Together reviewed the ski and après-ski on the slopes of Le Massif des Aravis.
In the heart of the Alps, 50 minutes from Geneva and 30 minutes from Annecy, the pleasures of winter have never been so close. Le Massif des Aravis has four resorts – multiple choices, and all close to one another.
La Clusaz, le Grand-Bornand, Manigod and Saint-Jean de Sixt
With 220 km of slopes, 82 lifts, two snow parks and a famous 130km cross-country route, this area is prime territory for enthusiasts but also for beginners. Each resort retains its
personality. Grand-Bornand equals a grand time for all. Indeed, you can ski in the resort on slopes that are home to French Olympic medalists who were so successful at Sochi – a wonderful achievement across all disciplines. With 90km of ski trails (including 22km of tracks in guaranteed snow), 29 ski lifts: the concept of ‘complete ski village’ is alive and well here.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, especially when you lunch at the Terres Rouges restaurant at the summit, offering a 360˚panoramic view of the Aravis.
www.restaurant-terres-rouges.fr
La Ferme de Lormay is a small gastronomic venue but big on taste. Off the beaten track, beneath the stars, sits a former cottage. With just a few tables, a woodfire, you discover Albert Lormay’s amazing and exquisite cuisine. It is one of those places one is hesitant to share because the world and his uncle would want to eat there. Book in advance.
www.lafermedelormay.com
Manigod is entirely complementary to the other Aravis resorts, a natural destination,
protected and preserved, offering a breath of fresh air to those lucky enough to discover it. family ski area, located at 1,500 metres above sea level, Manigod boasts an open environment where alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing will
delight the whole family. The areas of La Croix Fry and Merdassier are the sunniest. And for
those not keen to strap on the skis you can opt for snowshoeing under a starry sky with a glass of wine and some Reblochon de Savoie beneath the branches of a splendid spruce tree
– a unique experience.
Connected to Manigod, La Clusaz is one of the most sought after resorts in the French Alps and is part of the closed circle of resorts with the longest tracks: the top of the village Balme
has a ski drop of 1,500m ski. And for a welldeserved break, stop at Les Fermiers where
you can enjoy ‘The Brasérade’ and ‘Reblochonade’ which make it an absolute
must.
www.lesfermiers.com
Here, too, activities other than skiing abound: Skiing Joering (ski pulled by a horse: a good level of skiing recommended), Snowpark, huskies… It is also worth highlighting the excellent commune of La Clusaz with its 5-star Au Coeur du Village, which opened its doors in 2010. The hotel is at the foot of the slopes and ski lifts, a luxurious and refined retreat combining wonderful accommodation with exceptional service.
Discover the CINQ restaurant where you will savour chef Thomas Eudier’s refined cuisine where revisited traditional and local food mingle. The Spa at the hotel is also well worth a visit: The Crystal Spa is an ode to wellbeing, with its swimming pool, a beautiful hammam, sauna and the prestigious Cinq Monde treatments, with a range of care that will provide total relaxation.
www.hotel-aucoeurduvillage.fr
It goes without saying that the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts area offers a multitude of activities in addition to skiing. Family, friends, discerning sporting types and non-skiers will all be kept
happy.
