This pretty village offers the chance to ski in the presence of scenery so breathtaking that it is mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Thollon overlooks the stunning Lake Leman and is framed by the imposing French and Swiss Alps. With a modest groomed piste area of its own, this is an ideal resort for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. More adventurous skiers will love the easy access to the famed Portes du Soleil, Bernex and Verbier areas. A wealth of varied terrain is never too far away. Thollon is a quiet mountain village with a welcoming atmosphere. The handful of bars and restaurants here are very family-friendly. Many people stay in nearby Evian - around a ten minute' drive from Thollon. This offers a spectacular location on Lake Geneva featuring beaches, a casino and a thermal spa. Evian also offers a wider choice of restaurants and bars but compliments the relaxing atmosphere of Thollon perfectly. Staying in Evian and skiing in Thollon makes for a perfect family skiing holiday.
Thollon's ESF school offers ski and snowboard tuition for both individuals and groups. Beginners will appreciate the gentle nursery slopes and the good progression runs further up the mountain. Fast learners will want to try the new run that finishes in the centre of the village.
Thollon offers some good boarding and, for freestylers, there is a half-pipe. The majority of ski lifts here are drags, though. The local slopes are best suited to confident intermediates. Of the 14 groomed pistes, six are graded blue and eight are graded red. There are also two cross-country circuits located next to the cable car.
The eight red pistes will make for some enjoyable, fast, cruising - though few advanced skiers will find any of the groomed runs particularly challenging. Expert skiers and snowboarders will want to head to nearby Bernex and the huge Portes du Soleil area for more demanding runs.
Childrens facilities are good and, combined with the gentle slopes, make this a good choice for a family skiing holiday. Thollon has a kindergarten, near the cable car, that cares for children from 6 months to 6 years old. There is also a special nursery ski school at the 'Jardin des Neiges', offering both morning and afternoon group classes.
Thollon is small but well appointed. Lunch and instant après ski can be spent in the restaurant and bar at the foot of the slopes. The bars and restaurants in Thollon village offer a traditional après ski atmosphere and a chance to sample some wonderful Savoyard cuisine. The nearby spa town of Evian offers a livelier atmosphere, with a nice range of restaurants and a casino. There is a more metropolitan feel about Evian, where cafés and shops line the streets. Those wishing to party until late will find a few more bars here, though Evian is generally a relaxed place. For those looking a wider choice of après ski can drive to Geneva, around an hour away by car.
44 km (approximately 1 hour transfer). British Airways flies to Geneva from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
205km (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes transfer). British Airways flies to Lyon from London Heathrow.
