Just spent a fab Feb half term in the Apartment in Flaine. Apartment was great, exactly as described, clean, well equipped, with great views across the valley. It accommodated 8 of us easily, the three bath/shower rooms were extremely useful when you’ve got 4 adults and 4 teenagers trying to get ready at once, though there was some “discussion” over who was going to sleep on the sofa bed.
The hotel itself was great too, swimming pool was an experience overlooking the mountains, the hotel staff were extremely friendly, helpful and efficient. The free minibus in an evening was great and would take you anywhere you wanted. However, would recommend taking the car into Flaine itself if picking up ski equipment, as it was a bit of a trek back with all the gear, not what we wanted after a 12 hour crawl on the motorways (well it was half term I suppose!). The car park was useful, as we had some heavy snow while we were there, and had great fun watching people digging their cars out of the parking spaces opposite the hotel.
The ski lockers were essential, and the ski in and out was great, though we couldn’t always take advantage of that if we didn’t have a valid pass, as you have to ski down to the nearest ski lift, which takes you up to another run which will take you down to the centre. However, the free bus was a very practical way to get to and from the slopes, though they did tend to get very busy coming back at 5pm (it was half term after all). As beginners, we found the ski pass system very flexible. There are three lifts around the nursery and green runs which are free. They also have a points system for the less adventurous which don’t expire, and the smaller lifts were only a couple of points each. Or you could get full day, 2 day or week passes.
The local supermarkets were a tad expensive, but the Sherpa down in Flaine Forum was indeed better than the Spar. The restaurants were good, we only ate out a couple of times. Brasserie Cimes in the Forum was good, reasonable value, good atmosphere and good for families, L’Ancolie in Le Hameau was excellent, relaxed atmosphere, great food, but more expensive, good for a special occasion. The hotel will ring and book them for you.
All in all, for “debutante” skiers, we had an excellent time, in a great apartment and Fiona was very helpful and patient with all our questions. Would definitely recommend for beginners and intermediates, (not qualified to comment about anyone else!).