Sports and Leisure

In brief In September, the Haute-Savoie mountain can still give a summery impression around Annecy, Sallanches, or the Arve valley, while abruptly shifting to winter conditions just a few hundred meters higher. A high-altitude cold drop is sometimes enough to lower the rain-snow limit to 1,700 or 1,800 meters, cover stones with a slippery film, … Learn more

In brief Why is September a special month for hiking? Summer is coming to an end, school holidays are over, yet the mountains remain fully accessible. It is this combination that makes September a pivotal month for hiking enthusiasts. Trails that were crowded in July and August regain their calm, while nature begins its autumn … Learn more

It seems that snoring is the number one enemy of the dormitory. That it is he alone who sabotages nights in a refuge. That earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or even a sleeping bag tightly sealed over the head would be needed to protect oneself from it. Yet, ask any seasoned hiker what really kept them from … Learn more

A sky darkening, some distant rumblings of thunder… The signs announcing a storm are generally quite easy to identify. But there is one much less known to hikers: a strange buzzing or crackling that sometimes feels like being surrounded by bees. The phenomenon is serious enough to be mentioned in official safety recommendations. The Ministry … Learn more

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

Asking ChatGPT or an AI to map out your next mountain trek seems like a brilliant idea. However, on the ground, these algorithm-generated routes often turn out to be real traps. Underestimated distances, forbidden bivouacs, exposed passages forgotten: guides and rescuers are sounding the alarm in the face of increasing incidents. When AI goes off … Learn more

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

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

Increasingly popular with hikers, filtered water bottles help reduce the weight of the backpack while limiting the purchase of plastic bottles. But these accessories do not make all waters drinkable and their effectiveness largely depends on how they are used. Here is everything you need to know before filling your bottle in a mountain stream … Learn more

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

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

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

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

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 present significant risks. Preparation and knowledge of good 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

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

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 more than just a great Alpine classic: it is a lively crossing, both challenging and accessible, linking inhabited valleys, panoramic passes and mountain huts where you share a table with hikers from all over. Covering around 160 to 170 km and nearly 10,000 m of cumulative elevation gain, the … Learn more