La Clusaz: Savoyard Village Character
Location and Airport Access
Situated at 1,100 metres altitude in the Aravis massif, La Clusaz overlooks the Thônes valley with surrounding peaks exceeding 2,600 m. The resort is 40 minutes by car from Annecy and approximately one hour from Geneva Airport, making it one of the most accessible major French Alps ski resorts for international visitors.
Five interconnected mountain sectors comprise the ski domain: Beauregard, Manigod, L'Étale, L'Aiguille, and Balme. Together they create an vast alpine playground linked by ski lifts and pistes that traverse forests, ridgelines, and high-altitude pastures. During summer months, the same lift infrastructure provides access to hiking trails and mountain bike routes with panoramic views across the Aravis range and Mont Blanc massif.
Skiing and Winter Sports
La Clusaz boasts over 130 km of ski pistes across varied terrain, from gentle meadows for beginners to challenging black runs and off-piste powder bowls for experts. The ski area connects directly with Manigod resort under a unified lift pass. The Aravis Pass extends skiing access to 220 km of runs encompassing Le Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, for even more variety.
The resort benefits from excellent snow conditions thanks to its north-facing orientation and altitude range. Ski lifts operate from December through April. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will enjoy terrain parks and natural features, while cross-country skiing enthusiasts access over 80 km of groomed Nordic trails through forested plateaus and alpine meadows.
Après-Ski and Evening Entertainment
La Clusaz knows how to celebrate a day on the mountain. Terraces including Les Caves du Paccaly and La Scierie host après-ski gatherings with live music and local wine. Evening options range from fine French dining to relaxed village bars. Night skiing operates in the Manigod sector, accessible via lift connection. La Clusaz maintains a family-oriented atmosphere compared to busier international ski resorts.
Summer Activities and Outdoor Recreation
When snow melts, La Clusaz transitions into a summer mountain resort offering hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and trail running. Chair lifts remain operational, providing easy access to alpine meadows and high-altitude walking routes.
Families explore gentle valley walks to mountain farms (alpages), visit Reblochon cheese producers, and cool off in mountain lakes including Lac des Confins. Adventurous visitors tackle technical hiking routes or the Via Ferrata Yves Pollet-Villard, offering dramatic exposure and views across the Aravis mountains.
Hiking Routes and Alpine Walks
Lac des Confins Circuit – 7.2 km – 2h 30 – 300 m elevation gain
Starting from the picturesque Lac des Confins at the foot of the Aravis, this loop offers a classic La Clusaz experience. The trail is easy to follow and rewards walkers with reflections of the peaks on the lake’s surface especially in the morning light.
La Tête du Danay Summit – 8.5 km – 3h 15 – 500 m elevation gain
Beginning near Saint-Jean-de-Sixt or Les Confins, this moderately challenging route winds through forest and pasture to the Tête du Danay summit. The ridge offers sweeping 360° views over the Aravis, Mont Lachat, and Mont Blanc in the distance. It’s a local favourite for sunrise or sunset hikes thanks to its relatively short climb and striking vantage point..
Col des Aravis to La Creuse Ridge Walk – 9.0 km – 3h – 450 m elevation gain
This scenic ridge walk begins at the Col des Aravis, straddling the Haute-Savoie and Savoie border. The path to La Creuse meanders above alpine farms, with eagles often circling overhead and Mont Blanc framed between rocky peaks. The terrain is undulating but not technical, perfect for walkers seeking classic alpine scenery.
Savoyard Cuisine and Local Food Culture
La Clusaz celebrates Haute-Savoie gastronomy with restaurants championing regional produce. Traditional menus feature Reblochon AOP cheese, tartiflette, raclette, and Savoyard sausages (diots). Reblochon cheese has historic roots in these valleys, its name derives from medieval tax-avoidance practices by local farmers. Don’t leave without tasting it from a local farm or melted into a gratin after a day outdoors.
Recommended Restaurants
Le Vieux Chalet and L'Auberge des Aravis serve rustic mountain fare in traditional chalet settings. La Scierie combines contemporary design with Savoyard specialties. La Ferme offers hearty alpine dishes on the mountain slopes. Le Grenier provides creative lunch options and artisan coffee.
Village Culture and Family Events
La Clusaz has around 1,800 permanent residents, giving it a year-round village feel. It has small markets, a weekly farmers’ fair, and cultural events like the Fête du Reblochon, which celebrates alpine traditions.
Winter events feature torchlit ski descents and sledging activities for children. Summer brings open-air concerts, artisan fairs, and traditional mountain festivals celebrating Haute-Savoie culture.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Manigod: Directly linked via ski lift and piste; peaceful family skiing village
Annecy: 40-minute drive to the historic lakeside town known as the "Venice of the Alps"
Lake Annecy (Lac d'Annecy): Boat cruises, swimming, and visit Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard medieval castle
Thônes: Nearby market town with the Maison du Patrimoine Reblochon museum and traditional shops
Le Grand-Bornand: Larger interconnected ski area and spa hotels within 20 minutes
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.
