Ski Chalets And Apartments Manigod

Manigod: An Authentic Savoyard Village

Manigod is the definition of a traditional Savoyard village. Unlike purpose-built resorts, this is a living community deeply rooted in alpine farming traditions. The landscape is dotted with historic wooden chalets, characterized by their stone bases and wide eaves designed to handle heavy winter snows.

The village life here revolves around the seasons, dairy farming and Reblochon cheese production in the summer, and skiing in the winter. It maintains a low-density population and a strong sense of community, where locals celebrate old customs, seasonal festivals, and a slower pace of life. It is a place where the church bells still ring out across the valley and the farmhouses (fermes) are working agricultural hubs, not just holiday chalets.

Manigod in Winter: Skiing & Snow Sports

Family-Friendly Skiing with Big Connections

Manigod offers the best of both worlds: a safe, family-friendly local area and direct access to big-mountain adventure.

• The Manigod Sector: The local slopes at the Col de la Croix Fry and Col de Merdassier are a paradise for beginners and intermediates. The gentle, sun-drenched runs are perfect for building confidence, while wide-open pistes allow children to learn in safety.

• Connected Skiing: Manigod is linked seamlessly to La Clusaz, forming a ski domain with over 130 km of pistes under the La Clusaz-Manigod pass.

• The Aravis Pass: For seasoned skiers, upgrading to the full Aravis Pass unlocks 220 km of slopes, connecting Manigod, La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, all serviced by over 70 lifts.

Night Skiing Under the Stars

Manigod boasts the largest night-skiing area in Savoie Mont Blanc. When the sun goes down, the mountain lights up with 8 floodlit runs open until 9 pm. It’s a magical experience that transforms the slopes with music, crisp mountain air, and a festive atmosphere.
Check night skiing times here

Try the Paret: Manigod’s Heritage Sled

You can't visit Manigod without seeing the Paret. This traditional wooden sled, featuring a single runner and an inclined board, was originally used by local children to get to school in snowy conditions. Today, it is a celebrated piece of local heritage. You can try it yourself or watch the locals race in the Paret championships, a mix of nostalgia, skill, and serious fun.
See more about the Paret tradition

Spring & Summer: Hiking the Aravis

When the snow melts, Manigod transforms into a lush playground of meadows, forests, and hidden lakes. The Aravis mountain range offers some of the finest walking in the Alps.

Popular Hikes in Manigod:

• Pointe de Beauregard (6.9 km - 2h 15 - 275 m gain)
  A gentle yet rewarding walk starting from the Col de la Croix Fry, the trail to Pointe de Beauregard offers panoramic views over the Aravis range and the Mont Blanc massif on clear days. Its pastures and easy gradients make it ideal for families or a relaxed afternoon hike with a picnic at the summit cross.

• Col de la Croix Fry to Croix du Colomban (9.5 km - 2h 50 - 354 m gain)
  This scenic circuit follows a path above Manigod, linking two of the area’s emblematic viewpoints. The route combines forested stretches and through various fields. A peaceful mid-length walk that captures the rhythm of the alpine landscape.

• Circuit du Col de Merdassier (6.3 km - 1h 55 - 240 m gain)
  Perfect for a shorter adventure, this loop begins at the Col de Merdassier and winds through mountain pastures. It’s a circular, easy-to-follow route, with expansive views of the Étale and the Sulens peaks. An excellent family-friendly choice or a warm-up for longer hikes.

• L’Étale Summit Route (9.8 km - 3.5h - 1,256 m gain)
  For experienced hikers, L’Étale is Manigod’s high mountain challenge. The steep and sustained ascent leads to a rocky ridge that rewards effort with commanding views across the Aravis chain.

• Lac du Mont Charvin Loop (11.7 km - 5h - 906 m gain)
  One of the Aravis’ classic alpine hikes, this loop climbs through forests and open pastures before reaching the waters of Lac du Mont Charvin,  beneath dramatic cliffs. The lake is a perfect picnic stop before descending via sweeping switchback fields. It’s a full-day adventure, though and worth every step.

• Montagne de Sulens Loop (14 km - 6h - 914 m gain)
  It is often quoted as a long, satisfying circuit that showcases the Aravis. The climb is steady rather than steep, with far-reaching views over Mont Charvin, the Bauges, and Mont Blanc. The route is rich in local life, with herds grazing and many small chalets scattered in the hills.

• Chez de la Fin – Maison des Bois Loop (5 km - 1h 45 - 251 m gain)
  A shorter countryside loop that pairs nature with the Aravis heritage. The walk meanders through quiet woods and open clearings. It’s a stroll compared to many others.

Autumn: The Season of Flavours

Autumn brings a tranquil hush to the Aravis. The larch forests turn gold, the cows return from the high pastures, and the scent of woodsmoke signals the approach of winter. This is the perfect season for "slow tourism", visiting cheese cellars, meeting artisans, and enjoying the last of the warm days on quiet trails.

Food & Gastronomy: The Home of Reblochon

Manigod’s culinary heart beats with Reblochon, the famous AOP cheese born in the Aravis valleys.
Reblochon de Savoie is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk. Its name comes from the verb "re-blocher," referring to the practice of a second, "pinched" milking that yields richer milk.
It is the star ingredient in Tartiflette, the region’s signature potato gratin, but is equally delicious melted in a Raclette or served fresh on a cheese board. Every meal tastes better with a view, whether at a cosy chalet restaurant or a sunny terrace after a hike.

Where to Eat:

• Traditional & Warm: Locals swear by La Vieille Ferme, Chez Fon Fon, and Les Rosières for authentic Savoyard dishes.

• Alpine Creativity: Don’t miss Lo Garâjo at the Col de la Croix Fry. It’s a concept café, wine bar, and workspace that serves as a social hub for the valley.

Location & Day Trips

Manigod sits in the heart of the Aravis Massif, overlooking the Thônes valley. It is incredibly accessible:

• Annecy: 40 minutes by car. Known as the "Venice of the Alps," it offers canals, shopping, and the crystal-clear Lake Annecy. At Lake Annecy enjoy boat cruises, lake swimming or visit the stunning medieval castle on the eastern shore, said to have inspired Walt Disney: Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

• Geneva Airport: Approximately 1 hour away, making Manigod ideal for short breaks.

• La Clusaz & Le Grand-Bornand: are bigger ski areas and spa hotels within 20 20-minute drive.

• Chamonix & Mont Blanc: A 90-minute drive (approx. 90 km) takes you to the foot of Europe’s highest peak. Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car or the Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace.

• Thônes: The "Capital of Reblochon," just down the valley, hosting weekly markets and the Reblochon museum.