Plaine de Joux

About Plaine de Joux

The Plaine de Joux — also known as "Passy Plaine-Joux" or simply "Plaine-Joux" — is a locality and a family mountain resort on the commune of Passy, above the Plateau d'Assy. The site sits between 1,340 and 1,740 m at the foot of the Fiz mountain range, facing the Mont Blanc massif. It is accessed via the D43 road, which ends there.

Plaine-Joux is the gateway to the Passy national nature reserve (approximately 1,800 hectares, created in 1980, managed by Asters-CEN74). You will find the Nature Reserve House, a small 12-slope ski area, a paragliding take-off site among the most renowned in France, two climbing sites (Plaine Joux boulders, Larses, Barmus), a visitor chalet, restaurants, a natural campsite and motorhome area. It is also one of the starting points of the GRP Tour du Pays du Mont-Blanc and the Tour des Fiz.

What you can do there

Hiking to lakes and refuges

Starting point for many routes: Lac Vert, Lac de Pormenaz, Châtelet d'Ayères refuge, Dérochoir, Lac d'Anterne, Désert de Platé, Tour des Fiz.

Alpine skiing in winter

12 marked slopes (3 green, 3 blue, 3 red, 1 black) between 1,340 and 1,740 m. 1 chairlift, 3 drag lifts, 3 conveyors. Family-oriented area.

Paragliding

Take-off site facing Mont Blanc, one of the most popular in France. Tandem flights offered by several schools. FFVL site 124.

Passy Nature Reserve House

Free and open permanent exhibition on the wildlife, flora and landscapes of the reserve. Open during school holidays. Managed by Asters-CEN74.

Sledging & snowtubing

Two sledging runs, including one dedicated to snowtubing on large inflatable rings. Early-childhood area "Chalet des Lutins".

Climbing

Two natural climbing sites: Plaine Joux boulders, and Larses and Barmus cliffs. Various levels.

Motorhome and natural campsite

Natural campsite open May to September and late December to late March, no booking required. Check-in at the reception chalet. Dedicated motorhome pitches.

Snowshoeing and ski touring

Two Nordic ski loops, two marked snowshoe routes. Access on foot or snowshoes to Lac Vert in winter.

Practical info

Address

Chemin des Parchets, 74190 Plaine-Joux, Passy

Coordinates

45.9510° N, 6.7397° E

Altitude

1,340 – 1,740 m

Opening hours

Site accessible year-round. Alpine skiing 07/02 to 29/03/2026, 9am–5pm, subject to snow conditions.

Price

Site access free. Ski pass paid in winter (free for under 5s and over 80s).

Parking

Large car park at the resort entrance. Paid during ski season, free outside season (to be confirmed on site).

Animals

Dogs on leash at the resort. Forbidden, even on leash, in the nature reserve.

Accessibility

Reception chalet accessible. Reserve trails not adapted.

Motorhome

Dedicated natural area, open May–September and late December–late March

Public toilets

Yes, at the Nature Reserve House chalet

Reserve House

Free exhibition during school holidays (tel. 07 77 77 35 44)

How to get there

By car

From exit 21 of the A40 (Autoroute Blanche, "Passy"), follow signs to Plateau d'Assy then Plaine-Joux via the D43. Around 20 minutes from the motorway. The D43 road ends at Plaine-Joux.

By public transport

LIHSA Y85 line Sallanches – Passy Plaine-Joux, stop "Passy Plaine-Joux" directly at the foot of the slopes. Timetables at borini.com.

By bike

Road cycling climb from the Arve valley via the D43 (challenging ascent, around 15 km from Sallanches, over 800 m of elevation gain).

When to visit

Plaine-Joux is open year-round, each season with its own use:

December – March: alpine ski season, sledging, snowshoeing, ski touring.
April – May: mild thaw, access to alpine pastures progressively reopens.
June – September: peak hiking, paragliding and climbing season. Free shuttle to Lac Vert in July–August.
October – November: shoulder season, low attendance, autumn colours.

The resort hosts occasional events in winter and summer (paragliding competitions, resort animations, open days). Check the municipality and Tourist Office websites for dates.

Where to eat, drink, stay nearby

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Based in Passy or Plateau d'Assy and serving visitors to Plaine-Joux? Appear here.

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Accommodation nearby?

Chalet, guesthouse, B&B, campsite. Share your availability with visitors to Plaine-Joux.

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Photos of Plaine de Joux

Hiking sign at Plaine Joux - panoramio.jpg

📷 Björn S. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

📷 Florian Pépellin (Floflo) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Panoramic view of the Mont Blanc - panoramio.jpg

📷 Björn S. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Frequently asked questions

Is access to Plaine de Joux paid?

No. Access to Plaine de Joux and its trails is free year-round. Only the alpine ski pass is paid during the winter season.

Can I bring my dog to Plaine de Joux?

At the Plaine de Joux resort itself, dogs are allowed on a leash. However, dogs are strictly forbidden, even on a leash, in the Passy nature reserve that starts nearby. Several trails leaving from Plaine de Joux enter the reserve.

Is there parking at Plaine de Joux?

Yes, a large car park is located at the entrance of Plaine de Joux. It is paid during the alpine ski season. Outside season, access is free, to be confirmed on site.

How do I get to Plaine de Joux by public transport?

LIHSA line Y85, operated by Borini, serves Plaine de Joux from Sallanches. The "Passy Plaine-Joux" stop is located directly at the foot of the slopes.

Can I hike year-round from Plaine de Joux?

Yes. Plaine de Joux is a hiking starting point year-round (walking in summer, snowshoes in winter). Routes to high-altitude lakes and refuges are only practicable in summer, due to snow cover.

Can I paraglide at Plaine de Joux?

Yes. Plaine de Joux has a paragliding take-off site facing Mont Blanc, registered by the FFVL (site 124). Several schools offer tandem flights.

What is the Reserve House at Plaine de Joux?

Located at Plaine de Joux, the Passy Nature Reserve House is a visitor centre managed by Asters-CEN74. The permanent exhibition is free. It opens during school holidays.

Can I come by motorhome to Plaine de Joux?

Yes. A natural campsite and motorhome area is set up at Plaine de Joux, open May to September and late December to late March. No booking required. Reception at the welcome chalet.

Is Plaine de Joux suitable for children?

Yes. Plaine de Joux is a family-oriented resort, with an early-childhood area (Chalet des Lutins), a sledging run, a play area and green and blue ski slopes suited to learners.

Sources

Cross-checked across multiple sources at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before a specific visit.

Published 23 avril 2026 · Last updated 23 avril 2026 · Report outdated info