The Aravis massif

The Aravis massif: the limestone barrier facing Mont-Blanc

The Aravis massif is one of the most emblematic pre-Alpine massifs of Haute-Savoie. It forms a long limestone chain about twenty kilometers long, oriented north-south, standing like a natural balcony between the Arve valley and Lake Annecy. Lower and less glacial than its neighbor the Mont-Blanc massif, it is no less spectacular: its sharp ridges, suspended combes, and green alpine pastures make it a prime destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and hikers and climbers.

The highest point of the massif, the Pointe Percée, reaches 2,752 meters and offers, in clear weather, a 360° panorama of the Alps and Mont-Blanc. The massif also houses two of Haute-Savoie’s most renowned ski resorts, La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, as well as the preserved village of Manigod.

To read: The mountains of Haute-Savoie

Access to the Aravis massif

The Aravis massif is easily accessible from Annecy and the Arve valley, via several entry points:

• La Clusaz: about 32 km from Annecy via the D909 road, through Thônes and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. La Clusaz is served by regular bus lines from Annecy and Geneva.
• Le Grand-Bornand: accessible from Annecy by the D16 then the D4 via Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, about 35 km away. Shuttles connect the valley to the Annecy and Geneva train stations during the season.
• Manigod: nestled between La Clusaz and the Croix Fry pass, this village can be reached from Thônes via the Manigod road (D12).
• The Aravis Pass (1,486 m): a true road gateway to the massif on the eastern side, linking La Clusaz to La Giettaz and the Arve valley (Sallanches). It is also one of the iconic passes of the Tour de France.

The main summits

The Aravis massif has about fifteen summits exceeding 2,500 meters. Here are the most emblematic:

• Pointe Percée (2,752 m): highest point of the Aravis chain, shared between the communes of Le Grand-Bornand, Sallanches, and Le Reposoir. Its ascent, rated difficult, is reserved for experienced hikers comfortable with exposed sections and scree slopes. The Gramusset refuge, located at its base, allows the route to be split into two days.
• L’Étale (2,483 m): emblematic summit overlooking La Clusaz, accessible by hiking from the Aravis Pass or by cable car in summer. Unobstructed views of the valley and the Mont-Blanc massif.
• Mont Charvin (2,409 m): between La Clusaz and Manigod, it is one of the most popular hikes in the massif for its 360° panorama.
• Pointe de Tardevant (2,501 m): above Lake Tardevant, it offers a highly sought-after two-day hike, with an overnight stay in a refuge.
• Aravis Pass (1,486 m) and Croix Fry Pass (1,467 m): the two road passes structuring the massif and also offering remarkable views without requiring hiking effort.

Possible activities

The Aravis massif lends itself to mountain activities for all levels, in all seasons.

In winter:

• Alpine skiing: the ski areas of La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand-Le Chinaillon are among the largest in Haute-Savoie, with slopes suited for families as well as advanced skiers.
• Ski touring: the combes and couloirs of the massif, notably around L’Étale and Mont Charvin, attract ski tourers looking for wide open spaces.
• Snowshoeing: numerous marked trails allow discovery of snowy alpine pastures, notably in the Confins valley or around Manigod.
• Nordic skiing: the Confins plateau, above La Clusaz, is one of Haute-Savoie’s prime cross-country skiing spots.

In summer:

• Hiking: the massif offers hundreds of kilometers of trails, from the Beauregard plateau to the ridges of Pointe Percée, including the Mont Charvin circuit or the lakes of Tardevant.
• Mountain biking and electric mountain biking: La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand have bike parks and numerous marked routes for all levels.
• Climbing: the limestone cliffs of the massif, especially around Le Grand-Bornand, are among the most frequented climbing sites in the region, with routes for all skill levels.
• Paragliding: the Beauregard plateau and the Croix Fry pass are renowned take-off sites, with views of the Aravis range and Mont-Blanc.
• Trail running: the massif hosts renowned races each year, taking advantage of its varied terrain between alpine pastures and rocky ridges.

Must-see places to visit

• La Clusaz: authentic mountain village in the heart of the Aravis, with its church, alleyways, and traditional farms. Ideal starting point to explore the massif in any season.
• Le Grand-Bornand: typically Savoyard village, known for its cheeses (reblochon) and local product markets, as well as its family ski area of Chinaillon.
• Manigod: preserved valley between La Clusaz and the Croix Fry pass, appreciated for its alpine pastures, farms, and peaceful atmosphere.
• The Aravis Pass: a must-stop for its view of Mont-Blanc, alpine chalets, and cheese producers set up by the roadside in summer.
• The Beauregard plateau: accessible by cable car from La Clusaz, it offers a vast panorama of the Aravis range and is an excellent starting point for hiking and paragliding.

Other useful information for holidaymakers

• Season: for skiing, the period from December to April is ideal. For hiking and mountain biking, favor June to September, when alpine pastures are accessible and passes are clear.
• Access: La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are accessible by car, bus, or shuttle from Annecy and Geneva. In winter, it is recommended to check snow equipment/chains before taking the road.
• Accommodation: hotels, chalets, and holiday residences are numerous in both resorts, offering everything from simple lodges to high-end chalets. It is advisable to book in advance during peak season.
• Dining: the region is famous for its Savoyard specialties based on reblochon (tartiflette, croziflette), to be enjoyed in mountain farm inns and alpine refuges.

Mountaineer’s advice

Before setting out to tackle the ridges of the Aravis, some precautions are necessary:

• Prepare your itinerary: certain summits like Pointe Percée or Mont Charvin require good physical condition and a sure sense of direction, especially on exposed sections.
• Equip yourself accordingly: high-cut hiking boots, poles, and clothing suitable for rapid weather changes at altitude.
• Check the local weather: summer storms can form quickly on the limestone ridges of the massif; it is better to start early in the morning.
• Call on a guide or mountain companion: for challenging routes like Pointe Percée, accompaniment by a professional is strongly recommended for less experienced hikers.

The Aravis massif is an unmissable destination for those wishing to discover authentic Savoyard mountain life, between renowned ski resorts, preserved alpine pastures, and summits accessible in the beautiful season.

Useful addresses in the Aravis massif

Tourist office

• La Clusaz: 161, Place de l’Église – 74220 La Clusaz – Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 32 65 00
• Le Grand-Bornand: 62, Place de l’Église – 74450 Le Grand-Bornand – Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 02 78 00
• Manigod: 3, route de Thônes – 74230 Manigod – Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 44 92 44
• Saint-Jean-de-Sixt: Maison des Aravis – 74450 Saint-Jean-de-Sixt – Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 02 70 14
• Thônes Cœur des Vallées: 1, rue Blanche 74230 Thônes – Tel. +33 (0)4 50 02 00 26

Guides and mountain companions offices

• La Clusaz: La Clusaz Guides Office – 9 Chem. de la Croix – 74220 La Clusaz – Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 63 35 99
• Le Grand-Bornand: Le Grand-Bornand Guides Office – 62 Pl. de l’Eglise – 74450 Le Grand-Bornand – Tel.: 06 52 14 08 05

Cover photo: OT Thônes Cœur de vallée

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aravis massif

What is the highest point of the Aravis massif?

The highest point is the Pointe Percée, which reaches 2,752 meters altitude. It is shared between the communes of Le Grand-Bornand, Sallanches, and Le Reposoir, and its ascent is reserved for experienced hikers.

How to access the Aravis massif from Annecy?

It takes about 35 to 40 minutes by road from Annecy. La Clusaz is reached via the D909 through Thônes and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (about 32 km), and Le Grand-Bornand via the D16 then the D4 (about 35 km). Regular bus lines also connect Annecy to both resorts.

What is the best time to visit the Aravis?

For skiing, the season generally runs from December to April. For hiking, mountain biking, and climbing, the period from June to September is most favorable, when alpine pastures and passes are free of snow.

Is the ascent of Pointe Percée difficult?

Yes, it is a hike rated difficult, with exposed passages and scree crossings requiring good orientation skills. It does not require mountaineering equipment but remains reserved for experienced hikers. The Gramusset refuge allows splitting the route into two days.

Which ski resorts are in the Aravis massif?

The massif houses two major resorts: La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand (Chinaillon sector), both renowned for their family-friendly ski areas and four-season activities.

Can you go paragliding in the Aravis?

Yes, the Beauregard plateau and the Croix Fry pass are two renowned take-off sites, offering clear views of the Aravis range and the Mont-Blanc massif.

Is a guide necessary to hike in the Aravis?

For classic marked trails (Mont Charvin, Beauregard plateau, Confins valley), a guide is not necessary. However, for challenging routes like Pointe Percée, accompaniment by a guide or mountain companion is strongly recommended for less experienced hikers.