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,” meaning “narrow passage between two mountains.” Nestled in a pretty valley that has preserved its architecture, La Clusaz sits at an altitude of 1040 meters. While the resort's activity—shops, bars, and restaurants—is mainly concentrated in the village, numerous hamlets extend across the slopes of the Confins valley and towards the Croix Fry and Aravis passes.
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 Hameau des Alpes is open year-round and showcases the two main treasures of the region: the authentic craftsmanship of Reblochon cheese and the evolution of modern skiing. The outdoor spaces also offer insights into life and crafts of yesteryear. A visit that's both cultural and fun!
A festive resort
La Clusaz is a dynamic, somewhat "fashionable" resort renowned for its many champions, including Candide Thovex, its sporting spirit, and its festive après-ski nights. Throughout the year, it organizes numerous events such as the Défi Foly, a water slide competition on the Lac des Confins every April; the Bélier trail race , a 27km course with 1000m of elevation gain in the surrounding mountains; the Reblochon cheese and crafts festival in August; and 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 route to a mountain pass, is a popular spot for cyclists. The Tour de France has notably passed over the Col des Aravis 17 times. And many cyclists regularly ride this pass, enjoying its wide road and bucolic scenery. A cycle path has even been built from the village to the pass.
Moutain Bike
Mountain biking enthusiasts are not left out with “Le Domaine” offering 125 km of marked trails for all levels and tastes: cross-country, enduro, downhill, bike park… Three chairlifts and a gondola lift give you access to the trails of this beautiful natural area!
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 viewpoint (4,9 km and 380 m of elevation gain in 2h15) to enjoy the view and have a family picnic.
On higher ground
The various gondolas and chairlifts will quickly whisk you up to enjoy scenic walks! The Crêt du Merle and Loup chairlifts will take you to the summit of Crêt du Loup for a scenic downhill ride through the woods – perfect for hot weather! Meanwhile, the Beauregard gondola will open up a plateau facing Mont Blanc!
From the Confines
The Confins area is also ideal for pleasant walks around the lake (2,5 km and 65 m elevation gain in 1 hour) or for much more challenging and technical hikes such as the Trou de la Mouche (2467 m) or the Lac de Tardevant (2110 m). In the heart of the Aravis valleys, you can observe the local biodiversity, including the large herds of chamois.
Steal
Paragliding is the perfect way to discover the Aravis mountain range 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. A thrilling and breathtaking experience, it's a must-try!
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 resort of La Clusaz 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 boasts two beautiful Nordic ski areas: Les Confins with 63 km of trails and the Beauregard plateau with 36 km . Beyond the sporting and invigorating aspects of the activity, the magnificent settings of these two areas—one at the foot of the Aravis valleys, the other with views of the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc—guarantee fabulous skiing excursions! A new route through the heart of the forest loops around the Danay mountain range, starting from Les Confins, passing through Saint-Jean-de-Sixt , and extending to Le Grand-Bornand.
Ski touring
Given the growing popularity of ski touring, La Clusaz has marked out two routes open during the same hours as the slopes. The Beauregard and Etale routes offer a great introduction to the activity. If you'd like to venture into more secluded valleys, consider hiring a professional guide!
Pedestrian and snowshoe trails
For walks through forests and alpine pastures, and to reach some beautiful peaks, there are 30 kilometers of groomed and marked trails in La Clusaz and 95 kilometers in the Aravis mountain range. Plenty to admire the scenery and breathe in the fresh air for a few hours! To discover new routes, hire a professional guide.
And even…
Many other activities are possible in winter such as dog sledding, ski-joring, carriage rides, winter paragliding with skis or snowboards on your feet, the aquatic area, the ice rink, ice bumpers, tobogganing and other parrots… Enough to fill up on thrills and recharge your batteries!
