Massif des Aravis

Why ski in the Massif des Aravis?

Located in the Haute-Savoie department, the Massif des Aravis ski area comprises four resorts: La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, and Manigod.

La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand have both been awarded the "Top of the French Alps" label.

This label meets 6 criteria:

• Ease of access

• The good performance of the ski areas

• Capacity and comfort of accommodation

• A variety of facilities

• Number of international cultural and sporting events

• The diversity of the gastronomic offer

It aims to simplify the choice of holiday destination for a demanding international clientele. Out of 300 French resorts, only 16 have been awarded the label. This recognition confirms just how much the Massif des Aravis has to offer.

Tourists come from all over the world, and they particularly appreciate its advantageous geographical location and breathtaking panoramic views.

Where can you ski in the Massif des Aravis?

The Massif des Aravis ski area has something for everyone.

If you'd like to take to the slopes, we recommend you try the following:

• Piste 2000 (red run)

• Col des Annes (blue run)

• La Régine Cavagnoud (red run)

• L'Aiguille + le Loup et le Merle (red and blue runs)

• Guy Perillat (blue run)

• Le Tétras (Black run)

• La Noire (Black runway)

• Le Fernuy (red run)

• Les Crintiaux and le Blanchot (red runs)

• La Torchère + le Lachat (red runs)

Beginners can practise their skills on the area's green runs, such as l'Étoile and l'Etrivaz.

With the kids

The Massif des Aravis ski area has plenty to offer children!

For over 10 years, the ski area has proudly held the national "Famille Plus" label. This label means that several facilities, such as nurseries with dedicated, secure areas, have been designed to cater to children.

For the more adventurous children, there are plenty of opportunities to learn board sports. Several ski and snowboard schools offer courses tailored to youngsters so they can learn while having fun.

After a few descents supervised by experienced instructors, your children can join you on easy slopes. Ski together here:

• The Plateau de Beauregard, with its 2 green runs, is ideal for gentle skiing.

• L'Envers, a blue run with a gentle slope for easy progress.

• La Régine Cavagnoud is a blue run that allows young skiers to tackle a slightly higher level of difficulty.

• Col de la Croix-Fry and Col de Merdassier offer fun runs for all the family.

Other winter sports

If downhill skiing isn't your thing, don't worry: the Massif des Aravis ski area offers a host of other activities. You can make the most of the snow and have fun on other slopes.

Here are just a few examples of the different activities available at the 4 resorts in the area:

• Tobogganing: the 3 toboggan runs at La Clusaz are guaranteed to provide you with some great laughs.

• Snowshoe hikes: a leisurely way to explore the snow-covered landscapes, suitable for all ages.

• Dog-sleigh rides: a unique experience to discover sublime panoramas in a traditional and fun way.

• Ski-joering and snowscoot: Activities that offer a different approach to snow sports, combining skiing with other disciplines such as horse-drawn sleighs and snow scooters.

• Skating: This activity is suitable for families and offers a great way to have fun on the ice and enjoy the various themed evenings.

In addition to these activities, several snowparks are available within the Massif des Aravis ski area. Fans of sliding and freestyle will particularly appreciate the Grand Bornand snowpark. This exceptional snowpark is recognised as one of the best in France. It is equipped with a range of facilities, including jumps, a half-pipe and numerous rails.

Freeride version

As well as its great downhill slopes, the Aravis Massif also has plenty of freeride spots. There's no shortage of areas where you can make the most of the powder, away from the groomed pistes and discover the mountain in complete freedom.

The best off-piste spots in the Massif des Aravis are mainly to be found in La Clusaz.

We recommend:

• La Vraille

• La Creuse

• Le couloir des Croix

• La forêt des Encarnes

• L'Épaule de l'Étale

Don't forget, however, that only experienced skiers can opt for freeride. Before you set off for the thrill of it all, remember to pack your avalanche transceiver (DVA) and other essential equipment. You should also ensure that the weather conditions permit off-piste skiing.

Nordic version

Nordic skiers will also find plenty to do in the Massif des Aravis. La Clusaz is one of Haute-Savoie's top cross-country ski resorts.

Les Confins Nordic area, situated at an altitude of between 1420 m and 1620 m, is world famous. This reputation is due to the many World Cups that have been held here.

Les Confins offers a magnificent setting, bathed in sunshine. With 63km of pistes, it can accommodate skiers of all abilities.

In Grand-Bornand, you'll also find several pistes set in peaceful surroundings, between pine forests and traditional chalets.

Try out the following itineraries:

• Le Terret: a 1.3 km green trail

• Le Plat des Plats: a 2.1 km green run

• Le Bouchet: a 4 km blue run

• Les Vernes: a 5 km blue trail

• Les Poches: an 8.2 km red trail

• Les Petays: a red run 8.7 km long

• La Bornandine: a 15.5 km black run

• La Tour de Danay: a 12 km black run

Le Plateau Beauregard boasts a 36 km Nordic area, divided into eight supervised daily trails. This area rewards your efforts with panoramic views of the Aravis and Mont Blanc ranges.