Haute-Savoie is an ideal playground for sports and leisure enthusiasts in every season. In winter, hit the ski slopes or try snowboarding, snowshoeing, or even cross-country skiing. In summer, embark on adventures with alpine hikes, paragliding, mountain biking, or water sports on the lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or looking for new thrills, the region offers a multitude of activities for all levels and tastes. Get ready for moments of adrenaline and relaxation in the heart of the Alps.
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
They are increasingly numerous on the trails. In backpacks, on the end of a leash, or running freely on the paths, dogs now accompany their owners on most mountain hikes. But behind this trend that appeals to vacationers, many professionals are now sounding the alarm. In Haute-Savoie as elsewhere in the Alps, refuge keepers, mountain … Learn more
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
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
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
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
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 pose significant risks. Preparation and knowledge of best practices are essential to reduce dangers when crossing a névé. Definition and … Learn more
Does the idea of climbing 1,000 meters of elevation gain fill you with as much excitement as apprehension? Rest assured: there are precise tips to turn this vertical challenge into an exhilarating adventure, without ending up out of breath around the next bend. Here is a lively guide, enriched with personal experiences, to accompany you … Learn more
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
Imagine the breath of the wind on your face, the smell of damp earth beneath your feet, the birdsong echoing among the trees… Hiking is much more than a simple pastime; it’s a sensory adventure where every detail counts. But to fully enjoy this getaway, you need to anticipate a crucial element: nutrition. Who has … Learn more
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
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
The Tour du Mont Blanc is not just a great classic of the Alps: it is a lively crossing, both sporty and accessible, linking inhabited valleys, panoramic passes, and refuges where you share the table with hikers from everywhere. Over approximately 160 to 170 km and nearly 10,000 m of cumulative positive elevation gain, the … Learn more
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 resumption of skiing after a long period of stopping often requires caution. When you get off the first chairlift, the fresh, sharp air of January in the mountains sharpens your desire to slide, but your muscles are not yet ready for this unprecedented effort. The risk of injury is then at its highest. The … Learn more
Article updated on 21/11/2024 The weather changes quickly in the mountains, as is well known. But even if it is very sunny, the passage of a cloud or the shadow of a peak or a somewhat strong wind, the cold can quickly be felt! And thermal amplitudes are significant in the mountains, especially at altitude. … Learn more
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 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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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
Here are some simple and useful tips to properly prepare your next snowshoe outing and thus make the most of the winter mountain. Gather information: Check the mountain weather bulletin 08-92-68-02-74 Check the avalanche risk assessment bulletin 08-92-68-10-20 Ask professionals (guide and accompanying offices, ski schools, pisteurs) about mountain conditions. Listen to their advice, they … Learn more
Catch Your Breath Again Weekly Training 2 to 3 times a week, do a jogging session, even a short one. Warm up by doing stretching movements and trotting for a few minutes before setting off. Never stop running abruptly: trot, walk, and finish your session with some stretching. For beginners’ first sessions: 20 minutes alternating … Learn more
Waxing consists of applying a layer of wax on the ski base. Its 3 main advantages are : Nourish the base so that it retains all its qualities Preserve good glide quality (longitudinal glide) Maintain good maneuverability (lateral glide) Advice : before each waxing, clean your base using the wax remover. There are 2 ways … Learn more
Ski equipment has evolved a lot in recent years, especially since the appearance of parabolic skis, thus facilitating access to skiing techniques that were once reserved for very good skiers. Skis can be divided into 5 main categories based on their uses and the required skill level. SPORT You are a beginner to good skier. … Learn more
The ski season is approaching, it is high time to prepare yourself to be at your best for your first runs. We offer you a little reminder of useful preparations before a successful ski season. Equipment preparation : maintaining ski equipment is generally quite limited, but a minimum of tasks must be done. If you … Learn more
Are you planning to ski this winter? Do you want to have a blast in the powder snow in our mountains? No problem, but are you physically ready? Indeed, skiing, especially in powder and off-piste, is a sport that is quite demanding both cardiovascularly and muscularly. Don’t think you can arrive on our slopes without … Learn more
In the mountains, for a responsible and autonomous practice, it is essential to know the different orientation techniques. Technological evolution, with the arrival of GPS mainly, can provide significant assistance, but it should remain a complement. The basic techniques must be mastered nonetheless, as electronics do not yet offer an infallible level of reliability. Many … Learn more
Here is the 2nd article in the series dedicated to mountain navigation. After discovering the map, we will see what the compass and altimeter are used for. THE COMPASS: The compass is made up of 3 parts: A magnetic needle that turns and whose red part indicates magnetic north. A rotating dial graduated from 0° … Learn more
Here is the 3rd article in our series dedicated to mountain orientation. After discovering the different tools, which are the map, the compass, and the altimeter, we will now learn how to use them with basic techniques allowing orientation with good visibility. In the next article, we will discover some “advanced” techniques (intentional error, tangent … Learn more
Here is the 4th article of our series dedicated to mountain orientation. After discovering the map, the compass, and the altimeter, and especially how to use them with basic techniques to orient yourself with good visibility, we will now discover some “advanced” techniques (deliberate error, tangent to the curve) to use with reduced visibility, but … Learn more
The vast territory of Lac d’Annecy – Massif des Aravis is a dream setting for Free Flight practice. Indeed, located at the crossroads of Europe, 30 minutes from Geneva, between the valleys of Chamonix, Megève and the Massif des Bauges Regional Natural Park, this area offers numerous flight possibilities for all levels of practice. A … Learn more