. Alpine skiing
  6. Must-sees in the Alpine region
  7. Beginners’ areas

A real playground for beginners or for those who want to get back into the swing of things!

Whether you’re a complete novice, want to perfect your basics or take up skiing again, the Grand-Bornand ski area has three dedicated areas where you can learn and progress in an exceptional natural setting.

  • L’Alpage Express at Le Rosay
  • L’Espace Débutant du Charmieux, and the Tapis des Outalays
  • The Mini Domaine

These areas have been designed to give you the chance to progress in complete safety and with complete peace of mind. Come and discover these specially-designed areas to learn or take up skiing gently, and embark on your skiing adventure!

Le Grand-Bornand - #FamilySki
Le Grand-Bornand - #FamilySki
Le Grand-Bornand - #FamilySki

How does it work? 3 different areas!

800x600 Contents Alpage Express 144641800x600 Contents Alpage Express 144641
©800x600 Contents Alpage Express 144641

    At the top of Rosay, from the village L'Alpage Express Accessible with a simple ski ascent

    The 230m-long Alpage Express carpet is the centrepiece of the snow leisure area on the Rosay plateau. Thanks to its wide belt, which can be used by an adult and a child side by side, you can enjoy the area at your leisure, with free access for everyone (skiers and pedestrians).
    Accessible as soon as you get off the Rosay gondola, you’ll find :
    – An area designed for beginner skiers, with two completely reconfigured runs for young and old alike.
    – An enclosed, marked and safe toboggan run.
    – Access to various footpaths and snowshoe trails.
    – A hors sac room.
    – Free automatic rucksack lockers.

    This is the ideal place to learn to ski while enjoying a breathtaking view of the valley.

    From the Village or Le Chinaillon The Mini Domaine Only by the day

    This package, far from being small, gives you privileged access to a selection of 13 facilities designed to help you get back on the slopes with peace of mind:

    – The Rosay and La Joyère gondolas for a gentle lift into the heart of the mountains.
    – The Charmieux, La Taverne and Le Châtelet chairlifts for exploring the slopes in complete tranquillity, while enjoying exceptional views.
    – The Raiches, La Côte, Les Combes, Les Arces and La Mulaterie ski lifts will allow you to progress step by step.
    – The Castor snow line and the conveyor belts at Alpage Express and Les Outalays offer a fun and safe way to get back on the slopes or to start out.

    A family on a chairlift surrounded by the snow-covered Aravis mountain range under a clear sky. They are all wearing colourful ski helmets (pink, blue, purple and white) and goggles. In the background, we can see ski slopes and snow-covered trees, indicating a beautiful sunny day in the mountains. The overall mood is one of family fun in the great outdoors.A family on a chairlift surrounded by the snow-covered Aravis mountain range under a clear sky. They are all wearing colourful ski helmets (pink, blue, purple and white) and goggles. In the background, we can see ski slopes and snow-covered trees, indicating a beautiful sunny day in the mountains. The overall mood is one of family fun in the great outdoors.
    ©A family on a chairlift surrounded by the snow-covered Aravis mountain range under a clear sky. They are all wearing colourful ski helmets (pink, blue, purple and white) and goggles. In the background, we can see ski slopes and snow-covered trees, indicating a beautiful sunny day in the mountains. The overall mood is one of family fun in the great outdoors.|Tristan Shu
      Le Charmieux chairlift in Le Grand-Bornand under a blue sky, surrounded by snow and mountains.Photo of the Le Charmieux chairlift in Le Grand-Bornand ski resort. This modern facility, surrounded by a snow-covered landscape and clear skies, gives skiers access to the slopes in an exceptional alpine setting. Ideal for winter sports fans.
      ©Le Charmieux chairlift in the heart of Le Grand-Bornand ski resort, offering fast access to the snowy slopes.|© TILBY VATTARD

        At the Chinaillon Le Charmieux

        The beginners’ area at Le Charmieux consists of a wide-band conveyor belt serving two beginners’ slopes, enabling skiers to familiarise themselves with skiing in a dedicated environment.

        The Charmieux service centre has been designed to make it easier for customers to find their way around the resort, with the following services all under one roof:

        • a ski lift ticket office
        • an ESF reception point
        • ski lockers
        • a nursery
        • public toilets
        • indoor and outdoor picnic tables

        Why do we recommend it? 

         Adapted and secure facilities

        Each area is specially designed for beginners, with treadmills, gentle ski lifts and easy runs, so you can learn at your own pace in a safe and comfortable environment. Ideal for building confidence without pressure!

         An exceptional natural setting

        Learning to ski in the heart of the Grand-Bornand mountains, with their splendid panoramas and clean air, makes the experience even more enjoyable and memorable. The magnificent scenery adds a real plus to your learning experience!

         Progressive learning

        Thanks to the diversity of our facilities, you can progress at your own pace. From treadmills to chairlifts, each piece of equipment allows you to progress naturally, so you can quickly feel at ease on the slopes.

        What are the practical tips for beginners?

        A mother and her son are on a chairlift to the top of the ski slope. They are both very friendly and seem to be looking forward to skiing, by the big smiles and expressions on their faces as they contemplate the slopes.A mother and her son are on a chairlift to the top of the ski slope. They are both very friendly and seem to be looking forward to skiing, as they smile broadly and put on a brave face, gazing out over the slopes.
        ©A mother and her son are on a chairlift to the top of the ski slope. They are both very friendly and seem to be looking forward to skiing, as they smile broadly and put on a brave face, gazing out over the slopes.|Pierre Guilbaud
        Free ski passes – Alpine skiing
        Read more
        wooden letters with frost form the word mongrandbo in front of the snow-covered aravis rangeMon Grand Bo 27 12 2022 J.cathala Ot Lgb 1
        ©wooden letters with frost form the word mongrandbo in front of the snow-covered aravis range|J.Cathala
        All alpine ski passes
        Read more
        Two ESF downhill ski instructors are skiing down a slope rather slowly. They are dressed in a red ski suit, in the ESF colours. We can see the Aravis mountain range and a slightly cloudy blue sky in the background. The atmosphere is both dynamic and gentle.Two ESF downhill ski instructors are skiing down a slope rather slowly. They are dressed in a red ski suit, in the ESF colours. We can see the Aravis mountain range and a slightly cloudy blue sky in the background. The atmosphere is both dynamic and gentle.
        ©Two ESF downhill ski instructors are skiing down a slope rather slowly. They are dressed in a red ski suit, in the ESF colours. We can see the Aravis mountain range and a slightly cloudy blue sky in the background. The atmosphere is both dynamic and gentle.|Tristan Shu
        Which ski pass for ski lessons?
        Read more
        Ski Poudreuse 20 01 2023 Jonathan Cathala Ot Lgb 10 Copy 1Ski Poudreuse 20 01 2023 Jonathan Cathala Ot Lgb 10 Copy 1
        ©Ski Poudreuse 20 01 2023 Jonathan Cathala Ot Lgb 10 Copy 1
        Alpine skiing lessons
        Read more
        Two people in ski outfits, with skis slung over their shoulders, walk down a snow-covered slope with broad smiles on their faces. In the background, you can see a large wooden sign reading mon GrandBo, as well as the Aravis mountain range covered in snow under a blue sky. The atmosphere is happy and relaxed.Two people in ski outfits, with skis slung over their shoulders, walk down a snow-covered slope with broad smiles on their faces. In the background, you can see a large wooden sign reading "mon GrandBo", and the Aravis mountain range covered in snow under a blue sky. The atmosphere is happy and relaxed.
        ©Two people in ski outfits, with skis slung over their shoulders, walk down a snow-covered slope with broad smiles on their faces. In the background, you can see a large wooden sign reading "mon GrandBo", as well as the Aravis mountain range covered in snow under a blue sky. The atmosphere is happy and relaxed.|Tristan Shu
        Buy your ski pass on site
        Read more
        A red groomer works its way down a winding snowy slope, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fir trees, with the village of Chinaillon visible below.This photo captures a snow groomer in action on a slope winding down a mountainside. Under a brilliant blue sky, the machine makes perfect grooves in the immaculate snow, offering skiers a quality descent. In the background, a snow-capped Alpine village nestles at the foot of the majestic mountains, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding white blanket. This scene illustrates the essential work done by snow groomers to ensure optimum conditions for skiing in ski resorts.
        ©A red groomer carves a snow-covered slope against a magnificent backdrop of Alpine scenery.|C.Chabod
        Opening of lifts
        Read more
        Are you enjoying this experience? Share it!

        More experiences in Le Grand-Bornand

        Two suspended Grandborama cabins, decorated with works of art, with the snow-capped peaks of Grand-Bornand in the background.A panoramic black-and-white view featuring two Grandborama cabins decorated with illustrations evoking life in Grand-Bornand. This visual experience combines local culture and Alpine landscapes, offering visitors a unique moment suspended between sky and mountains.
        ©An artistic and alpine panorama with the Grandborama cabins set against a backdrop of majestic mountains.|Augustin Losserand
        Live the experience Grandborama
        Tilby VattardSnow in the foreground. A family passes under the Môm' Park arch in the beginners' area of the Grand-Bornand downhill ski area. Fir trees, arches and skiers in the background.
        ©Family skiing on the Môm'Park, beginners' slope in the Grand-Bornand alpine ski area|Tilby Vattard
        Live the experience Défi’Mômes
        Night view of the Grand-Bornand ski area illuminated, with the emblematic church in the foreground.This photograph captures the magic of night-time skiing in Le Grand-Bornand. Under a starry sky, the slopes light up to offer skiers a unique experience. In the foreground, the village church, a symbol of mountain authenticity, adds a charming touch to this Alpine panorama. Photo credit: J. Cathala - Office de Tourisme du Grand-Bornand.
        ©The Grand-Bornand snow front under the stars, lit up for an unforgettable evening of night skiing.|Jonathan Cathala
        Live the experience La Nocturne
        Family skiing in the Aravis mountainsSnow in the foreground. In the background, a mother and her two children, a little boy and a little girl, are skiing. They are dressed in a mixture of orange, purple and grey. The Aravis mountain range and a magnificent blue sky make up the third shot.
        ©A family skiing in front of the Aravis mountain range in the Grand-Bornand alpine ski area.|Tilby Vattard
        Live the experience The Mini-Domaine
        A family with two children standing on skis at the top of a slope watching the sun set over the Aravis mountain range. One has a blue, black and green ski outfit, another red and yellow, another green and black and the last red and black. One of the skiers in the middle is pointing with his left stick to the top of a mountain. The atmosphere is very lunar with a white/golden light. It's a beautiful end to a day's skiing.A family with two children standing on skis at the top of a slope watching the sun set over the Aravis mountain range. One has a blue, black and green ski outfit, another red and yellow, another green and black and the last red and black. One of the skiers in the middle is pointing with his left stick to the top of a mountain. The atmosphere is very lunar with a white/golden light. It's a beautiful end to a day's skiing.
        ©A family with two children standing on skis at the top of a slope watching the sun set over the Aravis mountain range. One has a blue, black and green ski outfit, another red and yellow, another green and black and the last red and black. One of the skiers in the middle is pointing with his left stick to the top of a mountain. The atmosphere is very lunar with a white/golden light. It's a beautiful end to a day's skiing.|Pierre Guilbaud
        Live the experience XXL Winter Holidays
        Alpine skier descending a slope with a panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range in the background. The sky is fairly clear, with a lovely golden glow moving behind the skier, wearing a pink ski suit.Alpine skier descending a slope with a panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range in the background. The sky is fairly clear, with a golden glow moving behind the skier, wearing a pink ski suit.
        ©Alpine skier descending a slope with a panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range in the background. The sky is fairly clear, with a lovely golden glow moving behind the skier, wearing a pink ski suit.|Clément Hudry
        Live the experience Dénivel’maxx
        Three friends in skiwear are sitting on deckchairs at the top of a snow-covered mountain, with a panoramic view of the Aravis range in the background. They are enjoying a moment of relaxation under a sunny sky. One person is wearing a red jacket, another a green one and the last a pink one. A paraglider can also be seen on the left, flying over the mountains. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, reminiscent of a break after a skiing session.Three friends in skiwear are sitting on deckchairs at the top of a snow-covered mountain, with a panoramic view of the Aravis range in the background. They are enjoying a moment of relaxation under a sunny sky. One person is wearing a red jacket, another a green one and the last a pink one. A paraglider can also be seen on the left, flying over the mountains. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, reminiscent of a break after a skiing session.
        ©Three friends in skiwear are sitting on deckchairs at the top of a snow-covered mountain, with a panoramic view of the Aravis range in the background. They are enjoying a moment of relaxation under a sunny sky. One person is wearing a red jacket, another a green one and the last a pink one. A paraglider can also be seen on the left, flying over the mountains. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, reminiscent of a break after a skiing session.|Tristan Shu
        Live the experience The ZZZ’ones
        A skier performs a trick in the air before landing on a large orange airbag marked Le Grand-Bornand, in a snowy, mountainous setting.This image shows a skier jumping over a training airbag at the Grand-Bornand snowpark. The facility allows riders to perfect their tricks while limiting the risk of falling, all in a spectacular mountain setting.
        ©A skier soars through the air before landing softly on the big airbag.|J.Cathala
        Live the experience Big airbag
        First glides in the beginners' areas of the Grand-Bornand ski areaSnow in the foreground. In the background, a young skier wearing orange trousers and a blue helmet is skiing with his legs bent on the piste. A chalet is in the background.
        ©A young skier making his first tracks in the Môm' Park, a beginners' area in the Grand-Bornand ski area.|Tilby Vattard
        Live the experience Môm’Park
        Guaranteed thrills and freestyle on the GB snowpark in the ski areaA giant orange mattress occupies the foreground of the image. In the background, a skier wearing an orange "Le Grand-Bornand" jacket performs a trick in the air before landing on the giant mattress. Snow, a clear blue sky and a ski lift form the background of the image.
        ©Skier performing tricks in the air in the GB snowpark.|Jonathan Cathala
        Live the experience SnowparkGB