Just a 15-minute drive from Thônes, La Clusaz is a sporty and dynamic resort that offers a multitude of outdoor activities in all seasons.
A resort in the heart of the Aravis
What to see and do in La Clusaz all year ?
An authentic and dynamic resort to visit and experience!
A town and its hamlets
The word “Clusaz” comes from “cluse” which means “narrow path between two mountains”. Nestled in a pretty valley that has preserved its architecture, La Clusaz is located at an altitude of 1040 m. While the resort's life – shops, bars and restaurants – is mainly concentrated in the village, numerous hamlets extend over the slopes of the Confins valley and towards the Fry Cross Passes et of the Aravis.
Between traditions and modernity
La Clusaz is one of the most highly rated resorts in the French Alps. This resort has managed to
develop while retaining its authentic charm. A clever blend of modernity,
friendliness, dynamism and authenticity contributes to the station's strong reputation. As you stroll around the village and through the hamlets, you will be able to discover the elements of religious heritage : Sainte-Foy church, chapels, oratories, crosses and statues, but also traditional buildings such as farms and communal ovens, two of which have been restored.
The Hamlet of the Alps can be visited all year round and presents the two main riches of the territory: the authentic know-how of reblochon and the evolution of modern skiing. The outdoor spaces of this place also provide information on the life and crafts of yesteryear. A visit that is both cultural and fun!
A festive resort
La Clusaz is a dynamic resort, a bit “fashionable” and renowned for its many champions including Candide Thovex, its sporting spirit and its festive après-ski evenings. It organizes throughout the year numerous events such as the Défi Foly, a water slide competition on Lac des Confins every year in April, The Aries Trail Race and its 27 km and 1000 m of elevation gain in the surrounding mountains, the reblochon and crafts festival in August or again the Radiomeuh Circus Festival!
Summer activities
What to see and do in La Clusaz this summer?
This green setting in the heart of the Aravis offers a multitude of possibilities.
Riding
Road bike
La Clusaz, like any mountain resort on the road to a pass, is a place frequented by cyclists. The Tour de France has notably passed through the Aravis pass. And many cyclists regularly travel this pass with its wide road and rural setting. A cycle path has also been built from the village to the pass.
Moutain Bike
Mountain bike enthusiasts are not left out with “The Estate” of 125 km of marked trails for all levels and all tastes: cross-country, enduro, downhill, bike park... Three chairlifts and a cable car give you access to the slopes of this beautiful natural space!
Hiking
Hiking is one of the main summer activities that allows you to explore the resort and the surrounding mountains. The number of paths that run through the La Clusaz area will allow everyone to enjoy themselves.
From the village
Several small loops starting from the village allow you to go around it (3,9 km and 170 m of elevation gain in 1h30) or to climb to the Perrière belvedere (4,9 km and 380 m of elevation gain in 2h15) to enjoy the view and have a picnic with the family.
On higher ground
The various open cable cars and chairlifts take you quickly gain height to enjoy walks with views! The Crêt du Merle and Loup chairlifts take you to the top of the Crêt du Loup for a downhill ride through the woods, ideal in very hot weather! While the Beauregard gondola lift opens the doors to a plateau facing Mont Blanc!
From the Confines
The Confins area is also the place for lovely walks around the lake (2,5 km and 65 m of elevation gain in 1 hour) or much more sporty and technical hikes such as the Trou de la Mouche (2467 m) or the Lac de Tardevant (2110 m). In the atmosphere of the Aravis valleys, you can observe the local biodiversity including the large herds of chamois.
Steal
Paragliding is an ideal activity to discover the Aravis massif and the resort from the air. Two free flight take-off zones are located at the top of the Crêt du Merle and Crêt du Loup chairlifts. Between sensation and contemplation, an experience to live at least once!
To climb up
Climbing
Several types of climbing are possible in La Clusaz: cliffs on the Rocher des Aravis, blocks facing these same cliffs or a big route at the Pointe de la Blonnière, everyone has their choice!
Via ferrata
A via ferrata, has also been equipped on the Borderan wall. The Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata perfectly respects the Dolomite tradition by making the most of the natural ledges of the wall. Great sensations in a superb setting!
Consider calling on the resort guides to discover these different activities.
And even…
The La Clusaz resort offers many other activities including: fishing, summer tobogganing, golf (8 holes) and mini-golf, skate park, leisure centers, tennis lessons, archery, aquatic area, equestrian center, ice rink... and of course entertainment all season long!
Winter activities
What to see and do in La Clusaz in winter?
Several specific spaces so that everyone can enjoy themselves!
Alpine skiing, snowboarding and freeride
The La Clusaz – Manigod ski area is located between 1100 and 2600 m and is made up of 5 massifs. The Beauregard, Manigod and Aiguille massifs are more popular with families and beginner skiers who enjoy accessible slopes. Experienced skiers and snowboarders can be found on the Balme and Etale massifs with slopes with steep gradients, including the one that runs from the summit of Balme to the foot of the resort, offering a 1500 m vertical drop. In total, there are 85 slopes over 125 km waiting for you this winter!
For freestyle fans, head to the Aiguille massif with fun areas and a snowpark including big air, rails, boxes, etc.
Fancy some powder off the slopes? The resort guides will help you discover the many freeride areas in complete safety!
Cross-country Skiing
La Clusaz enjoys two beautiful Nordic areas: Les Confins with 63 km of slopes and the Beauregard plateau with 36 km. Beyond the sporting and revitalizing aspect of the activity, the sumptuous settings of these two sectors at the foot of the Aravis valleys for one and with a view of the Aravis mountain range and Mont-Blanc for the other, guarantee you fabulous ski outings! A new route in the heart of the forest runs the Tour du Danay from Les Confins via Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and being able to join Le grand-bornand.
Ski touring
Given the enthusiasm of skiers for ski touring, La Clusaz has marked out two routes open at the same times as the slopes. The Beauregard and Etale routes will allow you to get a taste of the activity. If you want to escape to wilder valleys, call on a professional guide!
Pedestrian and snowshoe trails
To stroll through forests, mountain pastures and reach some beautiful peaks, these are 30 kilometers of groomed and marked trails in La Clusaz and 95 kilometers in the Aravis massif. Something to contemplate and oxygenate you for a few hours! To discover new routes, call on a professional guide.
And even…
Many other activities are possible in winter such as dog sledding, ski-joëring, horse-drawn carriage rides, winter paragliding on skis or snowboard, the aquatic area, the ice rink, ice bumpers, sledding and other activities... Enough to fill you up with sensations and recharge your batteries!
