Mountain and winter sports Haute-Savoie

From Les Carroz 1200, you can choose to ski either on the Les Carroz domain with a "vill4ges" ski pass also giving access to the Morillon-Samoëns, Sixt slopes: 75 runs and 38 lifts; or on the Les Carroz and Flaine domain, in the so-called "Grand Massif" version (the other linked Grand Massif resorts are Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) opening up 139 runs and 5 ski resorts. Direct access to the Grand Massif domains is from Les Carroz 1500 via the Tête des Saix chairlift in just a few minutes, or via the traditional Kédeuse gondola at 1200. Return via the blue Combe or the red Timalets. For fun experiences, Le Grand Massif has got it covered, with 18 specially-designed zones accessible to all, including the Woops on the Coin Coin green run for younger skiers to get their first bumps in complete safety, and the Corbalanche freeride zone for more experienced skiers. Picnic tables, ski lockers with boot warmers... The comfort of skiers first and foremost. Other white activities: 35 km of cross-country trails at Centre Nordique d'Agy (11 km from Les Carroz - free shuttle service) and 17 km at Col de Pierre Carré in Flaine. Telemark and snowpark. For over 10 years, the resort has held the "Famille Plus" label, thanks to its appreciable amenities. What's more, the resort facilitates access to winter sports for people with motor disabilities. Futé loves it!

Inaugurated in 1966, the Avoriaz resort innovates by its functional aspect around sports practices with priority given to skiing, families and children who have their village in the centre of the resort. A ski area in the centre of the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil. Avoriaz is at the centre of a vast area, linked to Super Morzine, Châtel (from Les Lindarets) and Champéry in Switzerland (via Mosette). It includes 50 runs, 4 snowparks and 4 snowcrosses and benefits from exceptional snow cover from December to April. Avoriaz claims to be a paradise for family skiing on its wide valleys, and for new snow sports with trails through the fir trees. The Stash (created by snowboarder Jake Burton in 2008) is the first 100% natural snowpark in Europe where two types of snowboarding can be found in the same area: free ride and freestyle. A must-see! Cross-country skiing is also possible on 23 km of marked trails through plateaus and forests of conifers and spruces. For non-skiers (or for those who wish to diversify their interests) the off-piste activities are varied: snowshoeing (or walking), dog sledding or horse riding, snow scooters, and even mountain biking on snow... but also paragliding, tobogganing (at night), ski-joëring (pulled by a team), speed riding (skiing with a paraglider) or even heliskiing and skydiving!

The ski area of Les Houches/Saint-Gervais is one of the ski areas of the Chamonix Valley. Below 2,000 meters, it's mainly forest terrain, but it's also a technical area where our national teams come to train and where major international competitions are held (notably on the famous "Verte des Houches", a World Cup downhill). Whether you're a family or a fun-loving skier, you'll enjoy the thrills and spills of the Mont-Blanc Massif in this superb area.

One of the first French ski lift companies, created in Chamonix, manages 5 sites and high altitude ski areas: 4 in the Chamonix valley and one in the Megève valley. The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc Group has set up a foundation to support development projects on the sites and projects of general interest, and has created a subsidiary: Mont-Blanc Natural Resort, which directly manages lift reservations for all 5 sites. Ski passes on the Mont-Blanc Natural Resort website.

Linking Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Morillon and Sixt, the Grand Massif ski area extends to an altitude of 2,500 meters with 139 trails and 62 lifts. Skiers will enjoy the pristine spaces of the Combe du Gers and landscape lovers will enjoy the mythical blue run of the Cascades. The Grand Massif offers a wide range of skiing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and many other activities: dog sledding, snowshoeing or walking, snowmobiling, cinema, skating rink, bowling, cultural center, shows and events...

A mountain peak between 1,500 and 1,700 m with 360-degree panoramic views. Easily accessible by car or public transport in season, just 20 minutes from the center of Annecy, the Semnoz resort offers a privileged natural setting for skiers and hikers. This medium-altitude resort boasts a varied, affordable ski area with 18 alpine runs, 1 freestyle snowpark and 35 km of cross-country ski trails in 3 sectors (forest, petit plateau, grand plateau). Signposted walks and other activities in summer and winter.

Mountain guide Martin Herdewyn offers mountain bike and e-bike tours, as well as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing in the Alps, with small groups in France, Switzerland and Italy. Whether in summer or winter, these adventures offer an exceptional experience, from bivouacs at altitudes of over 2,000 meters to technically challenging routes. These stays, lasting from three to eight days, are supervised by mountain professionals.

The downhill ski area covers the village of Grand-Bornand and the high-altitude hamlet of Chinaillon. Lifts leave from Le Lachat (lower village or Grand-Bornand) and from La Floria and Le Maroly (upper village or Chinaillon). Accessible by TandemSki, a wheelchair adapted for people with reduced mobility and driven by a qualified instructor. Don't hesitate to extend your ski pass to the Aravis ski area, with the resorts of La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (211 km of pistes), where ski-bus connections are available throughout the day. You can buy your ski pass online, without waiting. New snow sports enthusiasts are not forgotten either, with the SnowparkGB regularly ranked as one of France's top facilities. You can record your run on the VideoparkKGB (Airbag) video zone and view it at the park hut or on your cell phone. Downhill enthusiasts can take to the Dénivel'Maxx, a 3 km non-stop descent with a 1,100 m vertical drop. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the Charmieux chairlift is in operation and the slope is lit up from 5pm to 9pm for night-time descents. New sensations on skis, yooner, paret, snow-coot, véloski and fatbike! The Rosay site is ideal for beginners, with a world-record 230 m-long, fully-covered Alpage Express carpet for a wide range of descents. Don't miss the superb Grandborama gondolas, like a contemporary art gallery suspended in mid-air.

The Espace Diamant domain includes 6 village resorts, including Praz-sur-Arly, the charming resort, with a skiable area spread out between 1,000 and 2,069 meters of altitude, between the Beaufortain massif, the Val d'Arly and the Mont-Blanc country: 192 km of alpine skiing, 163 trails, 80 ski lifts, 120 km of Nordic skiing and also 5 snowparks and 3 boardercrosses make up this vast winter sports area which is equal to the largest domains in the Alps. Located 4 km from Megève, the Praz-sur-Arly ski area focuses on family activities accessible to all: downhill and cross-country skiing, new glides. Nostalgic skiers will appreciate an introduction to the yooner, the modernized version of the paret, a sled with a skate, or the ski joëring, pulled by a horse. The ski school runs a "snow garden" area for children aged 3 and over. From 8 years old, you can go on snowshoes to discover animal tracks. More unusual and for everyone, a hot air balloon flight over the Alps during an unforgettable day. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and observe the majestic ballet of the balloons, the "montgolfiades" animate the resort every year in January. In summer, the Espace Diamant opens its trails to mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers who can enjoy a unique panorama of the Mont Blanc chain. A brilliant space like a Diamond with multiple facets, a playground and outdoor leisure activities quite exceptional for vacations in any season.

Alpine skiing in the Contamines-Hauteluce area is possible thanks to the 25 ski lifts located between 1,200 and 2,500 meters of altitude, giving access to 48 runs over 120 km. 3 secured Xzones dedicated to new glides. This ski area is part of the larger Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. For Nordic skiing, 23 km of groomed and marked trails (paying), on the classified site of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge. In the summer, beautiful hikes or mountain bike rides.

To drive a sled pulled by polar dogs under the passionate eye of Bruno - several times champion of France - and Dominique Stritmatter, experienced musher, you just have to register online or by phone. It's an enriching experience from many points of view: environment, relationship with the animal, discovery of sliding, etc. Special mention to the night trip, with trapper's meal, during which only the starlight joins the adventure. An experience in the heart of nature. Unique in France!

A company whose name is intertwined with the history of mountaineering, and above all the best address to find qualified and passionate guides. Because of overcrowding, ropes without certified professional guides become risky. Calling on these experienced guides is therefore a guarantee of safety. Some multi-day ski tours are for experienced skiers and the ascent of Mont Blanc cannot be improvised, a real physical and technical preparation is necessary. Hiking, climbing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, snowshoeing, tour of Mont Blanc, many packages are offered, for all levels, summer and winter: TMB (Tour du Mont-Blanc) in 5 days with an option to carry a bag; the mountains and wonders of the Aosta Valley in 6 days; more affordable, for families, the Chamonix Valley in five days; an introduction to mountaineering in three days, etc. With almost two centuries of history (it was created in 1821), the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has become a true legend. The mountain house, which also houses the French Ski School and the Cham'Aventure company, offers a free information point, the Office de Haute Montagne. Three weather reports are posted here every day, just like at the neighboring tourist office: always highly recommended before any outing, on any terrain, even if it is considered easy. An office is also open during the season in Argentière.

The Full Moon Party has become a cult event, celebrating skiing in the moonlight on the slopes of the skating rink lift or the Crêt du Merle. A long evening on the slopes and in the snowpark and later in the pubs and restaurants of the village! Many young skiers come for this party which they appreciate the sporty and funny style under the moonlight or under the lights with the sound system. The village is full of entertainment. A very festive experience!

Composed of the sectors of Megève and 6 other resorts - Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines-Montjoie Hauteluce, Combloux and La Giettaz - the Evasion Mont-Blanc domain allows skiers to access more than 400 km of trails. Reliefs where mountain pastures, forests and wide open spaces alternate, linked by high-performance equipment. In the summer, the lifts take you up the slopes for a mountain bike ride, a paragliding flight or a hike.

For climbing enthusiasts or the simply curious, Châtel offers some remarkable routes! Two sites are available for free climbing: the walls of Plaine Dranse, comprising 23 routes of 5 to 10 meters, and the abseils of the L'Essert waterfall, offering a descent on the left bank with 9 abseils of 30 meters. Detailed guides are available from the tourist office. Under the guidance of qualified instructor Jean-Yves Fredriksen, all climbers are supervised and initiated. Initiation from age 8.

Located by the river, in the heart of the picturesque Gorge landscape, the Nordic Park invites you to explore 25 km of carefully groomed trails, perfect for Nordic skiing. The area includes a free beginner's zone, two specially dedicated green runs, and three trails of varying levels to suit all levels of skier. For those who prefer to diversify their winter activities, snowshoeing, biathlon and even snow golf are available to enrich your experience in this superb environment.

The Cordon ski area includes 5 ski lifts and 10 runs over 11 km. The on-site French ski school will guide you through the beginner and advanced areas. 8 marked snowshoe trails are available free of charge. There's also sledging and dog sledding. Of course, these trails are also accessible in summer. The ski area is part of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, which is always linked by ski-bus shuttle.

The International Ski School, accredited by the French Ministry of Sports, has 95 schools in France, Switzerland and Italy, offering ski, snowboard, skwal and Telemark lessons. Lessons, given by ENSA-trained instructors, are available from Sunday to Friday, mornings for skiing and afternoons for snowboarding, starting at the top of Le Signal. Private lessons, on or off piste, and private days with an instructor are also available.

Professionals who know the Portes du Soleil area inside out and can help you discover its magnificent panorama, on foot, on skis or on mountain bikes. Ulrika and Jean-Luc Tamanini, two guides specialized in medium and high mountains, offer descents of torrents by climbing, ski touring... These experienced guides also organize guided hikes, mountaineering, freeride (skiing, mountain biking), canyoning, hydro-speed, via ferrata and many other mountain sports activities. Try it at least once, depending on your level!