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.
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, but also untouched areas and sublime landscapes for your greatest pleasure. The Chamonix valley offers you several ski areas, some oriented towards big skiing, others more suited to family skiing, not forgetting of course, high … 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
Today we take you for a walk in a pleasant and easily accessible place for little walkers and children. We don’t necessarily want to do a long hike so we chose this place because it is simple with a very nice view. The Agy plateau is located at 1459 m altitude above St-Sigismond. Our starting … Learn more
Today a short story of a hike leading to the Lac de Peyre. We will share some remarks and advice to approach it as best as possible. The meeting point is set; the Col de la Colombière which peaks at 1613 m altitude. It connects the valleys between the massif des Bornes to the north-northwest … Learn more
Today we take you hiking with the goal of a small summit named La Bourgeoise located at 1770 m altitude. You can enjoy a 360° viewpoint over the mountain ranges and an incredible view of Mont-Blanc. Are you coming with us? Let’s go then! We chose a starting point allowing a hike without major difficulty … Learn more
Today we are taking you on a beautiful hike suitable for little walkers as well as children. Our goal: lac Bénit. Experienced hikers can continue the hike. We start from the Bété parking lot where an approximate time of 1h15 is indicated. Take your time, hiking is above all the pleasure of discovering nature and … Learn more
Today we take you on a small hike that is not very complicated but still includes some slightly more delicate sections. However, it remains accessible to many and can notably be done with family. A little reminder before departure: good shoes, trekking poles (they can help!), appropriate clothing, the backpack contains a picnic, sufficient water, … Learn more
For a few years now, and this has become even more true since covid, more and more people are taking up mountain hiking, whether regularly or occasionally. This is an excellent thing, mountain activity frees the mind and is also good for the body, but we regularly notice less positive things: incivilities, putting oneself in … Learn more
Off-piste skiing, or freeride skiing, offers a unique experience of freedom, inviting skiers to explore beyond the groomed slopes the vast and magnificent mountain spaces. This practice appeals equally to experienced skiers seeking challenges and beginners eager to discover the thrill of skiing on untouched terrain. The Alps, particularly Haute-Savoie with its breathtaking landscapes, represent … Learn more
Sled dog rides are an unforgettable experience combining nature, adventure, and a bond with dogs passionate about their work. In Haute-Savoie, several beautiful places allow you to enjoy this Nordic activity, surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of the Alps. Discover here the best locations to practice this activity, tips for a successful experience, and a … Learn more
For several years, the mountains of Haute-Savoie have been attracting an increasing number of visitors, especially during the summer season. This growing popularity is unfortunately accompanied by behaviors that disrupt the natural balance of these preserved areas. Among these behaviors, noise pollution has become a major problem that affects the experience of hikers seeking tranquility … Learn more
In 2025, skiing continues to fascinate millions of enthusiasts every winter. Many ski areas compete in size, variety of slopes, and modern facilities. Here are some of the largest or most remarkable ones in the world. 1. Les Trois Vallées, France Located in the French Alps, it is one of the largest interconnected ski areas, … Learn more
skiing remains one of the most expensive winter sports, between passes, accommodation, and equipment. However, there are now many tips to get equipped at a low cost and enjoy the mountains without breaking your budget. Here is a practical guide to skiing smart and cheap. Buying used ski equipment The second-hand market is booming, and … Learn more
Haute-Savoie proves to be a true playground for cross-country skiing enthusiasts: vast pristine plateaus, silent forests, panoramas of the Mont-Blanc massif, all invite gliding and escape. Here are five must-visit Nordic areas where you can discover the full beauty and diversity of this winter sport. 1. Les Contamines‑Montjoie Located between 1,175 m and 1,550 m … Learn more
Between lakes, forests, and snowy peaks, Haute-Savoie attracts thousands of ski enthusiasts every winter. But the mountain is a fragile ecosystem. Good news: it is entirely possible to enjoy the pleasures of skiing while reducing its environmental impact. Here are 5 simple actions for skiing more responsibly, without giving up the magic of snow. 1. … Learn more
On snowy slopes, ski helmets are becoming more and more common. Once reserved for competitors or cautious skiers, they have now become an almost essential accessory. And for good reason: helmets save lives. Why skiing with a helmet has become essential Every winter, rescue services at French ski resorts respond to hundreds of sliding accidents. … Learn more
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, a good physical preparation is essential to fully enjoy your mountain vacation. Not only does it improve your performance on the slopes, but it also significantly reduces the risk of injury. Here is a complete guide to effectively prepare yourself before your next winter sports trip. … Learn more