Visit the Massif des Aravis : a complete guide

Want to spend a soothing stay in the heart of the Alps? Visiting the Aravis massif will delight you, it is a certainty!

The Aravis massif is a mountain range measuring 25 kilometers located in the Préalpes. It acts as a border between the Haute-Savoie and the Savoie and peaks at an altitude of 2,750 metres at the Percée point. Indeed, the communes of Sallanches, Grand-Bornand and Reposoir are the most emblematic of the mountain range. In fact, we just enjoy these sumptuous summer landscapes like winter. Visiting the Aravis Mountains is a great bowl of pure air!

The shape of the massif is remarkable by its succession of parallel combes. The summits and passes that make up it are essentials of the natural alpine heritage. What do you think is the best way to discover this last one? Ski, sleigh, paragliding or biking... whatever your tastes or budget, you will find the right way to visit the Aravis massif. Wanderlix takes you: top start!

The Aravis massif in a few words

The Aravis massif has always impressed with its majesty and its particular form. Indeed, this region of pastures has been well known for the quality of its cheeses. The reblochon, for example! The tourist interest began to grow in the region with many alpine climbs in the early twentieth century. Then, it’s the turn of the bike with the 9th edition of the Tour de France cyclist borrows the pass of the Aravis. Classified as a natural reserve since 2000, this site offers an incredible show to lovers of large spaces.

The Aravis massif is easily accessible despite its enclaved geographical position. Annecy is not far! The first thing we think about the region is of course its winter activity. Let's go. skie Aravis! La Clusaz, le Grand-Bornand, Manigod, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Combloux or Megève... there are for all tastes and budgets. However, in the summer, cycling and hiking are flying the star in the paragliding... unless it is the opposite?

Visiting the Aravis massif is also discovering amazing ancestral customs and many points of cultural interest. The Roman bridge located on the commune Les Clefs is classified as a historic monument. You can also visit the chapel of the Aravis built almost 400 years ago. Lovely views? Meet at the Beauregard Plateau. It offers a grandiose panorama on the Aravis chain and on the massif of Mont-Blanc .

1. On foot

Visit the Aravis Mountains on foot? What a good idea! Marked routes allow you to explore the surrounding area. The tracks are varied: from one to four days, very easy to very difficult.

Could you teach yourself to the joys of the high mountain with a guide, for example? Or bring snowshoes during the winter season to discover enchanting landscapes. Many viewers offer breathtaking views of the majestic Mont-Blanc massif, nearby. This simple and natural approach allows you to fully enjoy nature at its pace.

Terms and rates

Just a good pair of shoes, a bottle of water and motivation to climb the surrounding mountains. Be careful not to get out of the marked paths when defended: fines are salted!

Access to hiking trails is totally free. With a guide, it will cost you between 100 € and 300 € per day depending on the difficulty of the course.

2. ♪ paragliding

Wow! Paragliding is serious. Many popular spots allow you to discover this discipline with a seasoned monitor. The Grand-Bornand is also an international site: it has the reputation of being ideally oriented to the wind.

Once launched, you will take advantage of the pilot's wisely spotted ascending currents. And from above... what a view! It is the whole Alps chain that offers you. In the summer, you will take off on foot and in winter it is sometimes skiing that you will leave the floor of the cows. Pretty original, it's back to visit the Aravis massif, right?

Terms and rates

An appointment will be set with your monitor, station or directly to the take-off zone. The required equipment is simple: good shoes and fit for the season. The security equipment will be lent to you! As a general rule, you will spend between one and two hours with eagles before landing safely. Count between 65 € and 150 € depending on the chosen formula.

3. Bike

Yes! In the summer, the little queen is also that of the Aravis massif. In fact, the Grand-Bornand is a must-see stage at the Tour de France. Cyclists from the family, amateurs or enthusiasts find their account.

Depending on the route you choose, you will need good thighs to visit the Aravis Mountain Bike. But the many points of view are worth all these efforts, we guarantee it! You can also take some hiking routes in the mountain range. It’s the ideal to cross spousal bouquetins.

Terms and rates

From the Grand-Bornand to the Columbus, the lizard route on the south side of the Aravis massif. This is the most accessible. Are you really motivated? Go from Scionzier to climb the north slope: this portion simmers up to the cadors of discipline!

In mountain biking, make sure you only borrow the paths allowed for bicycles. And take a card so you don't get lost! The tracks take a mountain road or marked paths of course free . If you do not have your own bicycle, you will be charged a rental 20 euros on average during the day.

4. ♪ sled dog

Visiting the Aravis Mountain in a sled dog is certainly one of the most unforgettable activities. D’authentiques mushers share their passion with travellers who come to discover this beautiful region otherwise.

Your sled will be dragged by eight or ten northern dogs for unique sensations. A postcard landscape is available to you, worthy of Lapland or the plains of the North. A sensation of fullness will invade you at the turn of the tortuous and glazed trails. This activity will delight small and large... and will be perfect for a couple of lovers!

Terms and rates

The season to practice this magical sport is obviously winter: from December to April according to snow conditions. Dogs are quite accustomed to human presence and will not claim anything but a few caresses. Count one 50 euros by adult and about 30 per child.

5. Nordic skiing

Visit the Aravis Mountains in Nordic Ski, it’s fantastic... And ideal to burn absorbed calories around the winter tabs. The trails are mostly located around the ski resorts. You can choose your route beforehand: these are classified according to their length and difficulty.

The Clusaz is undoubtedly a must of cross-country skiing with its two Nordic plateaus. The longest loop is 63 kilometers, but the shortest only 13. There are some for all levels and some portions allow you to familiarize yourself with this very technical movement.

Terms and rates

Cross-country skiing can be practiced between December and April. It depends on the snow, become random. The necessary equipment can be rented, like any ski equipment, directly in the resort. This sport does not require a particular physical condition for the simplest routes. But the cardio is packed for routes with a high degree of denial: choose your course carefully.

Count 9 € per adult and 5 € per child on average in La Clusaz to access the Nordic ski slopes for a day. The price of the rental depends on the equipment chosen in agency.

6. Horse riding

Why not join the utility to the pleasant by exploring the Aravis massif with four legs? Not on yours, of course: take advantage of the most beautiful conquest of man! During the summer season, the horse can admire sumptuous landscapes while enjoying a relaxing walk. An experienced guide knows the best paths adapted to the practice of leisure riding. It will accompany you throughout your trip and adapt to your level. Don’t worry, it’s quite simple and the animal’s grip is very fast.

Terms and rates For beginners, a flat field initiation of half an hour is often recommended. Most people weighing more than 90 kg will not be able to practice this activity for the well-being of horses. However, they are quite confident and accustomed to human presence.

Count a tariff 30 €/hour . A one-day hike is charged an average of 100 euros.