A vast and unspoilt wilderness in which to reconnect with nature and with your inner self
© Clement Hudry
© Clara Ferrand Let the Annecy Mountain guides take you literally off the beaten track for a snowshoe hike through forests and alpine pastures. In the heart of the Bauges or Aravis mountains, on the Glières or Semnoz plateau, follow your awakened senses from one magnificent viewpoint to another. Smell the scent of conifers. Listen to the sound of birds cheeping among the trees and the stream flowing below. Observe the sun’s rays filtering through the branches, and the tracks of the chamois that hide in the forest… Breathe in, breathe out… Breathe deeply! Because these are the basics of wellbeing. And in this idyllic setting conducive to reconnecting with your inner self, why not continue your inner journey with a yoga or relaxation session?
© Manigod Tourisme 
© Manigod Tourisme Whether you call upon the guides of Thônes, the ESF cross-country skiing and snowshoeing school of Le Grand-Bornand, Virginie Villaret in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt or the “Cathy” duo in Manigod, you’ll head into the tranquillity of the mountains and enjoy a sense of fulfilment of both body and mind. A gentle and nurturing activity in a magical, unspoilt and pristine natural environment.
Whether or not you’re a regular snowshoer, these excursions are of course open to all, from beginners to seasoned hikers.
The guides of Thônes invite you to enjoy the calmness that falls over the mountains as the sunset embraces them with warm colours to offer you a truly revitalising experience. You’ll discover the mountains of Val Sulens, and the Beauregard and Glières plateaus as they perform their panoramic spectacle at dusk. And after a convivial, Savoie-style meal, you’ll walk back down the mountain by the natural light of the full moon, or with the help of your head torch. Either way, it’s a thrilling sensation!
In Le Grand Bornand, star-spotting enthusiasts will enjoy the pure pleasure of snowshoeing under the milky way! With feet firmly in the snow you’ll be on Cloud 9 as you observe and learn to identify the stars, planets and constellations dotted across the purest night sky you’ve ever seen. A fabulous way to become aware of the very scale of things and of our place in the universe.
After your snowshoeing excursion, or for an entire pampering programme, head for one of the Annecy Mountains’ multiple wellbeing facilities. Rent out the chalet à Bulles (bubble chalet) in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and enjoy the mountain views with your family or friends. In La Clusaz, Deep Nature or the Cristal Spa propose bespoke treatments in the heart of the Aravis mountains. If you prefer a lake view, visit the Villa Caroline in Duingt to completely unwind in a haven of serenity. And for those who enjoy a little action… book an appointment in a gypsy caravan, the Roulotte du Masseur , for an energy massage or whichever treatment you fancy!
