Each spring, it is one of the most authentic gatherings of the Haute-Savoie mountains. From May onwards, the herds leave the valleys to join the high-altitude alpine pastures, marking the beginning of the summer season in the mountains. Called “montées en alpage” or “enmontagnées,” these festive days attract many visitors each year who come to discover agricultural traditions, walk alongside the cows, and share a convivial moment facing the peaks.
In 2026, several villages and resorts in Haute-Savoie will offer the chance to experience this unique event in the heart of the alpine pastures.
An emblematic tradition of the Savoyard mountains
The montée en alpage marks the departure of herds towards the high-altitude pastures where the cows will spend the entire summer. Accompanied by the farmers, the animals cross villages, roads, and mountain trails in a typical sound atmosphere punctuated by the ringing of cowbells.
Beyond the simple movement of herds, these days have become true popular celebrations combining agriculture, local heritage, gastronomy, and the discovery of mountain know-how. They also help to better understand the work of breeders and the importance of alpine pastures in the production of renowned Savoyard cheeses such as reblochon and abondance.
Combloux: a first festive montée en alpage facing Mont Blanc
In Combloux, the Young Farmers will organize in 2026 a very first montée en alpage open to the public. The meeting is set for Friday, May 15th to accompany more than 50 Abondance breed cows up to the Beauregard alpine pasture.
On the program: coffee welcome at the farm, ascent at the herd’s pace, exchanges with farmers, and a shared barbecue upon arrival with a view of Mont Blanc. A friendly and family experience that should quickly become a must-have spring event in the Mont Blanc region.
Practical information:
- Place: Ferme d’Arvillon – 301 chemin d’Arvillon – 74920 Combloux
- About 6.5 km walk / 450 meters positive elevation gain
- Registration: online booking
See you Friday, May 15, 2026 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm for this day marked by sharing, tradition, and the mountains.
La Clusaz / Le Grand Bornand: the spectacle of herds at the foot of the Aravis range
In the Aravis, several farms still keep this ancestral tradition alive. The ascents to the alpine pastures of Confins or the Beauregard plateau offer spectacular views of the Aravis range.
During these days, visitors can follow the herds on foot, chat with breeders, and enjoy a very friendly atmosphere around Savoyard specialties.
Dates are not yet known, but you can stay informed on the official website: https://saveurs-des-aravis.fr/
Abondance and the Chablais: immersion in the heart of the Abondance territory
In the Abondance valley, the montées en alpage take on a very special dimension. Here, herds of Abondance breed cows ascend to the high-altitude pastures that contribute to the production of the famous AOP cheese of the same name.
L’emmontagnée at Mouët in Châtel
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, meet in Châtel to experience the traditional montée en alpage organized by Michel and Béatrice. In an authentic atmosphere punctuated by the ringing of cowbells, participants accompany Abondance breed cows from the Linga area to the Mouët alpine pasture.
Departure from Chez Crosson at Linga from 8:15 am.
From 9:15 am: welcome drink at Châtel Tourism, then a friendship drink at the Barbossine chairlift.
Upon arrival at the alpine pasture, a meal (to be booked in advance) is organized at the Mouët Chalet: specialty based on Abondance cheese, homemade tart.
Throughout the route, several convivial moments will punctuate this mountain ascent, notably with a welcome drink and a friendship drink offered near the Barbossine chairlift.
Once arrived at the Mouët Chalet, the celebration will continue around a warm meal showcasing local specialties based on Abondance cheese, not forgetting homemade tarts and musical entertainment accompanying this day marked by sharing and Savoyard traditions.
More information on the website châtel.com.
The montée en alpage of Chez Pépé Nicolas
Mountain and tradition lovers are invited on Saturday, June 20, 2026 to participate in the traditional montée en alpage organized by the alpine farm Chez Pépé Nicolas. From Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, participants will reach the heights of Les Menuires during a friendly walk of about 6 kilometers in the heart of Alpine landscapes.
Throughout this festive day, young and old will discover mountain know-how through various artisanal and agricultural demonstrations, enjoy varied activities, and share a Savoyard lunch in a warm atmosphere.
Music, meetings, and surprises will also punctuate this montée en alpage, which celebrates the start of the summer season in the high-altitude pastures. The party usually continues in the evening with an alpine atmosphere animated by a DJ, a catering area, and a bar to prolong this convivial moment facing the mountains.
Meet on Saturday, June 20 at 8:15 am in front of the Saint-Martin-de-Belleville town hall to welcome the animals in a mountain atmosphere. The detailed program is available on the site chezpepenicolas.com.
Why participate in a montée en alpage?
Beyond the magnificent landscapes, participating in a montée en alpage allows you to live a true moment of sharing with farmers and mountain inhabitants.
It is also an opportunity to:
- observe the herds up close;
- discover pastoral traditions;
- taste Savoyard specialties;
- enjoy an accessible hike in a festive atmosphere;
- and live an authentic experience away from major tourist events.
Some advice before you go
Even though these events remain accessible to most people, it is advisable to bring:
- shoes suitable for walking;
- clothes for the mountains;
- water and sun protection;
- and to arrive early, as some montées attract many people.
The exact dates and detailed programs of the 2026 montées en alpage will be gradually announced in the spring by the tourist offices and the municipalities concerned, and updated in this article as they become available.
