Bernex

Bernex Dent d’Oche, is a ski resort nestled in a charming mountain village. Located at the foot of Dent d’Oche, between the lake and the mountains, it extends its traditional buildings and numerous chalets along the Gavot plateau, a few kilometers from Evian les Bains. When the snow reaches the Bernex ski resort, the closed season is open to all snow activities. From sled dogs, snowboards, snowshoes, and downhill or cross-country skiing.

Location of the Bernex ski resort

The commune is located in the French Chablais in Pays de Gavot, made up of seven other communes: Larringes, Champanges, Feternes, Saint-Paul-en-Chablais, Thollon-les-Mémises and Vinzier.

Bernex is located 10 km southeast of Évian-les-Bains and west of Dent d’Oche, in the Chablais massif.

Winter sports tourism started as in most Chablais resorts in the 1950.s. The Envers ski lift still survives from that time. In 1975 the resort inaugurated the Pré-Richard chairlift, taking advantage of the fact that the area has undergone significant development with new trails and new ski lifts.

The year 2014 marks a true turning point in the history of the Bernex ski area. The SRMB (Société des Remontées Mécaniques de Bernex) greatly influenced the transformation of the town of Bernex into a complete ski resort.

Layout of the slopes in Bernex

With 19 ski runs totaling 30 kilometers and its 12 lifts (including 3 chair lifts), the Bernex ski area ranges from 1000 to 1900 meters above sea level.

Mainly exposed to the northwest. The Bernex ski slopes will delight skiers and snowboarders, whatever their level. Those who have not fully developed their skis will start at the ski lifts (La Mouille, La Pallud, La Lèche and Tétras). As well as on the 4 green trails ideally arranged and laid out to allow the start of skiing, in excellent conditions.

Bernex is the perfect destination for beginners

Once familiar with the principles of skiing (support, position, speed control and trajectory), intermediate skiers can try the 4 blue trails in the area: Combet, Le Talot, Les Plagnettes and L’Ugine / Becret.

But Bernex is also an excellent playground for experienced skiers, since 2/3 of the ski slopes are for them. In fact, experienced skiers will enjoy the turns and turns on the 7 red trails, which offer greater difficulties. While the most advanced will not hesitate to descend the 4 black trails; alternating between bumpy walls, steep slopes and landforms, along its trails. Then we find the Lac de Pelluaz sector to follow the descents on the slopes of Pelluaz, La Variante and Les Chalets Verts.

Nordic and family ski at the resort

Bernex is presented as an authentic family resort in the heart of the Chablais massif. In addition to its alpine ski area, Bernex also has a Nordic ski area, whose 7,5 km runs will delight cross-country (whether skating or classic) enthusiasts. A marked path allows snowshoe enthusiasts to reach the Pré Richard sector from the snow front.

In 2017, the resort capacity, estimated by the Savoie Mont Blanc organization, was 5037 tourist beds distributed in 883 buildings. The accommodation is distributed as follows: 41 rural houses; a hotel, “Chez Tante Marie”; 6 vacation villages or youth hostels; two shelters (Titlis and Dent d’Oche shelters (2114 m) and a guest house.

Ecological and practical, we arrive at the charming Bernex ski area (19 tracks) on a small train from the heart of the village. New artificial snow sectors have been established, in particular on the Ugine blue piste (with Becret ski lift). It allows a better quality ski at the beginning and end of the season.

It should be noted that in some specific seasons, the tracks were opened at the beginning of the Christmas holidays. Looking northwest, the Bernex ski slopes will satisfy all ski lovers, not minding their level. At the top of Pelluaz, an impressive view of Mont-Blanc, the roof of Europe awaits skiers. The domain is undergoing expansion. United under a special forfait, the resort of Bernex and Thollon receive a new expansion thanks to the creation of a third ski area; Abondance.

In addition to the alpine ski area, the town of Bernex also has a Nordic ski area consisting of 7,5 km of cross-country ski trails, designed for classic and skating enthusiasts.

Leisure and routes offered

On the outskirts of town, away from the hustle and bustle of the downhill ski slopes, you can rediscover the joys of skiing in a different way. For those who have never practiced snowshoeing and are looking to get started in this sport. Courses are offered where qualified instructors accompany you on this discovery. They will also help you become familiar and create awareness about the care and sustainable development of the mountain.

Discover the wildlife and their way of life in winter. Observation of the chamois on the cliffs of Mémises (it is necessary to take the gondola).

In a natural location, facing Lake Léman, in a Caban’igloo, you will taste Tomme, Abondance and the gastronomy of other nearby towns.

Skiing in Bernex: the resort’s highlights

Located in Haute-Savoie, at the foot of the Dent d’Oche (2,221 m), the Bernex Dent d’Oche resort combines the charm of a traditional village with an accessible and varied ski area. Just 20 minutes from Lake Geneva and an hour from Geneva airport, Bernex is a nearby, family-friendly destination with spectacular views of the Chablais Alps and Lake Geneva itself.

1) Accessibility and location

• Strategic proximity: Bernex is less than 15 km from Évian-les-Bains and the shores of Lake Geneva. Its location is ideal for Swiss and French residents looking for a resort that is quick to access without having to venture into the large Alpine valleys.
• Authentic village atmosphere: unlike large tourist resorts, Bernex retains its identity as an Alpine village with chalets, family hotels, and a welcoming atmosphere, giving it authenticity and character.

2) A varied and progressive ski area

• Skiable kilometers: the area has around 19 slopes (approximately 50 km of marked runs), served by around 12 ski lifts, with altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters.
• Slope profile: blue and red slopes predominate, ideal for technical progression. Beginners have specific areas and green slopes at lower altitudes, while more advanced skiers will find a handful of challenging red slopes and one black slope that descends from the higher sectors.
• Attractive vertical drop: with a vertical drop of around 1,000 meters, the resort offers relatively long runs for its size, giving a feeling of spaciousness.

3) Services and complementary activities

• Ski school and beginners’ area: Bernex has an ESF ski school and a fun beginners’ area with conveyor belts, which is highly valued by families with young children.
• Snowpark and freestyle activities: there is an area with modules and boardercross, offering variety to young people and skiers looking for alternatives to traditional downhill skiing.
• Nordic skiing and snowshoeing: the Dent d’Oche massif is criss-crossed by snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails, encouraging multi-purpose tourism in winter.
• Après-ski: although limited compared to larger resorts, the village has bars, restaurants, and Savoyard cuisine to complete the experience.

4) Natural surroundings and panoramic views

• Iconic landscape: from the higher elevations, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi, and Lake Geneva. This scenic dimension is one of Bernex’s distinguishing features, often highlighted in reviews.
• Preserved nature: the proximity to the Dent d’Oche nature reserve and the alpine village character ensure a peaceful environment, far from the crowds.

5) Snow reliability and technical management

• Moderate altitude (1,000–2,000 m): the domain offers good conditions in normal winters, although it is partially dependent on artificial snowmaking in drier seasons.
• Snowmaking facilities: snow cannons and maintenance systems ensure the opening of key lower-altitude slopes, improving the resort’s reliability.

6) Value for money and visitor profile

• Competitive prices: the daily ski pass is significantly cheaper than at renowned resorts in Chablais or Portes du Soleil, making Bernex an excellent value for money destination.
• Visitor profile: families, beginners, and intermediate skiers looking for tranquility, authenticity, and good accessibility; less geared towards freeriders or experts who prefer extreme slopes and deep snow.