Ski holiday in Haute-Savoie: which resort to choose and how to properly organize your vacation

Une famille de skieurs sur une remontée mécanique

The Haute-Savoie region concentrates some of the most renowned ski areas in the French Alps: Chamonix at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the vast Portes du Soleil network (Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets), and the Grand Massif (Flaine, Samoëns). Each resort has its own profile (altitude, size of the area, atmosphere, …) and the choice directly affects … Learn more

How to choose your hiking boots for the mountains

Shoes are probably one of the most important pieces of hiking equipment. A perfectly suitable pair for an easy trail walk can become uncomfortable, even unsuitable, as soon as you venture onto rocky or wet terrain. Low, mid, or high shaft, sole stiffness, grip, waterproof membrane: here are the main criteria to know to choose … Learn more

Hiking safety: essential tips for risk-free hiking

Découvrez nos conseils essentiels pour assurer votre sécurité lors de vos randonnées et profiter pleinement de chaque aventure sans risque.

With its majestic reliefs, secret valleys, waterfalls, lakes, and deep forests, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes embodies like nowhere else the call of nature and the promise of varied landscapes. Walking the region’s trails means diving into an ecosystem of rare richness, where escape meets physical challenge. But this adventure also requires constant vigilance: safety above all. Hiking in … Learn more

These free sheets to download before a hike could be valuable to you in case of an accident in the mountains

premiers secours en montagne

A fall, a fainting, hypothermia… In the mountains, rescue teams can take many minutes to arrive. To help hikers, trail runners, and mountaineers respond effectively, a group of experts has just made first aid sheets freely available, accessible even without a network. A simple reflex that could make all the difference. Every summer, thousands of … Learn more

This easy hike offers breathtaking views of Léman

hucel belvédère sur le léman

Just minutes from the shores of Lake Geneva, this accessible loop allows you to discover a more intimate side of the Chablais. Between mountain hamlets, natural viewpoints, and spectacular panoramas over the largest lake in Western Europe, this route is ideal for a family outing or a half-day in the fresh air. A walk between … Learn more

Hiking Safety: Good Practices Before Heading Out on the Trails This Summer

équipement de randonnée en pleine nature

Every summer, hiking trails attract thousands of enthusiasts in Haute-Savoie and the French mountain ranges. However, a poorly planned outing can quickly turn into a nightmare. Changing weather, dehydration, loss of orientation, or simply overestimating one’s abilities: most accidents could be avoided thanks to some essential habits before departure. Preparation begins long before putting on … Learn more

How to choose the ideal size of your hiking backpack?

Découvrez nos conseils pratiques pour choisir la taille idéale de votre sac de randonnée, adaptée à vos besoins et à la durée de vos escapades en nature.

Which hiker has never hesitated between two backpack sizes in front of a store aisle or an online shop? In 2026, as hiking and trekking are booming in France and Europe, choosing the right backpack size is of strategic importance. A poorly adapted selection promises a journey ruined by pain, regrets at every climb, or, … Learn more

Choosing a hike suited to one’s physical condition: the mistake that too many hikers still make

randonneurs refuge sales

With thousands of kilometers of marked trails, the mountain offers routes for all levels. Yet, every summer, many accidents occur because hikers overestimate their abilities or underestimate the difficulty of a route. Choosing your hike well according to your physical condition, without forgetting the importance of choosing the right shoes, is one of the most … Learn more

Storm while hiking: these reflexes that can save your life

orage en montagne

Each summer, mountain storms surprise hundreds of hikers. They sometimes break out in just a few dozen minutes, turning a peaceful outing into an emergency situation. In France, lightning still causes several deaths and many injuries each year, the mountains remaining one of the most exposed environments. Over my years of hiking, I have faced … Learn more

Hiking in the heatwave: do you really know which actions can save you?

randonnee sous la canicule

When temperatures rise dramatically, the desire to go hiking does not disappear, quite the opposite. The stifling heat of a heatwave turns a simple walk in nature into a true challenge for the human body. Under a scorching sun, the risks related to dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke intensify dangerously. For several years, experts have … Learn more

Is it still possible to hike in Haute-Savoie when it is 35°C? Advice from professionals

randonner avec la chaleur

With the heatwave currently affecting much of France, many mountain lovers ask themselves the same question: is it still reasonable to go hiking when the thermometer exceeds 35°C? Guides, mountain leaders, and rescuers remind that hiking remains possible, but only on the condition of seriously adapting one’s habits. The mountains are often seen as a … Learn more

Patous, flocks, and bivouac: the rules every hiker should know before heading to the mountains this summer

troupeau et patou, chien de protection

Every summer, thousands of hikers return to the trails of Haute-Savoie. But with the return of herds to the alpine pastures, encounters with patous and shepherds become more frequent. A few simple gestures can, however, prevent most delicate situations and allow you to fully enjoy the mountains. Why herds are everywhere in the mountains in … Learn more

The golden rules of mountain bivouacking

Imagine yourself perched atop a ridge, your gaze lost in the endless blue of the sky, the setting sun lighting up the snowy peaks with a golden glow. The silence is broken only by the whisper of the wind and the subtle song of a blackbird. Mountain bivouacking is a sensory adventure, an enchanted pause … Learn more

How to safely cross a névé during your mountain hikes

The presence of névés in the mountains represents a common challenge for hikers, especially in spring and early summer. These persistent snow accumulations, often found above 1,500 meters in altitude or on north-facing slopes, can present significant risks. Preparation and knowledge of good practices are essential to reduce dangers when crossing a névé. Definition and … Learn more

Discover the 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in Haute-Savoie for 2026

randonnée en Haute-Savoie cirque du fer a cheval

Haute-Savoie, an Alpine jewel with many facets, holds a wealth of trails promising escape. Between sparkling glaciers, suspended lakes, and limestone ridges, each mountain range reveals its character. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a contemplative walker, let yourself be guided to the heart of ten unforgettable itineraries, tested and approved for the 2026 … Learn more

Spring skiing in Savoie: Why it’s the best period?

If Haute-Savoie shines with its distinctive mountain ranges and charming villages, its neighbor Savoie has a major argument to extend the season: its very high-altitude ski areas. While spring gradually settles into our valleys, the desire for skiing remains intact. For skiing enthusiasts seeking guaranteed snow until the last days of April, crossing the Col … Learn more

Day hike: the complete list of equipment to bring

Going on a day hike is one of the best ways to discover the magnificent landscapes of Haute-Savoie. Whether you are aiming for a high-altitude lake near Annecy or a panoramic ridge in the Mont-Blanc massif, a successful outing depends on thorough preparation. Many hikers think that a few hours excursion doesn’t require specific equipment. … Learn more

How to Choose Your Ski Rental Professional in La Rosière?

Renting your skis in La Rosière : dive into the world of the resort before putting on your skis Near Haute-Savoie, La Rosière is a one-of-a-kind resort in Savoie. A true gem of Haute-Tarentaise, facing south, La Rosière enjoys optimal sunshine from its 1850 m altitude.  It is also bordering Italy. You will surely hear … Learn more

The effects of cold

grand froid

Article updated on 07/27/2026 The weather changes quickly in the mountains, that’s well known. But even if it is perfectly sunny, the passing of a cloud or the shadow of a peak or a somewhat strong wind, the cold can quickly be felt! And temperature variations are significant in the mountains, especially at altitude. Without … Learn more

Tips for Snowshoe Hiking

Conseils randonnées raquettes

What could be more enjoyable than going to discover remote spots in our beautiful mountains in winter. There is ski touring, an ideal tool in my opinion, but if you are not very athletic or not a very good skier, prefer snowshoes. However, we must not forget that we are moving in an unstable and … Learn more

The waterfall trail – Flaine – Sixt

piste des cascades - Flaine - Sixt

The waterfalls run or the joy of skiing 14 kilometers downhill, right in the heart of a nature reserve, without the constraint of ski lifts… Come discover the “Combe de Gers“, in the heart of the Grand Massif, a secured area entirely dedicated to off-piste skiing. 800 m of altitude difference facing north, powder snow … Learn more

When the avalanche is there

Conduite à tenir pendant une avalanche

Article updated on 11/21/2024 Despite all the precautions you may take, you may one day be caught in an avalanche. What to do in such a case. During the avalanche You are outside the avalanche From the moment it starts, observe the person or persons carried away until the flow comes to a complete stop. … Learn more

The right attitude on the slopes

Règles de bonne conduite des skieurs

At the beginning of this season, it is helpful to recall some rules of good conduct to adopt on the ski slopes. And some additional rules if you practice off-piste skiing: Have a good ski season everyone!

Mont Blanc Flight 4807

For this new edition of the Vol Mont-Blanc 4807 which will take place between Monday, September 04 and Sunday, September 10, 2006, depending on the weather, it celebrates its 20th anniversary! The Mont Blanc 4807 flight is the first and only para-alpinism event in the world. Over 1 day, chosen according to the meteorological conditions, … Learn more

Great skiing in Chamonix

Le mont blanc, vu de Chamonix

Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, beginner, advanced, expert… the Chamonix valley offers you a wide variety of slopes, snow conditions, but also untouched areas and sublime landscapes for your utmost pleasure. The Chamonix valley offers you several ski areas, some oriented towards big skiing, others more intended for family skiing, not forgetting of course, … Learn more

Physical preparation before the ski season

Préparation physique ski - Camille SAYEC

The ski season will start in a few weeks, you want to arrive in shape for your first descents, it is time to think about getting back in shape, if necessary, before sliding down the ski slopes. Skiing works muscles in movements slightly different from most sports, so you need to prepare for it. As … Learn more

Choose your rackets

raquette1-2.jpg

Choosing your snowshoes for this winter may seem trivial, but this choice will partly determine the pleasure you will experience while hiking. A snowshoe adapted to your terrain of practice will make things much easier for you. To choose your snowshoe, you need to know the type of terrain on which you will mainly practice. … Learn more

How to properly adjust your ski bindings

réglage fixation ski

You don’t necessarily think about it, but it is nonetheless an important safety element in your ski equipment. A good adjustment of your bindings will help avoid many problems… The binding must fulfill 2 main but contradictory roles: It must hold the boot and absorb shocks from the terrain. It must release the boot as … Learn more

The racket – Equipment

raquettes à neige

Individual equipment : 1 pair of snowshoes: see here to choose your pair of snowshoes 1 pair of shoes sufficiently waterproof and warm 1 pair of gaiters or a snow stop system Walking or ski poles with a wide basket (to prevent sinking too much in powder snow) Warm and waterproof clothes, even if the … Learn more

Alpine Skiing: Nutrition

Alimentation ski

How to eat well for a day of skiing? Alpine skiing requires a lot of vigilance and concentration. During your stay, you will accumulate skiing sessions over several days. In addition to physical activity, altitude increases energy needs. The dry mountain air also causes dehydration. This amplifies the accumulation of waste released during certain efforts, … Learn more

Alpine skiing – Preparation

Don’t attack the snow that won’t come! Being in good shape is the prerequisite for skiing well and fully enjoying your winter holidays. This sport requires coordination in movements and solid balance, not to mention vigilance every second. The legs gain strength and endurance, but skiing barely stimulates the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. A demanding … Learn more

Avalanche Risks

secours.gif

AVALANCHE: BETTER TO PREVENT… In snowy mountains, as soon as you leave the marked and secured world of ski slopes, you enter a risk zone. To the classic dangers that await the ski or snowshoe hiker, the free rider, or the snowboarder, is added the danger of avalanches. Every year, a few accidents and deaths … Learn more