The Aravis Massif resorts: La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
Visible from the windows of Chalet Ararat as soon as the sun rises, the Aravis mountain range offers a breathtaking panorama. This barrier of limestone rock stretches for almost 35 kilometres between Cluses in the north and Ugine in the south, with Megève at its eastern end.
For guests wishing to devote a day to exploring the surrounding area, this massif offers a great day out - provided you can accept a journey of around 35 minutes to an hour, depending on your destination, and taking into account winter road conditions on the passes.
A rocky barrier facing the Mont-Blanc massif between Lake Annecy and the Arve Valley, the Aravis mountain range culminates at the Pointe Percée, at an altitude of 2,750 m.
The four resorts of the Aravis massif
The Aravis massif includes four village stations La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. Close to each other, they have managed to preserve their personality and their differences, while preserving their carefully-crafted traditional architecture.
La Clusaz
La Clusaz is the largest and best-known resort in the Massif.. It has been awarded the «Top of the French Alps» label, and has all the facilities required by a discerning clientele, including spas, gourmet restaurants, hotels and quality shops. It's also the most accessible destination from Megève, a 35-minute drive via Flumet and the Savoyard side of the Aravis pass.
Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand spans two altitudes: the village at 1,000 m, with its typical Savoyard church and shops, and Chinaillon at 1,300 m, with its old village dating back to the 17th century. This double face makes it a particularly rich resort, combining village authenticity with modern facilities. It takes around 50 minutes to drive from Megève, via La Clusaz and the Col des Annes.
Manigod
Manigod is a small, unspoilt village, renowned for its peace and quiet and its carved wooden chalets flanked by fir trees. Its ski area - Croix Fry, Merdassier, Beauregard - links up with that of La Clusaz, offering a continuity of skiing appreciated by skiers wishing to explore the massif. Accessible in around 45 minutes from Megève via Flumet and Thônes.
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
The natural gateway to the Aravis mountains, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is centrally located between La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand. An authentic village in the Nom valley, it offers a convenient base from which to explore the entire massif.
The Aravis ski area
Natural snow cover, supplemented if necessary by artificial snow, guarantees skiing throughout the Aravis ski area. from mid-December to the end of April. The variety of the resort is remarkable: downhill skiing on more than 220 km of runs, snowpark and boardercross, Nordic skiing with more than 150 km of skating or classic runs, more than 25 snowshoeing itineraries, toboggan runs and snow gardens for the little ones.
For guests staying at Chalet Ararat who are looking for a change of pace during a longer stay, the Aravis area can provide a great day out. But it's a 35-minute drive to La Clusaz and almost an hour to Le Grand-Bornand - more of a day trip than a daily alternative to Évasion Mont-Blanc, which remains Megève's natural playground.
| Station | Altitude village | Distance from Megève | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Clusaz | 1,040 m | ~30 km | ~35 min |
| Le Grand-Bornand | 1 000 - 1 300 m | ~46 km | ~50 min |
| Manigod | 1 150 m | ~40 km | ~45 min |
| Saint-Jean-de-Sixt | 960 m | ~38 km | ~45 min |
Indicative durations in good weather. In winter, conditions on the passes can significantly lengthen journeys.
Ski touring in the Aravis massif
For ski touring enthusiasts, the Aravis massif offers remarkable conditions. Wide valleys sheltered from the wind, generous views of Mont Blanc and an unspoilt atmosphere make the Aravis a popular destination for ski tourers, far from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.
Le Grand-Bornand notably offers routes leading to the summit of Roc des Arces, with an impressive view of the mountain range, as well as to the heart of the Maroly Valley with an unobstructed view of Pointe Percée. In Manigod, a family-friendly route offers a modest elevation gain of 150 m over 1 km, ideal for a family introduction. High-mountain guides based in the massif offer entirely personalised outings, which must be booked in advance from Megève.
The Aravis pass
Situated at an altitude of 1,486 metres, the Col des Aravis is a panoramic destination in itself. At the summit, the view unfolds over the Aravis mountain range on one side and over the Mont Blanc massif on the other - one of the most beautiful views in Haute-Savoie. The Sainte-Anne chapel, built in 1624, bears witness to the age of this passageway, which has been used for centuries.
From Megève, the Col des Aravis is accessible in about thirty minutes by the road to Flumet and La Giettaz.. This journey alone makes for a beautiful scenic excursion, particularly striking in good weather. In winter, you should check road conditions before setting off, as the pass can be subject to varying snowy conditions.
What to do in summer in the Aravis?
Far from being limited to the winter season, in summer, the Aravis massif offers an equally rich terrain for discovery. The landscapes are revealed through walks on the Beauregard plateau, in the Confins valley, or in the preserved valley of Manigod. The glacial lake of Les Confins, nestled at the foot of the mountain range, is an ideal starting point for family-friendly walks.
The wild fauna of the massif - chamois, ibex, mountain hares, bearded vultures - makes the Aravis a privileged territory for nature lovers.
When it comes to gastronomy, Reblochon is number 1!
It is impossible to mention the Aravis massif without mentioning his iconic cheese, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, farmers in the massif paid rent for their mountain pastures based on their milk production. When the owner came to measure it, the farmer would milk the cows incompletely. As soon as he left, they would «reblocher» – finish milking their cows. This second milking produced a creamier milk, which yielded a rich, smooth cheese: Reblochon cheese.
Recognised by a PDO since 1958, this cheese made from whole raw milk is produced according to a precise method, within a defined area stretching from Thônes to Grand-Bornand via La Clusaz. Farmhouse Reblochon, recognisable by its green casein pellet, is made by hand directly on the farm, twice a day after milking. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate hazelnut flavour make it one of the most sought-after cheeses in Haute-Savoie.
For Chalet Ararat guests who wish to bring back exceptional products, You can buy it directly from farms in the Aravis region. You can also find them at the traditional Monday markets in La Clusaz, on the church square!
How to get to the Aravis from Megève
Megève occupies a geographical position on the eastern fringes of the Aravis massif, from which it is separated by the Megève pass and the Arly valley. The main access roads are as follows:
- Via Flumet and La Giettaz : to reach La Clusaz via the Savoyard side of the Col des Aravis (~35 min)
- Via La Clusaz and the Col des Aravis : to get to Grand-Bornand (~50 min)
- Via Flumet and Thônes to Manigod or the Aravis capital (~40-45 min)
These mountain roads, which are particularly picturesque, are passable all year round under normal conditions. During periods of heavy snowfall or exceptional pass closures, you should check with the local tourist office before setting off.