In the heart of nature, Thônes is the base camp ideal for outdoor activities. Between lakes and mountains, rivers and rocks, on land or in the air, the possibilities for activities are endless and constantly renewed in the Aravis massif. What if you tried a few of them during your stay? The Company of Guides is here to support you!
Nature activities, feet on the ground
Marcher
Hiking
Many trails run through the Aravis allowing everyone, according to their level and desire, to set off to discover lakes, peaks, passes but also the rich wild fauna and flora in this massif. From a stroll of a few hours to a hike of several days, the Aravis massif will delight you with its varied landscapes between flowery mountain pastures and steep peaks, meeting people and their history. A nature activity that combines effort with contemplation!
Hiking
For hiking enthusiasts who want to explore the Aravis massif over several days, treks are possible on the GR96 which crosses the massif or even the GR of the Tournette-Aravis Country who will make you cross the most beautiful mountain pastures to meet men and their herds, discover peaks with panoramic view breathtaking, rub shoulders with the wildlife in magnificent landscapes, observe the flora and natural curiosities, taste the pleasure of a night in a shelter or under the stars after enjoying a good local meal... Memories and emotions guaranteed!
Nordic hiking
Nordic walking is a fast and dynamic walking which is practiced with specific poles and also allows you to work the muscles of the upper body (arms, shoulders, back). Like hiking, this nature activity is accessible to all and can be practiced in a gentle or more sporty way on the different types of trails offered by the Aravis. Everyone has their own pace!
Run
Trail running
Trail running or trail running is another way to explore mountain trails. In discovery mode on routes with little relief, trail running can become very sporty by increasing the length and the difference in altitude. The diversity of the terrain in the Aravis massif offers a multitude of possibilities for the trail runner, whether beginner or experienced. A very fashionable outdoor sporting activity, trail running even has its own village in the Aravis: Manigod Village Trail has marked two specific routes and a vertical kilometer line or KV, France's only permanent course. Get your sneakers on!
Riding
Road bike
The Aravis massif has many cols famous or lesser known but all interesting for the green landscapes and typical villages they cross. At each bend, a new viewpoint is discovered, sometimes on a summit, sometimes on a lake, leaving behind traditional chalets surrounded by cows whose cowbells resonate in the flowery mountain pastures. Many routes of all levels allow you to travel the Aravis massif at your own pace and discover all its beauties. Enjoy your trip!
Moutain Bike
For mountain bike enthusiasts: welcome to the Aravis! These are 200 km of marked trails and maintained trails that cross this beautiful massif and allow you to discover all its riches. Whatever your level, beginner or experienced, you will find a suitable route. And whether you prefer to ride in hiking, cross-country, enduro, all mountain, downhill mode, but also with electric assistance… everything is possible! Many specific routes and ski lifts open the way for you. So get on your pedals!
And even…
Golf
The Bouchet Valley and the Confins Plateau offer you two exceptional natural settings in which to come and hit the ball. In the heart of the Aravis massif, you can learn or improve your game while enjoying not only the greenery of your course but also the magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Golf in the heart of nature!
Horse riding
Want to discover the mountains in a different way or are you an unconditional horse lover? Come and stroll in the heart of the Aravis to discover the mountain pastures, forests and breathtaking panoramas from the top of your mount. Horses adapted to the trails of the massif will take you for an unforgettable moment of sharing. Beginner or experienced, you can enjoy a discovery ride or a day hike to have fun in the great outdoors. Saddle up!
Nature activities, head in the clouds
Paragliding
Gain altitude to enjoy the best possible view of the Aravis massif? It is possible thanks to free flight and the different areas of take off from Grand Bornand and La Clusaz. From tandem introductory flight at the advanced training course, everyone will find the formula that suits them. Many hike-and-fly take-off spots also dot the Aravis and allow you to fly over fabulous scenery as free as the air!
Bun J Ride
Le world's first bungee jumping hill is installed at Saint-Jean-de-SixtCome and slide down the springboard on your bike, skates, sled, skis or snowboard and fly 40m above the river and the fir trees for guaranteed thrills!
Ballooning
Treat yourself to a hot air balloon flight between lake and mountains from La Clusaz. Nestled in a basket under a big balloon, fly over the Aravis mountain range and its highest peaks. An incredible flight for moments of pure happiness!
Nature activities, feet in the water
Fishing
Spend some time by the water alone, with family or friends and enjoy the tranquility of the place to recharge your batteries and tease the fish! There is no shortage of places in the Aravis massif. The many lakes like Lake Confins, the lake of the Court or, Thuy Lake but also rivers like the Nom or the Fier offer you magnificent natural sites with exceptional biodiversity. Absolutely worth discovering!
Canyoning
Approach the mountain differently. What if instead of climbing to the top, you went down the many canyons present in the Aravis massif? A hike that is both fun and technical, but above all refreshing and exotic, to admire the mountain from the riverbed. From a simple aquatic hike dotted with natural jumps and slides, to large waterfall abseiling descents, the guides will find the outing that suits you. Into the water!
Nature activities, hanging on the rock
Climbing
The limestone rocks of the Aravis offer numerous climbing spots, whether on cliffs or boulders, but also magnificent long routes with legendary peaks to climb. From beginner to experienced climber, you will definitely find the site that suits you. You will always evolve in a grandiose environment between flowery mountain pastures and vast mineral expanses. And it will be heartbreaking to have to hang up your slippers in the evening!
Via ferrata
Via ferrata is another way to approach the world of verticality. Equipped with a helmet and connected by 2 lanyards to a metal cable all along the course, you move on a cliff thanks to equipment put in place such as pedals, handles, rungs, ladders, but also other artificial elements that spice up the course such as beams, rope bridges, Nepalese bridges or footbridges. There are three routes on the Aravis massif, each with their own technical specificities but always the same fun appeal. Try this aerial experience!
Nature activities and winter joys
Alpine skiing and snowboarding
The Aravis massif is an unmissable destination for anyone wanting to enjoy varied and contemplative skiing. The Aravis area offers more than 200 km of slopes with different playgrounds for all the pleasures of sliding and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges up to Mont Blanc. Come and hurtle down the snowy slopes!
Off-piste skiing
Skiing, snowboarding, telemarking… come and discover the untouched powder slopes and make your mark in complete safety, accompanied by a professional guide. From discovery skiing close to the slopes to the wildest valleys of the Aravis, there are many possibilities and they are suitable for everyone. And why not a heliskiing day? Great moments in perspective!
Ski touring
Go and make your mark in the untouched and wild valleys of the Aravis. Far from the crowds, you commune with nature and the mountain in its most beautiful dimension. The variety of the Aravis massif's relief offers a multitude of routes for all levels. And for those who want more, go on a multi-day itinerant or refuge trip with starry outings around your base camp. Or, try the full moon outings. Unforgettable moments and stars in your eyes!
Cross-country Skiing
Whether on the Beauregard or Confins plateaus, in the Bouchet valley or even in Chinaillon, the 150 km of perfectly maintained cross-country ski trails, marked out for skating or alternating steps, take you through forests and vast spaces with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Enough to slide and marvel for a few days!
Biathlon
Want to learn or improve your biathlon skills? Take advantage of the facilities available, particularly at Grand Bornand to practice this activity combining the effort of sliding and the precision of shooting. A fun activity to discover alone, with family or friends!
Snowshoeing
Once winter comes, the hiking trails but also the Plateaus and mountain pastures open up new routes for snowshoers. Numerous marked trails available from tourist offices and hikes accompanied by a guide allow you to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the Aravis massif. Experience the mountain differently in a hushed atmosphere, where silence reigns, disturbed only by the crunching of your snowshoes on the snow. Moments of intense escape and contemplation in a beautiful white paradise!
Icefall and stream
With the cold of winter, each trickle of water freezes to offer new playgrounds. Come and go up the streams and climb the ice falls thanks to crampons and ice axes. The guides of the region make you discover the magic of winter on the ice in the valley bottoms of the Aravis. A glacial but never icy adventure within everyone's reach who will choose their itinerary according to their level and their desire. Enjoy these ephemeral beauties!
Sled and paret
The Aravis also means sledding and its many groomed and secure slopes, but above all its local machine: the famous paret ! Special evenings are organized in the resort, particularly at Manigod with ski slopes dedicated to downhill skiing the craziest on sled, paret or yooner. Fun for young and old alike!
Dog sled
Discover the world of sled dogs during a baptism in the heart of the Aravis. Comfortably seated in the sled, cross the vast snowy expanses and enjoy the magnificent panoramas in a Nordic atmosphere guaranteed by your team. A very beautiful adventure and a unique experience!
Horse riding and carriage driving
Discover the resorts and panoramas of the Aravis in a different way... it's possible thanks to horse-drawn carriage rides in the resorts, or in a horse-drawn sleigh departing from the Confins plateau.
Ski-joering is also an opportunity to discover a new way of sliding and sharing with horses. From the discovery practice, pulled by a horse at a walk or a trot, to the trek of several hours behind a galloping horse, you will get your fill of thrills!
