Just a 10-minute drive from Thônes, Manigod is a family-friendly and authentic resort that offers a large number of activities in all seasons.
a village, a valley, a resort
What to see and do in Manigod all year ?
A preserved valley, ideal for recharging your batteries.
Between Thônes and La Clusaz
Accessible either from Thônes or via the Col de la Croix Fry pass from La Clusaz or La Giettaz, Manigod nestles in the valley that bears its name, between alpine pastures and forests. Built on the right bank of the upper reaches of the Fier River, the municipality comprises its main town and numerous hamlets . Among these hamlets, those at the Col de la Croix Fry and the Col de Merdassier are the highest, at approximately 1500 meters, and represent the two gateways to the Manigod ski resort, which is linked to that of La Clusaz.
A strong heritage
Architectural Heritage
Manigod boasts a rich architectural heritage that the village resort has carefully preserved and showcased. Some old houses are still covered with tavaillons, a traditional form of thermal insulation and weather protection. Furthermore, 12 of the 13 bread ovens in the village have been restored. Some are fired up during the summer to bake bread or pizzas. The Sardinian-style Saint-Pierre church retains a 2th-century Baroque façade and now houses a magnificent Italian-style organ. Numerous oratories and chapels complete this religious heritage, which you can explore thanks to the chapel trail established two years ago.
Gastronomic heritage
You can't talk about heritage in Manigod without mentioning agriculture and the many farms that produce the famous Reblochon fermier cheese , as well as Chevrotin . This land of gastronomy also boasts the Paccard family's aging cellars , which you can visit by reservation, to give their wonderful cheeses their distinctive flavor. Finally, you can sample the region's specialties in Manigod's many restaurants. Enjoy!
A sporty and friendly resort
Manigod is a dynamic resort that organizes many events throughout the year , including sporting events as well as traditional events, always in a friendly atmosphere!
Sporting events
Two major events in the world of mountain running: the Manigod Trail Challenge and the Manigod Vertical Kilometer (KV) . The Trail de l'Aigle is also a race organized annually in the resort and run by many trail runners, with a winter version as well!
Emblematic of the Manigod valley, the paret, a single-skid sled , also has its own timed parallel slalom competition, which takes place in several heats throughout the winter. Come and participate or cheer on the thrill-seekers!
Traditional events
Many traditional festivals bring tourists and locals together around the theme of crafts and gastronomy, such as the village festival of Sous l'Aiguille, organized since 1997, or the breeders' festival, a sheep and goat fair celebrated since 1981!
Summer activities
What to see and do in Manigod summer?
Alpine pastures, forests and peaks promise you many discoveries!
Hiking
The Manigod resort boasts 140 km of maintained and marked trails . Enough to keep everyone entertained for a few hours!
Family walks
Several routes are suitable for discovering nature and heritage without any particular difficulty, making them accessible to most people. You can hike the Nant Bruyant stream from the village of Manigod (3,4 km and 90 m elevation gain) or discover the Nant Burgeat waterfall from the Pont de la Gutary (1,6 km and 210 m elevation gain). The Chevreuil chairlift at the Col de Merdassier (open on certain days during the season) takes you to the summit of Tête de Cabeau (1650 m) to admire the scenery and encounter cows and marmots!
More sporty hikes
For those who enjoy more challenging hikes, head to the Sous l'Aiguille parking area , the starting point for the hike to Lac du Charvin (2011 m altitude and 860 m elevation gain). Experienced hikers can climb to the summit of Mont Charvin (2409 m altitude and 1251 m elevation gain) and admire the breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys from a scenic trail. You can also hike around La Tulle (11,2 km and 1269 m elevation gain) through alpine pastures or reach the Pointe de la Mandallaz (2277 m altitude and 1120 m elevation gain) and enjoy a panoramic view stretching from the Mont Blanc range to the Pierra Menta.
Manigod village Trail
Mountain running enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore the resort's many marked trails. In particular, two specific routes have been designed for trail runners starting from the Col de la Croix Fry . To delight mountain running aficionados, marked trail circuits wind around the resort. From the Col de Merdassier, one route offers the only permanent Vertical Kilometer (VK) course in France, with 1000 meters of elevation gain over 2.8 kilometers. Happy climbing!
Riding
Road bike
The Col de la Croix Fry has already been crossed five times by the Tour de France, and many cyclists ride it every year. Manigod is ideally located in the heart of the Aravis mountains, making it a perfect starting point for many other mountain passes, such as the Col des Aravis and the Col de la Colombière . The roads winding through chalets and alpine pastures, revealing new vistas at every turn, are a delight for cyclists.
Moutain Bike
Several routes of varying difficulty levels allow you to discover the diverse landscapes of Manigod. You can cross the Beauregard plateau and its alpine pastures, climb to the Tête de Cabeau overlooking the surrounding valleys, cycle the Tour de Sulens or the Tour de l'Andran on a mountain bike , or even better, on an e-bike to explore even further. The area boasts seven downhill mountain bike trails for all levels, easily accessible by chairlift from the Col de la Croix Fry.
To climb up
The Nant Gothier cliff is a climbing site located in Comburce at an altitude of 1250m , in a magnificent and peaceful natural setting. Around fifteen routes, graded from 4c to 6c, are equipped and ideal for beginners. Contact the guides' office to discover this activity, or if you are already a climbing enthusiast, rent your equipment in Thônes and then climb with friends or family.
And even…
Manigod offers many other activities for the whole family, including its swimming pool in the heart of the mountains open to all, its tennis court and city stadium, play areas in the resort, a fun nature trail in the forest, but also mountain karting, trampolines, and relaxation activities.
Winter activities
What to see and do in Manigod winter?
Skiing for all tastes, even at night!
Alpine skiing, snowboarding and freeride
The Manigod ski area, situated between 1460m and 1780m altitude, boasts 25km of slopes served by 15 ski lifts. The resort's slopes are linked to those of La Clusaz via the Etale and Beauregard massifs, creating a vast and varied ski area of 125km! Something to delight all snow sports enthusiasts.
For younger children, the Opoualand fun and educational area, a slope dotted with attractions including slalom, skill games, banked turns, offers a maximum of surprises for young skiers to glide while having fun!
Want to get off the slopes and make your mark in the powder? The resort guides will accompany you to the freeride sectors of La Clusaz in search of thrills!
Night skiing
The Manigod ski area is the largest night skiing area in Haute Savoie Mont Blanc, with 4 ski lifts and 8 illuminated slopes open until 20 pm every Friday and Saturday, as well as Monday to Saturday during school holidays. A truly magical skiing experience!
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing plays a significant role in the life of the village resort of Manigod. The Beauregard plateau offers a unique setting for skiing, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and unspoiled natural surroundings . From the Col de la Croix Fry, set off on 25 km of trails for all levels, winding through forests and vast open spaces that offer magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, with Mont Blanc as a focal point.
Ski touring
Manigod, a haven for outdoor activities. Ski touring routes have been marked . We also recommend hiring a professional guide. Your desire for wide open spaces and a winter wonderland will certainly be fulfilled!
Pedestrian and snowshoe trails
Several marked hiking and snowshoeing trails are available in the resort, allowing you to explore breathtaking landscapes . Local guides also offer themed outings. Stroll, breathe, observe, discover, contemplate, recharge. It's all here!
Sled and paret
Sledding runs are accessible at the Col de la Croix Fry and the Col de Merdassier. You can go down them on a traditional sled or with the local contraption: the famous paret!
Sledding under the stars : "sledding, paret and yooner" evenings are organized on the slopes served by the Chevreuil and Cabeau chairlifts. Another way to enjoy the resort's slopes and have fun with family or friends.
