The varied terrain of the Annecy Mountains promises all those winter pleasures
© C.Hudry / Gilles Piel
© C.Hudry The four resorts of the Aravis mountains, Le Grand-Bornand, La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, total over 230km of slopes suitable for all levels and preferences – downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, mogul and freestyle skiing, etc. – and surrounded by the most beautiful peaks! The resorts located above the Annecy basin, like Le Semnoz and La Sambuy unfurl in vast open spaces with views over Lake Annecy and the Mont Blanc. Ideal for novices or any skier looking to spend a few hours or a whole day enjoying an intimate setting and a friendly atmosphere. You might also try the unique little resort of Talloires-Montmin. Run by volunteers it has the perfect slopes for learning to ski the gentle way!
© C. Hudry - Le Grand-Bornand 
© Greg Dieu
In winter, the region’s plateaus – Glières, Semnoz, Beauregard and Confins – make fabulous cross-country skiing terrain. Each offers you the chance to be at one with the unspoilt natural surroundings and fully appreciate the enchanting atmosphere of this pristine landscape. A new forest trail takes you around the Danay from Les Confins and links up with the Grand-Bornand trails in the Bouchet valley, where you can also test your biathlon skills!
The succession of vast snowy stretches unfurling before your eyes can only make you want to try a different approach to exploring the Annecy Mountains. Far from civilisation, you’ll feel at one with this unspoilt wilderness amid the subdued atmosphere of the winter season. The diversity of the contours of the Bauges and Aravis mountains means everyone finds the perfect route to match their skiing level and preference. A day’s outing to the Sulens or Charvin sectors, a few days of ski-touring in the Bornes mountains, snowshoeing by moonlight or at sunrise… whatever takes your fancy!
For beginners, most of the resorts have waymarked cross-country skiing itineraries and some lovely snowshoeing trails leading across the plateaus such as Semnoz and Glières. But if you cannot resist the call of the summits and long to leave your tracks in virgin snow, don’t hesitate to enquire at the mountain guides bureau. These mountain professionals will make sure you stay safe on your quest to discover the region’s hidden gems!
Several resorts have understood that a day’s skiing is never enough and that the slopes are even more tempting at night. So they keep part of their ski area lit up to prolong the pleasure into the evening, with cross-country skiing in Glières, downhill skiing, sledging or paret sledging (traditional wooden sledge) in Manigod, the biggest nocturnal ski area in the Savoie Mont-Blanc region. Come and feel the magic of winter sports under the stars!
