Between lakes and peaks, the Annecy Mountains are a winter destination where anything's possible. Where do you start?
© Taillefer Production /
© Manigod Tourisme
From Manigod, head off on a Far North adventure, seated in a sled towed by a team of dogs. A chance to enjoy a change of scene and learn more about the life and work of a musher and his dogs. For something quite different, explore the expanse of water during a winter paddleboard session from the Bout du Lac in Doussard. Properly equipped to stay warm, you’ll glide across the surface and enjoy the intoxicating tranquillity of the lake. And if you fancy a challenge, see you on the weekend of 19 to 21 January 2024 for the 10th annual Glagla Race, a stand-up paddleboard contest held on Lake Annecy.
© Bureau des Guide Thônes- Manigod
© OspeedCanyoning
A multitude of canyons await you near Lake Annecy this winter. We’re serious! Yes of course it’ll be colder, but that makes it even more phenomenal. Wearing a fully watertight winter wetsuit, try anice canyoning experience amid waterfalls and stalactites. If you’re more into climbing, make an appointment with the Bureau des Guides of Thônes – Manigod for an introduction to ice climbing. It’s easier than you think and promises to be an emotional experience.
Fans of the great outdoors, why not treat yourself to a snowshoe hike in hushed surroundings, or try a night-time ski touring trip? Both of these experiences can be enjoyed in the company of experts. Enquire at the Bureau des Guides of Thônes – Manigod. You’ll explore by the light of the moon and experience some amazing new sensations. Prefer not to ski off the beaten track? Then you’ll love our Nordic skiing by night experiences! Try Nordic Full Moon at Semnoz on 23 February, or Ronde Nocturne de la Haute-Savoie on the Glières plateau, on 29 February.
If you’re also into running in the snow with a headlamp, you have two options. Trail & Skate takes place in Glières on 23 February and involves a duo skate-skiing race and a trail run in the snow. The Trail Blanc du Semnoz race on 27 January is intended only for athletes who enjoy running on snow-covered trails. Grab your trainers!
Last but not least, if you’d rather stick to downhill skiing, the ski slopes of Manigod stay open after 4.30pm every evening during the school holidays, except Sundays. On the evenings of Sunday 18 and Sunday 25 February the slopes will be reserved exclusively for sledges, parets and yooners. La Clusaz also has evening Paret & Yooner sessions every Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm until 15 March 2024, snow cover permitting.
Longing to find out how a ski lift works? Come to the bottom station of the ‘Télémix de l’Étale’ hybrid lift in La Clusaz, every Thursday and Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, until 1st April 2024. Holders of a valid lift pass will be allowed to visit the lift station, free of charge. No need to book ahead. See you in Manigod, where a whole programme awaits you. You can visit the snow factory, learn about the work of the ski patrollers and snowgroomers, and find out all there is to know about ski area operations. If you have a valid lift pass, fill in the form to enter the weekly draw and you may win a ride in a snowgroomer at sunset, a truly unique experience!
